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    I Am LAYCON breaks streaming record in Nigeria
    By Taiye Olayemi

    I Am LAYCON, a reality series which premiered Feb. 10 on showmax has broken the Nigerian record for the most viewed show on its first day on Showmax.

    This was disclosed in a statement that was made available to Journalists in Lagos by Showmaxs Public Relations Officer in Nigeria, Onna Okafor.

    It said the reality series, which is the first Showmax original shot, produced in Nigeria, has the highest first-day views for any show ever on the streaming service in Nigeria, including other popular reality shows like Big Brother Naija and Mercy

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    Nigerian rapper RayEm releases two new singles
    By Femi Ogunshola

    Nigerian rapper and singer, Raymond Emamezi, with the stage name RayEm is back with two new singles, Courage and ndale after a long break.

    Emamezi in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, said courage is a motivational trap song that addressed the artistes fears and his desires as a human.

    On the other hand, ndale is an Afro-fusion gem with an Amapiano-esque beat inspired by the popular chant of a cartoon character, Speedy Gonzales, he said.

    It would be recalled that RayEm released a raving party track Mama Roll in 2012 and a remix featuring esteemed rapper, Yung6ix.

    A lot of people cheer my new and unique sound which is a laid back calm style of rapping and singing, he said.

    He described his style as a breath of fresh air when up tempo songs had become the trend.

    RayEm said that he was back and set to share a new and improved version of himself, adding that Courage and ndale are available on all music platforms.

    The Delta born rapper, is known to combine the arts of rapping and singing, guiding his listeners with an often laid back flow, packed with true-to-life lyrics. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    Victor Okhai emerges new DGN president
    By Mateen Badru

    Victor Okhai has emerged the new President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria (DGN).

    Okhai, a producer, script writer and cinematographer, emerged winner after gaining 110 of the 159 votes from members of the guild across the country and in diaspora.

    Okhai, while addressing members of the guild after being declared winner on Sunday night at the DGN Secretariat, Surulere, promised to restructure the movie industry and also restore the dignity of the guild.

    Today is a historic day. I believe its the dawn of a new era. About 23 years ago, along with five others, I was a co-founder of this guild.

    We started out with a vision for the kind of industry and guild we had in mind. So much has happened over the years, we have had some great leaders and they have done their best.

    The truth is the director, who is in the hierarchy of the production chain, is first among equals. The state of the director in Nigeria today needs so much to be desired.

    We are not only going to bring back and refocus the vision that we had initially, but we will restore the dignity of the director not just in Nigeria but in the continent, he said.

    Okhai said that the new executive was a great team and would together succeed in steering the DGN right.

    According to him, the challenge ahead is great, the expectation is high.

    Unless we hit the ground running, the euphoria or the honeymoon will be over even before it starts.

    I want to assure not only the directors, but also colleagues in the film industry that it is a new dawn. Together, we are going to take the industry to a new level.

    There are no two standards, the honeymoon is over for Nollywood, the days when people came from abroad to look at us like monkeys in the zoo is all over.

    Right now, nobody will take your film unless you can meet international standard. No one will lower these standards.

    We are going to make sure that the art and craft of film making in Nigeria is elevated and taking to its rightful place.

    We recognise that for you to compete globally, we must be of the best practices and thats what we intend to do, he said.

    Okhai commended Fred Amata, the outgoing President, for making way for a peaceful election and keeping the guild together all the while.

    I am not unaware of the challenges he went through. In spite of all, he has been able to pull through and bring us here today. he said.

    Okhai also commended his fellow contestants and the electoral committee for conducting a free and fair election.

    In his remarks, the outgoing President of the DGN, Fred Amata, said that the DGN election was a peaceful transition which exhibited the professionalism of the guild.

    He urged members of the guild and stakeholders in the entertainment industry to support the new president in taking the industry to a new level.

    It is a great time to say to the world that no matter how deeply tested, DGN transition will always be peaceful.

    In the past four years, it has been a turbulence reign, trying to steer the ship of this most prestigious guild with members of intellectual standards.

    Every director is a captain of his ship, therefore, it becomes more complicated to be a captain of captains.

    Today we have come to a resounding conclusion from six zones spread all over the country including members in diaspora.

    We have been able to elect a new president for the DGN, Mr Victor Okhai, and all he needs now is our support. He is a man capable of steering this DGN ship of restless, creatives and insurmountable professionals, he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the DGN election took place in six zones including Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Asaba, Benin and Port Harcourt.

    Members of the guild who contested for the post of DGN president were Kehinde Soaga, MacCollins Chidebe and Yinka Akanbi.

    Contestants for other executive posts of the guild were, however, elected unopposed after gaining more than two third of the overall votes.

