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TODAY IN HISTORY
30 Aug 1983 Historic spaceflight by Guion S. Bluford, Jr.
U.S. astronaut Guion S. Bluford, Jr., became on this day in 1983 the first African American to travel into space, serving as a mission specialist aboard the shuttle orbiter Challenger, and later flew on three other missions.
Burna Boy is biggest ‘fraud’, most uninspiring artiste, says Lerin Nicodemus
Media personality, Lerin Nicodemus, has labelled Grammy-winning singer, Burna Boy as the biggest fraud and the most uninspiring artiste following his controversial statement about Afrobeats.
Nicodemus accused Burna of both tarnishing and trying to undermine the very foundation that propelled him to international fame.
She argued the ‘Love Damini’ singer has over time tried to infuse the style of the legendary Fela Anikulakpo Kuti who is well-known for pan-Africanism, into his craft.
However, she argued that, unlike Fela, Burna tends to avoid addressing the challenges affecting his fellow countrymen and the continent, opting instead to criticize his own people whenever he chooses to voice his opinions.
She said: “I said Burna Boy is the biggest fraud and most uninspiring artiste in Nigeria and this is why. She follows up with an excerpt of Burna Boy’s controversial interview where he noted: “Afobeats as most people call it is mostly about nothing, literally nothing. There’s no substance to it. Like nobody is talking about anything. It’s just a great time.”
“Like how do you shit on a movement that has taken years to build by our pioneers? Tons of people worked really hard to make sure that Afrobeats got the global recognition and respect it has now which he has greatly benefitted from by the way. And now it’s his turn to push it even further. And here he is tearing it down. If that’s not witchcraft, I don’t know what is.
Comparing Burna to his colleagues, she added: “Other artists like Wizkid and David try to shine a light on upcoming artistes at every given opportunity whether it’s putting them on an album or inviting them on global stages.
“But that can never be Burna Boy. He would rather just shit on people because that’s what he’s good at and it’s so uninspiring.”
Concerns continue to mount over expired foodstuffs in town
Concerns have been raised by citizens amid the circulation of expired drinks that were believed to be imported into the country without notice.
Reports have been making round on social media that some expired soft drinks were served at a local ceremony on Saturday, fueling suspicion that some extra expired food stuffs and drinks could be on sale in the corner shops and supermarkets. This has raised debate in the public domain with some questioning the pro-activeness of the Food Safety and Quality Authority (FSQA).
The FSQA came to being by an Act of Parliament in 2011 but started its operations in 2013 in the area of food and feed. Since then, the Authority has only 36 inspectors
Recently, hundreds of bags of expired rice were intercepted at the border post, expired chickens were disposed and unhealthy production of oil was also detected. Many expired foods were found at the country’s biggest market, Serrekunda.
The data obtained from FSQA indicated that from last year to date, five business entities were fined, 17 closed, eight prosecuted and five mega disposals were carried out.
The Point has engaged a concerned citizen and a resident of Bundung, Babou Jobe, who expressed his dissatisfaction with the current state of food items imported into the country. He said expired foods are mostly circulated by wheelbarrow vendors, saying enforcement should be done to save the lives of the people.
“A huge number of our population cannot read or write. Therefore, they can buy expired foods without knowing. So these people are at risk of consuming those products. It is the duty of the regulatory body to promise an environment free from expired foods,” he stated.
Aji Astou Njie, also expressed her fear of buying certain products, arguing that many products are imported into the country without knowing their origin or being checked by Food Safety.
She said: “I cannot dwell more on the matter but I know something has to be done if we are really serious as a nation to save our people from health complications.”
Marabi Amfaal Hydara, FSQA’s communications officer, told this medium that in order to make so that the food that enters the country is safe, his institution deploys inspectors across all the borders including the airport. He added that this is to ensure all foods and feeds coming into the country are inspected.
He said: “We have a scientific department to ensure that anything people complaint is checked before making any conclusion. We also have the food control department that normally goes out every day to inspect. We have the regulatory department that is more of enforcement in case of someone violating the act.”
Dwelling on how inspectors determine consumable food, he explained that they have a checklist that usually guides them and checks if the food is fit for human and animal consumption.
Giving his reaction to the expired foods circulating on social media, he reiterated that when their inspectors get to the field, they don’t see such foods people complain about.
“We cannot do anything about things we cannot see. We normally reach out anytime we see something on social media. There is a junction named Expired Junction at Serrekunda, but the things they sell are actually not expired, it is mostly six months before the expiry date,” he said.
He emphasised that their inspectors are trying to trace the origin of the alleged expired drinks, while noting that finding the sole proprietor is the problem. He added that they don’t make decisions without finding the actual person responsible.
Molamin Jammeh, a public health officer, shared his thoughts with this medium, while reiterating that public health is the art and science of preventing disease promoting health and prolonging life through organised effort.
