Hard to stomach – Griezmann speaks on Mbappe getting France’s captaincy

Hard to stomach - Griezmann speaks on Mbappe getting France's captaincy

32-year-old French footballer Antoine Griezmann has opened up on his disappointment at being snubbed for France’s captaincy which was handed to Kylian Mbappe. Kylian Mbappe became France‘s new captain in March after Tottenham goalkeeper Hugo Lloris announced his retirement from international duty at the beginning of the year. Hard to stomach - Griezmann speaks on Mbappe getting France's captaincyGriezmann celebrating a goal with Mbappe. Source: Getty The Tottenham goalie led his team to glory at the 2018 World Cup in Russia and helped Les Blues reach the World Cup four years later as captain. Raphael Varane was expected to fill up the position, but he also retired from international competition as well at 29. After Mbappe was named as the French team’s skipper, It was not favorably received by many. Some French football experts and commentators have argued the decision showed a lack of respect for the Atletico Madrid striker. Catalan newspaper SPORT reported that Antoine Griezmann pondered quitting the French team over the decision, seeing his exclusion as a mistake. Three months later, 32-year-old Griezmann has finally broken his silence on 24-year-old Mbappe getting France’s captaincy. Antoine Griezmann reveals that he has an MLS dreamAntoine Griezmann during a training. Source: Getty Speaking to Telefoot, he said; “It was hard to take, and tough. I’m 32 and, although I still have the legs, I know I’m reaching the end [of my career]. I had a hard time stomaching it for one or two days.“ Still, Griezmann remains an instrumental player for Les Bleus in his newly-found central midfielder role. The 2018 Europa League winner with Atlético Madrid is expected to start against Greece on Monday at the Stade de France as part of their campaign to qualify for Euro 2024. Griezmann also committed his future to the Colchoneros, adding that he holds no ill-feeling towards his team-mate. He said; “I’m fully behind our captain Kylian. I won’t change anything, because that’s who I am.” The Atletico forward is set to return to the France starting XI for their next European Championship qualifier against Greece on Monday, June 19. Deschamps’ side are currently sitting top of Group B with maximum points from their first three games.

“I’m not with Portable for money” – Ashabi Simple speaks her truth

"I’m not with Portable for money" – Ashabi Simple speaks her truth

"I’m not with Portable for money" – Ashabi Simple speaks her truth

Popular actress, Ashabi Simple says she’s not with singer Portable for his money as she clears air on rumours surrounding her childbirth with the musician. In a recent interview with Punch Saturday Beats, she said that, contrary to the opinion held by many people, she’s not with Portable because of material things but his care and support.

"I’m not with Portable for money" – Ashabi Simple speaks her truth.

“I’m not with Portable for money” – Ashabi Simple speaks her truth. Credit: Ashabi Simple/ Instagram. “He (Portable) has done many things for me but what stands out the most is the care and support he gives me. I am not here for the material things. I have produced movies and made my millions before meeting him. I have been a self-sponsored student even before I met him. I have been carrying responsibilities way back.” She added that she and the street-hop singer are planning on tying the knot soon and she has no qualms sharing him with other women.

"I’m not with Portable for money" – Ashabi Simple speaks her truth

“I’m not with Portable for money” – Ashabi Simple speaks her truth. Credit; Ashabi Simple/ Instagram. According to her, her pregnancy for Portable wasn’t a mistake but had been something they both had planned before deciding to welcome a baby together. “We have introduced our families and hope to get married soon. I am an entertainer and I have thought about getting married to him properly. I did not get pregnant by mistake. It was planned and I do not expect to have issues with any of his wives or other baby mamas. I see some comments that I want to snatch Portable but I am not here to snatch anyone. I am just a shareholder and I cannot take care of him alone because I have my career and child. I also want to work more and be famous,” she said. Ashabi Simple also spoke on the singer’s personality off the stage, noting that unlike most think, Portable is a calm and caring man. “One cannot judge his personality from his performance because that is what he does for a living and he has to put in his best and energy. As my man, he has always been calm and caring. He is always available when I want to talk to him and he is a great listener. Those are some of the things I like the most about him,” she stated.

