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Author: Val Kosi

  • Anthony Joshua Sets Sights on Tyson Fury Showdown in 2025

    Anthony Joshua Sets Sights on Tyson Fury Showdown in 2025

    Anthony Joshua, the Nigerian-British heavyweight boxing star, has revealed that his top target for 2025 is finally stepping into the ring with his longtime rival, Tyson Fury, for their much-anticipated all-British heavyweight showdown.

    Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Lagos after meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the 35-year-old boxer said he is determined to face Fury in the new year and reclaim his place as a world heavyweight champion.

    “2024, when I look back, I believe I could have done more. 2025, I want to do more and will ensure I use every opportunity,” Joshua said.

    He admitted to having regrets over his performance in recent fights, including his loss to Daniel Dubois, but remains optimistic about the future.

    “I should have won [against Dubois] but did not. Ups and downs do happen. My life is up and down. So, I get used to the turbulent times and keep riding the wave. I cannot stop there. My target for 2025 is Tyson Fury,” he added.

    Joshua and Fury have been perennial rivals, with plans for their blockbuster fight falling through twice in the past due to contractual and scheduling issues. A clash between the two would be one of the most significant events in British boxing history.

    Both fighters are currently without heavyweight titles. Joshua lost his belts to Oleksandr Usyk in 2021 and 2022, while Fury suffered consecutive defeats to Usyk in 2024, allowing the Ukrainian to become the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years.

  • NGO Account: VeryDarkMan Says N180 Million Theft Claim Was a Prank

    NGO Account: VeryDarkMan Says N180 Million Theft Claim Was a Prank

    Social media influencer and critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), has admitted that his claim of N180 million being stolen from his NGO account by hackers was a prank.

    VDM revealed the truth in a video posted on his Instagram page, explaining that the stunt was intended to expose what he described as the gullibility of social media users.

    “80% of the people that use social media are dumb, and the whole thing that happened with the N180 million is a clear opportunity to show you. I deliberately did it to just show you people that you are stupid,” he said.

    He clarified that no money was missing and that the funds were secure in his account. VDM stated that the false alarm was orchestrated to highlight how easily people spread unverified information online.

    “The way people are so excited about bad is really sad. I told my website guy, shut the website, let us use these people catch cruise. Nobody bothered to ask for evidence. They just went with what is being said. I am so happy I did this,” he added.

    The claim of stolen funds initially sparked widespread reactions on social media, with some sympathizing with VDM while others celebrated his supposed misfortune.

    According to VDM, this reaction underscored the lack of critical thinking among social media users.

    The admission has drawn mixed reactions, with some criticizing the stunt as unnecessary and misleading.

    VDM, known for his outspoken commentary on social issues, has sparked debates before with his controversial remarks and stunts.

  • Kenny Ogungbe Denies Responsibility for Plantashun Boiz’s Split

    Kenny Ogungbe Denies Responsibility for Plantashun Boiz’s Split

    CEO of Kennis Music, Kenny Ogungbe, popularly known as Baba Keke, has refuted claims that he was responsible for the breakup of the legendary music group, Plantashun Boiz.

    Speaking on a recent episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, Baba Keke addressed the long-standing rumours that the group split after Kennis Music signed 2Face Idibia.

    He clarified that the group had already disbanded before 2Face approached him for a record deal.

    “People have been saying I’m the one responsible for the breakup of Plantashun Boiz. That’s not true,” he said.

    “2Face came to me himself after the group had broken up, saying he wanted to sign with Kennis Music, and Eedris Abdulkareem encouraged me to sign him, which I did.”

  • Funke Akindele’s “Everybody Loves Jenifa” Breaks Nollywood Box Office Record with ₦511 Million in 12 Days

    Funke Akindele’s “Everybody Loves Jenifa” Breaks Nollywood Box Office Record with ₦511 Million in 12 Days

    Actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has achieved a remarkable milestone with her latest movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa, which has become the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of 2024, earning ₦511 million in just 12 days.

    The movie has also set a new record as the fastest Nollywood film to surpass the ₦500 million mark, solidifying Funke’s reputation as a powerhouse in the Nigerian film industry.

