Entertainment

COVID-19: Ace Commedian Writes Buhari, Prescribes How To Combat Spread Of Pandemic

Published

5 years ago

April 5, 2020

Multiple award-winning comedian, Francis Agoda popularly known as I Go Dye, has written yet another open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on the Coronavirus pandemic.

The humour merchant who writes under his capacity as the World Habitat Ambassador, charges the number one citizen on how to combat the spread of the virus, categorically stating that the governors should be given emergency funds to handle the crisis.

The letter titled “Our Negligence Is A Devastating Time Bomb” was dated April 5, 2020.

In the letter, the commedian claimed he had raised some of the issues in a previous letter sent to the President and governors as far back as October 14, 2013 with the title “Logic and Reason Without Guns.”

The letter reads in part, “First of all, let me start by reminding you that great men and countries learn from history, hence they avoid the calamities and errors made by fallen heroes, whose failures destroyed , even in the midst of perfection.

“What human or medical equipment do we have in Nigeria that can be compared with America, Spain, Italy or even the whole of Europe, which have been ravaged by the Corona virus? Are we prepared at this time? Whereby looking from outside we still have not made essential preparations by learning from what these nations are currently facing.

“A few weeks ago, it was only one case, but today we have gone from 1 to 210 infected persons, who may have had contact with 5 people before detection, which could total to 1150 and above in two weeks time, if we are not careful in managing the spread of the virus.

“Yesterday, the world thought it was a Chinese problem, forgetting that the world now is a global village.

“Today total cases of coronavirus globally is now 1,140,327 and deaths globally 61,684 as of 4 April 2020.

“Please Mr President, you should kindly release emergency funds to all state governor’s across the country and you should please direct all governors and the minister of health to work out a process to use some of the closed schools as isolation centres, while the all stadia should be prepared for any eventualities.

“I also appeal to government to find a way to send funds to aid the quest of survival because 98% of Nigerians earn their livelihood from the street; meaning the ‘sit at home’ order, is likely to be suicidal!

“Why? There is no light, no running water, no job and there is no alternative provided for food, money and other basic needs of the masses in Nigeria, who are more than 95 % of our population.

“Sir, please provide comprehensive details of how to assist Nigerians with some sort of financial assistance as they stay at home because some of the money you announced is to make one man billionaire again because the money will not get to those who truly need it more.

“Let’s look inward and provide solutions to save the many innocent lives that might be lost in the outbreak of a catastrophic epidemic.

“The concerns for the masks at this time should be held important. We should start getting volunteers of fashion designers and tailors to make masks in their homes, by sewing them, while government provide the materials and logistics needed in case the outbreak escalates.

“There should be an emergency training process to expand our medical teams. No one is coming to our aid, if we fall into crisis, because the whole world has it’s own fair share of trouble. With only five laboratory screening centers reported in the media, across 36 state s, this is not encouraging at all. An emergency training process to expand our medical teams, should be in process by now across the states .

Entertainment

‘Enough Is Enough,’ 2Baba, Other Celebrities Break Silence On Benue Killings

Published

3 days ago

June 16, 2025

Editor

Nigerian music star, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has demanded urgent and collective action against the renewed killings in Benue State, describing the situation as a “national emergency”.

In a video posted to Instagram on Sunday, the Benue-born singer expressed grief and frustration over the incessant bloodshed in his home state.

“What is going on in my state has become a national emergency. I cannot wrap my head around it. I don’t even know what to say at this point in time because it is going to be business as usual,” he lamented.

His outcry followed fresh attacks in the state, where over 100 people were reportedly killed by suspected herders in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma Local Government Area (LGA).

Another 25 were slain in Mtswenem and Akondotyough Bawa in Makurdi LGA.

2Baba, 49, said the situation has become “ridiculous” and called for urgent collaboration among all stakeholders.

“This thing has to stop. It has to involve everybody. Every stakeholder in this country, every stakeholder in Benue State. This is not child’s play. It’s becoming ridiculous.

“My heart is heavy. I am terribly sad, terribly angry. What is happening in Benue has gone beyond mere condemnation. Serious action needs to be taken,” he said.

His remarks have also elicited further reactions from several public figures. Nigerian rapper Olamide took to X (formerly Twitter), reposting 2Baba’s video, writing, “Prayers up for Benue.”

Comedian Ayo Makun, known as AY, added on Instagram, “We cannot turn a blind eye to the suffering happening in our homeland. It’s time for us to stand together.”

Pastor Femi Lazarus urged the Federal Government to act swiftly, citing a trail of violence from “Benue to Plateau to Kaduna, Borno.”

Also weighing in, media personality Bobrisky criticised lawmakers for ignoring the killings while prioritising less critical matters.