He explained that consuming expired food affects health, saying public health officers are driving to make sure people do not fall sick by preventing diseases from occurring. He said if someone falls sick from consuming expired foods, it has undermined the goal of public health.
“Expired foods in the market threaten public health. We should ensure that the food that is imported is safe and of quality and that we will be able to prevent the population from any safety issues. The consequences of consuming expired food products depend on the composition. Some expired food pose significant health threat which include food poisoning, diarrhoea, stomachic and muscle ache,”
He said some of the chemicals used to preserve the food may be toxic to humans when consumed after the expiry date.
Credit to: thepoint.gm
“Congrats, bro” – Everton’s Iwobi, Forest’s Awoniyi, others react as Super Eagles star announces engagement
Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has taken to Instagram to announce his engagement to Mmesoma Akaolisa, Soccernet.ng reports.
The 25-year-old, who currently plies his trade in the Premier League with Brentford, shared the joyful news with a heartfelt post on Sunday evening.
In the Instagram post, Onyeka posted a photograph of himself and Akaolisa, both beaming with happiness, as he declared their intention to embark on a lifelong journey together.
He captioned the post with affectionate words, saying, “A lifetime of us my best friend, my meso. #cheerstoforever.”
A second snapshot accompanying the announcement revealed Akaolisa flaunting her engagement ring, solidifying the joyous occasion.
Onyeka’s Super Eagles compatriots swiftly flocked to the comment section to extend their heartfelt congratulations.
Nottingham Forest star Taiwo Awoniyi, who recently welcomed a child, celebrated Onyeka’s news, exclaiming, “Let’s go my guy.”
Kenneth Omeruo chimed in with, “Eweeeeee congratulations bro,” while Calvin Bassey, who recently joined Fulham, offered his best wishes, saying, “Congrats my guy.”
Southampton’s Joe Aribo and Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman added their voices with “Congratulations bro” and “Congrats bro,” respectively.
Terem Moffi joined the chorus, jubilantly exclaiming, “Congratulations my guyyyyyy,” while Chidozie Awaziem playfully wrote, “Tank Nwanne,” and Paul Onuachu kept it simple with “Frankie Congratulations.”
William Troost Ekong also chimed in with a congratulatory message, stating, “Congrats bro.” Even Onyeka’s Brentford teammate Ivan Toney expressed his excitement, affectionately referring to him as ‘Snr man. ❤️ Myyy boyyy.”
A brief overview of Onyeka’s football journey reveals that he began as a young trainee at FC Ebedei before making a move to join Midtjylland’s youth team in January 2016.
His talent led to the signing of a professional contract with Midtjylland the following year. In 2021, the 25-year-old made a significant move to Brentford, sealing a club-record €10 million transfer.
Since joining Brentford, Onyeka has made a notable impact, featuring in 48 matches for the English side, with 42 of those appearances in the Premier League.
The latest of his appearances in the EPL came at the weekend when he was called to action for the last 18 minutes of Brentford’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
“Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time.”
~ Thomas A. Edison
Obaseki-Shaibu feud gets messier as governor sacks deputy’s media aides
The feud between Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and his deputy, Philip Shaibu, appears to have gotten messier with the governor sacking all the deputy governor’s media aides.
In the beginning
Mr Shaibu had, earlier on Monday, staged a walk-out during a colloquium in the state after his media aides and security details were denied entry.
The colloquium was organised by the state government to mark the 60th anniversary of the Midwest Referendum at Sir Victor Uwaifo Creative Hub and Soundstage in the state.
A video clip posted by Arise TV showed how Mr Shaibu’s aides were blocked from entering the venue.
In the clip, Mr Shaibu was seen walking into the venue in the company of the aides when they were stopped at an entrance by officials of the Edo State Government, who insisted that only the deputy would be allowed entry.
“They must go with me,” Mr Shaibu was heard telling the officials.
The event was ongoing at the time of the brawl at the entrance.
“Just hold on, let me get instruction,” one of the officials was heard telling the deputy governor.
The official was seen beckoning an unidentified chief security officer, before being filmed trying to make a phone call.
Apparently angered by the delay to allow them entry, Mr Shaibu led his aides to stage the walkout.
‘Forced entry’
In a statement on Monday, Chris Nehikhare, the commissioner for information in Edo State said the state government has “disbanded” the media crew of the deputy governor apparently because of the walk-out.
Mr Nehikhare said the government has directed that Mr Shaibu should henceforth request the Ministry of Communication and Orientation for media coverage of activities of his office.
The commissioner claimed that the deputy governor’s media crew attempted “to force their way into” the event venue where Governor Obaseki and other invited dignitaries were already seated.
“This act was contrary to the accreditation protocol that had been established for media coverage of the event,” he said.
