Everything You Need To Know About Mavin Records New Acts Johnny Drille , DNA TWINS & POE (Photos)

Mavin records new acts: In a series of Instagram posts, Mavin boss, Don Jazzy reveal to the world his label’s new recruits which include the super talented Johnny Drille, the dangerous dynamic duo DNA Twins (Blairis & Clintis) and rapper POE.

Here are a few things we at TheInfoNG can tell you about Mavin records new acts.

Johnny Drille

Johnny Drille is a folk/alternative singer, songwriter, producer, and sound engineer who hails from Edo state.

He was a contestant in the 2013 edition of MTN Project Fame West Africa.

Some of his tracks include “My Beautiful Love”, “Love don’t cry” and “Wait for me”.

He was also nominated at the Headies Awards for Best Alternative Song.

Africa Umoja returns with a special Ghana@60 edition

From London’s West End to New York’s Broadway, the world’s acclaimed international sell out celebration of music and dance returns to Ghana for two days of unforgettable, head nodding, feet tapping and soul fulfilling extravaganza. It is Africa UMOJA’s return to Ghana on the Special Ghana @60 edition.

AFRICA UMOJA, the South Africa Music and dance group have performed in Ghana twice; 2010 and 2011 with spectacular performances that left audiences wanting more and more. Ghanaians requested for a return of the group that has consistently beaten their own entertaining records in many parts of the world.

Don Moen to headline Ghana’s 60th Independence Day gospel concert in Accra

AFRICA UMOJA has performed for Kings, Presidents and the general public in over 50 countries around the world.

The right time to fulfill the wishes of Ghanaians is here and AFRICA UMOJA is in Ghana again for two days and four never to be missed performances. Show times are on the 5^th and 6^th March 2017. With two shows each day, 4pm and 8 pm that is billed to be Ghana’s best independence celebration ever.

You will want to be a part of a pulsating colorful and jubilant celebration of the history of indigenous South African music and dance. It is easy to understand how AFRICA UMOJA has packed theatres around the world over the years. This is musical theatre at its exhilarating best.

AFRICA UMOJA is upbeat and very much looking forward to their second coming to Ghana and relishing the invitation to be part of Ghana’s most important day of the year.

The group will touch down in Ghana on 4^th March 2016 and will have engagements with the press and some selected radio and TV stations.

Also featuring on these special days are the current Ghana and Africa sensation, Yaa Yaa, and gospel music Diva Gifty Osei.

The Umoja special Ghana @60 edition will definitely be one to live on the mind for a long time to come.

The all new National Theatre of Ghana is the venue for the shows.

Tickets are selling for ghc70 for upper gallery and ghc100 for ground floor. Tickets are selling at the following outlets; X-men, Koala and Charterhouse.

Be part of the audience and get swept away by the energy generated on stage by this unique group. You surely won’t want it to stop. AFRICA UMOJA - if you miss this, you’ve missed the best of what Africa has to offer!

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Don Jazzy signs Johnny Drille , DNA TWINS And POE TO Mavin Records [Photos + Videos]

Donjazzy signs new act: Mavin boss has signed three new acts – Johnny Drille, DNA Twins (Clinton and Blair Roberts), and rapper POE – into the Mavin records label.

This was announced by the record label’s boss, Donjazzy via his Instagram page on Tuesday. The news was also shared on his twitter with the two of the artistes confirming it on their twitter account as well.

Johnny Drille is a folk/alternative singer, songwriter, producer, and sound engineer. He was a contestant in the 2013 edition of MTN Project Fame West Africa. Some of his tracks include “Love don’t cry” and “Wait for me”.

The DNA Twins were participants in the 2013 edition of Glo X Factor. The came out with their first single after the competition – ‘Mash Up Freestyle’, a combination of some top Nigerian songs.

POE is a rapper whose famous tracks include “Adore Her”, “Can’t Forget”, and his remix of Olamide‘s “Who you epp”. He was affiliated to rap duo Show Dem Camp (SDC), and a member of a group of music artistes The Collectiv3

Ghanaian banker, Bernard Adjei launches first online marketplace for black businesses

The UK’s Young banker of the year, Bernard Adjei, has launched an innovative online platform for black businesses in the UK. Densu is a black marketplace where people around the world can connect to buy and sell products they wouldn’t otherwise find easily on places like Amazon or EBay.

More than 100 black businesses have so far registered to be part of the initiative.

Launching the platform, Founder, Bernard Adjei said: “This is long overdue for a community that plays a significant role in Britain’s economic vitality.”

The UK has a significant black population that plays a crucial role in the country’s economy. Densu will therefore help them trade with each other and benefit from the knowledge of a shared heritage through online trading.

