₦airaland Forum

Nollywood actor Adeniyi Johnson thank you message to his friends and fans all over the world that stood by him after losing his sister and ONLY sibling 3 days ago.


Niyi took to the platform and wrote;
Thanks to everyone for all messages and calls.. you are my siblings and friends.. May I have no cause to repay this kind of gesture.. I’m strong now because God knows best �.

Source http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/niyi-johnson-thanks-all-after-sisters.html?m=1


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Super Eagles of Nigeria will depart the shores of the country on Wednesday aboard a chartered flight to London for Saturday’s international friendly against England at the Wembley Stadium, Completesportsnigeria.com reports.

The Eagles are seeking Nigeria’s first win against England after losing 1-0 in 1995 and playing a 0-0 draw with the Three Lions at the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea and Japan.

The 2013 African Champions who played a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in Monday’s pre-World Cup friendly game will leave Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Tuesday morning for Abuja.

Gernot Rohr and his team are expected to take part in a seminar on wealth creation, investment opportunities and portfolio management, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on Tuesday afternoon.

They will also meet with President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) in the evening of same day, according to a statement from the communications department of the Nigeria Football Federation.

Nigeria will also play Czech Republic on June 8 before their first Group D game at the World Cup against Croatia on June 16 in Kaliningrad. The will face Iceland on June 22 in Volgograd before confronting Argentina in Saint Petersburg on June 26.



Source: http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/super-eagles-depart-for-london-wednesday.html?m=1


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Cristiano Ronaldo has beat out competition from his team-mate Gareth Bale to finish top of UEFA's list of the best Champions League goals of the 2017-18 campaign.

Ronaldo's overhead kick in Real Madrid's quarter-final first leg win at Juventus has been selected first ahead of Bale's similar effort in Saturday's final against Liverpool.

Bale scored with a spectacular acrobatic volley just two minutes after coming off the bench for Madrid, reacting brilliantly to divert Marcelo's cross into Loris Karius' top corner with a flailing left boot.

The goal was described by Gary Neville as 'maybe the best he'd ever seen' but Ronaldo's strike at the Allianz Stadium has been deemed better by UEFA's panel.

Ronaldo's overhead kick from Dani Carjvaval's cross was a similarly acrobatic strike but with a lower trajectory and more power, that sailed past Juventus No 1 Gianluigi Buffon leaving the legendary goalkeeper no chance.

His strike garnered a similar reaction with many hailing it as the greatest Champions League goal of all time ahead of Zinedine Zidane's volley in the 2002 final.

The rankings are determined by a six-man committee of UEFA Technical Observers that include ex-Manchester United boss David Moyes, former Inter Milan defender Christian Chivu and current Latvia manager Mixu Paatelainen.

Ronaldo and Bale finished first and second respectively ahead of Gonzalo Higuain's volley from a free-kick for Juventus against Tottenham in the round of 16.

Antoine Griezmann's bicycle kick for Atletico Madrid against Roma in the group stage is fourth while Edin Dzeko's powerful volley for Roma at Chelsea at the same stage comes fifth in the list.

Ronaldo and Bale both have a second goal included in the list. Bale's side-footed volley away at Borussia Dortmund comes sixth while Ronaldo's curling effort in the home game against the Germans is 10th.

Elsewhere in the top 10, Fred's free-kick for Shakhtar Donetsk against Roma in the last 16 is seventh while Manchester City's Kevin De Bruyne earns eighth spot for a long-range strike against the Ukrainians Shakhtar.

UEFA'S TOP 10 GOALS OF 2017-18
1. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) vs Juventus - quarter-final first leg

2. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) vs Liverpool - final

3. Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus) vs Tottenham - last 16 first leg

4. Antoine Griezmann (Atletico Madrid) vs Roma - group stage

5. Edin Dzeko (Roma) vs Chelsea - group stage

6. Gareth Bale (Real Madrid) vs Borussia Dortmund - group stage

7. Fred (Shakhtar Donetsk) vs Roma - last 16 first leg

8. Kevin De Bruyne (Manchester City) vs Shakhtar Donetsk - group stage

9. Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli) vs Shakhtar
Donetsk - group stage

10. Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid) vs Borussia Dortmund - group stage

Source : http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/ronaldos-goal-ranked-number-one-in-uefa.html?m=1

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/moses-balogun-rohr-oshoala-win-at.html?m=1

Super Eagles quartet; Victor Moses, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Leon Balogun and Wilfred Ndidi, as well as Gernot Rohr and Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala were all award recipients at 2017/2018 Nigeria Pitch Awards.

The fifth edition of the Nigeria Pitch Awards took place at the Le Meridien Ogeyi Place in Port Harcourt on Monday after the Super Eagles friendly match against Democratic Republic of Congo which ended 1-1.