He said the “orchestrated and stage-managed walkout and disruption” was “highly regrettable.”
Background
There has been a face-off between Messrs Obaseki and Shaibu after the deputy governor asked a court to stop an alleged plot by the governor to remove him from office.
Mr Obaseki has since denied the allegation and, subsequently accused Mr Shaibu of manipulating the youth council election in Edo State because of his (Shaibu’s) interest to contest for the 2024 governorship election in the state.
The governor and his deputy had been political allies for several years.
In their days in the All Progressives Congress (APC), during the intense political fights between Mr Obaseki and his erstwhile benefactor, Adams Oshiomhole, Mr Shaibu stood solidly behind Governor Obaseki.
Mr Oshiomhole, who was the APC national chairman then, blocked Mr Obaseki from getting the APC governorship ticket for his reelection bid, forcing him to move to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Mr Shaibu moved with the governor to the PDP, and both of them got a joint ticket and defeated the APC governorship candidate, Ize-Iyamu Osagie, to win the election.
But following the worsening feud between them, Governor Obaseki, earlier this month, toldMr Shaibu, that the “emilokan spirit” was unacceptable in the state’s politics and would not work in the 2024 governorship election in the state.
Emilokan, a Yoruba word that means “it is my turn,” was made popularby President Bola Tinubu during his campaign for the 2023 election.
The ideology behind the expression as used then by Mr Tinubu was that he had worked for President Muhammadu Buhari to become the first opposition leader to be elected Nigerian president, and therefore it was his (Tinubu’s) turn to be president after Mr Buhari.
By bringing up the emilokan, Governor Obaseki was apparently telling Mr Shaibu not to feel that he is entitled to succeed him because he (Shaibu) had worked and supported him (Obaseki) during his political battles.
Credit to: premiumtimesng.com
Lakers News: Official Kobe Bryant Statue Release Confirmed for 2023-2024 Season
The Los Angeles Lakers have had a long history of star players coming into their organization. It has been special to watch over the years and has turned the franchise into the most historic in the NBA.
The team likes to immortalize some of its stars in the form of a statue outside their arena. And this season, the Crypto.com Arena will be getting a new piece of history.
It has been announced that the team will be putting a bronze statue of the legendary Kobe Bryant outside the arena on February 8th, 2024. This will be a special day for all involved and has been a long time coming.
The news was announced on Kobe Bryant Day around the city of Los Angeles. It’s only fitting that the news dropped on this day, and it will be a bittersweet moment for everyone involved. He means the world to the city of Los Angeles, and it’s extremely unfortunate that he won’t be able to be around to see the unveiling of the statue.
Bryant is one of the most iconic Lakers of all time, and he deserves the statue. Outside maybe Magic Johnson, Bryant is the best Laker of all time. This statue will be a culmination of his Lakers accomplishments and will likely be an emotional day for the fans.
Bryant’s legacy will live on forever in the hearts of both Lakers and basketball fans all over the globe.
His mamba mentality still plays a crucial role in the game of basketball, and he is forever missed. Players today still talk about him as the person that they looked up to. His impact on the game of basketball is completely immeasurable, and this statue will only enhance that.
Kobe Bryant Day 2023: Remembering the NBA legend through photos
LOS ANGELES – They say a picture is worth a thousand words and when it comes to the legacy of Kobe Bryant, those pictures spark nostalgia for not only one of the greatest players to don the Purple and Gold, but also as one of the league’s most remarkable worldwide icons.
Aug. 24 (8/24) officially marks Kobe Bryant Day, also known as Mamba Day, in celebration of the two jersey numbers Bryant wore during his 20-year NBA career. All 20 seasons for the 18-time All-Star were spent with the Los Angeles Lakers, playing a crucial role in producing five championships for the franchise.
To celebrate his excellence on and off the court, Kobe Bryant Day was declared by the Los Angeles City Council following his retirement in 2016. In Aug. 2020, the Orange County Board of Supervisors voted in favor of declaring Aug. 24 as Kobe Bryant Day for the longtime OC resident. However, the day continues to be celebrated beyond Southern California as his legacy reached admirers worldwide.
Kobe Bryant Day also happens to follow his heavenly birthday. Mr. Bryant would have celebrated his 45th birthday this year.
While he is often remembered as being one of the greatest athletes around the globe, the Lakers legend is remembered beyond the world of sports for his “Mamba Mentality.”
(Getty Images)
It’s a mindset many have said not only helped them in high-pressure situations like having a game on the line but has also helped his fans overcome challenging times in their lives or has helped guide them into bettering themselves. With Bryant being the proud father of four daughters, others have used the mentality to become better parents.
To help commemorate the special day, below are just some pictures that tell his story.
