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Davido asserts, ‘I have the freedom to perform anywhere,’ in response to Pinnick’s accusation of a ‘no show

Tosin Ranks
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Davido asserts, ‘I have the freedom to perform anywhere,’ in response to Pinnick’s accusation of a ‘no show

Singer Davido delivered a subtle retort to former Nigeria Football Federation President Amaju Pinnick after the football administrator accused him of declining to perform at an event in Warri, Delta State, despite receiving a hefty sum of $94,600.

Pinnick’s criticism emerged during the 19th edition of ‘Warri Again,’ where he revealed that they had even booked a private jet for $18,000 for the ‘Unavailable Crooner,’ who never made an appearance.

Consequently, the organizers had to secure the services of another artist, Shallipopi, as a replacement.

Pinnick emphasized, “If he says he’s a big boy, we will tell him we are bigger than him.”

He also noted the significance of other prominent figures like Burna Boy, RMD in the acting industry, and Ali Baba in the comedy industry, suggesting that there were stars aplenty in Warri and that nobody was bigger than the city itself.

In response, Davido, seemingly unphased, posted on X, asserting his unwavering freedom to perform anywhere in Nigeria and reassuring his fans in Warri that he would soon grace their city with his presence.

He captioned a picture of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) logo with the succinct message: “Make I no talk.”

Naira Marley, known as the ‘President of the Marlians,’ is relaxing at Panti’s D4

Tosin Ranks
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Naira Marley, known as the ‘President of the Marlians,’ is relaxing at Panti’s D4

Nicknamed the “Marlian President,” the controversial musician Azeez Fashola, known as Naira Marley, enjoyed a dedicated fan following and a lifestyle that many of his peers could only dream of.

However, on September 12, 2023, tragedy struck when his former protege, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad, passed away in contentious circumstances.

Before his untimely death, Mohbad had raised concerns about harassment and assault allegedly orchestrated by Marley himself, following Mohbad’s departure from Marlian Music.

In the aftermath of this heartbreaking incident, Naira Marley faced vehement criticism from Nigerians, with many demanding his arrest.

He maintained that he was out of the country when Mohbad passed away and would only return if the police could ensure his safety.

Consequently, many of his Instagram followers unfollowed him, causing a significant drop in his follower count within a short time frame.

Ultimately, Naira Marley arrived back in Nigeria on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, where he was promptly taken into custody by the police and detained in cell D4 of the Lagos State Police Command’s Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Panti, Yaba, Lagos.

During a visit to the SCIID on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Naira Marley appeared visibly downcast and isolated, escorted by police officers and his associate, Balogun Eletu, aka Sam Larry.

He was dressed in a simple outfit, unlike his usual flamboyant style, and his demeanor was far from lively.

He had recently appeared in a magistrate court, where the police obtained a remand warrant to extend his custody beyond the constitutional 48-hour limit.

Despite the challenging circumstances, Naira Marley was reportedly treated respectfully by the police. He exhibited some of his outgoing nature, albeit in a subdued manner.

Meanwhile, his associate, Sam Larry, seemed stern and aloof.

While waiting at the premises, a trader noted that she had seen Naira Marley interacting positively with others throughout the day.

However, the opposite was observed in Sam Larry, who came across as stern and unapproachable.

According to a police officer, the detainees were housed in separate rooms, with a VIP room available but lacking air conditioning.

Visitors were allowed, and they brought food for Naira Marley.

Moreover, Naira Marley faced additional legal troubles, as Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, issued a production warrant against him.

The judge instructed Naira Marley’s lawyer to produce him in court on October 30 for prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on 11-count charges related to conspiracy and credit card fraud. The EFCC clarified that it was not their responsibility to transfer him from police custody.

Arik Air faces investigation over suspected unlawful aircraft sale

Tosin Ranks
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Arik Air faces investigation over suspected unlawful aircraft sale

The Nigeria Customs Service has initiated an inquiry into the management of Arik Air while it’s in receivership.

This move comes in response to reports of aircraft cannibalization and allegations of diverting import duties amounting to $40 million.

