Platinum ticket holder, Chima Udoye, on Sunday won this year’s edition of Nigerian Idol music reality TV show Season 9
He went home with a brand-new SUV, DStv Explora, and a one-year premium subscription in addition to a cash award of N30 millioñ.
A recording contract and a song video were also included in the package.
The grand finale was a really serious affair.
READ ALSO:Victory Gbakara wins Nigerian Idol Season 8, takes home N100m grand prize
All 10 competitors gave an incredible performance of John Legend’s “Glory” to start the show, while Progress and Victory Gbakara, two previous Nigerian Idol winners, made cameo appearances.
Chike and Simi thrilled the crowd while the top three hit the stage for their final performances.
Everyone waited for the news with bated breath.
At last, the host, Ik Osakidouwa, announced Chima as the winner!
The Executive Head of Content & Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, Dr. Busola Tejumola, praised Chima for winning the contest.
The post Chima Udoye wins Nigerian Idol Season 9, takes home N30m appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Chima Udoye wins Nigerian Idol Season 9, takes home N30m
Female journalist, Hafsat seeks N5m for brain tumour surgery
female journalist, Hafsat Abdulhamid Adebayo, is currently fighting for her life at the Intensive Care Unit, ICU, of the Jos University Teaching Hospital, JUTH, where she has been admitted for months.
Hafsat is seeking the sum of N5 million for a repeat brain tumour surgery to save her life.
Aishat Abdulhamid, Hafsat’s elder sister, who has abandoned her business to care for the journalist, told newsmen that she has been sick for at least four years.
Aishat who now wheels her sister around told journalists that she has already undergone some surgeries that have gulped millions of naira but relapsed and now needs more surgeries.
She noted that Hafsat had been admitted at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, ATBUTH, but her condition has continued to deteriorate.
“She has really suffered a lot. We have spent all our savings. Friends, family and colleagues have really tried to support us as well, Aishat said.
“She had surgery last year with the intervention of the Bauchi State Government where the tumour was evacuated and was recovering at home but she relapsed.
“We are currently at the JUTH. We were told that she had to undergo another emergency surgery. As we speak, for more than a week, she cannot eat, talk and walk. The consultant told us that she must have the operation this week.
“We appeal to Nigerians to assist us, may God bless you.
Hafsat’s family is now appealing to well-meaning Nigerians for financial assistance to undergo the required emergency brain tumour surgery.
According to her family, she can be reached on: 0802 625 7016, 0903 070 6524 or through her account details: 0100070850, Access Bank, Hafsat Abdulhamid Adebayo.
Female journalist, Hafsat seeks N5m for brain tumour surgery
Thomas Mueller retires from Germany team after Euro 2024
Germany striker Thomas Mueller said Monday he was retiring from international football after a disappointing Euro 2024 in which the host nation were eliminated in the quarter-finals.
“After 131 national team games and 45 goals, I am saying goodbye,” Mueller said in a video statement announcing his decision.
Mueller, who turns 35 in September, was a key member of the German team that won the 2014 World Cup.
The charismatic forward also scored the opening goal in Germany’s unforgettable 7-1 win over the hosts Brazil in the semi final.
“When I played my first international match for the German national team over 14 years ago, I could never have dreamed of all this,” Mueller said in the video.
“It always made me very proud to play for my country. We celebrated together and sometimes shed a tear together,” he said.
A tearful Mueller had hinted at retirement following Germany’s exit from Euro 2024.
The tournament hosts lost 2-1 in the quarter-final to Spain, who went on to lift the trophy on Sunday against England.
After the Spain game, Mueller said he would hold talks with national team coach Julian Nagelsmann and decide whether it was the “sensible option” to step aside in favour of younger players.
Goalkeeper Manuel Neuer is the only member of Germany’s 2014 World Cup-winning side still involved in the national team set up.
Germany and Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos announced before Euro 2024 that he would retire from football after the tournament.
Unlike Kroos, Mueller will continue to play for his club Bayern Munich, where he is under contract until 2025.
Only Lothar Matthaeus and Miroslav Klose have played more games for Germany than Mueller, who is also Germany’s sixth highest goalscorer of all time.
AFP
Cucurella fires back at Neville after Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph
In the aftermath of Spain’s triumph in the Euro 2024, Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella took to social media to respond to earlier criticism from former England international and pundit Gary Neville.
Spain emerged victorious in the Euro 2024 final, defeating England 2-1 in a thrilling match at Berlin’s Olympiastadion after the winning goal came from Mikel Oyarzabal in the 86th minute, set up by a precise cross from Cucurella.
The Spanish side’s journey to the title was impressive, with seven victories and only one match requiring extra time. Luis de la Fuente’s team demonstrated their strength throughout the tournament, with Cucurella featuring prominently in all but one group stage match.