#CelebrateAfrica! Snap & share your photos of Africa and win BIG with Canon

Mr Adjei adds that:

“Living in the UK and seeing the lack of an online space where black people can showcase and share their skills and talents, and also inspire a new generation, drove me to create Densu. My dream is for Densu to provide a platform for our people to showcase their skills and also to provide the consumer with a one stop shop for products relevant to black culture and black people i.e. hair, make-up, clothing and all things uniquely black”

Densu, which will serve as the online community where unique black talents and businesses are showcased and celebrated, will officially launch on Monday 27^th February.

In the long run Densu would also support young black entrepreneurs and provide them with the necessary tools and platform to succeed.

The post Ghanaian banker, Bernard Adjei launches first online marketplace for black businesses appeared first on AmeyawDebrah.Com.

Accra’s finest to turn up at Club Onyx for Ghana Independence celebrations

It’s that time of the year again, when we all come together as one to celebrate the Independence of our beautiful, beloved country Ghana. This year marks the 60th anniversary and as such is gonna be a rosy dandy affair starting from Friday 3rd March all through to Monday 6th March at the plush Club Onyx located in the heart of Accra, Cantonments.

Join a pool of Celebrity Hosts in the likes of R2Bees producer extraordinaire Killbeatz, the Black Avenue Boss, D-Black, the ever delectable Efya and the voluptuous Gambian actress Princess Shyngle as they shut down Accra Night Life with Remy Martin on Friday the 3rd of March plus catch King Promise perform the Dj Vision banger with Sarkodie ‘Double Trouble’ for the first time ever!

What’s more?? There aint no party without good music and that’s why Club Onyx is dedicated to bringing you a lineup of top-notch DJs across the city including DJ Big L, DJ Breezy , DJ K Krack and ofcourse DJ Black to give you an electrifying experience while you enjoy the exquisite Remy Martin Cocktails all night long.

Come Celebrate Ghana at 60 in grand style with the finest people in the city and encounter the spellbinding Club Onyx Dance Attack with the irresistible Nelly and Saah.

Doors Open at 10.30pm and all you gotta do is look fly! 18 years and above onl

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Citi FM’s exciting Heritage Caravan set to hit the road

On Sunday, 5^th March 2017, two buses will set off from the CITI FM premises in Accra with tourism enthusiasts on a road trip to discover Ghana.

Dubbed the #HeritageCaravan, the Citi 97.3 organized trip shall see about one hundred people tour seven regions of Ghana in seven days, discover Ghana in a different way and enjoy some of the best fun activities offered by the various destinations on the route.

The trip, which has Vodafone Cash, HFC Susu Plus Account and Top Oil as sponsors, has been packaged to give patrons an experience of a lifetime. The moments on the buses will be characterized by storytelling, live music and partying – with drinks sponsored by Hunters.

All arrangements have been made to ensure maximum security of the Heritage Caravan with the Ghana Police Service providing personnel to accompany the Heritage Caravan. Healthcare professionals have also been engaged to be a part of the Heritage Caravan to ensure patrons are taken care of when necessary. Colgate is also supporting the Heritage Caravan 2017 and has promised patrons a great time.

Patrons will not be cut off the world as Vodafone Ghana provides high speed internet on the buses and Vodafone Cash services to keep patrons funds secure.

The trip will begin from the Greater Accra Region, through the Eastern Region, to the Ashanti Region, through the Brong Ahafo Region to the Northern Region, and then make a stop in the Upper East Region. From the Upper East Region, the bus shall return to the Northern Region, from where it will make its longest journey to the Western Region. From the Western Region, the Heritage Caravan will head to the Central Region and then return to Accra.

Activities lined up for the 2017 #HeritageCaravan include a Kenkey Party and a tour of Ga Mashie on day one before departure for Kumasi on Sunday March 5. In Kumasi, the team shall have a night of music and Karaoke and tour the Kwame Nkrumah Sword Site and the Kumasi Fort/Military Museum on day two.

The team shall depart Kumasi via the Brong Ahafo region to the Tamale. That journey shall afford participants to see towns like Offinso, Akumadan, Techiman, Kintampo, Buipe among others. Other key sites that will be spotted along the route include the Offin and the Volta Rivers. The second night of the #HeritageCaravan shall be spent at the Modern City Hotel in Tamale where the team will have dinner and prepare for the adventures of day three.

Day three shall begin the Northern expedition. The Heritage Caravan shall make its first stop in Paga, in the Upper East region. Participants will visit the Paga Crocodile pond, a short foray across the Ghana/Burkina Faso border and a visit to the slave village. The Heritage Caravan shall travel through popular towns like Walewale, Savelugu, Bolgatanga and Navrongo on day three.

One of the key highlights of the Heritage Caravan shall be the cultural night and mini durbar in the Tamale Chief’s Palace. Naa Dakpema and his court shall treat the team to good music, dance, food and rich Northern culture on the third night. The cultural night was touted as one of the most exciting components of the Heritage Caravan in 2016 and it promises to get even better.