Arik Air entered receivership in 2017, overseen by the Asset Management Company of Nigeria, due to concerns about its financial instability and inability to meet operational obligations.

The primary objective of this receivership was to restructure the airline, settle outstanding debts, and ensure its continued operation.

However, recent developments have raised fresh concerns about the illicit sale of the airline’s aircraft.

The NCS is currently investigating the cannibalization of three aircraft, which were subsequently re-exported.

These allegations mark a critical juncture in ongoing efforts to stabilize Arik Air’s operations and restore its financial health.

The NCS investigation aims to uncover any irregularities or illegal activities related to the disposal of aircraft assets and the diversion of import duties.

In a document titled ‘Re: Request for Physical Inspection of Boeing 737NG, Bombardier CRJ-900, and CRJ-900ER,’ signed by the Comptroller of the Customs Intelligence Unit, I.G. Umar, it is stated that the explanation provided by Arik Air’s management regarding these airplanes was insufficient and requires further clarification.

The document specifies the information needed, including evidence of notification for temporary re-exportation or sale, details of aircraft movements, approval from customs for dismantling, and particulars of seizure, repossession, and inventory of salvaged parts. It also seeks information on the current location of these parts.

This request aligns with the statutory responsibilities outlined in the Nigeria Customs Service Act.

Arik Air in receivership, in response, claims that these aircraft were seized and repossessed by some lessors and partners of the airline, emphasizing their substantial debt to AMCON and urging those concerned to address their loans with AMCON instead of engaging in negative campaigns.

 

The Federal Government allocated N912.32 billion for servicing its loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria over the span of three months

Tosin Ranks
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The Federal Government allocated N912.32 billion for servicing its loan from the Central Bank of Nigeria over the span of three months

The Federal Government, as per the Q1, 2023 Budget Implementation Report from the Budget Office of the Federation, incurred a substantial interest payment of N912.32 billion during the first quarter of 2023 for loans acquired through Ways and Means Advances from the Central Bank of Nigeria.

This figure represented a staggering 161.47 percent increase compared to the N348.92 billion spent in the same quarter of the previous year, 2022.

The government had initially budgeted to allocate N1.2 trillion to service these CBN loans through Ways and Means Advances, translating to approximately N300 billion on a quarterly basis.

However, it became evident that the government had already expended about 76.03 percent of its yearly budget allocation for interest payments on these advances.

Ways and Means Advances serve as a financial tool employed by the central bank to assist the government during temporary budgetary shortfalls, within legal limits defined by Section 38 of the CBN Act, 2007.

This section stipulates that the central bank can extend temporary advances to the Federal Government at interest rates determined by the bank, not exceeding five percent of the previous year’s actual government revenue.

Such advances must be repaid promptly, no later than the end of the government’s financial year, and if unpaid, the central bank’s authority to grant further advances in subsequent years is restricted.

It’s worth noting that the prior administration had consistently exceeded this five percent borrowing limit, but the 9th National Assembly, amidst public outcry, modified the CBN Act to raise the Ways and Means Advances ceiling from five to 15 percent of the previous year’s government revenue.

Both the House of Representatives and the Senate approved this amendment in emergency sessions, addressing concerns about the government’s excessive use of Ways and Means Advances.

Nigeria’s global counter-trafficking ranking experiences a decline

Tosin Ranks
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Nigeria’s global counter-trafficking ranking experiences a decline

Nigeria last achieved Tier 1 status in the U.S. State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report in 2011 and hasn’t regained it since. Over a span of 22 years, from 2001 to 2023, the country’s ranking has oscillated between Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 2 Watch List.

The annual Trafficking in Persons Report classifies countries into four tiers in accordance with the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000.

Tier 1 includes countries whose governments meet the TVPA’s minimum standards.

Tier 2 encompasses countries whose governments don’t fully meet these standards but are actively working to do so.

Tier 2 Watch List includes countries with significant efforts but requiring more progress.

Finally, Tier 3 consists of countries not meeting minimum standards and not making sufficient efforts.

Countries on the Watch List must demonstrate substantial efforts in combating severe forms of trafficking.

