Debie Rise Celebrates Birthday In Style As She Drops New Music

Debie Rise, one of the runner ups of BBNaija 2017 is celebrating her birthday today and she is full of gratitude to God for her life.

The talented singer shared a post on Instagram talking about her past experiences and how with the help of God she has managed to achieve a lot.

She also talked about her EP which she titled “Temi The Riser” which is set to drop today, the 20th of December.

In her words on Instagram: “This time last year I was in a “Dark Place” but God has really lifted me..
I know my story (the real story), but my life today is a testimony of God’s Faithfulness.
Whatever it is, pls hold on to that dream, God is able to help you RISE ABOVE GENERAL EXPECTATIONS (R.A.G.E).
I am Debie The Riser!!! Do we have other Risers?? Mandy The Riser!!!”

 By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

Edo State Festival: Painting the Town with Culture

The festivities continues with a spice of mental development as a seminar centered around Education on Edo Culture was held at Imaguero Culture Hall on the 19^th of December, 2017 as regards to #Edofest 2017. Some of the speakers present at the seminar were Hon. Osaze Osemwegie – Ero, Commissioner for Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Affairs, Dr Osagie Obayuwana, Commissioner of Justice, Dr S.O Igbinedion and so many others.

The much talked about Edo festival #Edofest started on the 17^{th of} December, 2017, in a grand style with an open procession from Ramat Park all the way to King Square Ring Road Benin City. His Excellency, the deputy speaker of Edo State, Phillip Shaibu, commissioner of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Diaspora Hon. Osaze Osemwegie - Ero, crown prince of Benin kingdom, Hon Ogbeide Ihama, members representing the good people of Oredo at the Federal house of Representative, Nollywood Movie Director Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, Desmond Elliot, other Nollywood actors and dignitaries joined the Carnival procession. Edo rich cultural heritage was displayed with Benin cultural dance troupe another groups.

On the 18^th December, 2017, it was a display of different cultural troupes at the palace of His Royal Majesty of Benin, Oba Ewuare II N’ Ogidigan of the 18 Local Governments of Edo State. The rich cultural heritage of Edo state was displayed for the delight of all. His Royal Majesty of Benin, The Commissioner for Art and Culture Hon. Osaze Osemwegie - Ero, Nollywood film producer Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen and other Nollywood stars were also there to grace the occasion together with other dignitaries in the society.

Edofest is scheduled to end on 21^st December, 2017 with an entertainment and award night

 By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

Enrique Iglesias and Anna Kournikova Welcome Twins

42-year-old singer, Enrique Iglesias and his 36-year-old, former Tennis player girlfriend, Anna Kournikova are now parents. Anna delivered of a set of twins in Miami on Saturday. The children, a boy and a girl have been reportedly named Nicholas and Lucy.

Some friends have said that they were taken unawares by the news but are happy for the very private couple.

The couple have been dating since 2001 after she featured in Enrique’s Escape music video.This will be their first kids since the relationship began.

On whether they will get married, Anna once said that she doesn’t want to get married but is comfortable staying in a committed relationship.

Anna, tennis career was cut short by spinal problems while her Spanish songwriter boyfriend, Enrique is behind the evergreen song, Hero.

 By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

Burna Boy’s Court Case Adjourned To December 29

Two days ago, information that Nigeria’s reggae-dancehall star, Damini Ogulu who is popularly known as Burna Boy presented himself to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters to explain his side of the robbery incident at Eko Hotels and Suites against fellow musician, Mr 2Kay.

The music star who has maintained his innocence in the matter pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge at the Ikeja Magistrate Court and was granted a bail of N100,000 with two sureties by Mrs. B.O Osusanmi, the presiding Magistrate.

However, the Police Commissioner, Edgal Imohimi has said that the sum of N50,000 was paid to the gang before the job was done by his manager, Joel Kantiock and N50,000 by Burna Boy after the job was done.

Mr 2Kay was robbed of valuables worth over N9 million.

Meanwhile, his concert which was billed to start yesterday has been affected by the issue.

The case was adjourned till December 29 for further hearing

By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

Igwe of Goals - Football legend, Thierry Henry

You have just to love Football legend, Thierry Henry. The star who is in Nigeria to meet with the winners of the Guinness “Be a Front Row Fan” promotion  as well as fans has been getting a taste of the Nigerian life.