The adventures in the north continue on day four in the Mole National Park. The Mole trip shall take the Heritage Caravan through Damongo to Larabanga, where participants will see the Larabanga Mosque – one of Ghana’s architectural masterpieces.

At Mole, participants shall go on an early morning safari and see the best of nature. The Mole National Park is home to lots of wild animals and indigenous trees.

The team shall depart the Northern region after lunch on day four and head to the Brong Ahafo region via the Fulfulso-Sawla road, through Bole, Banda Nkwanta, cross the Black Volta at Bamboi, drive through Wenchi, Chiraa and arrive in Sunyani, the capital of the Brong Ahafo region.

Eusbett Hotel shall host the team and has prepared a comprehensive entertainment package for the fourth night in Sunyani.

The team departs Sunyani on Day Five for Takoradi and will make a stop at the Assin Manso Slave River. The team shall also drive through Obuasi for a quick tour enroute to the Western Region. There will be a live band session on the first night in the Western Region at the plush Busua Beach Resort.

On day six, the Heritage Caravan will visit the village on stilts, Nzulezu. The day shall be climaxed with the Heritage Caravan Masked Party at the Busua Beach Resort.

Finally, the Heritage Caravan shall visit the Elmina Castle and drive through Cape Coast, Mfantsiman, Winneba and Kasoa enroute to Accra.

The Heritage Caravan is sponsored by Vodafone Cash, HFC Susu Plus Account and Top Oil – for top performance. It is also supported by Colgate and Hunters and powered by Citi 97.3 FM.

It begins on the 5^th of March and ends on the 12^th of March.

More children to benefit from the Otumfuo Education Trust Fund

Vivo Energy Ghana, the award-winning licensee of the Shell brand in Ghana, has donated to the Otumfuo Education Trust Fund during a courtesy call on the King of the Asante Kingdom, His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

The donation, which amounted to GHS 20,000, will go towards catering to a myriad of educational needs for children in the country through the fund set up by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II. Vivo Energy Ghana, which recently reopened its newly refurbished Shell service station in Bantama, has long been invested in the cause of education in Ghana.

At the donation ceremony, the Managing Director of Vivo Energy Ghana, Mr. Ebenezer Faulkner, highlighted Vivo Energy Ghana’s long-standing support of the Otumfuo Education Fund and lauded the Asantehene’s initiatives in this domain.

“Vivo Energy Ghana is a passionate contributor to the Otumfuo Teacher’s Award which aims to motivate teachers from deprived communities in the country to promote academic excellence. In support of this honourable initiative, Vivo Energy Ghana is pleased to present GHS 20,000 to the Otumfuo Education Fund to support the advancement of education in the region, ultimately benefitting all Ghanaians.” he said.

His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was full of praise for Vivo Energy Ghana: “Vivo Energy Ghana has continuously supported the education fund over the years, aiding us greatly in our goal to provide quality education for all. As a business, it has also contributed significantly to the economic growth of the region through the expansion and upgrade of its Shell service stations and with this, the introduction of renowned quick service restaurants such as KFC and Starbites,” said the Asantehene.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also implored Vivo Energy Ghana to further support the government agenda of promoting private sector participation in the development of the nation.

Mr Eazi makes appearance on Billboard World Album Chart with ‘Accra To Lagos’

Mr Eazi’s mixtape ‘Accra To Lagos’ made an appearance at Number 4 on the Billboard World Charts for the week ending March 12. The list for Billboard World Album Chart is powered by downloads and listenings on Spotify.

This is yet another impressive feat for the Leg Over singer who makes stops by 50 world destinations with his Life is Eazi – DETTY World Tour.

The record, since its release earlier this month, has been subject to wide acclaim, with songs like 2 People, Detty Yourself, Tilapia, and Business all steadily becoming radio favourites. The project sees contribution from top Ghanaian and international acts including Olamide, Phyno, Medikal and DJ Cuppy with production from Del B, Yung Jon, Guiltybeats, Masterkraft and Adey.

PREGNANT WOMAN DIES IN A GHASTLY ACCIDENT AT BADORE

A pregnant woman lost her life after her car, a Camry FKJ 181 EG somersaulted, killing her immediately at Obadore, Lagos. She was on her way to refill her gas cylinder when the accident happened. Continue to see more photos from the scene of the incident after the cut.