    Taking to Instagram to share her excitement, Funke expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and her fans for their unwavering support.

    “Thank you, Lord!! Thank you, everyone!! I couldn’t have done this without your love and support!! God bless you all!!!” she wrote.

    The actress, who is also the creator of the beloved Jenifa franchise, credited the success of her film to the immense love and loyalty of her fan base.

    Everybody Loves Jenifa continues the comedic and heartwarming adventures of Jenifa, a character that has become iconic in Nigerian pop culture.

    The film’s blend of humor, relatability, and strong storytelling has captivated audiences, propelling it to this historic achievement.

  • Burna Boy Breaks Silence on Speed Darlington’s Release

    Burna Boy Breaks Silence on Speed Darlington’s Release

    Popular Nigerian singer Burna Boy has reacted to the release of controversial artist Speed Darlington from police detention, following his arrest on November 27.

    Darlington was rearrested barely two months after an initial confrontation allegedly instigated by Burna Boy.

    The arrest came after Darlington taunted Burna Boy over his association with embattled American rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs, who is currently facing multiple allegations of sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

    In a cryptic message shared on his Instagram Story on Tuesday, Burna Boy appeared to address the incident and the backlash he often faces from critics. He hinted that his position and reputation prevent him from taking certain actions.

    “When they talk nobody cares, but it’s a Nuclear disaster when I react,” Burna Boy wrote.

    “You all don’t know how lucky you are that I have too much to lose now, Walahi a lot of you wouldn’t be here no more. Anyway make I just go buy another thing relax.”

  • Kendrick Lamar Named Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of 2024

    Kendrick Lamar Named Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of 2024

    American rapper Kendrick Lamar has been crowned the ‘Greatest Pop Star’ of 2024 by Billboard, following an exceptional year marked by chart-topping music and a highly publicized hip-hop feud with Canadian rapper, Drake.

    Lamar’s dominance on the Billboard Hot 100 this year was fueled by his beef with Drake, during which he released multiple hit songs, including the chart-topping single ‘Not Like Us’, which earned him widespread acclaim.

    With this recognition, Kendrick Lamar becomes the first rapper to be named Billboard’s Greatest Pop Star of the Year since Drake achieved the honor in 2018.

    Billboard praised Lamar’s influence and musical achievements, highlighting his ability to merge commercial success with artistic depth, further solidifying his legacy as one of the most significant voices in contemporary music.

    In related Billboard news, Mariah Carey’s timelMariah Carey’s Christmas Hit Breaks Recordess holiday classic ‘All I Want For Christmas Is You’ has tied with Lil Nas X’s ‘Old Town Road’ and Shaboozey’s ‘A Bar Song (Tipsy)’ as the longest-running number-one song in the chart’s history, holding the top spot for an unprecedented 17 weeks.

  • Actress Lola Alao Mourns Mother’s Death

    Actress Lola Alao Mourns Mother’s Death

    Nigerian actress Lola Alao, a prominent figure in the Yoruba film industry, has announced the passing of her mother.

    The Canadian-based actress, 55, shared the heartbreaking news on her Instagram page on Friday, posting pictures of her mother, including cherished moments they shared together.

    In a heartfelt tribute, Alao expressed her deep love and sorrow, praying for her mother’s soul to rest in peace.

    “Rest In perfect peace my beautiful mom,” she wrote.

    “My beloved mom…you will forever be missed by every one of us. We love you, but God loves you more. Rest in perfect peace, my love.”

    The announcement has drawn an outpouring of condolences from fans, colleagues, and friends in the entertainment industry, who have flooded her social media with messages of support and prayers.

    Lola Alao is a well-loved actress with a career spanning decades in Nollywood, particularly in the Yoruba-language film sector. She is known for her versatile roles and contributions to the industry’s growth.

  • FG signs MoU with Chinese firm for local production of HIV diagnostic kits

    The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China-based WONDFO BIOTECH Ltd. to begin local production of HIV diagnostic kits in Nigeria.

    This partnership is set to improve access to reliable HIV testing, encourage local manufacturing of HIV diagnostic reagents, and support Nigeria’s fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS while strengthening healthcare self-sufficiency.