“I feel betrayed but life continues”, Yari speaks on losing senate presidency seat to Akpabio

"I feel betrayed but life continues", Yari speaks on losing senate presidency seat to Akpabio

Senator Abdulaziz Yari has opened up after losing the senate presidency seat to Senator Godswill Akpabio,  accusing senators of betraying him. Recall that Senator Akpabio representing Akwa Ibom North-West District won the senate presidency seat of the 10th National Assembly. "I feel betrayed but life continues", Yari speaks on losing senate presidency seat to AkpabioSenate President, Godswill Akpabio Akpabio defeated his opponent Abdulaziz Yari, with votes from the lawmakers, thereby making him the Senate President. His victory was announced by the clerk of the National Assembly, Sani Tambawal Magaji who said Akpabio emerged the winner with 63 votes leaving Yari with 46 votes. However, Yari said he was hoping to get 61 out of the 109 votes which could have seen him emerge as the Senate President. Speaking during an interview with journalists on Thursday in Abuja, Yari said: “Yes, I can say there was a betrayal. That’s the truth because as we were taking stock as of 3 am, Monday-Tuesday election, we took stock of over 76. “But as usual, human beings, we thought we are going to get a pullout of about 15, which we will have a comfortable 61 to win the election. “But it became the reverse, which only God knows what happened. So, I feel betrayed but life continues and it’s a cycle.” The 10th National Assembly was inaugurated on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, two days after the lifespan of the 9th National Assembly. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 10th Senate won 57 seats while the major opposition party, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) garnered 29 seats. Others include All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) – 1; Labour Party (LP) – 6; New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) – 2; Social Democratic Party (SDP) – 2, and Young Progressive Party (YPP) – 1.

Wase finally speaks after shameful defeat by Abbas

10th Assembly Speakership Contest: Wase finally speaks after shameful defeat by Abbas

The immediate past Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase, has finally spoken after suffering a shameful defeat at the hands of Tajudeen Abbas to secure the speakership position. Wase, while thanking Rep members who voted for him also congratulated Tajudeen Abbas on his emergence as Speaker of the House.

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase

Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ahmed Wase GistReel reports that at the inauguration of the 10th National Assembly on Tuesday, candidates of the All Progressives Congress had emerged as winners of the leadership positions in the Senate and the House of Representatives. While Godswill Akpabio defeated Abdulaziz Yari to become President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau emerged as the Deputy President of the Senate. Abbas defeated Wase in a landslide victory and won his election as Speaker, leaving them with three votes each. Benjamin Kalu emerging as Deputy Speaker. In a statement issued on Wednesday and titled ‘10th Assembly Speakership Contest: Concession and Congratulatory Message by Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase,’ the former Deputy Speaker was tactically silent on the immediate past Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila, who backed Abbas against him. The statement read, “I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas and Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu on their election as Speaker and Deputy Speaker respectively of the 10th House of Representatives. Although we were on different sides of the political space, we have, nevertheless, always acknowledged that we were all partners in the project of deepening our parliamentary democracy. “I believe my contest in this speakership election was much more about making a case for what I considered a lack of equity and fairness in the manner in which my party’s zoning was done much more than it was about winning. “As a politician who has been engaging in elections since 2007 and has returned to the House for the 5th term, I verily understand that every contest must generate its necessary contentions. However, in the end, we have to come together to confront the bigger matters of stability of the Parliament and enriching Legislative Governance to deepen our collective democracy. Current speaker of the house of reps, Tajudeen AbbasCurrent speaker of the house of reps, Tajudeen Abbas “In this light, I wish to once again congratulate the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, and Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, on their victory and urge my supporters and well-wishers, as well as my fellow contestants, to give them all the cooperation required to achieve a stable and united 10th House of Representatives.” Wase noted that he intends to “fervently and actively” participate in all legislative business of the 10th Assembly and would continue to proudly represent not only Wase Federal Constituency in Plateau State but Nigerians at large. “I thank my mentor and leader, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, for his continuous fatherly support and counsel, which he has sustained from my early days in ACN till date. I am immensely indebted to you sir and will continue to be. “I thank my constituents who have consistently demonstrated their unalloyed faith in and support for me by continuously returning me to the Green Chambers now for the 5th term to represent them. I will continue to represent you well. I thank my campaign team and supporters for their ceaseless efforts throughout the campaign. I am very much indebted to you. “I thank all my honourable colleagues for their support and counsel. I thank those who voted for me. I thank those who did not vote for me. I thank those who voted my opponent even when their heart was with me. I am eternally grateful to you all and must say that I have been further enriched by the experience. I assure all my colleagues that I will continue to, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, show ‘Charity towards all and malice towards none.’”

Maraji speaks out in defense of chef dammy

Maraji speaks out in defense of chef dammy

In a video message addressing the recent backlash against Chef Dammy in the Cook-A-Thon saga, popular comedienne Maraji passionately defended the esteemed chef and called for support. Maraji expressed her belief that Chef Dammy had done nothing wrong, highlighting the importance of competition and individual aspirations in the entertainment industry.

"Nothing wrong in what Chef Dammy is doing" - Maraji speaks out in defense of chef dammy

Maraji speaks out in defense of chef dammy. Photo Credit: @maraji Source: Instagram In her video, Maraji acknowledged the anger expressed by some Nigerians regarding Chef Dammy’s endeavor. She pointed out that in various creative fields, such as music and comedy, individuals do not wait for others to achieve success before pursuing their own dreams.