Moses who did not play in the friendly against DR Congo, won the award for the King of the Pitch category, while Ezenwa won the Goalkeeper of the Year. Defender of the Year went to Balogun, and Ndidi was awarded Midfielder of the Year.

Rohr was awarded with Achievement in Football Award, while Oshoala was recieved the Queen of the Pitch award.

In other awards that were given out, last season’s NPFL top scorer, Anthony Okpotu of Lobi Stars won the Nigeria Professional Football League Most Valubale Player and Striker of the Year. Nigeria fast rising women star Rasheedat Ajibade got the award for Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL).

Kennedy Boboye of Plateau United won the Coach of the Year award, while Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President, Amaju Melvin Pinnick, received the Sam Okwaraji Award for Commitment to Nigerian Football.

Other categories of awards given out the deserving winners included Club/Team of the Year, Referee of the Year, Corporate Sponsor of Football award, State With the Best Grassroots Development Programme, Football Friendly Governor, Football Journalist of the Year (Print), Football Journalist of the Year (radio), Football Journalist of the Year (TV), Special Achievement in Football award and Achievement in Football award which was given out to three recipients.

2017/2018 Nigeria Pitch Awards Winners

GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR -Ikechukwu Ezenwa (Ifeanyi Ubah FC)

DEFENDER OF THE YEAR – Leon Balogun (FSV Mainz 05)

MIDFIELDER OF THE YEAR – Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City FC)

STRIKER OF THE YEAR – Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars FC)

MVP (MEN) IN THE NPFL – Anthony Okpotu (Lobi Stars FC)

MVP (WOMEN) IN THE NWFL – Rasheedat Ajibade (FC Robo)

COACH OF THE YEAR – Kennedy Boboye (Plateau United)

CLUB/TEAM OF THE YEAR – Plateau United FC

REFEREE OF THE YEAR – Ferdinand Udoh

STATE WITH THE BEST GRASSROOTS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME – Lagos State

FOOTBALL FRIENDLY GOVERNOR OF THE YEAR – His Excellency Emmanuel Udom (Akwa Ibom State)

SAM OKWARAJI AWARD FOR COMMITMENT TO NIGERIAN FOOTBALL – Amaju Melvin Pinnick (President, NFF)

CORPORATE SPONSOR OF FOOTBALL AWARD – Aiteo Group

FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR (PRINT) – Tana Aiyejina (Punch Newspapers)

FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR (RADIO) – Olawale Adigun Top Radio FM

FOOTBALL JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR (TV) – Austin Okon-Akpan (Channels TV)

QUEEN OF THE PITCH – Asisat Oshoala (Dalian Quanjian)

KING OF THE PITCH – Victor Moses (Chelsea FC)

1. His Excellency Nyeson Ezenwo Wike, Governor of Rivers State- Special Achievement in Football Award

2. Gernot Rohr – Achievement in Football Award

3. Aisha Falode – Achievement in Football Award

4. Channels Kids Cup – Achievement in Football AwardEnglish Premier League side Chelsea have questioned the penalty decision awarded against Nigeria in their 1-1 draw with Democratic Republic of Congo in an international friendly in Port Harcourt on Monday evening.

Ghana referee Issaka Afful pointed to the spot and issued a yellow card to left-back Ola Aina for fouling Issama Mpeko, however, television replays show the offense was committed outside the box.

Apart from Ola Aina being monitored, Chelsea had interest in this game because Kenneth Omeruo also figured for the Super Eagles, while their first-teamer Victor Moses and ex-player Obi Mikel are part of Nigeria's preliminary roster for the World Cup.

Reviewing the friendly between Nigeria and DR Congo, Chelsea stated on their official webpage : ''In Africa, Nigeria drew 1-1 in a home friendly against Congo.

''Victor Moses was not involved but Ola Aina and Kenneth Omeruo came off the bench for the Super Eagles, who are in a tough group at the World Cup alongside Argentina, Croatia and Iceland.

''William Troost-Ekong gave Nigeria the lead but a penalty harshly awarded against Aina late on levelled the scores up in Port Harcourt. Nigeria play England at Wembley on Saturday. ''

Former England U19 skipper Ola Aina won his fourth cap for the Super Eagles in yesterday's game.

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Liverpool goal keeper, Loris Karius has continued to beg the fans of the club following his blunders on Saturday uefa champions League final .

Two goal keeping errors from Karius resulted in the 3-1 loss to Real Madrid .

He wrote on his twitter:

"Haven’t really slept until now... the scenes are still running through my head again and again... I'm infinitely sorry to my teammates, for you fans, and for all the staff. I know that I messed it up with the two mistakes and let you all down...


" ...As I said I'd just like to turn back the time but that's not possible. It's even worse as we all felt that we could have beaten Real Madrid and we were in the game for a long time...