South Africa deports 97 Nigerians

By Louis Ibah

South Africa has deported 97 Nigerians for the violation of the country’s immigration laws and for other criminal offences.
Immigration sources told Daily Sun that the deportees arrived the international wing of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Lagos late Monday night onboard a chartered aircraft marked GBB710 from Johannesburg, South Africa.
Those deported comprised 95 males and two females. It was learnt that while six of them were deported for alleged trading and consuming of illegal drugs in that country, 10 were arrested and deported for other minor criminal offences like being of violent or unruly behavior. The other 81 deportees had breached the immigration laws of the country, with the bulk on this category having overstayed their visas.
Those deported for drug and criminal offences were immediately handed over to the Nigerian Police for further prosecution while others with civil related cases were left to go home after being profiled by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS).
In recent weeks, Nigerians and Nigerian businesses have been targets of repeated xenophobic attacks in South Africa with the Nigerian government demanding for more protection for Nigerians residing in that country. The South African government has however promised to rid the country of all illegal immigrants and the deportation of the 97 Nigerians may just be the start in a series of deportation of hundreds of Nigerians residing illegally in South Africa.
The Nigerian government on its part has stepped up efforts in bringing back its citizens abused, trapped or stranded as illegal immigrants in Libya and Mali.

TV3 confirms sacking 32 staff members

Thirty-two staff of TV3 Network Limited have summarily been dismissed from the company for engaging in a series of action which management described as a “breach of the ethics and legal requirements” regarding the employer/employee relationship.

A statement signed by the Chief Executive Officer, Jimi Matthews, dated February 28, 2017 explained the affected staff who are from various departments including editorial, marketing and library “embarked on industrial action” without following the provisions of the Labour Act.

It said the staff took part in a series of action spanning about a week “without serving notice of their intentions to management and without providing management with an opportunity to engage with the aggrieved personnel.

“The actions included, but was not limited to, writing threatening statements on a staircase threatening dire action, hoisting of red flags on the transmission mast and other places inside the premises and subsequently wearing red attire and armbands signifying support for the disruption of the work process,” the statement added.

It explained further that “the impact of the industrial actions would have dire operational and financial implications on the company” which is the leading television station in the country. “Management after reviewing the actions have dismissed the staff members who were involved in the illegal action,” the statement added.

Meanwhile, management has advised all staff to use appropriate platforms to voice their grievances or seek redress, adding “breaches of laid down procedures would not be entertained”.

It also thanked the staff for their contribution to the company, which has over the years changed the face of television broadcast in Ghana.

(Video) Keyshia Cole ft Remy Ma & French Montana – You

After releasing the audio last month, Keyshia Cole returns with an official music video for her new Remy Ma and French Montana-single “You,” which is available on Apple Music now.

Watch above. Keyshia’s upcoming 1111 Reset album is expected to arrive this May via Epic Records.

DOWNLOAD VIDEO: Keyshia Cole ft Remy Ma & French Montana – You

FIRST LOOK AT THE NEW NOKIA 3310 RELAUNCHING LATER THIS YEAR (PHOTOS+VIDEO)

Nokia 3310: It only costs $52 to go back in time with Nokia‘s relaunched 3310 mobile phone. The phone was originaly launched 17 years ago in 2000 and sold over 120 millions units worldwide, making it one of the world’s best-selling mobile phones according to Mirror.

It’s features like long battery life, durability, and the addictive game Snake – made it a favourite in it’s time of reign.

The revamped Nokia 3310 was unveiled during HMD‘s press conference at Mobile World Congress 2017 (MWC) in Barcelona this week 2017 on Sunday, February 26th. HMD is the Finnish company with exclusive rights to market the Nokia brand.

Watch:

(Video) August Alsina – Lonely

August Alsina is preparing for the release of his DRUGS album, expected via Def Jam later this year, and now he drops off an official music video for his latest single “Lonely,” which is available on Apple Music now.

Watch above.

DOWNLOAD VIDEO: August Alsina – Lonely

‘Hidden City’ with DJ Vyrusky set for March 3

Legend has it that years ago, a bunch of students decided they wanted to party like no one’s business, redefine fun and challenge the normal order of announcing your venue way ahead of the event. And that is what came to represent the finest event ever organized in Accra with the signature of constantly wowing and impressing party lovers every single time.

This party, became ‘Hidden City’, the place where you get to unleash your fantasies and experience life as it is in the other cities that come to life without a hustle. With a track record that defined the lives of the classes of 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015, there are a thousand possibilities from drinks to music to experiences beyond your wildest dreams.

After demands and request from the class of 2017, the party is making a comeback that is poised to make a statement, establish an order and tell the stories of those who came before the class and the jams that made their lives at the tertiary level more than fun.

If fun is your ultimate definition of what a party is, then you have no option than DJ Vyrusky who continually keeps the dancefloor busy as the life of the party, Kojo Manuel and Sheldon who know it means to host a party. The fun fact about the 3 musketeers is that they have seen all the past ‘Hidden City’ to understand and appreciate the culture that has made party legends and defined social life on campus.

