Ms Sofiat Amusa, wife of the 25-year-old man who committed suicide by jumping into lagoon in Epe some days ago attributed husband death to frustration, depression and lack of parental care.
She disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria, in Epe, on Friday.
According to her, the ugly incidents which claimed her husband’s life occurred at around 7:15am on Tuesday.
She said that her husband has been intimidating the family with frightening goodbye messages, instructing his parent to take care of his wife and his 11month old baby girl.
The 21-year-old wife said that both of them were not legally married yet.
“We live together before his demise but he has been acting strangely for couple of days before his death.
“I complain about his strange behaviours to his parent but they ignored these until his death”
“Lack of parental care, depression and frustration of not been attended to him by his parents, constituted to his death, ” she said.
She however debunked the age of her husband making the rounds on the social media. She said that her husband, Olamikekan Odunare was 25-year-old old, while she is 21-year-old.
“We used to celebrate our Birthdays together in December 22nd during mine because we were both given birth to in December.
“He studied Quantity Surveying in Lagos Polytechnic”, she confirmed.
She appealed to all Nigerians to come to her rescue for food and cash support to take care of the innocent baby her husband left behind.
“I can’t take care of the baby girl alone, I need help from philanthropists, NGOs and other well-meaning Nigerians.
“My late husband works at Alaro city in Epe which we have been surviving with his monthly salaries, I need help from Nigerians to train the baby to a university level, ” she said.
It is no longer news that the Amuwo 50 Most Influential Persons Awards ( Youth Edition) have come and gone but her memories lingers on as more and more persons continue to reminiscence on the emphoria that comes along with such honours.
Adelegan Micheal Kolawole, an Amuwo Odofin breed who was a recipient of the Amuwo 50 Most Influential Persons Awards has declared that his final selection amongst over 150 potential winners was as a result of his father’s teachings.
The Adelegans
Kolawole, a homely family-man who eulogized his father as an upright person who will rather follow peace with all men at his own detriment and add value to others before himself has continuos inculcated such sound and moral trainings on his children.
Kolawole in an interactive chat with Push News 24 International said “I have been indoctrinated by my Dad. This inspiration to me is tantamount to his teachings”
“This prestigious award is important to me because it is one of its kind in Amuwo Odofin LG. Apart from the uniqueness of showcasing all recipient that has contributed immensely across the local government, it was carefully and thoughtfully scrutinized for deserving awardees across all fields.”
“For me, I am just a selfless being that have contributed my quota in community development, Active youth participation, Environmental evangelism, politics etc.” Kolawole said.
The former Ward C Councillorship aspirant gave kudos to the organizers and insisted that all the nominations were fair. “I give it to them. If you are conversant with people and happenings within this local government, you will agree with me that the awardees have performed.”
According to Kola’s Facebook page he said the award is dedicated to all those that have nominated him and to humanity.
Kola told Push News 24 International that in the nearest future, he will be contributing towards the less privilege, widows and drug abuse victims.
When asked about his motivation, the youth advocate said “Rome wasn’t built in a day, consistency is the key to greatness. Be good in whatever you are doing. People are watching.”
Push News 24 International earlier reported that over 150 nominees were scrutinized in the Amuwo 50 Most Influential Persons out of which 50 persons made the final list of awardees.
Obiageli Ezekwesili, former minister of education, has been appointed as a member of the Nexford University’s board of directors.
Ezekwesili was appointed alongside Driek Desmer, ex-McKinsey senior partner, while Jennifer Bangoura, Nancy Rubin and Cathy Plunkett were appointed as members of the institution’s management team.
In a statement on Thursday, Nexford — an online institution — said the former Nigerian minister was appointed because of her experience in adding value to the education sector.
Speaking on the appointment, Fadl Al Tarzi, founder and chief executive officer (CEO) of Nexford University, expressed optimism that the new board members will be a welcome addition to the institution.
“We are delighted to welcome Driek and Oby to the board. Their deep experience in creating long-term value, driving strategy and knowledge of the education sector will be invaluable to the next stage of Nexford’s growth journey,” he said.