    Tony Akposheri was elected the Vice President, Uchenna Agbo is the National Secretary, Osita Okoli as Director of Finance and Perekeme Odon as the Public Relations Officer.

    Others include Prince Isaac Kolawole as the Welfare/Social Officer and Dan Chukwueze as the Provost.

    DGN has so far enthroned six presidents namely Matthias Obahiagbon, Fidelis Duker, Bond Emeruwa, Andy Amenechi and the outgoing Fred Amata. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    2021 Abuja Lawyers League to kick off May 15  Organisers
    By Priscilla Osaje

    The Abuja Lawyers League (ALL), an annual football competition, will begin on May 15, according to the organisers.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that thecompetition is aimed at cresting an environment for lawyers to socialise outside the courtrooms.

    The chief host of the 2021 ALL, Yakubu Maikyau, said he would work with the organisers to achieve their objective of holding a very remarkable event.

    We accepted to work with them on plans they already had, to ensure that they achieve the set objectives in 2021.

    We will continue to support and partner with them. I can see from the summary of what they have achieved since 2017 and the story has been from one level of progress to another, he said.

    Maikyau noted that sports provided a platform for better interaction among colleagues, and itis one moment we put all our differences behind, especially in football.

    In it, there is no religious sentiment and ethnic bigotry. All the prejudice that seems to divide us are consumed with our interest in sports, he added.

    Maikyau who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) explained that sports fosters unity and cooperation and offered citizens an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the nation.

    The competition chief host also urged Nigerians to change their lifestyle and engage in regular exercising to achieve physical fitness.

    He disclosed that he had participated in medical outreach and partnered with South Americans in collaboration with the Nigeria Medical and Dental Council.

    They deploy their personnel who volunteer in medical outreaches together with doctors and nurses from the University College Hospital Ibadan, Maikyau said.

    He commended the Kebbi Government for their collaboration and support, saying they would extend the medical outreach across the state.

    This is an opportunity and my colleagues and I will be part of it.

    Speaking earlier, Olujimi Olujide, the Principal Head of members of the competitions Organising Committee, appreciated Maikyau for his gesture.

    He further praised him for also deeming it fit to be their host this year.

    The media conference/official unveiling of the host is to formally communicate to the world that this years competition is named after the host, Maikyau, Olujide said.

    He added that the idea of ALL was conceived in 2017 and that it had grown exceedingly among lawyers in Abuja and the country in general.

    In 2017, it started with six teams with the coming together of 30 persons.

    In 2018, we had it in honour of Lateef Fagbemi, a SAN, and the competition was known as LOF Cup, while in 2019 we had it in honour of Akinolu Olujinmi and it was called the Kacos cup.

    Last year was a blank competition known as Abuja Lawyers League, Olujide said.

    He explained that the last event was remarkable due to the ground-breaking achievement of the first Abuja Lawyers League Gala/Awards Night, where prizes were presented to players and sponsors.

    The official noted that the lawyers league was a platform for lawyers to interact and get in touch with the reality of all they had, in terms of help and sports activities.

    We have grown to reaching more lawyers over the years, because in 2017 we had six teams, and in 2018 10 teams, while in 2019 and 2020 we had 14 teams, he added.

    Olujide said the plans to have medical outreach for lawyers was quite necessary.

    He disclosed that the medical team that would offer certain level of free medical services and advice to lawyers would be a great development.

    Also, as part of our corporate social responsibilities as a football organisation, we have gone to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp at Durumi to donate some relief materials and we intend to do more. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    NPFL: Kano Pillars chairman optimistic of victory against Rangers
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that both teams will clash in a Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) Match Day 14 fixture at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.

    Kaduna has been the clubs adopted home sincethe Sani Abacha Stadium became a temporary COVID-19 isolation centre.

    As an experienced team, Kano Pillars will ensure that Rangers are defeated to keep our hopes of winning the league alive.

    Rangers are a good team with history, and as such we will not take chances and we will try as much as possible to win the game and reclaim top spot.

    We share third position with them with 23 points from 13 games played so far, and I am sure that we will overcome them, Shuaibu said.

    He also said playing away from home had not affected the team in any way as the players were all professionals who could adapt to any situation.

    It is a source of worry to know that our sports-loving fans are not with us when we are playing because we are playing away from home.

    However, we are used to our adopted home of Kaduna, because we are professionals and I am an optimistic person, the club chairman added.

    He pointed out that the signing of seven new players and the synergy between the players and the coaches have had great impacted on their performance this season.

    Shuaibu commended the Kano State Government for the motivation and welfare extended to the players and management so far.

    Kano Pillars which occupy third position have 23 points from 13 matches played so far.

    They have won seven matches, drew two and lost four games. (NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    U20 AFCON: Ghana beat debutants Uganda to clinch fourth title
    On the day that their country celebrated the 64th Independence Day, Ghanas Black Satellites delivered the ultimate gift, the Total Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after a 2-0 win over debutants Uganda in the final in Nouakchott on Saturday.