"Nothing wrong in what Chef Dammy is doing" - Maraji speaks out in defense of chef dammy

Chef dammy. Photo Credit:@dammypas Source: Instagram Drawing from her own experience, Maraji highlighted how inspiration and influence are integral to the creative process, emphasizing that no one waits for permission to pursue their aspirations. Maraji countered the criticisms directed at Chef Dammy, including the notion that she should have collaborated with brands or followed a specific protocol like Hilda Baci did. Maraji argued that such expectations were unfounded and expressed disappointment that the majority of critics were women. She highlighted that this was a pivotal moment for women in Nigeria to aspire to break records and achieve great things, urging support instead of backlash. The renowned comedienne emphasized that Chef Dammy’s approach was not new or unprecedented, citing examples of artists who had been inspired by others and went on to create their own success. See below;  

Pastor Effa speaks on failed election prophecies, blames CAN

Pastor Effa speaks on failed election prophecies, blames CAN

The Senior Pastor of World Royal City Church in Asokoro, Abuja, Effa Emmanuel expresses his view on the failed prophecies regarding the 2023 general elections, stating that they lacked divine inspiration. The preacher made this known to journalists during a religious conference held in Abuja. Pastor Effa speaks on failed election prophecies, blames CANThe four major presidential candidates for the 2023 elections. It would be recalled that numerous religious leaders made prophetic declarations about the potential outcome of the upcoming 2023 elections, but many of these predictions proved to be inaccurate. Pastor Emmanuel clarified that these flawed prophecies were a result of being humanly conceived rather than being divinely inspired. “We have CAN and Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN). I think the leaders of these bodies should have the responsibility of calling erring pastors to order so that we don’t have confusion in the house. “When Paul was speaking, I think to the Corinthians, he said if anyone has a prophecy, one should prophesize at a time, while others should judge. Prophecy is not a recipe for confusion. God is not an author of confusion,” he stated.

Effa Emmanuel, Senior Pastor of World Royal City Church

Effa Emmanuel, Senior Pastor of World Royal City Church Acknowledging that any clergy member who delivers prophecies based on personal imagination is merely expressing their own thoughts, the cleric emphasized the importance of regulating such prophecies. He urged the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) to take responsibility for discerning between false and authentic prophecies.  “If you are inspired by the devil of course you’re a prophet but not a prophet of God. But there are also prophets of God, who speak from God. And if you speak from God, one sign that you are speaking from God is that it comes to pass. If it doesn’t come to pass, then you are not speaking from God. “My take is that CAN and PFN should be able to regulate the house because the church is a house. We should be able to speak with one voice. And then the leaders of the organisations should be able to decipher who is really speaking and representing the voice of God so that we won’t have this rancour and disorder that we’ve had so far,” he added.  

Beyonce’s stylist speaks on quitting after working for over 18 years

Beyonce’s stylist speaks on quitting after working for over 18 years

Beyonce’s stylist, Tyler Hunter, who has worked with Beyoncé for over 18 years, has opened up about his decision to quit the job. Hunter revealed that his decision to quit was not an easy one, but that he felt it was time to focus on his mental health and personal goals.

Beyonce's stylist, TY Hunter explains reason for quitting

Beyonce’s stylist, TY Hunter
Photo credit: @tytryone/Instagram. After realizing this on his daughter’s 21st birthday, Tyler Hunter decided to leave his 18-year career behind and focus on his personal life. Hunter wrote a book titled “Makeover from Within: Lessons in Hardship, Acceptance, and Self-Discovery” to document his journey and share his experience with others. In an interview with The Grio, Hunter opened up about how his decision was motivated by the realization that he had missed out on many family moments while chasing his career. The 50-year-old is now prioritizing his family and personal goals. “Even though I had the dream job that everybody wanted, I also wanted to just do other things. So, I just stepped out in faith, and I’m glad I did because I learned so much more about myself,” he added. Hunter owes his success to a chance encounter with Tina Knowles, Beyoncé’s mother. In the late ’90s, Hunter was working at a fashion shop in a mall in Texas when Knowles walked in. She saw something in Hunter and promised to bring opportunities his way. Knowles kept her promise and allowed Hunter to work with Destiny’s Child on their “Survivor” music video. Since then, Hunter has continued to rise in fame and success. In an interview with Insider, the 50-year-old stylist revealed that his passion for fashion started when his mother, who had him at age 19, would ask his opinion on what to wear when they went out with her friends. Hunter’s family supported his love for fashion from an early age, and he was able to develop his unique style by thrifting and styling second-hand clothes. His fashion talent earned him admiration from others, even those who would otherwise mock people for wearing thrift clothes. Today, Hunter is a head stylist and creative director for Porter and other celebrities. He left his career with Beyoncé in 2012, but he had a chance to participate in a fundraiser for Barack Obama while working for her. Hunter had the opportunity to meet President Obama a few times before, but he was surprised when Obama invited him and his wife, Raquel Smith, to take a picture with him. They were there to dress Beyoncé, but Obama commended them for their great job and asked Hunter what his next move was. Hunter took a three-month vacation to reassess his career path and tried various things, including tech and clothing collaborations. “Leaving my job as Beyoncé’s stylist was one of the hardest things I had to do. Not only was I leaving a steady paycheck behind, I was leaving a familiar loving family,” he said. He revealed his struggles with depression and how he’s learned to cope with it over the years. He credits his loved ones for helping him through the tough times. Unfortunately, his father and mother both battled cancer, and Hunter had to be there for his dad until he passed away. Hunter learned a lot from his experiences and his biggest transformation was learning to prioritize his own needs. He believes that it’s important to have a backup plan and not get too comfortable in life.