The star who has openly declared his love for Nigerian Jollof was seen yesterday fully clothed in an Igbo regalia after being crowned the Igwe (Igbo word for King) of Goals.

He professed his admiration for former teammate and football legend, Kanu Nwankwo describing him as “underrated”. Also, fans had the chance to watch a West Brom EPL game against Manchester United with Henry at the Landmark Event Centre.

Henry is a player who has made his mark in football history. He was active in professional football between and 1994-2010 and is presently the second assistant manager of Belgium’s national team.

By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

“Trends” A Thing?

Once upon a time, suede was dated, flare trousers were the uniform, and almost every man owned a leather jacket. Fast forward to 2017, suede is sexy, flare trousers are considered a nod to individualism, and leather jackets are a statement.

A rise in feminism and individualism has eliminated condemn, and the ferocious rise of the voices from the media and individuals have made something that would normally be considered bad, seem cool, and something that would be presumably tacky like sequins seem fabulous.

In fashion, there seem to be no boundary anymore. Vintage is fresh and modern is timeless. Cold shoulders for the last five years have been a thing. Outfits no longer die fully like they used to.

21st-century superstars like Rihanna and Pharell have defined style in modern days. Both artistes are gender fluid when it comes to clothes, and time is no limit.

Trends, like style, have become so eternal they no longer exist. There seem to no longer be a seasonal style. What is in today is still in tomorrow.

By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

The World’s First “Flushable Pregnancy Test” coming 2018

Last Monday, the world of medicine to another step forward as the Food And Drugs Administration cleared Lia, the world’s first biodegradable pregnancy test. Lia is set to enter the market towards the middle of 2018 and will be sold at all relevant stores and outlets.

Normal pregnancy tests are made of plastic and should be discarded after use. Lia makes all the difference because it’s made out of biodegradable paper which means it can be bent or folded. It also disperses water which makes it perfect for flushing down the toilet when it has been used.

Lia was born from the minds of Bethany Edwards and Anna Simpson, who began working on the idea as graduate students in the University of Pennsylvania’s Integrated Product Design program. Their aim was to create a pregnancy test that was discreet and environmentally friendly without compromising on quality.

On Lia’s website, they promise more than 99 percent accuracy which means it’s on the same level with top brands of its plastic alternative.

By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

Manage Your Skin this Harmattan

It is December and we are sure you all are excited as we are.  But alongside the excitement of the festive period, comes fear of how best to manage ones skin.

While other parts of the world are suffering from the winter cold, some African countries like Nigeria and others are suffering from the Harmattan season.

This season brings dry and dusty winds that come from the Sahara and make its way through the continent over the Gulf of Guinea. During this time humidity levels drop significantly lower and the air is much cooler.

Below are some tips to ensure you maintain healthy skin during harmattan.

1. Cleanse Daily
Washing your face may seem like basic knowledge, but there are people who go to sleep without doing it. You should wash every morning and never go to bed without continuing your daily skin regimen, which includes cleansing and moisturizing.

 Washing your face with a mild soap gets rid of the heavy layer of grime on your face that has settled in your pores through the day. Also avoid harsh soaps with detergents in them because they will only strip natural oils and make your face drier.

2.  Water

The air is dry as the humidity level has dropped drastically and if you must escape the harshness of the dry weather, you must stay hydrated; it’s the best way to still keep that healthy glow.

Make sure you drink more water and take a cold or lukewarm bath as often as possible; try as much to stay away from hot baths, they strip your skin of oils and you don’t want to dry out your skin.

You also want to take lots of fruits and veggies that have a robust deposit of water like cucumber and watermelon.

3. Exfoliate

Many of us tend to ditch our scrubs during the harmattan but have you ever wondered how the much needed moisture will get into your skin with those dead skin cells in the way? One way to scrub and not dry your skin out is to make a DIY sugar and honey scrub.

You can also make use of any other scrub that is not too harsh.

4. Moisturize

It is super important to moisturize your skin and lip. You don’t want to go around with your skin so dry and unnatural.

Concentrate on using moisturizers that are rich in natural butters and oils.  Here’s how to make sure you get the best out of your moisturizers during the harmattan; make sure you moisturize immediately after your shower when your body is still very wet so you can trap the moisture (water).

Also, ensure to always keep hand cream in your purse just in case a stubborn part of your skin gets easily affected by the harsh weather.