“This expertise, coupled with their understanding of global markets, will support our expansion across the world. Ultimately, they will support our efforts to become the leading platform bridging gaps between employers and learners, as Nexford continues to provide access to skill-focused high quality yet affordable education.”
In her remarks, Ezekwesili said: “Having been on Nexford University’s advisory board, I am delighted to now join its Board of Directors to help advance the mission of this innovation-pioneering institution that is setting the pace in the delivery of world-class affordable education and producing high quality talent at scale.”
Nexford University, the Washington D.C.-based next-generation online university, has announced two additions to its Board of Directors – Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili and Driek Desmet – and three to its management team – Dr. Jennifer Bangoura, Dr. Nancy Rubin and Dr. Cathy Plunkett.
Their trackrecords and proven leadership in strategy, technology and education will help Nexford University continue its impressive growth and achieve its business targets.
Push News 24 International confirms that Dr. Obiageli Ezekswesili recently joined Yale University as a Senior Fellow, and is an economic policy expert and a globally renowned figure in human capital development. Dr. Ezekswesili (known as Oby) is a former Vice President of the World Bank, co-founder and founding director of Transparency International, Founder-CEO of Human Capital Africa and has served as Nigeria’s Education Minister. She worked with world-renowned economics professor Jeffrey Sachs at the Center for International Development at Harvard, as the Director of the Harvard-Nigeria Economic Strategy Project. Her extensive knowledge of the education sector will drive Nexford’s efforts in creating education to employment opportunities across Africa.
Nexford University, the Washington D.C.-based next-generation online university, has announced two additions to its Board of Directors – Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili and Driek Desmet – and three to its management team – Dr. Jennifer Bangoura, Dr. Nancy Rubin and Dr. Cathy Plunkett.
Their trackrecords and proven leadership in strategy, technology and education will help Nexford University continue its impressive growth and achieve its business targets.
These appointments are in line with Nexford’s recent advances in partnering with employers to upskill and reskill their workforces, via its rollout of the ‘Nexford for Talent’ program, launched in 2021. They also follow Nexford’s successful $10.8 million pre-Series A in June 2021 and major partnership with Sterling Bank, one of Nigeria’s largest commercials banks, in August 2021.
DR SEGILOLA GRADUTED WITH BSc 20, MSc 25, PhD 31 – EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG MOTHER OF ONE TRENDING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL : December 18th, 2021
Dr Segilola Ogunyemi- Oladejo
DR SEGILOLA GRADUATED WITH BSc 20, MSc 25, PhD 31 – EXCEPTIONAL YOUNG MOTHER OF ONE TRENDING ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Dr Segilola Ogunyemi- Oladejo, Ph.D., a brilliant young lady on Twitter has shared how God led her through her academics in a post that has inspired many According to the doctor, she wanted to bag her masters at 23 and get a Ph.D. by the time she turned 28 She mentioned, however, that God wanted her to get the Ph.D. at 31 and masters at 25
Interestingly, the young lady mentioned that her goal was to achieve all of this by the age of 28 as she had planned to get the master’s at 23 after the BSc.
She was, however, grateful to God almighty for bringing her this far and making sure she achieves her goal on his own time.
She further revealed that she wants to become a professor at 42.
ORIADE COUNCIL BOSS, IBIZA LOUNGE, MEGA CHICKEN, MC PROF COMPETES IN THE MOTHER OF ALL AWARDS
All is set to ascertain the eventual winners of the maiden edition of the Amuwo Odofin / Oriade Merit Awards 2022 as the organisers of the Award released the final list of nominees in each of the award category.
The Award which has been debuted as the Mother-of-all awards by some stakeholders in Amuwo Odofin Federal Constituency, Lagos State was developed to honor persons and Organisations who are making significant contributions to the community through their time, actions, talents and dedication.
The release which was made public to the media Friday 16th, 2021 by the Convener of the Award, Amb. Kingsley Enwelim Nwanze stated that ” This is to officially release the list of three nominees for each of the categories with the highest nominations. The second phase of the awards will be the voting of the awardees for each categories”.
“We want to encourage the teeming public to vote for nominees of their choice as this is the only way to guarantee transparency”. Nwanze said.
Push News 24 International can confirmed that the link for voting will be released on Wednesday 22nd December 2021 and it will be open till 21st January 2022.”