    Skipper Daniel Afriyie led from the front and had a military salute dance to celebrate on each occasion, as Ghana clinched their fourth Under-20 continental title, and a first since their last conquest in 2009.

    The media outlet of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) reported on its website that the Black Satellites replicated the same score-line the two countries posted when they last met in a continental final, this being in the 1978 senior Cup of Nations.

    By design or coincidence, it was also another Afriyie, this time Opoku, who scored twice for the senior Ghanaians.

    Ghana went to the break a goal in hand, and deservedly so after coming off an early scare to score through Afriyie. Uganda were faster off the blocks and should have scored after three minutes when a long ball caught the run of Derrick Kakooza, but his lob over the keeper went over.

    Almost immediately, Uganda had another chance with Isma Muguusis grass cutter going wide.

    But after dodging the bullet twice, the Ghanaians woke up from their slumber.

    They had the bar denying them twice in succession off an Abdul Fatawu Issahaku corner. First, Percious Boahs connection came off the bar and from the rebound, Nathaniel Adjei also sent a shot across the bar.

    The Ugandans were jittery in defending set pieces and Ghana constantly sought out corners but couldnt stretch the lead further. Fatawu tried to open up the deadlock with a well taken freekick from distance, but Jack Komakech had it covered.

    The Ugandans ultimately faltered on a setpiece, Afriyie sneaking in at the near post to flick in a header off Fatawus corner.

    It was just the goal they needed as they played with more confidence and Uganda looked stunned and panicky and for some moments, forgot their ball playing nature.

    Ghana took the opportunity to pile up pressure and they had another go at goal in the 31st minute but Patrick Mensahs low shot from 20 yards out was well saved by the keeper.

    The Black Satellites needed just five minutes into the second half to dent any Ugandan hopes of a comeback, Afriyie completing his brace.

    Fatawu pinched the ball off Steven Sserwadda in midfield before playing Boah out wide, the striker cutting back a cross into the box which his captain delightfully tapped into an unguarded net.

    Four minutes on the turn, Sserwadda had an opportunity to atone for his error when Mugulusis cross from the right found him unmarked inside the box, but he hooked his header over the bar.

    Uganda coach Morley Byekwaso went for a change in formation, Ivan Bogere and Samuel Senyonjo coming on for the off color Richard Basangwa and Ivan Asaba. With the change, Senyonjo joined Kakooza upfront for a twin-striking option.

    Bogere was lively after coming on and he should have had a goal to his name in the 70th minute when the ball graciously landed on him inside the box, but his shot on the turn was too week, keeper Danlad Ibrahim collecting with ease.

    Uganda kept the hunt for the two goals, but couldnt crack to score with Ghana seeing out the result for a jubilant end to a happy Independence Day. (PANA/NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    U-19 boys volleyball championship: Cameroon defeat Gambia 3-0
    By Georgina Adegbie/Aderonke Ojo

    Cameroons under-19 boys volleyball team on Sunday defeated their Gambian counterparts 3-0 at the ongoing African Nations Volleyball Championship in Abuja.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that, in the match at the indoor sports hall of Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Cameroon displayed a good performance to win comprehensively.

    Cameroon won the first set 25-18, 25-19 in the second set and 25-16 in the third set.

    Speaking after the match, the head coach of Gambia, Marie Wadda, said it was a wonderful game they were not expecting to lose.

    My boys did not do well in the three sets of the match. Our performance was not alright, and it was unfortunate that wevdid not win their game.

    Our centre was not working at all and we were having blocking errors.

    The Cameroonian side were playing outside attack and our blockers could not contain them.

    But if we had won our last game, by now we will be talking about the preparation for the World Cup, she said.

    On his part, Cameroons coach, Emmanuel Wadawa, said he was overwhelmed with the performance of his teams in the championship.

    Today is our day. First, the girls defeated Nigeria 3-0 in the first game and the boys team just beat the Gambian team.

    They listened to all the instructions we gave them and it worked well for us.

    We are happy that we won our last game. This is a successful and fruitful outing for us, and we have made our country proud, he said.

    The Under-18 Girls and Under-19 Boys African Nations Volleyball Championship which started on Thursday is expected to end on Tuesday.(NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    Buckingham Palace to investigate bullying allegations against Meghan
    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are reclaiming their narrative after the United Kingdoms Times newspaper published a buzzy report about a bullying complaint allegedly filed from inside Kensington Palace, reports on Thursday said.

    According to the Times, a former communications secretary to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their stint at Kensington, reportedly alleged in 2018 that toxic behavior by Meghan forced two personal assistants to leave their positions.