5. Pay attention to your clothes

You also need to be careful about the fabrics you wear. If at all you want to layer, please keep the softer fabrics near your skin so your skin can still breathe. Do not pile up different fabrics in a bid to chase cold. This would only make your skin suffer.

6. Eat Healthy Fats

Not all types of fat are bad for you. There are healthy fats you can consume without the fear of excess cholesterol and also can be heart-healthy. Healthy fats give you energy. You can get healthy fat from polyunsaturated fats such as in nuts, seeds, vegetable oils such as corn and safflower oil, and fatty fish. Avocados are also a great source of healthy fats.

7. Remember Your Hands and Lips

Your hands and lips are the most vulnerable areas of your body during the harmattan season. As a result, you need to take extra care of these areas as we tend to swipe out the moisture from them very frequently, like when we eat, or visit the bathroom. Make sure that you have your lip balm and your hand lotion handy.

 By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

Rock Star, Johnny Hallyday Passes on

Johnny Hallyday died at 74 on Wednesday, December 6, after a battle with cancer.

He was called the “French Elvis”; the singer helped popularise rock ‘n roll in his country.

Described by French President Emmanuel Macron as a vibrant icon, Hallyday’s career spanned more than half a century, selling more than 100 million records.

His early music brought rock and roll to French shores and earned him an army of fans throughout the French-speaking world.

In later days, he was celebrity royalty, gracing the covers of magazines, and became known for his elaborate stage performances.

Hallyday said in a 2012 interview:

"I always try to do shows that are a little bit different compared to the ones that I did before. But yes, I do try and do things that are out of the ordinary with nice lights and special effects, screens, anything that can make people dream."

Hallyday had been preparing a new album and stage tour when news of treatment for respiratory problems in a Paris hospital was announced last month

By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

 

Bitcoin charges past $14,000

Bitcoin ploughed past $14,000 to a fresh record on Thursday as investors continued to pile in, triggering a warning the cryptocurrency was “like a charging train with no brakes” that would inevitably slip back.

It touched a new high of $14,485 before slipping back to $14,398 in Asian afternoon trade, according to Bloomberg News.

The rally came just a day after the virtual currency, which has been used to buy everything from an ice cream to a pint of beer, hit the $12,000 mark for the first time.

Bitcoin — which came into being in 2009 as a bit of encrypted software and has no central bank backing it — has risen from a 2017 low of $752 in mid-January, and surged dramatically in the past month.

The increased interest has been driven by growing acceptance among traditional investors of an innovation once considered the preserve of computer nerds and financial experts.

US regulators last week cleared the way for Bitcoin futures to trade on major exchanges, including the world’s biggest futures centre the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME).

But some, including the US Federal Reserve, have warned against dabbling in Bitcoin as it could threaten financial stability, and fears of a bubble have increased as the price has soared.

“Bitcoin now seems like a charging train with no brakes,” said Shane Chanel, from Sydney-based ASR Wealth Advisers. “There is an unfathomable amount of new participants piling into the cryptocurrency market.”

But he warned: “Once the hype slows down, we will most certainly see some sort of correction.”

Chris Weston, chief market strategist at IG, also predicted “downside moves” in future.

“When the price does turn and there is confusion, even panic…. then watch the short sellers come out in droves,” he said.

Transactions happen when heavily encrypted codes are passed across a computer network.

Bitcoin and other virtual currencies use blockchain, which records transactions that are updated in real time on an online ledger and maintained by a network of computers.

But it has also suffered controversies. In 2014 major Tokyo-based Bitcoin exchange MtGox collapsed after admitting that 850,000 coins — worth around $480 million at the time — had disappeared from its vaults.

 By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

Winner of the Tech Company of the year award- Vatebra

Leading pan-African tech solutions provider, Vatebra Limited, has won the award for the Technology Company of the Year for 2017.The announcement was made at the Nigerian Technology Awards Ceremony held in Lagos.

In winning the most coveted award of the night, Vatebra topped the list of nominees in a category with some industry big names. Having bagged the same award in 2016, Vatebra has concretized its position as the backbone of Information Technology in Africa.

Nigeria Technology Awards (NiTA) is an award organized to recognize, celebrate and reward Technology Entrepreneurs, Innovators, Academicians, Inventors and policy makers (Government) in Nigeria. The Awards as projected by the organisers is aimed at building a large scale and internationally recognized Technology Awards in Nigeria.