Amongst those nominated includes Amb. Buzopat – a grassroot philanthropist, MC Prof, comedian and philanthropist, Hon. Ramotalai Akinola Hassan, Chairperson Oriade LCDA, Magrellos, Ibiza Lounge amongst others.
Find below the comprehensive list of all nominees in each category.
LIST OF NOMINEES AND THEIR AWARDS CATEGORIES
1. OUTSTANDING PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
A. HON OLA FOLORUNSO (OLA WESTERN) – MD , Western Concrete Nigeria Limited
B. HON. RAMOTALAI OLANREWAJU AKINLOLA HASSAN Executive Chairperson, Oriade LCDA
C. ANTHONY ABAKPORO – CEO/ Founder, United Breed Foundation
2. MOST OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION OF THE YEAR
A. FESTAC TOWN RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
B. AMUWO ODOFIN LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION
C. DIVINE ESTATE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION
3. ADVOCATE OF PEACE
A. DEJI DOHERTY
B. ANTHONY ABAKPORO
C. PASTOR RICHARD MINET
4. MOST OUTSTANDING MANUFACTURING COMPANY OF THE YEAR
A. NOSAK DISTILLERIES LIMITED, AMUWO ODOFIN
B. PHAMATEX NIGERIA LIMITED, AMUWO ODOFIN
C. SARSOLI COLOURS
5. DISCOUNT RETAIL STORE OF THE YEAR
A. GLOBUS SUPERMARKET
B. CECI MEGA PLAZA
C. BETTY DISCOUNT SUPERMARKET
6. MOST OUTSTANDING PHILANTROPIST OF THE YEAR
A. HON. OLA FOLORUNSHO
B. DEJI DOHERTY
C. AKEEM ODEDIRAN
7. MOST OUTSTANDING FASTFOOD RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
A. TASTEE FRIED CHICKEN
B. MAGRELLOS
C. MEGA CHICKEN
8. MOST OUTSTANDING INDIGENOUS FOODS RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
A. DROGBA RESTAURANT
B. MAMBO RESTAURANT
C. BE JOY RESTAURANT
9. MOST OUTSTANDING COMPANY FOR COVID 19 PALLIATIVE SUPPORTS
A. OCEAN LORD LIMITED
B. NOSAK DISTILLERIES LIMITED
10. MOST OUTSTANDING CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION OF THE YEAR
A. PATRIOTIC CITIZENS INITIATIVES
B. FAVOUR AMAECHI FOUNDATION
C. GOKE AYARA FOUNDATION, MILE 2 ESTATE
11. MOST OUTSTANDING LEGISLATOR OF THE YEAR
A. HON. EGOH OGHENE – AMUWO ODOFIN FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY
B. HON. WALE RAUF – AMUWO ODOFIN STATE CONSTITUENCY
C. HON. MOJISOLA KEHINDE MACAULAY – AMUWO ODOFIN STATE CONSTITUENCY 1
12. MOST OUTSTANDING DIAGNOSTIC COMPANY OF THE YEAR
A. EL LAB DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
B. CLINIX DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
C. LIFE-LINK MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC & LABORATORIES LTD.
14. MOST OUTSTANDING COMEDIAN OF THE YEAR
A. MC TOTORI
B. MC PROF
C. MC DANFO
15. MOST OUTSTANDING ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR
A. DJ GUCHI
B. DJ PABLO
C. DJ STUNZ
*16. MAJOR SUPPORTER FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT (PERSONALITY)