For the ballers, you get to jam like no one’s business from Vegas to London while sipping on Some Hennessy, Jägermeister, energy drinks to keep the party going, cans of Coca-Cola and that’s all for GH 1,000 for 6 people. You can also step it up to GH 1,500 with additional Hennessy and Fantinel Prosecco. Just call 050-339-4318

If this is your first time at ‘Hidden City’, come to make history and be a part of the journey and welcome to the good life. For the Old Gees, the legend lives on and nowhere close to ending. For those who don’t know, now you know. Come let’s jam, after all, you just have “Vivie Sus Fantasias”

(Video) Fabolous ft Lil Uzi Vert – Goyard Bag

Fabolous is getting ready to hit the road on Chris Brown’s upcoming The Party Tour, but first revisits his Summertime Shootout 2 mixtape by dropping a video for “Goyard Bag” featuring Lil Uzi Vert.

Watch the Gerard Victor and Spike Jordan-directed footage above and purchase a copy of the song on iTunes now.

DOWNLOAD VIDEO: Fabolous ft Lil Uzi Vert – Goyard Bag

Key! ft Omari Shakir – I Love You

Rome Fortune – Kanye, Beyonce

Rome Fortune’s sound and style seemingly evolves with every new release, and having recently signed to Fool’s Gold Records, we can see his creativity flowing even more freely. That’s clearly the case with “Kanye, Beyonce” his latest — and grooviest — single produced by Kaytranada, which has just been given the disco fever video it deserves.

Hit play below and live vicariously through Rome as he ditches his glued-to-her-iPhone girlfriend for a more dance floor-friendly cutie below, all while rocking a mean, multicolored beard.

Listen below.

DOWNLOAD MP3: Rome Fortune – Kanye, Beyonce

The Underachievers – Cobra Clutch

Man bags life imprisonment for raping ‘girlfriend’

An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti on Monday sentenced a 35-year-old man, Tope Odeyemi, to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of rape.

Justice Adekanye Ogunmoye convicted him after finding him guilty of sexually assaulting a 27-year-old woman and inflicting grievous bodily harm on her which led to her admission in a hospital.

According to Punch, the prosecution, led by the state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Owoseni Ajayi, told the court that the father of two committed the offence on September 4, 2014 in Iyin Ekiti.

The prosecution called five witnesses to prove his case while the defence counsel, Mr. Taiwo Adeloye, called two witnesses.

The state counsel also urged the court to convict Odeyemi based on the evidence laid before the court.

Adeloye urged the court to dismiss all the evidence of the prosecution against his client, describing them as weak.

The trial judge in his judgment pronounced the accused guilty based on his confessional statement and other corroborative evidence.

Kanye West ft The-Dream – Bed Yeezy Season 5

Blaqbonez – Last Time Under

Hennessy Vs Class alumni Blaqbonez is back With his Tape “Last Time Under” as promised after the release of Wave Boy and Rambo which featured Dremo and Vector. Its a seventeen track LP with 2 bonus tracks. With cosigns from M.I, Illbliss, Terry Tha Rapman, Dremo, Ycee, and many others the tape comes highly anticipated. its an amazing blend of New school Trap with Real rap, which could earn him the title ‘Leader Of the New school’. Listen and enjoy.

See why Tina Malone’s bikini body has people talking

British actress,Tina Malone showed off the results of her weight loss as she hit the beach in Spain.

The actress who had a gastric band fitted to help her transform her figure,stepped out with her size six body on display in a very revealing pink bikini.
There are mixed reactions to her display as many feel somethings are better left covered while others hail her for being confident and losing weight.

Images-www.iCelebTV.com

(Video) Timi Dakolo ft The Yard People – Medicine

Nigeria’s king of soul; Timi Dakolo has released the video for his latest single ‘Medicine’ produced by Cobhams Asuquo off his forthcoming album ‘Love and Consequences’ today; February 28, 2017.

The video; which features the artiste’s wife and children, pays tribute to wives who hold the Homefront and make all seem easy. The artiste plays a husband whose wife is off on a trip and must take care of the children. The artiste is unable to fill the vacuum left.

The hilarious video based on real events was shot by award-winning Clarence Peters.”

DOWNLOAD VIDEO: Timi Dakolo ft The Yard People – Medicine

(Video) Legendury Beatz ft Mr. Eazi – Heartbeat

Legendury Beatz ft. Mr. Eazi – HeartbeatStarboy’s super Producing duo, Legendury Beatz are on fiyah this year! Their “Afropop 101 Mixtape” is currently earning mad reviews with high level of good reception to majority of the songs on it.

We exclusively bring to you the visuals to one of the dope songs off the Afropop 101 Mixtape, Heartbeat featuring rave of the moment Mr. Eazi.

