Award-winning actress Emma Stone has made a surprising revelation about her identity. Stone who recently won the Best Actress in a Leading Role award for her performance in “Poor Things” at the 2024 Oscars, disclosed that she actually prefers to be called by her birth name, Emily. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, the 35-year-old actress expressed her desire for people to use her given name, Emily, instead of Emma. She explained that she initially opted for the name change because the name “Emily” was already claimed by another member in her actors’ union. However, Stone admitted that she…
Author: Esther Salami
Taylor Swift’s latest album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” with a first-week sales figure of 270,000 units in the UK alone, has broken a new record. Notably, “The Tortured Poets Department” has become the first album in history to reach one billion streams on Spotify in just one week, reinforcing Taylor Swift as one of the most streamed artists of all time. the album shattered records for single-week vinyl sales in the US, surpassing 1.8 million copies sold, with an astonishing 700,000 sales attributed to vinyl alone. The album’s lead single, “Fortnight,” featuring Post Malone, also became Spotify’s most-streamed song in…
Renowned banker and businessman Jim Ovia, who founded Zenith Bank, has been appointed by President Bola Tinubu as the new Chairman of the Board of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). The announcement which was made via a statement on Friday by Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale follows the amendment of the student loan bill on April 3, 2024. According to the president, Jim Ovia was appointed to leverage his wide wealth of experience and professional strength in advancing the vision of ensuring that no Nigerian student is denied the pursuit of higher education due to lack of funds. He will…
Veteran Nigerian journalist and former Second Republic lawmaker, Sidi Ali, passed away on Thursday evening at the age of 86 in Kano State. The sad news of his demise was confirmed by a family member on Friday. Ali’s extensive contributions to Nigerian public life included roles in journalism, politics, and public service. He held notable positions at institutions such as the Nigerian International Press Centre, the Ministry of Information, and the National Broadcasting Commission. In the political sphere, Ali held membership in the All Progressives Congress and was actively involved in the party’s Elders Committee in Kano State. His passing…
Nigerian actress Doris Simeon, known for her roles in Yoruba films during the 2000s, recently shared in an interview with Kunle Afod the ordeal she faced while trying to relocate to America for the sake of her child, who was based in the United States with her ex-husband. Doris had married filmmaker Daniel Ademinokan in 2008 and had a son named David. However, the couple split in 2011. Following the divorce, Daniel moved to America and later married Stella Damasus (whom he later divorced). She said of her decision at that time, “Many people know that my child and his father…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories: 1. President Tinubu on Thursday met with Prime Minister Mark Rutte of the Netherlands to discuss investment opportunities and bilateral partnerships between Nigeria and the Netherlands. In Tinubu’s speech at the Nigeria-Netherlands Business and Investment Forum, Tinubu stated that the mutually beneficial partnership will foster stronger bonds in commerce, innovation, and enterprise, and proposed focusing on industrial value addition, agribusiness, technology, green energy, marine economy, and solid mineral processing. Rutte acknowledged Nigeria’s economic reforms and announced $250 million worth of Dutch investments, including a $100 million waste-to-wealth facility in Lagos. 2. A…
Popular Ghanaian TV presenter Serwaa Amihere has spoken out for the first time since the circulation of an intimate video involving her and a man identified as Henry Fitz. The perpetrators behind the leak of the video allegedly demanded money from Serwaa in exchange for not leaking the video. Despite receiving payment, they still proceeded to publish the video online. The video, which was recorded five years ago, sparked widespread controversy and embarrassment for Serwaa, her family, and the brands she endorses. Addressing the issue, Serwaa issued a heartfelt apology through a statement shared on her Instagram account. Serwaa acknowledged…
At least 32 people have been reported dead in Kenya alone and two individuals still missing, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Heavy downpours have caused significant damage, displacement, and disruption of livelihoods, leaving communities in ruins and affecting 21 out of 47 counties in Kenya. A total of 103,500 people have been affected by the flooding. With many houses submerged in the waters, the extreme weather conditions led to the closure of some roadways on Wednesday around the capital city of Nairobi, stopping transportation and mobility. The Kenya railways also suspended many routes…