" Thank you to our unbelievable fans who came to Kiev and held my back, even after the game. I don't take that for granted and once again it showed me what a big family we are. Thank you and we will come back stronger."

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/karius-writes-apology-letter-to.html?m=1

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More photos at http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/actress-iyabo-ojo-steps-out-in-overall.html?m=1

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Bassem Wahba made the claim on Egyptian TV, citing the "physical and psychological harm that Ramos gave Salah and the Egyptian people"

An Egyptian lawyer has filed a €1 billion lawsuit against Sergio Ramos following the challenge that ended Mo Salah's Champions League final.

Liverpool ace Salah was forced off the pitch in tears in the first half of Saturday evening's clash in Kiev, which Ramos' Real Madrid went on to win 3-1.

There were immediate fears that the Premier League Golden Boot winner was going to miss the World Cup, but Salah tweeted on Sunday to claim that he was "confident" of making the tournament in Russia.

Despite that though, Bassem Wahba stated that he'd sued Ramos on Egyptian television.

Ramos' challenge forced Salah off
The Egyptian was left in tears
Real won their fourth Champions League in five years

"Ramos intentionally injured Mo Salah and should be punished about his actions," he claimed on the Sada El-Balad channel. "I've filed a lawsuit and a complaint to FIFA.

"I'll ask for compensation, which could exceed €1 billion (£873 million), for the physical and psychological harm that Ramos gave Salah and the Egyptian people."

Egypt's medical team have claimed that Salah suffered "a sprain in the shoulder ligaments", but hope to have him available for the World Cup.

The Egyptians face Uruguay in their opening World Cup match on June 15.

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/egyptian-lawyer-files-1-billion-lawsuit.html?m=1

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The Oluwo of Iwoland in Osun state, Adbulrasheed Akanbi who recently faced serious backlash for rocking a Northern attire and reportedly saying he wants to henceforth be addressed as the ''Emir of Yorubaland'' is back again.



This time, he dressed in Ibo garment at the installation of the first Asiwaju (Leader) of Igbo Assembly in Iwoland saying his dressing is an insistence on the unity of Nigeria.


The Oluwo tasked government to relax policies militating the oneness of Nigeria such as the state of origin certificate, restriction of political aspirations to once immediate environment and many others.


He said ethnic divide has done the nation much damage, beseeching people to appreciate modern practices obtainable in developed nations for national development. He pointed only Lagos and Osun State are accommodating and voting people of different ethnic attachment into the positions of authority.


He advised the wearing of other tribe's clothes for love and unity to make Nigeria one and preparing a better future for every Nigerian regardless of where they chose to live. He equally implore other kings to adopt every Nigerian as their own child

He pointed palaces are central actors in vital exclusive decisions most especially in the promotion of unity in the country, appealing to monarchs across the country to treat Nigerians equally and make their palace open to everyone. In his address at the installation ceremony held at Oluwo's palace square today, noted the religious and ethnic clashes have seriously dwindled Nigeria economy to the incoveneincy of all

He said many ethnic clashes would have been foiled should people see every monarch as their father and central authority. He pointed the authority of the palace discriminate nor stigmatize but only acted as father to all parties involved in an issue. I AM A FATHER TO ALL !!!



http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/i-belong-to-every-race-oluwo-of-iwo.html?m=1

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Real Madrid players have dominated the UEFA squad of the season, following their successful defense of the trophy for the third time in a row.

Lionel Messi is the only player from Barcelona to make the cut, following the La Liga shocking exit by Roma in the competition.

While first runner up, Liverpool were represented by Roberto Firmino, defender Van Dijk an star Mohamed Salah.

Meanwhile Kevin De Bruyne is the only Manchester City player to make the list.

With Roma goal keeper, Allison and striker Edin Dzeko, alongside Chiellini of Juventus the only from Serie A.

Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich were also represented, with Joshua Kimmich and James Rodriguez

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/uefa-team-of-season-ronaldo-messi-and.html?m=1

The 27 year old appeared excited as she posed for pictures. Her custom smile stood out for her as she wore the colourful gown.

Chidinma Ekile, popularly known by her stage name Chidinma, is a Nigerian singer and songwriter. In 2010, she rose to stardom after winning the third season of Project Fame West Africa.

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/singer-chidinma-slays-in-ankara-oufit.html?m=1

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Econet Media’s pan-African broadcast network, Kwesé has signed John Obi Mikel as the first official brand ambassador for the brand. The former UEFA Champions League, Premier League and now Chinese Super League player, will represent the dynamic broadcaster’s services and initiatives across the continent starting with the upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™.

Considered one of Nigeria’s most accomplished players, Mikel will feature in Kwesé’s upcoming advertising campaigns which will encompass print, television and radio.