MR BROWN UBAH
MR ANTHONY ABAKPORO
MR UHUEGBU ANDERSON
17. MAJOR SUPPORTER FOR CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY PROJECTS (ORGANIZATION)
A. OCEAN LORD LIMITED
B. MEGA CHICKEN
C.VICTORY DRUGS
18. MOST OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR
A. MR DEJI DOHERTY
B. MR BROWN UBAH
C.PRINCE LEWIS OSOBASE
19. MAJOR SUPPORTER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (ORGANIZATION)
A. ROPPONGI NIGERIA LIMITED
B. JESSICA HOTELS
C.MELJENSTIN NGO
20. MAJOR SUPPORTER FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS (PERSONALITY)
A. HON. AMB.
B. CHIBUZO PATRICK OSIGWE
C. TARI ISAAC
21. MOST OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY (HOTEL)
A. TATIANA HOTEL
B. ROCKVIEW HOTEL
C. SOTEL SUITES
22. MOST OUTSTANDING HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY (CLUB AND LOUNGE)
A. IBIZA LOUNGE AND CLUB
B. GRASSHOPER’S PLACE
C. ROPPONQI LOUNGE
23. MOST OUTSTANDING TRANSPORT COMPANY OF THE YEAR
A. YOUNG SHALL MOTORS
B. GOD IS GOOD MOTORS
C. OKEYSON INVESTMENT COMPANY
24. MEDIA PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR
A. YOMI ADEJUMO
B. OBA AMEEN ABIODUN
C. PRINCE OLALEKAN OJO MARTINS
25. MOST OUTSTANDING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION OF THE YEAR
A. ST JUDES PRIVATE SCHOOL
B. LORAL SCHOOLS
C. LEARNING FIELD SCHOOLS
26. MEDIA COMPANY OF THE YEAR
A. PUSH NEWS 24 COMMUNICATIONS LIMITED
B. FESTAC MAG
C. FESTAC WEEKLY
THOSE RECEIVING SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARDS FROM CENTER FOR LEADERSHIP AND CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS IN AFRICA LTD/GTE WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON 20TH JANUARY 2022
BOWEN COLLEGE ASSAULT: WHY GUIDANCE COUNSELORS MUST BE EMBRACED AT THE ELEMENTARY LEVEL OF NIGERIA’S EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM -SANUSI
A lot of children and youth today go through a wide range of challenges. It can be difficult for them to speak with their parents or friends. At times, some children bottle up a lot of things in their minds and this affects their thought process and ultimately, their academic performance and even death. Due to this, it is however important that we have guidance counselors in Nigeria. This was the position of Prince Lanre Sanusi (PLS) during an interactive sessions with the media during a live call-in program over the spare of the recent school violence in Nigeria.
The US trained Tax Consultant and Finance Expert stressed that “At elementary school, children begin to develop their learning pattern. This is the stage where they start to make decisions, communicate, and master life skills, as well as character values. Students at elementary level develop and acquire attitudes toward school, peers, groups and family.”
“It is essential for schools in Nigeria to have counselors at all levels in the educational sector. This is because children need people who they can share their personal struggles with, without being attacked.”
Push News 24 International reported the incident of Bowen College assault which led to the death of a pupil Sylvester in questionable circumstances result in the arrest of some officials and pupils of the school by the Police.
PLS who was visibly saddened about such incidences described it as unfortunate putting it amongst other things as a missing link in the guidance and counseling strategy in Nigerian schools, he mentioned to Push News 24 International about some of the importance of Counsellors.
“They may facilitate student-to-parent, parent-to-teacher or parent-to-parent consultations and discussions to ensure that everyone is on the same page when it comes to issues regarding the students, whether it involves disciplinary decisions or social provocations. School counselors act as a link between parents/teachers and their children/students. When parents have questions regarding the social engagement of their children, they approach the guidance counselor for answers.”
“At times, counselors go the extra mile to organize seminars to educate the teachers on certain topics relating to developmental milestones of children. In some schools in Nigeria, Guidance Counselors engage in periodic review of students academic performance, looking out for trends that may reveal signs of positive or negative influence, in order to make recommendations for intervention where applicable.” Sanusi says.
The Awori born Prince added “Guidance Counselors in Nigeria encourage students to talk to their parents or guardians about things that worry them. When students do not feel comfortable talking about emotional or social problems at home, school counselors may have individual counseling sessions with them. If there is a problem occurring with a group of students, then a group counseling session might be warranted. When the issues are a bit complex, Guidance Counselors may include parents in these sessions, especially in cases where there might be need to seek additional counseling outside the school.”
“In a country like Nigeria, we have a lot of negative influences such as; domestic violence, substance abuse, teenage pregnancy and unemployment, etc. It is therefore of utmost importance to have Guidance Counselors who can act as role models to children who may be affected or caught up in these situations.”