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has initiated the Eko Cares Initiative, a socio-economic intervention program to address economic challenges in the country. The program’s first phase has been designed to benefit over 500,000 households; with the fair distribution of food items to less privileged residents a priority to hinder hoarding. Food items will be distributed through various channels, involving community leaders, religious organizations, trade unions, youth organizations, People with Disabilities clusters, and human rights groups. Sanwo-Olu also announced the continuation of the Ounje Eko market initiative. He pointed out other measures his administration had undertaken to support residents during…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a notice of withdrawal to discontinue an appeal against a Kogi State High Court order restraining it from arresting former governor Yahaya Bello. The commission, in a notice signed by its counsel J.S. Okutepa (SAN), cited the fact that events had overtaken the appeal and acknowledged that it was filed out of time. The High Court had granted an interim injunction restraining the EFCC from harassing Bello pending the hearing of a substantive motion for the enforcement of his fundamental rights. Subsequently,…
The UK Parliament on Tuesday finally passed a controversial bill allowing the government to send asylum seekers to Rwanda for their claims to be considered, despite opposition from activists, the United Nations, and legal challenges. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak headed the passing of the legislation to deter irregular migration into the UK and break the business model of criminal gangs exploiting migrants. However, the bill’s passage has been met with condemnation from various quarters, with concerns raised about human rights violations, the safety of asylum seekers, and the effectiveness of the policy. The bill faced significant delays and challenges, including…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has pledged to resign if former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, is not prosecuted. Speaking at the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja, Olukoyede affirmed his commitment to see Bello’s prosecution through. EFCC Chairman Olukoyede disclosed that former Kogi Governor Yahaya Bello withdrew $720,000 from the state’s funds to prepay his child’s school fees. Olukoyede criticized this during a media interaction in Abuja, emphasizing the impropriety of using public funds for personal purposes. He clarified that the investigation against Bello was…
Following an unexpected series of events at the Hardcore Fighting Championship (HFC), MMA fighter Ali Heibati’s career ended as he received a lifetime ban after kicking a ring girl named Maria moments before his fight with Arkadiy Osipyan was set to begin. The Iranian fighter had kicked ring girl Maria as she exited the cage, prompting immediate intervention from the referee. The act of aggression left both fans and officials angry and set the tone for a chaotic evening. https://www.instagram.com/p/C5_dlMnppYw/ Once the fight commenced, it was over almost as soon as it began, with Osipyan swiftly winning via technical knockout…
Toyin Abraham recently reached out to her fellow actresses, Funke Akindele and Mercy Aigbe, towards reconciliation after several years of rivalry between them. In her heartfelt messages shared on social media, Abraham emphasized the importance of celebrating each other’s successes rather than succumbing to unhealthy competition. To Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham expressed admiration for her achievements and acknowledged the past rivalry between them. However, she noted that competition doesn’t have to breed negativity and expressed gratitude for the inspiration Akindele’s success has provided. Abraham celebrated Akindele’s accomplishments and wished her continued success, recognizing her impact on the industry and paving…
Viral photos have emerged showing the two wives of Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke, Ngozi, and Titilola Adeleke, each with separate posters featuring their names and pictures, welcoming Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, to Osun State. The two posters show both wives describing themselves as the First Lady of Osun State, sparking widespread controversy, as only one wife is legally recognized as the First Lady in Nigeria. Recall that Governor Ademola Adeleke was sworn in as Osun State Governor on 27 November 2022. Following the viral report, several Internet users aired their views on the matter with a verified X user…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. IBEDC is assessing damages caused by heavy rain to its facilities in the Sango-Ota and Oju-Ore areas of Ogun State. Reports and videos show numerous electric poles falling during the downpour, damaging vehicles. IBEDC’s Media Relation confirmed the havoc and urged caution around electrical installations. No casualties were reported, but property damage is estimated at over N100 million. IBEDC has deployed its technical team to address the situation and advises the public to avoid electric poles and wires until they are cleared. 2. Troops from the 1 Division of the Nigerian…