By rewarding professional expertise in the technology space the organisers of this worthy cause have in many ways helped to build a culture that will in return promote innovation, healthy competition and improve service delivery.

Vatebra’s Managing Director, Kunle Akinniran, who received the award on behalf of the company said, “Vatebra is honoured to receive this great award; and in a special way we would like to thank our customers, partners, policy makers and other stakeholders who challenge us to do better every time, thereby fostering our drive for excellence”.

Vatebra is behind some of the critically acclaimed tech successes in Africa such as the Deployment of Customised Solutions, Mobile applications, Identity Solutions/Biometrics, e-payment solutions and many others. The Company was established in 2003 as Fleet Technologies Limited in order to bridge the gap in the provision of competent and dependable Software Solutions in Nigeria and Africa. Vatebra has presence in Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Freetown and Nairobi.

 By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

Google pulls YouTube from Amazon devices

Rare public spat in the technology industry escalated when Google said it would block its video streaming application YouTube from two Amazon.com Inc devices.

Google also criticized the online retailer for not selling Google hardware, Media reports on Wednesday.

The feud is the latest in Silicon Valley to put customers in the crossfire of major competitors.

Amazon and Google, which is owned by Alphabet Inc, square off in many areas, from cloud computing and online search, to selling voice-controlled gadgets like the Google Home and Amazon Echo Show.

The stakes are high: many in the technology industry expect that interacting with computers by voice will become widespread, and it is unclear if Amazon, Google or another company will dominate the space.

Amazon’s suite of voice-controlled devices has outsold Google’s so far, according to a study by research firm eMarketer from earlier this year.

In a statement, Google said, ”Amazon doesn’t carry Google products like Chromecast and Google Home, doesn’t make (its) Prime Video available for Google Cast users, and last month stopped selling some of (our sister company) Nest’s latest products.

“Given this lack of reciprocity, we are no longer supporting YouTube on Echo Show and Fire TV. We hope we can reach an agreement to resolve these issues soon,” Google said.

Amazon said in a statement, “Google is setting a disappointing precedent by selectively blocking customer access to an open website.”

It said it hoped to resolve the issue with Google as soon as possible but customers could access YouTube through the internet – not an app – on the devices in the meantime.

The break has been a long time coming.

Amazon kicked the Chromecast, Google’s television player, off its retail website in 2015, along with Apple Inc’s TV player.

Amazon had explained the move by saying it wanted to avoid confusing customers who might expect its Prime Video service to be available on devices sold by Amazon.

Amazon and Apple mended ties earlier this year when it was announced Prime Video would come to Apple TV; not so with Google.

In September, Google cut off YouTube from the Amazon Echo Show, which had displayed videos on its touchscreen without video recommendations, channel subscriptions and other features.

Amazon later reintroduced YouTube to the device.

However, the voice commands it added violated the use terms and on Tuesday Google again removed the service.

The Fire TV loses access to its YouTube app on Jan. 1, Google said.

Amazon has sold that device for longer than the Echo Show, meaning more customers may now be affected.

 By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

Inlaks employs 13 trainees in ATM management

Inlaks, an information technology and infrastructure solutions provider, has offered automatic employment to 13 persons that graduated from its IT academy in Lagos. The beneficiaries were trained in the management of automated teller machines.

The company, which provides IT solutions to financial institutions, telecom, oil and gas companies, among others, said the beneficiaries, who were drawn from different parts of the country.

The Director, Infrastructure Business Unit, Inlaks, Tope Dare, said the company decided to train people who were unemployed to fill the vacancy it needed instead of going through the usual recruitment process of employment.

According to him, the company received about 220 applications when it made its plans public. He added that after an online test was conducted for them, 15 of them emerged successful. He stated that the 15 persons were invited to Inlaks Academy in Lagos for the training, which lasted six months.

At the end of the exercise, Dare said 13 of the trainees were employed by the company, while one of them withdrew at the end of the exercise. The coordinator of Inlaks ATM Academy, Rahmon Alabi, said the training went beyond ATM management to include stock operation, customer service operation and quality assurance.

He said the training comprised two months intensive classroom training and four months of practical in the workshop and field work. The trainees, he said, were paid monthly stipends and enjoyed other benefits, even though there was no formal agreement signed between them and the company beforehand.