Having first launched its service in 2016, Kwesé is the continent’s fastest growing media business with a diversified offering that includes Africa’s largest free-to-air channel, Kwesé Free Sports, a pay TV satellite network, Kwesé TV, mobile services and digital all under one roof. With a strong presence across sub-Saharan Africa through its various platforms, Kwesé is arguably Africa’s most exciting and innovative broadcaster.

“In choosing the right personality to partner with our brands we wanted someone who embodies what we stand for as an African broadcaster. Mikel represents exceptional sporting talent and is loved by fans across the continent. His commitment to excellence and his work to improve the sporting talent of the next generation of athletes made him the perfect choice for us,” expressed Joseph Hundah, President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Econet Media

As part of the partnership with Mikel, Kwesé will join the impressive list of international bodies and associations investing in growing the network of Mikel Obi Africa Children’s Sports Foundation academies across Africa.

Commenting on his association with Kwesé, John Mikel Obi said, “It’s a pleasure and honour to be asked and today become the official ambassador of Kwesé TV, a subsidiary of Econet Media. I am proud to become a member of the Econet Media family and the face of Kwesé TV globally. I am excited to work with a media network that is redefining broadcasting in Africa, bringing pay as you watch TV, Free to air TV and digital programming.

As in my football career, it was important to me to represent an organisation that puts fans and/customers first, power, pride, strength and most importantly, a consistent winner”

Kwesé viewers can look forward to seeing one of their favourite African footballer on Kwesé’s screens in due course, starting with the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ campaign.

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/kwese-signs-super-eagles-skipper-john.html?m=1

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The Senior FIFA World Cup is fast approaching and everything that makes it memorable are already being served; including the official song which was formally released on Friday.

‘Live It Up’, the official FIFA World Cup 2018 theme song was done by by world-famous rap artist Will Smith, Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi and it has been released ahead of the first ball being kicked in Russia next month.

American singer Smith described being asked to perform the official anthem for this summer’s World Cup alongside Nicky Jam and Kosovo Albanian singer Era Istrefi as “an honor.”

The track, which was produced by Diplo, follows previous World Cup songs by the likes of Pitbull, R.Kelly and
Ricky Martin, and it is expected that the trio will perform it at the World Cup Final at Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on July 15.


http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/russia-2018-official-world-cup-song.html?m=1

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FIFA has announced that Will Smith will be singing the official song for 2018 World Cup in Russia with fellow artistes Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi.

The Hollywood actor and rapper Smith, and American singer Jam together with Kosovar musician Istrefi have collaborated on the song, titled 'Live It Up'.

According to the football governing body, the three-man line-up will perform at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow before the final on July 15 and the song, produced by American DJ Diplo, will be officially released on Friday.

'As part of another exciting collaboration between FIFA and Sony Music, Will Smith, Nicky Jam and Era Istrefi will perform Live It Up, the official song of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia,' FIFA announced in a statement.

'Fans will have enough time to learn the lyrics as Live It Up will be released on multiple streaming platforms this Friday, May 25. The FIFA World Cup official music video will be available as of June 7.'

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/will-smith-to-sing-official-song-for.html?m=1

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http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/photos-star-quest-winner-bdash-gives.html?m=1

2011 starquest winner and Nigerian gospel musician Beauty Peters Ekwuelechi a.k.a B'Dash has just given birth to a set of identical twins (2 boys) in Lagos.

B'Dash got married in 2016 to her manager, comedian and the publisher of Lagos Comedy News Ebuka Peters Ekwuelechi a.k.a Ambassador.

Sharing the good news, she wrote "I am very joyful and grateful to God Almighty. Knowing that all of these happened as a result of what Bishop David Oyedepo gave to me".

@ lalasticlala mynd44

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/breaking-unai-emery-agrees-to-be.html?m=1
Arsenal have agreed to appoint Unai Emery as their new head coach.

Emery, 46, will replace Arsene Wenger at Emirates Stadium, subject to the completion of regulatory processes.

The Spaniard started his managerial career in 2005 at Spanish second division side Lorca Deportiva, where his playing career had finished due to injury.

Spells at Almeria, Valencia and Spartak Moscow followed before he returned to Spain and guided Sevilla to three consecutive UEFA Europa League cups between 2014 and 2016.

At Paris Saint-Germain, Emery won the French Cup and the French League Cup in his first season in charge and repeated the feat the following campaign, as well as securing the Ligue 1 title.

He is due to speak at a press conference on the afternoon of 23 May.

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http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/nigerian-female-referee-saves-players.html?m=1

A female Nigerian referee, Ruth Okafor has been hailed both online and offline for saving a player’s life during a football game.

The referee from Lagos, Ruth Okafor saved the life of a player, Jennifer Osawaru, in the Nigeria Women Premier League Week 6 encounter between Sure Babes FC of Ilorin and Edo Queens of Benin City, in a match played at the Kwara Sports Complex, Ilorin.