If they don’t show progress, they risk being downgraded. Nigeria, which held Tier 1 status in 2009, 2010, and 2011, has struggled to regain it since.

The 2023 report cites factors such as the presence of two million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and over 340,000 Nigerian refugees, making them vulnerable to traffickers due to limited access to economic opportunities and formal justice systems.

Terrorist threats and violence in the North have further exacerbated this vulnerability, making it difficult for the government to combat trafficking effectively.

Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, the Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, emphasized the importance of inter-agency collaboration to combat trafficking and improve Nigeria’s global standing.

The foundation has implemented robust measures to fight trafficking, raise awareness, and support victim rehabilitation.

Anthony Joshua to receive an opportunity for the IBF world title

Tosin Ranks
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Anthony Joshua to receive an opportunity for the IBF world title

British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua could potentially contend for the vacant IBF heavyweight world title following Tyson Fury’s agreement to face Oleksandr Usyk for the undisputed championship.

Fury, the current WBC champion, and Usyk, who holds the WBA, IBF, and WBO belts, have confirmed their showdown, slated for either December 23 or January.

However, the reported rematch clause in their contract means that the loser of Fury versus Usyk can invoke a second fight, albeit without undisputed status. This development creates an opening for Joshua to vie for the IBF title.

Filip Hrgovic, an undefeated Croatian with a record of 16-0, currently stands as the IBF mandatory challenger and is overdue for his title shot.

The sanctioning body has mandated that the victor of the initial Fury versus Usyk encounter must defend the IBF title against Hrgovic, with no exceptions.

Given the rematch clause, Hrgovic will have to face the next highest-ranked contender for the IBF world title, which presently happens to be Joshua.

Joshua’s recent knockout victory over Robert Helenius has strengthened his position.

While Joshua is in negotiations for a bout with American power puncher Deontay Wilder, there’s speculation that this fight could coincide with Fury versus Usyk.

Should these negotiations fall through, Joshua may have the opportunity to challenge Hrgovic for a world title belt.

Promoter Eddie Hearn emphasized that the Hrgovic fight also comes with a world title, further fueling Joshua’s quest to become a three-time heavyweight champion.

The dynamic of these developments is certainly worth watching closely in the coming months.

Tosin Salako discusses his role as the host of the Abuja Afrojazz Festival

Tosin Ranks
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Tosin Salako discusses his role as the host of the Abuja Afrojazz Festival

Music enthusiasts, particularly those with a deep appreciation for jazz, gathered in significant numbers to partake in the recent Afrojazz Festival, held at the Jabi Boat Club in the capital city of Abuja.

The festival’s organizer, Tosin Salako, expressed that the inspiration behind the event was to provide a delightful experience for jazz enthusiasts.

He explained, “The concept for the Abuja Afrojazz Festival initially started as a modest gathering for my fans and jazz music enthusiasts.

However, after extensive preparations with my band, the Afrocollectives, we decided to transform it into a grand affair.

Given our successful sold-out performance at the Fridge Concert series in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, last year, we were confident that music lovers in Abuja would have an unforgettable experience.

Approximately 2000 attendees, including individuals from the diplomatic community, corporate sectors, and the general public, graced the event.

These guests were treated to an evening filled with captivating music enriched with folklore and the authentic essence of art and culture.

This combination created an atmosphere brimming with nostalgia and euphoria.

Among the talented artists who graced the stage at the festival were A’Sian, Fewa, Fade De Great, and Afro4Band, among others.

Describing his musical style, Salako remarked, “In following the footsteps of the legendary musicians who came before me, I would describe my music as a harmonious fusion of jazz and African cultural melodies, often drawing from Yoruba folk songs.

I shared this unique blend with the audience at the Abuja Afrojazz Festival.

My involvement in music goes beyond performing on stage; I compose most of my songs and arrange the different musical components, a skill that has opened doors to various collaborative opportunities.

Securing victory in the talent hunt catapulted my career to new heights, stated Labisi

Tosin Ranks
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Securing victory in the talent hunt catapulted my career to new heights, stated Labisi

Esther Olabisi, also known as Labisi, a talented gospel singer who emerged victorious in the recent Gospel Groove Talent Quest 2023, has expressed how profoundly this experience has positively influenced her career.