Yeni Kuti speaks on Fela’s legacy, says it took death for Nigerians to realize his importance

Yeni Kuti speaks on Fela’s legacy, says it took death for Nigerians to realize his importance

Yeni Anikulapo-Kuti, a dancer, businesswoman, media personality and the first child of Fela Kuti, the Afrobeat Legend, believes that Nigerians did not realize the importance of her father until his death. Yeni while speaking on the circumstances surrounding her father’s death, her life as a dancer and her family with media personality and the host of #WithChude, Chude Jideonwo, said her father’s reputation grew after his death despite how bad he was treated by the Nigerian government and its citizens while he was alive. Undoubtedly, Fela Kuti remains one of the greatest Nigerians that has ever lived. The late Afrobeat legend and cultural icon dominated the world like a colossus. 22 years after his death, Fela Kuti’s legacy has continued to grow, thanks in part to his children who have worked tirelessly to keep his memory alive. Yeni, in this heart-to-heart interview with Chude, said, “It amuses me. I remember that Fela was in jail and my cousin Dotun introduced me to this girl. He said, ‘These are my cousins, ‘Yeni and Sola’ and she said, ‘Don’t introduce me to such people’. It stuck in my mind, I moved away from her, and I just thought to myself, ‘How nasty?’ I’m sure if I met that girl today, she would want to be my friend. “That is why it is amusing that decades later, Fela is suddenly the hero while in those days, he was the villain.”   Speaking on why she thinks the change happened, she said, “I think ‘their eye don clear, suffer don hook us for Nigeria’. We have seen that there was at least one person who was singing about the abuse and fighting it. Fela used to take out an advert then on Daily Times that later became Punch, every Saturday. He would tag it, ‘Chief Priest says’, and he will write something about Nigeria. He had a printing press, where he would just print and yab all of them. Of course, it took death for them to realize that they had lost something important.” Yeni also shared about joining Your View on TVC, she said, “I have been trying to work on a TV program with my best friend, Carol King. We had gone to meet MITV and showed them what we wanted to do but we couldn’t get it off the ground. Then Lukman Musa called me to say that he wanted me to do a TV show, and because it sounded like what Carol and I were working on, I went, we talked, and I accepted. I think it is a good decision and I do not regret it for one minute. People have now come to know me as Yeni, not just as Fela’s daughter or Femi’s sister but as Yeni Anikulapo Kuti”.   Watch the excerpt here:

Tiwa Savage’s 8-year-old son Jamil speaks French fluently

Tiwa Savage's 8-year-old son Jamil speaks French fluently

Tiwa Savage’s eight-year-old son, Jamil Balogun, has impressed netizens with his impeccable French-speaking skills. The 8-year-old read sweet words to his mother in French and also sang for her in a heartwarming video.

Tiwa Savage's son Jamil speaks French

Tiwa Savage’s son Jamil speaks French
Photo credit: Jamil Balogun/Instagram Tiwa shared the adorable clip via her Instagram story showing off the cute moment Jamil showed of the sweet gesture. While sharing the video, she gushed over the fact that she was pleasantly surprised by her son after several weeks away due to work commitment. See the video below: In other news, Nigerian singer, Tiwatope Savage popularly known as Tiwa Savage has shared a video of her son, Jamil, yelling at her for scolding him. Tiwa Savage birthed Jamil when was still married to her ex-husband, Teebillz. Their marriage lasted for five years. The ‘somebody’s son’ crooner has always shared snippets of her mother-son moment with her fans. In the trending video clip, Tiwa was seen in a room with her son, who laid on the bed and picked his nose. Reacting to this, Tiwa warned her son to stop picking his nose but he responded by asking his mother what was wrong with her.  “What is wrong with you?” Jamil repeated.  The vocalist asked him to go and wash his hands immediately.