As a way to appreciate her effort, she was rewarded with a cash of N50,000 by the vice president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, for her quick action and bravery.

Edo Queens player, Jennifer Osawaru, was hit by the ball and went unconscious and it was visibly down to Referee Ruth to act, she quickly kept Jennifer warm and kept her in the recovery position, while directing other frightened players away from the distressed scene.

The 28 year old referee from Lagos will also be recognised with a Special Award for Courage/Fair play by the organisers of the “Naija Women Football League Awards.”
The NFF Vice President said he was impressed with Ruth’s bravery and thought there was a need to reward her, so she can do more and be better with her job.

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http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/kane-named-england-captain-for-world-cup.html?m=1

Harry Kane has been made England captain for the 2018 World Cup finals, the Football Association (FA) has confirmed.

Manager Gareth Southgate broke the news to the squad at a meeting at St. George's Park on Monday.

"Harry has some outstanding personal qualities. He is a meticulous professional and one of the most important things for a captain is that they set the standard every day," Southgate said.

"He has belief and high standards and it is a great message for the team to have a captain who has shown that it is possible to be one of the best in the world over a consistent period of time and that has been his drive.

"My feeling is that over the last 18 months in the camps that he's been with us he has shown that he has got the desire to take that into a team environment and he recognises the importance of bringing others with him.

"Of course, Harry will need the support of the other good leaders that we have got around him. You don't become a top team by just having a good captain with good values because that has got to spread right throughout the group but I think he is the one who is ready to take that challenge on."

Speaking early on Tuesday, Kane said: "It's an amazing honour. You always dream of playing for England growing up.

"I can't wait for the World Cup. Leading the lads out is going to be special."

Kane, 24, captained the senior team for the first time in the World Cup qualifier against Scotland last June and has worn the armband in a further three matches

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http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/brighton-sign-nigeria-international.html?m=1

Brighton and Hove Albion have announced their first signing for the 2018-19 campaign, Nigeria international Leon Balogun joining from Mainz on a free transfer.

The 29-year-old joins up with Chris Hughton's side after his contract with the Bundesliga club expired at the end of the season.

Balogun has been included in Nigeria's preliminary squad for the World Cup, with the defender having been capped 14 times for his country.

"I am delighted to welcome Leon to the club," said Hughton, who signed a new contract last week.

"He will add more depth to our defensive options, and I am pleased to get our first piece of business done so early in the summer.

"He is in the peak years of his career and I am sure he will integrate well into the squad. He also has valuable experience, having played in the Bundesliga, the Europa League and at international level."


http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/brighton-sign-nigeria-international.html?m=1

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Nigerian singer, Kiss Daniel who fell out with his record label G-Worldwide in late 2017 has quietly changed his name to 'Kizz Daniel'.

This follows claim by his former label that they own and trademarked the name 'Kiss Daniel'. Even though Kiss Daniel was reported to have won the case against his label in court, he lost the right to continue using the name 'Kiss Daniel' and now he has changed it to 'Kizz Daniel'.

Though he's not made an official statement about the name change, the singer who is currently on tour in Canada has the new name 'Kizz Daniel' all over his social media pages as seen below...

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/kiss-daniel-changes-his-name-to-kizz.html?m=1

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Singer, Small Doctor, has opened up to media personality, Ebuka Uchendu on his days a bus conductor in the commercial city of Lagos on "Rubbin Minds"

While speaking in an interview on a Channels TV show, ‘Rubbin Minds’ with Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, popular singer, Small Doctor, who is well known for his hit song ‘Penalty’, disclosed that he was a bus conductor for almost a decade.

The Lagos-based singer whose real name is Temitope Adekunle opened up on his days as a bus conductor and an upcoming artiste in
the city of Lagos.

“I had recorded my first single,” he told Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, host of the show.
“I had been gaining airplay in my hood back then. Agege, Ogba, all those places. But person no fit just stand dey believe say dem go dey call you for show.

“Those times sef, if you’re opportuned to be on the stage you go beg with the fact that they’ve been playing the song all the while. So I just needed to have some other things to just keep the ball going.”

Small Doctor explained that regardless of his early successes in his neighbourhood, he had to make a living, detailing his regular bus routes in Lagos.

“I was a conductor for years, almost a decade,” he said. “From Agege to Ikeja, Ikeja to Maryland, Maryland to Yaba.

“I shuttled that place for like three to four years. I moved to Oshodi to Mushin under bridge. So it was from Oshodi to Mushin, Mushin to Oshodi I spent like six to seven years.”

When asked about the current state of his former bus driver, the singer replied by saying, “I have done the needful”.

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/i-was-bus-conductor-for-years-small.html?m=1

Chinagorom Onuoha, aka African China, came to the limelight, he has been known for questioning Nigerian politicians and the people in government with his songs.