In a statement conveyed to Saturday Beats, Labisi articulated, “GGTQ served as a pivotal platform for my growth.

The lessons I learned during my time in the competition are etched in my memory and have effortlessly propelled my career to new heights.

Moreover, it has enriched my indigenous gospel music style.

Regarding her debut single, ‘Yahweh,’ which she recently released, Labisi characterized her musical style as deeply rooted in her cultural and local heritage due to her indigenous background.

She explained that it’s a fusion of soulful folklore and fuji elements.

She elaborated, “This new single delves into Christian theology, with a central theme of seeking help and salvation through God’s grace.

The opening verse sets a soulful tone for worship, and the song is a heartfelt tribute to the redeeming power of God.”

Labisi also shared her plans to release an Extended Play album in November.

As a result of her victory in GGTQ, she secured a three-year contract with EeZee Conceptz, among other prizes.

Possessing an attractive physique doesn’t necessarily ensure success in the world of Nollywood, as emphasized by Caroline Igben

Tosin Ranks
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Possessing an attractive physique doesn’t necessarily ensure success in the world of Nollywood, as emphasized by Caroline Igben

Actress Caroline Igben emphasized that while having an attractive physique can grab attention in the entertainment industry, it doesn’t guarantee success.

She shared with Saturday Beats, “Possessing such allure may make individuals more noticeable, but it doesn’t serve as a surefire path to triumph in the industry.

If a person is merely presented for their physical appeal without substance, it will become evident.”

She further explained, “If someone has genuine talent, their physical attributes are secondary.

Their appearance becomes an asset that complements their abilities.

Visibility may be enhanced by one’s physical presence, but ultimately, individuals must offer something substantial beyond their looks.”

Caroline Igben also expressed her perspective on sharing financial responsibilities with a partner, stating, “In today’s world, most men seek a woman who can contribute financially to the relationship.

While I’m not inclined towards a strict 50:50 split of bills, I’m willing to provide support, considering the other aspects I can bring to a relationship or marriage, such as managing the household.

However, my financial approach could evolve in the future depending on my circumstances.”

Regarding her previous statement about the financial challenges of acting, she acknowledged, “I rely on acting to sustain myself.

The financial landscape of the industry has evolved since I made that statement.

There is more money circulating now. It’s not akin to the past when some veterans had fame but limited financial rewards.

If one maintains a modest lifestyle, acting can indeed provide a sustainable income.”

When asked about her experiences as an actress, especially concerning vulnerable situations, she noted, “Fortunately, I’ve never found myself in a situation where I had to compromise my integrity for a role.

However, it’s natural for individuals to be attracted to one another.

Expressing interest in someone is acceptable, but it should always be done respectfully.

Work should remain professional, and if there is any personal involvement, it should be consensual and handled with mutual respect.

Mohbad: Obesere offers guidance to artists regarding contract signings

Tosin Ranks
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Mohbad: Obesere offers guidance to artists regarding contract signings

A renowned fuji artist, Abass Akande, known as Obesere, has advised fellow musicians, especially those just starting their careers, to thoroughly consider the long-term consequences of their contracts before signing them.

In the aftermath of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, known as Mohbad, passing away, Obesere emphasized the importance of young artists thinking about the future implications of their agreements.

He shared these thoughts with Saturday Beats, saying, “Young artists should carefully examine the terms of their contracts, even if they can’t afford a lawyer, and seek guidance from someone knowledgeable.

Additionally, they should seek God’s guidance in their endeavors because their present actions shape their future outcomes.”

Obesere also urged authorities to ensure that justice is served for the late Mohbad, emphasizing that they must leave no stone unturned since the public’s attention is on the matter.

Expressing his regret, he mentioned that he felt saddened by the fact that Mohbad gained more fame and recognition after his passing, admitting that he had not been familiar with him until then.

He added, “It’s unfortunate that his death has brought him and his work greater recognition, and there are valuable lessons to be learned from this situation.

 

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