Posting on his Instagram page on Sunday, the defender shared Neville’s pre-tournament comments on Instagram, which questioned Spain’s ability to go all the way and Cucurella’s inclusion in the team.
Neville had said on ITV Sport, “I didn’t think he’d play. He’s not been convincing at Chelsea. He’s played a few games towards the end of the season.
“He’s aggressive, he’s tenacious, he’s a busy little fullback. The price tag still astounds everyone to this day.
“The Spanish defence, it’s got a lot of experience now but there’s something just missing from Spain that makes you feel like they’re going to go all the way.”
After Spain’s Victory on Sunday, Cucurella’s pointed response read, “We went all the way Gary. Thanks for your support,” accompanied by emojis of a heart, trophy, Spanish flag, and a kiss.
The playful jabs didn’t stop there, as Cucurella’s partner, Claudia Rodriguez, also joined in. She posted a photo of Cucurella celebrating with the trophy, captioning it, “How was your night, @gneville2?”
Spain’s coach, De la Fuente, reflected on his team’s success, stating, “I was sure that my players believed in me … for a year and a half they have been infallible.”
He added, “Now it’s all happiness, pride and enjoying this moment that we have earned. Nobody gave us anything for free.”
2face alleges Donald Trump’s assassination attempt staged
Talented Nigerian singer, Innocent Ujah Idibia aka 2face has reacted to the assassination attempt on former United States President, Donald Trump at a political rally in Pennsylvania.
A 20-year-old suspect, Mr. Crooks, was killed after he fired shots at the Republican presidential contender on Saturday while two rally-goers suffered serious injuries in the gunshots, and one other was shot dead.
According to CNN, the FBI has now characterized the unfortunate incident as an attempt on Mr. Trump’s life and claimed that the gunman fired many shots at his target.
READ ALSO:2face, Now Muzik part ways after 20-years
In a post shared on his Instastories, the multiple-award-winning singer said he would be shocked if the whole thing wasn’t staged.
He wrote: “ All black everything. Hollywood de learn.”
‘‘Jessie Smollet dey learn…I go shock if I wrong but this shit na pure package.”
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Only permanent interests matter in politics – Doyin Okupe
The former Director-General of the Obi-Datti Presidential Campaign Organisation in the 2023 presidential election, Doyin Okupe, has reacted to a barrage of criticism trailing his open support for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Okupe had in an interview on Channels TV said he knew that Tinubu was the better candidate despite his association with the LP presidential candidate, Peter Obi, before the election.
He said: “Let me tell you, of all the people who ran for president in 2023, by the benefit of hindsight, Bola Tinubu is the best.
“From benefit of hindsight, I’ve seen Peter Obi, I’ve worked with Atiku Abubakar. I knew Bola Tinubu long time ago.
“But in terms of capacity, capability, knowledge, and commitment, you know, people keep underestimating what he did in Lagos. He did a wonderful job.”
However, the turn around led to many Nigerians with many Nigerians labelling him a traitor.
But in a post on X on Monday morning, Okupe came out to clarify his stance, saying in a game of politics there are no permanent friends or enemies, but only permanent interest.
READ ALSO:‘Traitors like you should keep quiet,’ Nigerians roast Okupe over ‘Tinubu fall’ comment
The former aide to ex- President Goodluck Jonathan stressed that there is no room for “rabid passion, fanaticism, insults and abuses” in politics.
He pointed out that “repeated failures, jeopardy of interest, pain, shame and ignominy are the consequences of not adhering to the established tenets of politics.”
He wrote: ”
POLITICS 101
“In this game, there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.
POLITICS 102
If a friend was disagreeable yesterday but can still serve yr interest tomorrow, he remains a friend.
POLITICS 103
“In this game of politics, there is no room for rabid passion, fanaticm, insults and abuses. Caution, restraint, courtesy, diplomacy, temperance, and tolerance are always profitable to employ.
POLITICS 104
“Repeated failures, jeopardy of interest, pain, shame and ignominy are the consequences of not adhering to the above 3 established tenets of politics.
IF U KNOW U KNOW. IF U DONT, THEN PREPARE TO LEARN.”
POLITICS 101In this game, there are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies, only permanent interests.
POLITICS 102If a friend was disagreeable yesterday but can still serve yr interest tomorrow, he remains a friend.
POLITICS 103In this game of politics, there is no… pic.twitter.com/MEO0pYdOrb
— Doyin (@doyinokupe) July 15, 2024
The post Only permanent interests matter in politics – Doyin Okupe appeared first on Latest Nigeria News | Top Stories from TVN.