In a chat with Sunday Scoop, he said he would never keep quiet on the truth even if it could cause him his life. He added, “Whether one talks or not, one will surely die. The future of our young kids is in our hands; so, I cannot just keep quiet because I am afraid to die. It is high time we started thinking of the new generation, not ourselves alone. This is the only country I feel people don’t value the younger generation. The government should focus on the new generation and how life can be better for them.

“In my songs, I don’t insult anyone; I only tell them facts. They promised us certain things before they came into power; they promised us good life. But after getting there, they have given us pains. So, I only try to remind them that this is not what they promised me and you.”

African China, who recently released a song, Letter to Mr. President, maintained that Nigerians had come to realise the importance of his music.

He said, “Nigerians like songs they can dance to, but at the moment, everyone is looking for Fela Anikulapo-Kuti. People now regret and wish they had paid more attention to him while he was alive. Since Fela is no more, I am here to fill the gap. “While growing up, Fela was my role model. I learnt many things from him because he was a good philosopher and he was a man of his word. I thank God I was able to attend one or two of his shows before he passed on. Though I did not have the opportunity to meet him, I have a close relationship with his sons, Femi and Seun.”

Speaking on new projects, African China stated, “I have new singles but when you record songs, you don’t just put them out. You must listen to them many times and be sure they are good enough for the public. You know in Nigeria, once you keep quiet for a while, they feel you are old and nothing new can come out from you anymore. But I want to show people that I still have a lot to offer society. I have been working quietly and I have come to realise that my kind of music has its time and season. I think this is the time.

“A lot of things have been said about me. People went as far as saying I had collected money from the government, which has kept me quiet. I have not left music and I have not changed; I have not deviated from who I am.”

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/im-not-afraid-to-die-says-african-china.html?m=1

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The Obesere brand has been existing for over 30 years. Many people still wonder how you have managed to sustain the brand for that number of years. Staying relevant must have come with a lot of sacrifices and rewards for you. What do you think about your continued relevance in the music industry?

As I always tell those who care to listen that there is no secret about what I have become, except for the power of God. His power has brought me to this point in my life. When I look back at how the journey started, I can only give thanks to my Creator for the gift of life and blessings. One thing that is certain is that nothing happens without God’s knowledge. A man can’t become anything without the hand of God in it. When He is involved, everything will always work out fine. Though, it may look rough at some point, if you believe in God and what you do, and you pursue your dreams with a pure heart, you will triumph. It is as simple as that.

Looking back at how it started and where you are at the moment, what would you say has been your limitation?

The late Micheal Jackson was very much more blessed and relevant than some rich people in the US even years after his demise. Maybe, I would have been richer than the likes of Aliko Dangote or Mike Adenuga, but I still give thanks to God.

Why did you say that?

The reason for my giving thanks is not far to seek. My detractors thought they could dim my star. They only tried but failed at every attempt to bring me down. The Obesere they wanted to pull down has been busy shuttling from one show to another around the world. Obesere is not begging anyone for a means of livelihood. In fact, no year passes without that same me acquiring a new house and cars. In fact, I still give out cars, land, or houses to people every year. God never allowed my enemies to stop me from doing all those good things in life.

It was reported that you didn’t travel out of the country for 12 years until 2017. It is believed that some petitions that were said to have been written against you at foreign embassies stopped you from travelling. Is this true?

It is true that certain petitions were written against me at various foreign embassies in US and Europe for reasons I am yet to understand. I think some people are surprised that I am living fine, despite my inability to travel out of the country for shows that would have fetched me more money. You can imagine a situation whereby a popular musician could not travel for 12 years but still manages to live fine without asking anyone for help. I guess that’s why petitions were written against me, but that has never stopped me from doing what I know best.

What do you think is responsible for this?

You know in this kind of profession, going international adds value to your trade. So, that is what some people tried to block my way. But when God said it was time, doors opened. 2009 was the last time I was in England. Even when the door opened, I left the category of those who would seek for visa as I was given a UK citizenship.

Last year, you were busy touring the US and you ended up performing in about 26 states. How did you do it, given that you have not been there for a while?

Like I said earlier, many people had waited patiently to see me over there because the kind of job I am doing is God-given. He handed it over to me. It’s in me. I’m music, music is me. It’s in my blood. I don’t copy anybody. So, when I got to the US, shows were lined up for me that at a point, I had to beg the promoter to let me go back to Nigeria because people were already thinking I had made up my mind to stay overseas. My plan was just to go there, work and come back home. So, I had to abandon some shows till further notice.

For somebody who could not travel out of the country for 12 years, how did you break the jinx?

As I said earlier, I was able to gain entry into the US after 12 years. My brother, you needed to have seen the petitions written against me. I wondered how people had the time to come up with such lies just to discredit me. Some people alleged that I had a lot of money that could not be traced to music alone. They said that I was into fraud, drugs and money laundering. They tried to implicate me with a lot of things that were not true.