DOWNLOAD VIDEO: Legendury Beatz ft Mr. Eazi – Heartbeat

Pregnant Beyonce shares beautiful photos as she strikes poses with her baby bump

Beyoncé showed off her baby bump in beautiful photos she took before attending a pre-Oscar party on Saturday.

NIMASA DG seeks Nigeria’s lead in global maritime

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has urged Nigerians to partner with the agency to ensure a virile maritime industry as the activities of the agency impact on the lives of all Nigerians.

This is because virtually every product used by Nigerians comes through the sea and NIMASA is the government agency saddled with the responsibility of ensuring seamless and secured sea transportation, without negative impact on the environment.

The DG made this call during a breakfast meeting with media stakeholders in Lagos. He said that the essence of the agency’s continuous interaction with the media was in recognition of the role they play in information dissemination and in educating the public. He charged them on professionalism to generate sufficient and accurate information on issues to advance credible and reliable reportage to elicit trust and hope in the public.

He further urged them to use their platform to educate the public on the activities of NIMASA stating that it will create awareness on the Agency’s strides to advance the maritime industry for the growth of the Nigerian economy.

According to the DG “A lot of Nigerians have various misconceptions about NIMASA and its activities, hence the need for synergy with the media. We are regulating the maritime sector on behalf of Nigerians with the backing of the federal government to ensure that we advance our maritime sector. NIMASA is charged with the responsibility of regulating shipping activities and the promotion of indigenous shipping in Nigeria. 90% of world trade is by sea and 65% of vessels heading to Africa visit Nigeria. By this we have the responsibility of ensuring safe and secure transportation of goods and services to Nigeria” he said.

Dr. Peterside said that the present management of the Agency which was given the mandate of restructuring, repositioning and reforming the maritime sector by President Muhammadu Buhari through the Minister of Transportation, Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has taken strategic steps to ensure that the mandate is achieved in line with the Administration’s change Agenda.

In his words “to ensure that our mandate is achieved, we developed a medium term strategic plan with five pillars viz; Survey, inspection and certification transformation; environment, security, search and rescue transformation initiative; Digital transformation strategy; capacity building initiative and cultural and structural reform”.

The Director General noted that the steps taken are yielding results and this is evident in the reduction of piracy and other sea related crimes in the Nigerian territorial waters.

Dakuku also stated that the agency is in the process of rebranding and that the new NIMASA brand would be unveiled by President Buhari on April 20. This would coincide with the meeting of the Association of African Heads of Maritime Administrations to be hosted by the Agency in conjunction with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) in Abuja on April 19 and 20. The DG said with the hosting of the event, Nigeria is set to become a leading voice in the comity of maritime nations especially as the country seeks election into the Category C of the IMO Council seat in November, 2017.

Amina Mohammed sworn-in as UN Deputy Secretary-General

Ms Amina Mohammed, the immediate past Minister of Environment, has been sworn-in as the fifth Deputy Secretary-General of the UN at the UN Headquarters in New York on Tuesday.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres administered the oath of office to Mohammed.

“I want to say that I am extremely, very, very proud that you accepted to join our team. Thank you very much,” Guterres told Mohammed.

The Deputy UN chief, after her swearing-in, immediately swung into action by declaring open the 2017 Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Segment on Operational Activities for Development.

Her speech at the ECOSOC event was her first official engagement, followed by a brief press encounter with the UN Correspondents.

Mohammed, who was appointed by Guterres on Dec. 15, 2016, as his deputy, was supposed to have assumed office on Jan. 1, 2017.

She, however, delayed the assumption of her new role at the request of President Muhammadu Buhari to complete some ongoing responsibilities she was handling at that time.

The office of the UN Deputy Secretary-General was formally established by the General Assembly in 1997 to handle many of the administrative responsibilities of the Secretary-General.

As the fifth Deputy Secretary-General, Mohammed will help to manage the UN Secretariat operations, and “ensuring inter-sectoral and inter-institutional coherence of activities and programmes”.

She will also support the Secretary-General in elevating “the profile and leadership of the UN in the economic and social spheres, including further efforts to strengthen the UN as a leading centre for development policy and development assistance”.

In accepting the appointment, Mohammed had said she was humbled at the opportunity to serve humanity.

She added that “the opportunity and responsibility to serve people and planet as the next UN Deputy Secretary-General is truly humbling.

“I am most grateful for the confidence and trust demonstrated by the United Nations Secretary-General-designate António Guterres and President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The next phase of my continued service to the people of Nigeria at the global level, will certainly build on the rich insights and lessons drawn from engaging with leaders, colleagues and stakeholders across our beloved nation”.

She recalled her positions of responsibilities over the last three decades and her contributions to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and recently working for environment protection as part of Buhari administration’s vision to transform Nigeria.

Nigeria was represented at the swearing-in by the acting Charge d’Affaires of the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN, Mr Anthony Bosah, while other family members and top UN officials also attended the ceremony.