 By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

‘Glee’ star Naya Rivera files for Divorce from Husband

“Glee” actress Naya Rivera has again filed for divorce from her husband Ryan Dorsey, 3 years after tying the knot, The Blast reports.

30-year-old Rivera cited irreconcilable differences as a reason for the divorce, according to court documents obtained by The Blast.

The divorce was filed for at the Los Angeles Superior Court just over a week after she allegedly hit her husband while they took their son out for a walk.

This is the second time Rivera is filing for divorce from Dorsey whom she married just 3 months after breaking her engagement with rapper Big Sean.

She had filed for a divorce in November 2016, but eventually asked the court to dismiss the paperwork.

She is requesting joint legal and physical custody of their 27-month-old son, Josey Hollis Dorsey, and wants the judge to block either side getting spousal support.

She listed November 24 as the day of separation on the divorce papers, which is day after the altercation with Dorsey took place.

By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe

President Trump Absent At Kennedy Awards to avoid ‘Political Distraction’

Some of the biggest names in music have been honoured by the Kennedy Center on Sunday, December 3, in an awards ceremony the President of the United States, Donald Trump purposefully missed.

The White House said in August that Donald Trump and his wife wouldn't attend the show to avoid any "political distraction," after threats of a boycott.

Traditionally, attendees are treated to a reception with the President and First Lady.

Celebrated singers Lionel Richie and Gloria Estefan, rapper LL Cool J, television producer Norman Lear and dancer Carmen de Lavallade were all honoured for their contribution to the arts.

Estefan, 60, who was born in Havana, Cuba, said she was thankful Trump chose not to attend. She said,
"I really appreciate that the President had the thought to let us shine on this night and avoid the controversy."

Richie was humbled by the award.
"This is from America. This is actually America saying, we're very proud of your contribution. And we want to show you how proud we are of you. That says a lot".

By Ogodogun  Oghenekevwe

11 Interesting African Facts

Once called the Dark Continent, Africa is full of extraordinary wonders! While many might guess a few interesting facts about the world’s hottest continent (pun intended) there’s always room to learn more about our motherland! Here are some interesting facts about Africa.

1.

Originally used by Ancient Greeks and Romans, the term “Africa” means “sunny” in Latin and ‘Aphrike’ in Greek means “without cold”. They would use the term in reference to only the northern regions of the continent.

2.

Lake Victoria is the largest lake in Africa and the second-largest freshwater lake in the world. It is located in East-Central Africa along the equator and borders the countries of Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. The lake receives its water mainly from direct rainfall and thousands of small streams.

3.

Egypt is the most popular tourist destination in Africa, it attracts about 10 million visitors per year and it is mostly known for its pyramids. What many people do not know is that the Republic of Sudan actually has double the number of pyramids in Egypt.

4.

Ever heard of the oldest known mathematical object? It’s called the Lebombo bone, which dates back to approximately 35,000 B.C and was discovered in the Lebombo Mountains of Swaziland.

5.

Scholars once described the West African city of Timbuktu in Mali, as “the Paris of the Medieval World”. During its Golden Age the city was home to numerous Islamic scholars, important trading networks, and ancient intellectual cultures including medieval manuscripts, poetry by women, legal reflections, and inventive scientific dialogues.

6.

Part of the Star Wars movie, starring George Lucas was actually filmed in the Tunisian Sahara Desert.

7.

Africa inhabits four of the five fastest land animals in the world. These include the cheetah, the wildebeest, the lion, and the Thomson’s gazelle. All of these animals can sprint above 50 miles per hour, while the cheetah races at the top speed of about 70 miles per hour.

8.

The hippo is the deadliest animal in Africa, as hippos are responsible for killing approximately 3,000 people every year. They are strangely aggressive and their big “yawns” usually show off their sizable and sharp teeth. It doesn’t take too much to aggravate a hippo and send them into a tantrum as you can find them fighting daily.

9.

Ethiopia is included in several prominent ancient Greek literature and dramas. The legendary author, Homer of the Illiad and the Odessey, two classic poems which are the central works of ancient Greek Literature, refers to the Ethiopians as a “blameless race” and “amongst the noblest of men”.

10.

According to history, nearly half of the entire world’s gold ever mined has come from Witwatersrand in South Africa.

11.

Africa is home the world’s largest frog called the Goliath frog. It can be found in Equatorial Guinea and Cameroon.

By Ogodogun Oghenekevwe