The Lagos born US trained business mogul says if given the platform he will ensure the relevant authorities review the curriculum of Guidance Counselor in schools in order to ensure graduates of such professions are fully baked before they are churned out to the society.
Push News 24 International researched that It is important for people to be aware that school counseling is by far the most complex and demanding type of practice that is not widely recognized in Nigeria. Unfortunately, few people fully understand the complexity of the lives of young people and the challenges they go through.
JUSTICE ADENIYI ADEMOLA WELCOMES NEW GREGORIAN EXCOS AS FMR AMUWO COUNCIL BOSS JOINS THE LEADERSHIP
It was another time for the old boys of St. Gregory College to assembly again in their Annual General Meeting (AGM) to brainstorm and appraise the activities of the Association. The event also cumunated with the conduct of her elections into various offices except for the position of the President.
The President of the Association, who is a retired Justice of Nigeria, Justice Adeniyi Ademola kicked the event rolling by presenting reports of his activities, projects and proposals in the coming years.
The AGM which took place on December 4th, 2021 also witnessed the election of new Excos for the next 3 years.
St. Gregory’s College, Lagos, is a Catholic Missionary school for boys, with boarding facilities, located 1.0 km from Tafawa Balewa Square in the vicinity of Ikoyi – Obalende, Lagos State, Nigeria.
The election of the new leadership formed a major part of the AGM as the Association Trustee, Mr J. Olusola Macgregor and Mr Akin Ajayi a Patron ensure that the process for electing the new officers were seamless.
Mr Anthony Epelle and Mr Francis competed for the 1st Vice President post while Comrade Ayodele Adewale and and Mr James Kadiri locked horns on who will be the publicity secretary.
The duo of Mr Anthony Epelle and Comrade Ayodele Adewale were elected and declared winners as 1st Vice President and Publicity Secretary respectively. All other offices were returned unopposed.
Justice Ademola congratulates the two winners stressing that both are round pegs in a round hole, he also thanked all for coordinating themselves in the spirit of comradeship making the process less cumbersome, he further charged the new leadership to brace up for the new challenges.
Push News 24 International confirmed the following persons as the new leaders of St Gregory’s Old Boys Association Following the conclusion of the ;
(1) Hon. Justice A. A. Ademola (Rtd.) – President.
Mr Anthony Epelle – 1st Vice President.
Mr Babalola Obilana – 2nd Vice President.
Mr Ben Grant – General Secretary.
Mr Anthony Akpala – Asst. General Secretary.
Mr Francis Medessou – Treasurer.
Mr Babatunde Abozos – Financial Secretary.
Comrade Ayodele Adewale – Publicity Secretary.
Mr Goke Atiba – Social Secretary.
Bar. Olasewere – Legal Adviser
Rev. Fr. Paul Anyansi – ( Chaplin)
Mr Yinka Marinho – Membership Secretary.
Mr Opeoluwa Osho – Auditor.
Ms. Omolara Thomas – Ex-Officio.
Mr Ken Oboh – Ex-Officio.
Pst. Lola Alakija – Ex-Officio.
Mr Ray Azagba – Ex-Officio.
Notable Nigerians amongst who are statesmen, Politicians, Entrepreneurs etc have passed through St Gregory’s College.
These includes Adetokunbo Ademola, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. jimi Agbaje, Nigerian Pharmacist, Ben Murray Bruce, Sir Adeyemo Alakija KBE, Nigerian lawyer, politician and businessman. , Ade Abayomi Olufeko, Technologist , Ganiyu Dawodu, Nigerian politician and democracy activist., Antonio Deinde Fernandez†, Nigerian Business magnate and diplomat. Adewale Maja-Pearce, Writer, journalist and critic, Olufemi Majekodunmi, British-Nigerian architect, Raymond Njoku†, Nigerian politician and former Ninister for Transport. Mike Omoighe, Nigeria Artist and critic., Segun Agbaje, Bank Executive of GTBank, Cardinal Anthony Olubunmi Okogie, Archbishop of Lagos. IfVictor Uwaifo, Nigerian musician and Funsho Williams just to mention a few.