Grammy-winning American Idol and Gospel singer Mandisa Lynn Hundley has passed away at the age of 47. The news was revealed by Mandisa’s publicist via PA news agency that she was found dead in her home on Thursday. The April 19 statement read: “We can confirm that yesterday Mandisa was found in her home deceased. At this time we do not know the cause of death or any further details.” “At this time, we do not know the cause of death or any further details,” they wrote. “We ask for your prayers for her family and close-knit circle of friends…
Nigerian chess genius and child education advocate, Tunde Onakoya, has set a new world record for the longest chess marathon, clocking an impressive 60 hours of continuous play. The marathon which started on April 17th, ended on Friday night at New York City’s iconic Times Square. During the course of the Marathon, Onakoya played with his United States counterpart, Shawn Martinez which he won. Onakoya had played two sets of games simultaneously with the primary focus on his match against Shawn Martinez and the secondary against random opponents. Onakoya’s marathon mission aimed to raise $1 million to support children’s education…
US officials confirmed to CBS News that Israel conducted a missile strike on Iran in the early hours of Friday, although Iran downplayed the significance of the strike. While US sources mentioned a missile being involved in the attack, Iran stated that small drones were used. Iranian officials and media confirmed an attempted strike but downplayed its significance. They reported explosions near an army base and activated air defense systems but stated there were no casualties. Iranian state media and officials claimed that there was no damage to nuclear sites or significant infrastructure. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed there…
The Bitcoin halving event, anticipated by crypto fans, is set to occur around late Friday, April 19, or early Saturday, April 20. This event, recurring approximately every four years, involves cutting Bitcoin rewards to miners in half. Satoshi Nakamoto, Bitcoin’s creator, programmed the halving to reduce miner rewards by half after every 210,000 blocks are mined. With this being the fourth halving, rewards will decrease from 6.25 BTC to 3.125 BTC. The halving serves to ensure a controlled supply of Bitcoin until the total cap of 21 million is reached around 2041. This halving differs from previous ones due to…
In a recent enforcement operation, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) sealed 4U Supermarket located at 58 Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja. The shutdown came as a result of various violations observed during an extensive inspection conducted by the FCCPC. During the enforcement exercise, officials from the FCCPC discovered multiple infractions, including unfair pricing practices, lack of transparency in pricing, and the sale of counterfeit rice. Specifically, 33 bags of fake Stallion and Caprice rice, infested with weevils, were evacuated from one of the supermarket’s branches. The shutdown of 4U Supermarket is part of a broader initiative…
Nigerian Influencer Precious Kingsley, widely known as Nickie Dabarbie, has made accusations against popular singers Skiibii and Mayorkun. In an Instagram livestream, Nickie claimed that she narrowly escaped being used for ritual purposes by Skiibii, alleging that both Skiibii and Mayorkun, along with other unnamed Nigerian artists, are involved in ritualistic activities. According to her, they had her wash her face with a strange liquid similar to what was done with Mohbad. She stated that if anything happened to her, Skiibii and Mayorkun should be held responsible. The accusations, which surfaced on Friday morning, April 19, have sparked intense speculation…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello wanted for alleged economic and financial offenses totaling N80.2 billion. Despite failed attempts to arrest him, Bello has been put on the watchlist by the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) to prevent him from leaving the country, and the Inspector General of Police has withdrawn all police officers attached to him. Bello’s camp has criticized the EFCC’s actions as a political witch-hunt, while the Attorney General of the Federation emphasized the importance of cooperation with the EFCC’s…