Are you saying music is the only trade you have been involved in over the years?

I don’t have anything I am involved in other than music and I have made a lot of money from it. I’m successful because I am not a flamboyant person. The late Ayinde Barrister once said that work hard and get money that will make the lazy man feel bad. I am constantly reminding myself how my journey in music started and where I am going, so I don’t spend my money on frivolities because I know money is not easy to come by. So, the little I have, I use it well. I invest in my family and assist the needy. I manage my income very well, and this made some people feel bad. You will hear them say, “is he the only one singing?”

During that difficult time, what lesson did you learn?

Sometime ago, a pastor met me in London and said ‘Abass, I know you don’t know me but God sent me to tell you that He was aware of your travails.’ The man told me that God said He allowed those things to happen to me to confuse my detractors, so that they won’t tamper with my life? I held on to that message till now. So now, US, UK, among other places, have become where I can stroll in and out anytime. In fact, I can say I want to go and have fun in London any time. My family is there, and they are the ones God used for me to secure my citizenship.

How did God use them for your?

I have been able to manage my resources very well, which helped me to transfer my family abroad more than 15 years ago. I always sent money to them, investing in them heavily before they moved to London. So, my wife and the kids were those who thought for me. If I had not invested in them a long time ago, I would still be unable to gain entry into England because I was banned for 10 years from entering the country. That was in 2014. Now that I have been given a permanent residential permit, I have visited UK more than eight times. Again, people keep wondering, is the flight ticket so cheap? I have my family there. There is nothing too much to spend to see them. So, for those who believe I want to stay, it’s not true. Last weekend, I left London for Nigeria for a show at Gbagi, Ibadan, which had a massive turnout and more shows have been lined up, some of which I can’t even remember now. It has been back to back from London to Nigeria, to Dublin, and other places.

You have been seen performing in three shows a day with a minimum of six hours each at those shows. Given back to back shows, some people believe you are always under the influence of alcohol. What do you have to say?

In this game, you just have to give your fans what they will always take home and talk about. Energetic performance is in my blood. I didn’t learn music; I have always had it in me. It’s in my lineage. God really loves me that He has given me so much strength such that I can perform for over eight hours on stage. When I go to shows, I just love to entertain the people. For them to have come out to support me, the best I could give them is a great performance. I always want people to talk gleefully about my shows six years after.


People say you are humble and religious. We learnt that your house in Lagos has a mosque, where other residents come to worship every Friday. Are you truly a religious person?
Whoever God has created has a purpose to fulfill. There is nothing God doesn’t know about. Being humble that most people say about me is not pretentious. That’s just the way I am. For those who are not humble, that’s how God created them. But, I thank God for how He created me. That’s why if you say you want to behave like Abass Akande Obesere, it won’t be easy to be who I am. That’s why people often say whom God has created can’t be copied. We are different in nature. You can’t be me and I can’t be you. Yes, people often come to my house every Friday to worship in the mosque. That’s just me. So, people shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. People judge me because of the kind of job I do and what I sing to entertain. People should just understand that when Obesere is on stage, I just do my work because that’s where I get my daily bread from. The real man is inner, not outer. It’s very deep until you see someone portray it. Only God can judge man.

What are your plans for the rest of the year?

My latest studio album entitled Ojurawonlo is still fast-selling. I even heard some people want to pay promoters to stop selling but, God has shut them out. At the same time, I have some hip hop tracks with A-list Nigerian artistes, and more are still coming. You can always check my page on Instagram for constant updates. A hip hop single, Ibaje will be released soon. I am also working on another album on my Europe tour.

What advice do you have for your fans and young ones who want to do what you do?

My advice is that you don’t need to be a musician before you are successful. Just try to be yourself in whatever you have chosen to do and always work smarter. Don’t be discouraged. Be focused.


http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/i-would-have-been-richer-than-dangote.html?m=1

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US First lady, Melania Trump returned to the White House today after undergoing a surgical procedure during the week to treat a kidney condition.

Melania had been recovering at Walter Reed medical center since Monday, when she underwent an embolization procedure to treat the kidney condition. Spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham said in a statement that Melania Trump returned to the White House on Saturday morning.

“She is resting comfortably and remains in high spirits. Our office has received thousands of calls and emails wishing Mrs. Trump well, and we thank everyone who has taken the time to reach out” Grisham said.

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/melania-trump-discharged-from-hospital.html?m=1

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The actress gave birth out of welock and became topical because according to critics, it is not Ghanaian to make babies out of wedlock.
But in a chat with Swag of Africa news, the actress has indicated that she wishes she could have another baby but she is waiting for sometime in order to produce her second baby.