Man charged with murder over bodies found in suitcases
A suspect, Yostin Mosquera, 34, has been charged with murder after the bodies of two men, one of whom was from France, were found dumped in suitcases on a well-known bridge in the United Kingdom, police said on Monday.
Police said the two victims had previously been in a relationship but still lived together in west London, adding that the suspect had been staying with them.
Evidence in the investigation so far had not pointed to a homophobic motive but it had been classified as a hate crime.
Police named the victims as Albert Alfonso, 62, a British citizen originally from France, and Paul Longworth, 71.
Officers launched a manhunt after the suitcases were discovered on Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol, southwest England last week.
More human remains were later found at a flat in London as Mosquera will appear before magistrates in the capital later on Monday.
“I know that this awful incident will cause concern not just among residents… but in the wider LGBTQ+ community across London,” said Metropolitan Police Deputy Assistant Commissioner Andy Valentine, adding that officers were not looking for anyone else over the killings.
“My thoughts are first and foremost with Albert and Paul’s loved ones who are coming to terms with this terrible news,” he said.
Clifton Suspension Bridge, designed by the pioneering engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel, is one of the oldest surviving suspension bridges in the world.
Opened in 1864, the bridge over the Avon Gorge is one of Bristol’s top tourist attractions and a city symbol.
AFP
State creation misplaced priority – Olisa Agbakoba
Human rights activist, Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, has berated the agitation by some members of the House of Representatives for state creation in the South-East.
He made this statement in an interview with newsmen on Sunday in Lagos.
Agbakoba, who described the proposal as a misplaced priority, canvassed regionalism as a way out of the country’s myriad of problems.
According to the former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), most of the present 36 states in Nigeria are unviable.
TVN recalls that the House of Representatives recently passed for second reading a bill seeking the creation of Etiti State out of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states from the South-East geopolitical zone.
The bill was sponsored by Reps Godwin Ogah, Miriam Onuoha, Kama Nkemkama, Princess Nnabuife and Anayo Onwuegbu.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, Ogah (LP, Abia) said the establishment of Etiti State was not just a matter of administrative convenience but a step towards ensuring balanced regional development and effective governance.
Also, some lawmakers and stakeholders have called for the creation of Anioma State from states in the South-South and South-East regions.
One of those leading the call, Senator Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta North), said the creation of Anioma State would correct what he described as the marginalization of the South-East geopolitical zone.
According to him, if Anioma State is created, it will increase the population of the South-East, the land mass, and the resource base of the region.
Reacting, Agbakoba said Nigeria currently has no need for more states.
He said lawmakers and other political stakeholders should, instead, be concerned about restructuring Nigeria into a regional government to reflect the real diversity of the country.
Agbakoba said he was not in support of additional states because most of the 36 were economically unviable, insolvent and not capable of bringing about infrastructural development or even paying the proposed minimum wage.
State creation misplaced priority – Olisa Agbakoba
I never imagined breathing air of freedom in one week – Abducted journalist Abdulgafar
Abdulgafar Alabelewe, the correspondent of The Nation Newspaper, Kaduna who was kidnapped and recently rescued by Nigerian security operatives, on Sunday said he never thought he would breathe the air of freedom within a week.
Alabelewe and Abdulraheem Aodu of the Blueprint Newspaper, alongside their family members, were abducted from their separate homes in Kaduna last week.
In a statement by Rabiu Ibrahim, Special Assistant (Media) to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alabelewe thanked the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, and his team for their swift intervention.
He stated that the rescue mission that brought them out of the bush on Saturday gave them hope in the country and confidence in the government’s seriousness about tackling the problem of kidnapping, stressing that he never thought they would be rescued within a week.
He said, “We are grateful that the government swung into action and ensured that we were released.”
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, had welcomed the release of the two Kaduna-based journalists, who were abducted from their homes on the outskirts of Kaduna over the weekend.
I never imagined breathing air of freedom in one week – Abducted journalist Abdulgafar
Trump’s shooter had bombs materials in his car, residence – US security
The gunman who attempted to assassinate former United States, US, President, Donald Trump, Thomas Mathew Crooks, had explosive materials in his car and residence.
US security sources who spoke with Fox News said Crooks car parked near the Pennsylvania rally had bomb making materials inside.
“There were explosives, including an IED, found inside a car driven by Thomas Matthew Crooks found parked near the scene of the Trump rally in Butler, Pennsylvania,” sources confirmed to Fox News.
The sources could not say how many explosives or what kind, but emphasized that more than one was found.
In Crooks’ house, law enforcement also found bomb-making materials.
The 20-year-old had attempted to assassinate Trump during his campaign in Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday.
Crooks fired several shots but only hit Trump by his ears. But the secret service responded immediately by killing him.
The 20-year-old was reported to have used an AR-style weapon.
Trump’s shooter had bombs materials in his car, residence – US security