COVID19 : US RECORDS HIGHEST DEATHS DESPITE “DOOM” PREDICTION FOR AFRICAN COUNTRIES
The United States of America has currently the highest number of deaths resulting from COVID-19 incidences Push News 24 International can confirm.
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared coronavirus disease (COVID-19) a public health emergency of international concern on 30 January 2020 and then a pandemic on 11 March 2020 , highlighting its rapid global spread and risk of overwhelming healthcare services with patients requiring critical care. By 22 April 2020, WHO situation reports (SITREPs), indicated 56 African countries/territories reporting at least one laboratory-confirmed infection (‘reported case’) of COVID-19.
New analysis from IHME highlights the true toll of the pandemic.
Globally, COVID-19 has caused approximately 6.9 million deaths, more than double what official numbers show, according to a new analysis by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine. IHME found that COVID-19 deaths are significantly underreported in almost every country.
The updated analysis shows that the United States has had more COVID-19 deaths to-date than any other country, a total of more than 905,000. By region, Latin America and the Caribbean and Central Europe, Eastern Europe and Central Asia were hardest hit in terms of total deaths. This figure only includes deaths caused directly by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, not deaths caused by the pandemic’s disruption to health care systems and communities.
Africa has accounted for a relatively small number of deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Richard Wamai, a Northeastern associate professor of cultures, societies, and global studies, wanted to know why the official numbers differed so widely with projections from the early days of the pandemic that Africa would be especially vulnerable to the disease.
“The predictions of mass COVID casualties were based on a misunderstanding of the continent,” says Wamai, who has co-authored a new paper that details why the gloomy predictions have largely gone unrealized. “There are lessons we can learn about how the continent has handled the pandemic, or how the pandemic has manifested in the continent.”
Africa has accounted for a relatively small number of deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic. Richard Wamai, a Northeastern associate professor of cultures, societies, and global studies, wanted to know why the official numbers differed so widely with projections from the early days of the pandemic that Africa would be especially vulnerable to the disease.
“The predictions of mass COVID casualties were based on a misunderstanding of the continent,” says Wamai, who has co-authored a new paper that details why the gloomy predictions have largely gone unrealized. “There are lessons we can learn about how the continent has handled the pandemic, or how the pandemic has manifested in the continent.”
Richard Wamai Associate Professor of Cultures, Societies and Global Studies; Director, African American Studies Program
Not only has Africa utilized unrecognized strengths to help fend off COVID-19, says Wamai, but it also offers clues that can be applied against future pandemics. Africa represents 12.5 percent of the global population, but it accounted for just 4 percent of the 3.4 million deaths that had been reported around the world as of May 18.
Predictions that Africa would suffer catastrophically were based on beliefs that the continent would be vulnerable to poverty, unsanitary living conditions, and weak healthcare systems. Instead, says Wamai, national and local governments already had healthcare systems in place to deal with HIV/AIDS, Ebola, and other epidemics. By April 2020, a large majority of African countries had enacted at least five “stringent” public health and social measures in response to the pandemic, according to The Lancet.
9 NIGERIANS YOU PROBABLY DIDN’T KNOW HAVE WON GRAMMY AWARDS
By JESUTOMI AKOMOLAFE
N.B: This post was written on January 4, 2020, and updated on December 2021, to reflect new changes.
The Nigerian music industry has witnessed exponential growth over the years and with this growth has come a rising hunger for international visibility and dominance.
Over the years, different Nigerian artistes have promised to bring home a Grammy award as the prestigious award is considered music’s highest recognition.
From Skales, Terry Apala, Vic O, 9ice and Blackmagic are some of those who have promised but failed to deliver a Grammy to Nigerians.
In 2020, African Giant, Burna Boy became the latest Nigerian music act to be saddled with the responsibility of bringing home the honour. Although he didn’t promise fans a Grammy, music lovers all over Africa rejoiced when the “Killin Dem” hit maker scored a Grammy nomination.
The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences that oversees the Grammy Awards released its 2020 Grammy awards nominees and Burna Boy got a nod thanks to his “African Giant” album under the “World Music Album” category. The singer was nominated alongside other music stars like Altin Gün for “Gece”, Bokanté & Metropole Orkest Conducted By Jules Buckley for “What Heat”, Nathalie Joachim With Spektral Quartet for “Fanm D’ayiti” and Angelique Kidjo for “Celia”.