“Senators/House of Representatives didn’t call an urgent meeting over the killings in Benue… but they can call an urgent meeting when it comes to Bobrisky. Shame!!!!” he wrote.

Meanwhile, the massacre has triggered protests in Makurdi, the Benue State capital. On Sunday, angry youths converged at the Wurukum food basket roundabout, demanding justice and condemning what they described as silence from both President Bola Tinubu and Governor Hyacinth Alia.

The youths were later joined by a social media influencer, Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

The renewed attacks in Benue have left hundreds dead and displaced many. On Friday, June 14, at least 59 people—including military and civil defence personnel—were killed during a night assault on the Yelewata community.

In April, about 60 residents were slaughtered in Ukum and Logo LGAs, while another 42 people were killed in Gwer West in May.

The violence has drawn condemnation from international and national figures. Pope Leo XIV described the recent incidents as a “terrible massacre” and urged justice.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party leader Peter Obi also criticised the Federal Government’s handling of the crisis.

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue refuted claims that Abuja has neglected the state. Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, he said President Bola Tinubu has been supportive.

“Seventeen local governments out of 23 were under siege. We fought it down to three with full Federal support. The last time we had severe attacks, three security units were sent from the Federal Government, and those who occupied local areas had to flee,” he said.

Governor Alia further blamed the state’s porous borders for the continued violence.

“We share borders with Cameroon, Taraba, and Nasarawa. The attackers are not necessarily Nigerians. A thief doesn’t just come into a community unless someone within that community helps,” he said, adding that some militia may have local collaborators within Benue.

He noted a growing shift in the pattern of violence and lamented that what began as clashes between farmers and herders has now evolved into well-armed, targeted attacks with little to no link to grazing.

“Before now, we talked about the farmer-herder crisis. Now, they come with no cattle. They attack, kill, and then others return to occupy the land,” he said.

The governor also cited intelligence reports from Nasarawa, claiming some of the terrorists may be using Benue as a passage route.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has announced plans to visit Benue State on Wednesday to condole with residents.

The president made this known on Monday, during the inauguration of the Greater Abuja Water Supply Project; Tinubu said he would adjust his schedule to make the trip.
(Channels TV)

Entertainment

Davido Withdraws From 50 Cent’s London Concert

Published

3 days ago

June 16, 2025

Editor

Global superstar, Davido, has officially pulled out of 50 Cent’s anticipated concert at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 3, where he was slated to share the stage with hip-hop heavyweight and R&B legend, Mary J. Blige.

The Afrobeats star broke the news via his Instagram story, stressing that his decision was not due to low ticket sales or lack of support, but rooted in artistic integrity.

“This decision is not a reflection of turnout or support; it is a matter of principle and respect for my craft, my fans, and the culture I represent,” Davido stated.

He explained that while he had fully committed to the event and worked closely with The Necto Future Group, promoters of IconicPresents, there were ongoing issues with the event’s execution.

“Over the past few weeks, I have extended my full support and professionalism to The Necto Future Group, promoters of iconicpresents, with the sincere intention of delivering a performance that meets the high standards my fans deserve,” he wrote.

“Despite strong fan support and impressive ticket sales, there have been major misalignments regarding the event’s execution, particularly concerning key elements required to uphold the integrity and quality of my performance.

“Unfortunately, these issues remain unresolved. As a result, I regret to inform you that I will no longer be performing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 3rd,” he added.

While the show will proceed without him, Davido reassured fans that the rest of his summer tour would remain unaffected.

“London, I’ll see you guys soon, I promise! The rest of the shows this summer are still happening. 5ive is still alive! See you guys in Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Canada, and the US! Africa must be respected.”

Entertainment

Mayorkun Praises Davido For Supporting His Sony Music Africa Deal

Published

5 days ago

June 14, 2025

Editor

Nigerian music star, Mayorkun, has opened up about the vital role Davido played in advancing his career, expressing heartfelt gratitude to his former label boss for helping him secure a major deal with Sony Music Africa.

Mayorkun, who rose to fame under Davido Music Worldwide (DMW) in 2016 and parted ways with the label in 2021, is now signed to Sony Music West Africa. The transition sparked speculations of a possible rift between the two, but Mayorkun has now set the records straight.

In a recent interview with 3Music TV, the “Certified Loner” crooner dispelled the rumours, making it clear that there’s no bad blood between him and Davido.

“Aside from having my label, right now I am also with Sony Africa. Shout out to Davido for that as well, he facilitated the deal,” Mayorkun said.

His revelation not only squashes rumours of a feud but also highlights the ongoing respect and brotherhood between the two artists. It’s a testament to Davido’s influence and unwavering support for those he’s mentored, even after they move on to new opportunities.

Fans have welcomed the news warmly, celebrating the spirit of collaboration, mentorship, and mutual respect that continues to shape the Nigerian music industry.