    Dr. Temitope Ilori, Director-General of the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), made the announcement on Wednesday in Abuja, as WONDFO donated 4,000 HIV test kits in preparation for World AIDS Day.
    The WONDFO community recently in China signed a MoU with feedback on unlocking the value chain initiative of President Tinubu, to ensure that we have domestic production of the reagent of the test kits and other HIV commodities.

    “I want to commend you for this initiative, and we look forward to seeing your domestic plants here in Nigeria,” she stated.

    She expressed gratitude to WONDFO for the donated commodities, noting that this initiative would help in the fight to end the AIDS epidemic in Nigeria.

    “This will ensure that individuals can actually test for HIV, even in the comfort of their homes, We are happy to have this kit with us, and we want to assure you that we’re going to give it judicious use,” she said

    Supporting prevention and ending the epidemic
    Mr. Bravo Ouhabru, WONDFO’s Country Representative, explained that the test kits comprising both self-testing and professional use kits will enhance healthcare and support HIV prevention efforts in Nigeria.

    The initiative is part of the support WONDFO is extending to NACA for the 2024 World AIDS Day commemoration, with a goal of promoting reliable testing, increasing awareness of HIV status, and working towards ending the epidemic by 2030.

    Ouhabru added that many people remain unaware of their HIV status, “The fact that someone tested negative today does not mean that it’s negative forever. It is very important we continue to move ahead with all this activity that will make everybody aware, to know their status.”

    “HIV status is very important. That is the starting point. Once you know that, then all other areas involved in HIV management can easily come in,” he said.

    Ouhabru said that to improve accessibility, WONDFO plans to offer subsidized test kits through private pharmacies, making it easier for people to test themselves at home and seek timely medical intervention if needed.

    “Knowing one’s HIV status is the first step towards effective management and prevention, ensuring individuals and healthcare providers can take timely action,“, he emphasized.

    Types of HIV diagnostic kits

    Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs): These are the most commonly used kits for HIV testing, providing results within 15-30 minutes. RDTs are ideal for point-of-care testing and are widely used in clinics, mobile testing sites, and community centers.
    ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) Kits: These are lab-based kits used for confirmatory testing. They detect antibodies to HIV and are highly sensitive but require more time and specialized equipment.
    What you should know
    Nigeria has one of the highest HIV burdens globally, though progress has been made in reducing prevalence.
    The prevalence rate is around 1.3% of the population, with young people (ages 15-24) being particularly vulnerable.
    The country is home to approximately 1.8 million people living with HIV, with various states showing differing levels of prevalence. States like Akwa Ibom and Benue tend to have higher rates than others.

  • WHO allocates 899,000 mpox vaccines to Nigeria, 8 African countries amid surges 

    WHO allocates 899,000 mpox vaccines to Nigeria, 8 African countries amid surges 

    An initial 899,000 vaccine doses have been allocated to Nigeria and 8 other countries across Africa that have been hit hard by the current mpox surge, the WHO and other health organizations said on Wednesday.

    The newly allocated vaccines will go to the Central African Republic, Ivory Coast, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Africa and Uganda.

    “The largest number of doses – 85% of the allocated vaccines – will go to the Democratic Republic of Congo as the most affected country,” global health agency said.
    The allocated vaccines are provided by Canada, Gavi (the Vaccine Alliance), the United States, and the European Union, including countries like France, Germany, Spain, and others, along with the EU’s Health Emergency Response Authority.

    The global health agency said this allocation to the 9 countries marks a significant step towards a coordinated and targeted deployment of vaccines to stop the mpox outbreaks.

    “For most countries, the rollout of mpox vaccines will be a new undertaking. Implementing targeted vaccination requires additional resources,” the statement reads.

    The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the mpox outbreak, driven largely by a surge of the clade Ib viral strain in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as a global public health emergency for the second time in two years in August.

    According to the latest WHO figures, opens new tab, there have been more than 46,000 confirmed and suspected cases of mpox in Africa this year, and more than 1,000 deaths in the continent due to viral illness.

    “This year, 19 countries in Africa have reported mpox, many of them newly affected by the viral disease,” it reports.