A win by Burna Boy would no doubt be a win for African music as a whole but sadly, he lost out to Angelique Kidjo in 202. However, in 2021, he came back stronger and won in the same category with the album “Twice As Tall.”
He was not alone in his Grammy win as Nigerian superstar singer Wizkid also clinched a Grammy the same night thanks to his feature on the Beyonce led song “Brown Skin Girl.”
Interestingly, the music video for “Brown Skin Girl” video was co-directed by British-Nigerian filmmaker Jenn Nkiru, which means she also gets to have a Grammy!
In light of Burna Boy and Wizkid becoming the latest Nigerian Grammy award-winning entertainers, let’s take a look at a list of Nigerians who have won a Grammy award.
Sikiru Adepoju
Sikiru Adepoju in a black suit holding a Grammy award | Ivory NG
Sikiru Adepoju is a percussionist and recording artist and plays primarily in the genres of traditional African music and world music. He plays a variety of instruments and styles. He first won a Grammy in 1991 as a part of Mickey Hart’s group Planet Drum, whose title album won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album. That was the first time there was a Grammy in that category. He won again on 8 February 2009 as a part of Mickey Hart’s latest group Global Drum Project, whose title album won the Grammy Award for Best Contemporary World Music Album at the 51st annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles.
Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel (Seal)
Seal Smooth | Radio
Born Henry Olusegun Adeola Samuel in 1963, he is better known by his professional name Seal. He is a British-Nigerian musician, singer and songwriter best known for his 1994 hit song, “Kiss from a Rose.” He has 14 Grammy nominations to his name and has won four. His song, “Kiss From A Rose” earned him three Grammy awards in 1996 and in 2011 he nabbed his fourth “Imagine”. He holds one of the highest numbers of Grammy awards by a Nigerian.
Helen Folasade Adu (Sade Adu)
Sade Adu | Accelerate TV
Born in Ibadan as Helen Folasade Adu in 1959 but professionally known as Sade Adu, the singer, songwriter cum actress grew up in Essex, England. She is known as the lead singer of her eponymous band. She holds the title of the first artiste of Nigerian origin to win the prestigious award. Her first Grammy was in 1986 for “Best New Artist” then another followed in 1994 with “No Ordinary Love” for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals. She earned her third Grammy in 2002 with “Lovers Rock” in the Best Pop Vocal Album and bagged her fourth in 2011 with “Soldier of Love” for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group With Vocals.
Lekan Babalola
Lekan Babalola | Africa Online
Born in 1960, Lekan Babalola is a Nigerian jazz percussionist and musician who started playing the conga at an early age. He has seven albums to his name and two Grammy awards. He began his professional career after joining a band called Samba Samba Band and later New York City-based Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers band, where he perfected playing the Bongo drums and performing jazz music. In 2006, he became Nigeria’s first Grammy Award winner for his work on Ali Farka Touré‘s In the Heart of the Moon which he was credited in three tracks. He also won a second Grammy in 2009 for his work on Cassandra Wilson‘s 2008 album titled Loverly.
Hakeem Seriki (Chamillionaire)
Chamillionaire | Black Enterprise
Born Hakeem Seriki but professionally known as Chamillionaire, he is a rapper, entrepreneur, and investor. Chamillionaire was born to a Muslim Nigerian father and an African-American Christian mother in Washington D.C. and moved to Houston, Texas at the age of four. He clinched a Grammy in 2007 for his song, “Riddin’ under the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group category. He received a tota of four nominations that year.
Kevin Olusola
Kevin Olusola | Kevin Olusola
Kevin Olusola was born in Owensboro, Kentucky, to Nigerian father Oluwole Olusola and Grenadian-born Curline Paul. Olusola is a musician, beatboxer, cellist, rapper, record producer, singer, and songwriter best known as the beatboxer of the vocal band Pentatonix. He has three Grammy awards to his name. On February 8, 2015, Pentatonix won a Grammy in the “Best Arrangement, Instrumental or a cappella” category for their song “Daft Punk”, a medley of songs by Daft Punk. On February 15, 2016, Pentatonix won a Grammy in the same category, this time for “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” from their “That’s Christmas to Me” album. On February 12, 2017, Pentatonix won a Grammy in the “Best Country duo/group performance” category for “Jolene” which featured Dolly Parton.