Mohammed served as UN Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Post-2015 Development Planning.

She was instrumental in bringing about the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including the SDGs.

Before joining the UN, Mohammed worked for three successive administrations in Nigeria, serving as Special Adviser on MDGs.

She provided advice on issues including poverty, public sector reform and sustainable development, and coordinating poverty reduction interventions.

(Source: NAN)

China beats target by lifting 12.4m out of poverty in 2016

China beat its annual target by lifting 12.4 million people out of poverty in 2016, official data showed Tuesday.

“The progress was partly due to large financial resources, amounting to more than 230 billion yuan (34.33 billion U.S. dollars), earmarked by the central and local budgets,” said Su Guoxia, spokesperson with the State Council Leading Group Office of Poverty Alleviation and Development.

“More than 30 million poor people from more than 900 counties benefited from these resources,” Su said.

China’s financial institutions issued 818.1 billion yuan of loans to aid the anti-poverty drive, and outstanding loans now total 2.49 trillion yuan.

About 8.01 million households have received micro-credit, worth a total of 283.3 billion yuan.

Su said that more financial resources would be added to tackle poverty in 2017 to ensure the government met its annual target to reduce poverty by 10 million people.

China has vowed to eradicate poverty in the country by 2020, when China to become a “moderately prosperous society.”

To meet this goal, China must lift 10 million people out of poverty each year from 2016 to 2020.

By the end of 2016, there were 45 million people living in poverty, many in areas without roads, clean drinking water or power.

(Source: Xinhua/NAN)

Africa’s largest wind power project on course for completion in time

Lake Turkana Wind Power (LTWP), Africa’s largest wind power plant, is currently in a position to produce up to 33 per cent of its expected target of 310 MW ahead of the 2017 deadline, officials said on Tuesday.

The firm’s General Manager, Phylip Leferink, said the remaining 20 turbines had already been delivered on site.

“A total of 347 out of 365 turbines had already been erected, a clear indication that the project is on course for completion as per its original plan by June.

“Assembling of the turbines began in March 2016 and all 365 are expected to be up and running by June.

“The total cost of the project is estimated at 700 million dollars,’’ Leferink said in a statement.

He added that the firm targets to have an annual generation capacity of 1.6 billion kilowatt hour (kWh), with the tariff rate set at 8.6 Kenyan shillings per kWh.

“A double circuit 400-kV, 438-km transmission line is currently being constructed by Kenya Electricity Transmission Company (KETRACO).

“The line will evacuate the electricity from the 40,000-acre wind farm to the national grid via the Suswa sub-station.

“On completion, the Marsabit-based wind firm, which is arguably the biggest wind farm on the continent, will produce enough energy to power an additional 1 million Kenyan households,’’ he said.

According to him, once Lake Turkana Wind Power is fully operational, it will add 310 MW of renewable generation capacity to Kenya’s grid.

Report says Kenya, which relies heavily on renewables such as geothermal and hydro-power, aims to expand installed capacity to about 6,700 MW by 2017, up from 1,700 MW in 2013.

(Source: Xinhua/NAN)

‎S’ Court affirms 14 years jail term for female human trafficker

From: Godwin Tsa, Abuja

After nine years of legal battle, the Supreme Court has affirmed the conviction of a human trafficker, Martina Opera, who has been sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for same offence.

Her journey to prison began in 2008 when she was arrested by operatives of National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

She was, accordingly, charged to court on a nine-count bordering procurement and movement from place to place of three girls; using and offering girls for prostitution in the country.

She was also charged for deceitful inducement of girls to go from Calabar to Sagamu and confinement and detention of girls for prostitution.

The said offences according to prosecution are contrary to sections 15(a) and section 19(a,b, and c) of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Law Enforcement and Administration Act 2003 (as amended in 2005).

Justice R. N. Ofili Ajumogobia of the Abeokuta division of a Federal High Court had on April 19, 2012, found her guilty of the charges and sentenced her to 14 years imprisonment with hard labour.

Not satisfied with the judgment, Opara approached the Court of Appeal, Ibadan Division which in 2014 in a unanimous decision dismissed the appeal for lacking merit.

Still not satisfied with the Appeal Court judgment, she went further to the Supreme Court.

In its unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Mary Odili, the Supreme Court dismissed the appeal and affirmed the decisions of the lower Courts.

Reacting to the Supreme Court judgment, Acting Director-General of NAPTIP, Mr. Abdulrazak Dangiri expressed delight that the matter has finally come to an end. He expressed the hope that the judgment would serve as a deterrent to human traffickers as the Agency was determined to follow all cases to a logical conclusion.

In a related development, a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has sentenced a 48 year old man to 12 years imprisonment for sexually abusing two boys.