A Russian father and diet influencer Maxim Lyutyi has been sentenced to eight years in prison for the death of his one-month-old son, Kosmos. After enduring a shocking and extreme dietary regimen, the infant died from pneumonia and emaciation while being taken to a doctor’s appointment in Sochi, Russia. Lyutyi, who has a 60,000 following on Instagram, had been promoting an extreme lifestyle inspired by the legendary strength of Superman. Under the delusion of wanting his son to be like the superhero, Lyutyi subjected one-month-old Kosmos to a strict vegan diet, named ‘prana’ which supposedly derived sustenance from spiritual energy-infused…
Nigerian chess master and founder of Chess in Slums, Tunde Onakoya, is currently undertaking a challenge: to exceed the Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon. The current record is held by Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad of Norway, who surpassed the previous holder on November 11, 2018, with a duration of 56 hours, 9 minutes, and 37 seconds. Tunde Onakoya commenced the marathon on April 17 in New York City’s Times Square and has played for nearly 21 hours straight, unbeaten, including one against New York’s National Chess Master, Shawn Martinez. Onakoya’s manager, known as Taiwo (handle:…
Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories; 1. The Speaker of the Kaduna State House of Assembly, Yusuf Liman, has issued a warning to Bello El-Rufai, son of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, cautioning against threats and intimidation towards the Assembly’s investigation into his father’s eight-year tenure. Liman’s spokesperson alleged that Bello El-Rufai, a federal lawmaker, made disrespectful and threatening remarks on social media and sent insulting messages via WhatsApp to the Speaker. The Speaker affirmed the Assembly’s commitment to pursue justice and accountability despite such attempts to obstruct its work. The statement urged Kaduna State residents to support transparency,…
Renowned Businessman and friend of the late Junior Pope, Emeka Okonkwo, aka E-Money, has promised to raise and nurture the late actor’s children as his own. He made this announcement earlier today via his Instagram, handle, stating: “It has been one week since you departed from this world, leaving behind a profound sense of loss that reverberates not only among us but also across Africa and beyond. “Your presence, as both a friend and a brother, is deeply missed, JP. The weight of your absence bears heavily upon our hearts, yet we draw comfort from the belief that God will…
Tensions between Israel and Iran are reaching a critical point, with the event of a regional war looming large. After the Iranian attack of about 350 missiles targeted Israel over the weekend, retaliation from Israel is anticipated, but with caution. Israeli officials are carefully weighing their response amidst mounting international pressure to exercise restraint. The United States, in particular, has urged Israel to consider the risks of escalation, emphasizing that it will not participate in offensive actions against Iran. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaking at a cabinet meeting on Wednesday stated defiantly – “I thank our friends for…
The situation in the UAE, particularly in Dubai and Dubai International Airport, is dire due to heavy thunderstorms. The rainfall recorded in Dubai was unprecedented, with over 142 millimeters falling within 24 hours. This amount far exceeded the average annual rainfall for the area. As a result, major highways were flooded, and Dubai International Airport, one of the world’s busiest airports, experienced significant disruptions, including halted arrivals, canceled flights, and stranded passengers. https://twitter.com/gunsnrosesgirl3/status/1780341217999331818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1780341217999331818%7Ctwgr%5E41afb1708e998925565b646e4c1672a7676d9d9b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fnews24online.com%2Fworld%2Fwatch-dubai-flooded-as-the-city-hit-by-years-rainfall-in-a-day-flights-diverted%2F250636%2F In addition to the UAE, rain also fell in other Arab countries such as Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Neighboring Oman faced heavy rains as well, resulting…
Fans worldwide have been offering prayers for up-and-coming Nigerian musician Khaid as news emerged of the artist’s hospitalization due to internal bleeding. Khaid, 19, known for his hit track “Carry Me Go,” finds himself in a critical condition, prompting his manager, Jerry Porsche, to take to social media in a call for prayers and support. The videos shared on Twitter show a distressed Khaid in the hospital with medical professionals who work to stabilize him. While the exact cause of Khaid’s condition remains undisclosed, his condition is concerning. Before his health declined, Khaid was actively engaged in his music career,…