Honourable mentions of Nigerians artists who have received Grammy nods include King Sunny Ade who is the first to ever receive a nomination in 1983. Femi Kuti has four nominations to his name and Nigerian writer, Chimamanda Adichie-Ngozi also has a nomination thanks to her feature on Beyonce’s 2015 album.
Burna Boy
Burna Boy at the 2019 Coachella | Photo Burnaboygram
Burna Boy‘s big win in the Global Music category with his Twice as Tall album is no little achievement. When he lost to Republic of Benin’s Angelique Kidjo in 2020, many felt he was still deserving. Even Kidjo publicly acknowledged the talent, genius and greatness that Burna typifies.
The African Giant didn’t retreat into his corner to sulk. He dropped a no-skip album before the end of that year, which ultimately put him in the frame for consideration this year. And on Sunday night, a Grammy win cemented Burna’s African Giant status.
Wizkid
Wizkid
Wizkid’s win came via his feature on Beyonce’s Brown Skin Girl video. Wizkid has skirted around the edges of a Grammy win for a few years. Although “One Dance,” his monster hit collaboration with Drake was snubbed by Grammy, “Views“, the album on which the track appears was nominated for the Album of the Year. Wizkid has a producer and featured artist credits on the album.
Jenn Nkiru
Jenn Nkriu
There is more. The “Brown Skin Girl” video was co-directed by British-Nigerian filmmaker Jenn Nkiru. Nkiru first worked with Beyonce in 2018 as second unit director of Ricky Saiz’s video for Beyoncé and Jay-Z, “Apeshit”. In 2020, Nkiru handled the video for the launch of Beyonce’s Ivy Park fashion line.
CNN Fires Chris Cuomo Amid Inquiry Into His Efforts to Aid His Brother The network said it had “terminated him, effective immediately,” a move that came days after a lawyer for a former colleague accused the host of sexual misconduct.
The star anchor Chris Cuomo was fired by CNN on Saturday, completing a stunning downfall for the network’s top-rated host amid a continuing inquiry into his efforts to help his brother, Andrew M. Cuomo, then the governor of New York, stave off sexual harassment accusations.
The anchor was suspended on Tuesday after testimony and text messages released by the New York attorney general revealed a more intimate and engaged role in his brother’s political affairs than the network said it had previously known.
On Wednesday, Debra S. Katz, a prominent employment lawyer, informed CNN of a client with an allegation of sexual misconduct against Chris Cuomo. Ms. Katz said in a statement on Saturday that the allegation against the anchor, which was made by a former junior colleague at another network, was “unrelated to the Gov. Andrew Cuomo matter.”
It was not fully clear what role the allegation played in CNN’s decision to dismiss Mr. Cuomo. Ms. Katz is also the lawyer for Charlotte Bennett, a onetime aide to Andrew Cuomo who accused the former governor in February of sexual harassment.
Asked about the new allegation, a CNN spokeswoman said in a statement on Saturday night: “Based on the report we received regarding Chris’s conduct with his brother’s defense, we had cause to terminate. When new allegations came to us this week, we took them seriously, and saw no reason to delay taking immediate action.”
A spokesman for Mr. Cuomo, Steven Goldberg, said in a statement on Saturday, “These apparently anonymous allegations are not true.”
Ms. Katz said that her client “came forward because she was disgusted by Chris Cuomo’s on-air statements in response to the allegations made against his brother, Gov. Andrew Cuomo.” Ms. Katz cited a March 1 broadcast in which Chris Cuomo said: “I have always cared very deeply about these issues, and profoundly so. I just wanted to tell you that.”
Mr. Cuomo’s spokesman responded that the former anchor “fully stands by his on-air statements about his connection to these issues, both professionally and in a profoundly personal way. If the goal in making these false and unvetted accusations was to see Mr. Cuomo punished by CNN, that may explain his unwarranted termination.”