Justice M. M. Kolo jailed the convict, Shehu Abubakar after he pleaded guilty of the two count charges preferred against him by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

The offences were rooted under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015.

The plea of the convict followed overwhelming evidence produced against him by the legal team of the Agency.

The sentence is to run concurrently.

Investigation revealed that the defendant who is a resident of Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Local Government Council, was arrested by the operatives of NAPTIP following a tip-off by some concerned residents who suspected the unholy relationship between him and the two boys.

It was learnt that the convict harboured the two boys, age between 14 and 15 years old in his apartment with the pretence of providing accommodation for them and in the process had canal knowledge of them continuously through their anus.

This conviction brings to two the convictions secured by the Agency under the Violence Against Person Prohibition (VAPP) Act 2015.

Reacting to this conviction, Acting Director-General of NAPTIP, Mr. Abdulrazak Dangiri expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the case. He however, added that the Agency will not rest on its laurels in dealing with the issues of violence against persons in Abuja.

Soludo, Utomi want Nnamdi Kanu released immediately

Former Central Bank Nigeria Governor Dr Chukwuma Soludo, and Professor of Economics Patrick Utomi, have called for the immediate release of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The leaders under the aegis of ‘Nzuko Umunna’, a pan-Igbo group, also called for the release of his colleagues who are in jail.

They declared that Nigeria was more divided now than before.

Delivering the statement of the group in Abuja on Tuesday, Soludo condemned the killing of IPOB members in the south-east.

Amnesty International had put the number of pro-Biafra protesters killed by security agents at 150.

He also called for an investigation of the killings.

“We are a delegation of Nzuko Umunna, a pan-Igbo group,‎” he said.

‎”We visited Nnamdi Kanu to hear his own point of view as well as share our own point of view with him.

“We believe that Nigeria has the potential to be great, and like most countries has its own challenges.

“Nigeria has never been more divided than now. Most discerning patriots have come to the conclusion that Nigeria has currently structured is destined to be a failed state‎.

“It is our considered view that most of the agitation is in response to a looting elite. We do not condone violence.

“We note that in 2015 Nigerians voted for change. As the ruling party, the APC has it duty to deliver to the Nigerian people.

“So far APC seems to have abandoned its cardinal duty to Nigeria.

‎”We are in a state of emergency at all levels.

‎”We demand the urgent release of Nnamdi Kanu, and his colleagues as part of the process of engineering a new Nigeria.

“No citizen of Nigeria deserves the treatment that is being meted to Nnamdi Kanu and his colleagues‎. Nnamdi Kanu is not above the law, and he should not be put below the law.”

Frankie Seeka – “Boys Oye”

Boys Oye

Noblewayz Entertainment presents, Franklin Chibuzor Isika who is better known by his stage name Frankie Seeka is a Nigerian Rapper, Singer and Song Writer from Ubulu Uku Delta State.

He records in the Nigerian pidgin English, English, Igbo and Yoruba languages. He was born in Delta state but moved to Lagos at a very young age and grew up in Fadeyi and the Mushin environs, the reason he tends to use the term ‘Mushin Boy’ is his songs.

His stage name Frankie Seeka was culled from his real name. Download, Share and Enjoy!

DOWNLOAD Frankie Seeka – “Boys Oye”

Wande Coal – SnapDatShit (Cover)

Unknown Gunmen Attack Aba, Kill Three Bakassi Boys

Unknown gunmen today, shot three Bakassi (Vigilante) boys in broad daylight along Aba Owerri road, Aba.

The incident which took place before MCC Junction, opposite Seven Day Adventist Church (Sabbath) by Toonak claimed the life of three vigilante men.

According to reports, the vigilante group disrupted the gunmen operation when they attempted to kidnapp a wealthy businessman by Tonimas, opposite Bicoz Filling Station, along Enugu/Port Hacourt express way.

Irked by the action of the Vigilante group, the hoodlums went on a rampage by tracing the Hilux of the vigilante men, double-crossed their vehicle and taking the vigilante men unawares, killing three on the spot.

We gathered that two of the vigilante officers who fled the scene survived, but are currently receiving treatment at the Teaching Hospital in Aba.

Style connoisseurs and maverick-minded guests converged and made their way to one of the most exclusive private resorts in Ilashe with the sole aim of relaxing and having an extraordinary time of their lives. Hosted by Ayana Events, House of Haze; guests left the Lagos shoreline from the Fiki Marine waterfront and headed to the Badagry creeks at the picturesque beach house.

Sponsored by Glenfiddich Whisky, the event saw DJ Shabsy of Soundcity churning out the hits one after the other and kept the crowd dancing all afternoon. If you missed this edition, see all the fun pictures below and be on the lookout for the next edition coming soon…..

Follow Glenfiddich on social media for more info and invites http://ift.tt/2lkhTs8