    The development, according to the report, negatively affected another palace employee.

    The Duchess is saddened by this latest attack on her character, particularly as someone who has been the target of bullying herself and is deeply committed to supporting those who have experienced pain and trauma, a spokesperson for Meghan and Prince Harry wrote in a statement provided to the Los Angeles Times.

    She is determined to continue her work building compassion around the world and will keep striving to set an example for doing what is right and doing what is good.

    On Wednesday, Buckingham Palace announced plans to investigate the accusations leveled against Meghan, according to The Associated Press.

    In a statement, the palace said it was clearly very concerned about the situation and vowed to look into the circumstances outlined in the article.

    The Royal Household has had a Dignity at Work policy in place for a number of years and does not and will not tolerate bullying or harassment in the workplace, the palace said.

    Per People magazine, the complaint allegedly filed by Jason Knauf claimed that Meghans alleged conduct brought one of her staffers to tears and caused a royal aide to physically shake at the prospect of interacting with the Duchess.

    The Times report comes days before the Sussexes intimate conversation with TV mogul Oprah Winfrey is scheduled to air on CBS, and the timing of the leaked allegations was not lost on the Duke and Duchess.

    Lets just call this what it is a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation, the royal couple said in a statement to Britains Times, according to People.

    We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of The Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet.

    Its no coincidence that distorted several-year-old accusations aimed at undermining The Duchess are being briefed to the British media shortly before she and The Duke are due to speak openly and honestly about their experience of recent years.

    During their highly anticipated interview with Winfrey, teased by CBS earlier this week and set to air Sunday, Harry told the OWN founder he was relieved and happy to be sitting here talking to you with my wife by my side.

    I cant begin to imagine what it must have been like for [my mother] going through this process by herself all those years ago, Harry said as a photo of his younger self and the late Princess Diana appeared on the screen.

    Because its been unbelievably tough for the two of us, he said.

    While appearing on The Late Late Show last month, the Duke also offered his thoughts on Netflixs hit historical drama The Crown, which portrayed the debilitating toll royal life took on Diana (played by Golden Globe winner Emma Corrin) in its most recent season.

    When asked for his opinion on the series while cruising through his new home of L.A., Harry told TV host James Corden that its dramatisations are loosely based on the truth and provide viewers with a rough idea about what that lifestyle, what the pressures of putting duty and service above everything else, what can come from that.

    Im way more comfortable with The Crown than I am seeing the stories being written about my family, my wife, or myself, he told Corden. (tca/dpa/NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    Austrian coy to contribute 5m more vaccine doses to EU
    An Austrian company has managed to increase its production and will contribute 5 million more Coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine doses to the European Union (EU), said Chancellor Sebastian Kurz.

    Kurz said this at a news conference in Vienna on Friday.

    Polymun Scientific, a company specialising in the production of lipid nanoparticles for the BioNtech/Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine, would increase its production from more than 15 million to 20 million doses for the EU by the summer, said Kurz.

    I am pleased that we have succeeded in securing the delivery of five million additional doses with the help of the EU and thus 100,000 more vaccination doses for us in Austria, he said.

    He noted that Austria is still waiting for the ketchup bottle effect in other words, enough doses to vaccinate as many people as possible quickly.

    He also explained that his meeting on Thursday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Danish counterpart Mette Frederiksen had focused on joint vaccine production for the coming years.

    Regarding vaccine procurement, the chancellor said that talks are currently being held with Russia and China.

    According to him, everything that helps in this phase is good, because it is not about geopolitical issues, but how to save as many lives as possible and return to normal as quickly as possible. (Xinhua/NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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    Desert locust invasion destroys massive cropland in Ethiopia  UN
    Around 365,015 hectares of cropland have been destroyed by a desert locust invasion, the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) has disclosed.

    Ethiopia is experiencing its worst desert locust outbreak in 25 years, which exacerbates an already alarming food security and nutrition situation, the UNOCHA said in a press statement issued Friday.

    The desert locust invasion has so far damaged 365,015 hectares of cropland across multiple regions, devastating crops and livelihoods in at least 76 localities in the country, the office added.

    The UNOCHA report warned desert locust infestation could persist for much of the rest of 2021, with incidences of swarms causing damage to crops and pasture.

    The UNOCHA report also disclosed since the first wave of desert locust invasion was detected at the end of 2019, it has spread to more than 170 localities, which are home to more than 16 million people.

    Since 2019, Ethiopia has been suffering from the worst desert locust invasion in about 25 years, affecting major crop-producing parts of the country.

    The desert locust, which is considered as the most dangerous of the nearly one dozen species of locusts, is a major food security peril in desert areas across 20 countries, stretching from West Africa all the way to India, covering nearly 16 million square km, according to the United Nations. (Xinhua/NAN)

    Source: NAN News

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