    Emphasizing on expand protection, the global health agency noted that to protect more people at risk in affected communities, additional doses of vaccine are available.

    “It targets individuals at high risk of severe disease based on local epidemiology in affected areas, focusing on regions with the highest incidence of mpox.

    “Special attention will be given to vulnerable populations, including those living with HIV, internally displaced persons, and refugees, due to their increased risk of severe outcomes,” WHO said.

    Vaccine availability
    Over 5.85 million vaccine doses are expected to be available to the Mpox Vaccines Access and Allocation Mechanism (AAM) by the end of 2024, including the nearly 900 000 allocated doses.

    The supply includes contributions from multiple nations and organizations, including 1.85 million dose donations of MVA-BN from the European Union, United States, and Canada, 500 000 doses of MVA-BN from Gavi utilizing the First Response Fund, 500 000 doses procured through UNICEF, as well as a further 3 million doses of the LC16 vaccine from Japan.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3 hits N110 million milestone after 3 weeks at Cinemas

    The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3 hits N110 million milestone after 3 weeks at Cinemas

    Nollywood’s latest success story, The Uprising: Wives on Strike 3, has achieved a significant box office milestone, grossing N110 million in the 3 weeks ended Nov 10.

    Directed by Omoni Oboli, the film has quickly gained traction, adding to the legacy of the Wives on Strike series.

    Debuting with a strong opening weekend at N28.2 million, the film has maintained a steady upward momentum.

    Released on October 17, The Uprising amassed an impressive N40.1 million during its second weekend from October 18-20, signaling strong interest from audiences nationwide.

    Between October 25 and 31, it added another N27.2 million to its box office total, driven by sustained viewer enthusiasm.

    The film’s presale campaign was also a success, with pre-sale vouchers contributing an additional N10 million in revenue, reflecting high anticipation for this latest instalment in the franchise. As of last week, it reached N68.2 million

    Backstory 

    The Uprising continues the widely acclaimed Wives on Strike series, first launched in 2016, which has captivated Nigerian audiences with its blend of humour, social justice themes, and dynamic storytelling.

    • However, this third instalment ventures into darker and more intense territory, telling the gripping story of a mother’s relentless mission to rescue her kidnapped son.
    • The storyline introduces high-stakes elements, drawing both long-time fans of the series and new viewers, all while maintaining the franchise’s commitment to powerful social commentary.
    • The film’s emphasis on themes of family, courage, and sacrifice resonates deeply with audiences, marking a notable shift from the lighthearted tone of previous entries.

      Omoni Oboli’s direction explores the lengths to which individuals go to protect their loved ones, adding a fresh dimension to the franchise and setting The Uprising apart from its predecessors.

      More insights 

      Featuring a cast of renowned Nollywood talents, The Uprising includes celebrated actors such as Uche Jombo, Ufuoma McDermott, Chioma Akpotha, and veteran actress Hilda Dokubo.

      The film also showcases prominent actors Tomiwa Tegbe, Segun Arinze, Kalu Ikeagwu, Julius Agwu, and Okey Bakassi, each delivering impactful performances that heighten the film’s emotional intensity and thematic depth.

      • The Uprising’s strong performance shows Nollywood’s ongoing growth and ability to compete with international releases at the Nigerian box office. As the franchise attracts both dedicated fans and new viewers, it reflects the wider trend of Nigerian audiences embracing local content that resonates with their experiences and values.
      • The success of The Uprising further highlights Nollywood’s potential as a burgeoning cultural and economic powerhouse, capable of producing box office hits that appeal to diverse audiences and tackle socially relevant themes.
      • With The Uprising marking a shift toward higher-stakes narratives, the franchise exemplifies Nollywood’s readiness to evolve and expand, offering a glimpse into the promising future of Nigerian cinema.
      • Deborah Dan-Awoh is a seasoned lifestyle analyst with a knack for storytelling. The focus of her work covers people, money and culture as it relates with business and economy. When she’s not keeping tabs on the latest trends in lifestyle and finance- Deborah enjoys networking with industry experts to gain insight into major markets as it affects the populace