She indicated that while pregnant, her life came to a standstill because she could not do anything; something that affected her adversely.

She was however, grateful that her daughter has grown in to a “big girl”.

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/i-wish-i-could-have-another-baby-now.html?m=1


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Nike has said it received three million orders for the new Super Eagles World Cup jerseys which were unveiled in February.

The jersey will be released into the global market on Tuesday May, 29th at N30,000.

Nike disclosed this Thursday at a meeting with Nigeria Football Federation executives at Nike’s Europe headquarters in Amsterdam, Netherlands.

“The meeting was at the instance of Nike. The company’s representatives at the meeting expressed delight with the performances of the various national teams since they came on board and we both agreed that it was time for a much bigger contract. That would be actualized very soon,” second Vice President of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Shehu Dikko said.

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/nike-receives-3m-orders-for-super.html?m=1

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Nollywood actress, Lola Alao, has debunked the allegation that the family of the late actress, Aisha Abimbola, popularly known as Omoge Campus, needs the financial support of the public to bury her.

Alao, in a video shared on the Instagram page of fellow actress, Ronke Ojo-Anthony, popularly called Ronke Oshodi Oke, said that the late actress suffered from breast cancer and didn’t make her terminal condition public because she was a private person.

She also said that the actress was a Canadian citizen, and that the country bore the cost of her medical treatment.
Alao, who said she was speaking on behalf of the deceased’s family, asked the public to ignore anyone soliciting for funds for the burial of the late actress.

She said, “We do not need any support from anyone.”

Abimbola died on Tuesday, leaving behind two children, siblings, and a parent.

Click here to watch the video http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/aisha-abimbolas-family-doesnt-need.html?m=1

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says he will gladly discuss rumours of a transfer bid for Neymar - but only after the Champions League final.

The latest rumours in Spain this week have suggested the Brazil star has agreed personal terms with Madrid, who must now negotiate with Paris Saint-Germain.

It is claimed Madrid president Florentino Perez is willing to pay any price for Neymar, who only left Barcelona to join PSG last August in a world-record EUR222million deal.

With the speculation refusing to die down, Zidane wants to put all his focus on Madrid's last LaLiga game against Villarreal and their European date with Liverpool before talking about transfers.

"I'm not going to talk more about a player who isn't one of mine," he told a news conference on Friday. "There are 10 days and two games left. After that, we'll talk about what you want."

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/zidane-ill-reveal-if-neymar-will-join.html?m=1

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The NFF today remembers Nigeria football legend, Rashidi Yekini who passed on to glory this day in 2012.

Yekini scored 37 goals as a Nigerian international, and represented the nation in five major tournaments, including two World Cups where he scored the country's first-ever goal in the competition. He was also named the African Footballer of the Year in 1993.

The forward striker played for Nigerian clubs such as, UNTL Kaduna
1982–1984 Shooting Stars, 1984–1987 Abiola Babes, 1987–1990 Africa Sports.

He also played with clubs abroad such as,
1990–1994 Vitória Setúbal
1994–1995 Olympiacos
1995–1996 Sporting Gijón
1997 Vitória Setúbal
1997–1998 Zürich
1998–1999 Bizerte
1999 Al-Shabab
1999–2002 Africa Sports.
He returned returned to Nigeria in 2002–2003 with Julius Berger and 2005 Gateway.

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/nff-celebrates-late-striker-rashidi.html?m=1

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http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/photos-ambode-promotes-three-lawyers-as.html?m=1

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On May 2nd, Three exceptional legal professionals - Hon. Justice Abiola Oladunni Soladoye; Hon. Justice Yetunde Rukayat Pinheiro; and Hon. Justice Olukayode Ola Ogunjobi, were today elevated to the position of Judges of the High Court of Lagos State.

According to the governor of Lagos, Akinwunmi Ambode: "I urge our newly sworn-in judges to be fearless in the discharge of their duties and to always allow professional ethics to govern their acts and utterances within and outside the court."

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/photos-ambode-promotes-three-lawyers-as.html?m=1

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Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose says he has directed the release of the Oluyemi Kayode Stadium, Ado Ekiti, for use as the venue of the APC governorship primary election tomorrow.


According to him, he's doing it in the spirit of 'political tolerance and democratic governance' and wishes APC governors can also do this in their States.

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/in-spirit-of-political-tolerance-i-have.html?m=1

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Football Club are delighted to confirm that Steven Gerrard has agreed to become the new manager of the Club.

The former Liverpool and England captain will join the club this summer on a four-year deal.

Steven Gerrard said: “I am honoured to become the next manager of Rangers. I have enormous respect for this football club, and its history and tradition.


“I can’t wait to start this new journey at Rangers as we look to build on the many successes that this Club has achieved.”

http://www.reportminds.com/2018/05/former-liverpool-captain-steven-gerrard.html?m=1

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