Kobe Bryant Becomes a Laker
Can you believe Kobe Bryant was almost a Charlotte Hornet? At just 17 years old and weeks after winning the basketball state championship with his Lower Merion High School teammates, Bryant was the 13th overall pick of the 1996 NBA Draft by Charlotte. Bryant was then traded to Los Angeles in exchange for Vlade Divac.
Jerry West, GM, Kobe Bryant and Head Coach Del Harris (Photo by Steve Grayson/WireImage)
Capturing the Beginning Stages of a Superstar
It didn’t take long for Bryant to make an impression in the league and was named the NBA Rookie of the Year following the 1996-97 season.
In 2001, John W. McDonough took an astonishing aerial view of Bryant in action.
Kobe Bryant in action vs Dallas Mavericks in Los Angeles on Feb. 17, 2001. (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Getty Images)
The Kobe and Shaq Era
Coached by Phil Jackson, the Lakers went on to win three consecutive champions between 2000 and 2002. Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal are often regarded as one of the best duos in NBA history. The image below shows the dynamic duo following their first championship together when Bryant was 21 years old.
Kobe Bryant holds the Larry O’Brian trophy. (AFP/AFP via Getty Images)
Kobe Switches Jersey Numbers
As his own rebirth, Bryant switched his jersey number from No. 8 to No. 24 ahead of the 2006-07 season.
Kobe Bryant does a layup during game vs Detroit Pistons in Los Angeles in 2006 (Photo by John W. McDonough/Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
Kobe Becomes a Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist
Born for greatness, Bryant shined on the worldwide stage. Bryant won gold medals with Team USA in 2008 and 2012.
USA’s Kobe Bryant celebrates with teammates at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008. (FILIPPO MONTEFORTE/AFP via Getty Images)
The Rebirth of the Showtime Lakers
In 2008, the Lakers acquired big man Pau Gasol in a trade from Memphis. It was a roster move that certainly paid off as the Lakers went on to win back-to-back championships in 2009 and 2010.
Perhaps the highlight of the Kobe and Pau Era was witnessing Kobe cement his legacy by winning his 5th NBA Championship in a 7-game series against Boston. The pictures of the purple and gold confetti falling down at Staples Center, also known as “The House Kobe Built,” are like a moment frozen in time.
Kobe Bryant victorious after winning championship vs Boston Celtics in Los Angeles on June 17, 2010. (Photo by John W. McDonough /Sports Illustrated via Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Kobe Bryant celebrates after the Lakers defeated the Boston Celtics in Game Seven of the 2010 NBA Finals on June 17, 2010 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Bryant named his four closest teammates as Gasol, Derek Fisher, Caron Butler and Ronnie Turiaf in a 2015 interview.
Kobe Bryant smiles as he holds two NBA Finals Larry O’Brien Championship trophies with teammates Pau Gasol and Derek Fisher on September 25, 2010. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
‘Mamba Out’
When fans think of who they consider “the greatest,” they often think of who left everything they had on the court every single night and Mamba certainly meets that criteria. Bryant often fought through his injuries to put on a show for the fans and at 37, he made the difficult decision to retire from the NBA.
In his final game, Bryant put on a 60-point spectacular in downtown LA.
Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers against the Utah Jazz at Staples Center on April 13, 2016 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Building A Media Empire
In 2013, Bryant founded his own multimedia company called Granity Studios. The company produces various projects including books, podcasts, and films.
SUGGESTED: Kobe Bryant legacy lives on through latest novel ‘Geese Are Never Swans’
In his final interview with FOX 11, Bryant said he used his projects as a way to connect with his daughters.
In 2018, he made history and became the first person to have won both an NBA Championship and an Academy Award. Bryant, along with Glen Keane, won an Oscar for the animated short film, “Dear Basketball.”
Filmmaker Kobe Bryant, winner of the Best Animated Short Film award for ‘Dear Basketball’ during the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018 in Hollywood. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
#GirlDad
To recap, some of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team member’s accolades include 15-time All-NBA selection, 18 All-Star game appearances, five NBA championships and two Olympic gold medalists.
Following his retirement, Bryant showed a different side of himself as his interviews often focused on being a family man and his most significant life accomplishment as a father.
RELATED: Kobe Bryant Day: How the Lakers legend embraced being a girl dad
(Getty Images)
His daughter, Gigi, was determined to carry on her father’s basketball legacy and aspired to play college hoops at UConn before going to the WNBA. To support her dream, the girl dad continued to move the game forward as an advocate for women’s basketball.
In their last known public appearance, Kobe and Gigi were seen smiling courtside at Staples Center (now the Crypto.com Arena) bonding over the game they loved. In the photo, Kobe Bryant proudly wore an orange hoodie with the WNBA’s white silhouette logo printed on it.
Kobe Bryant and daughter Gianna Bryant attend a basketball game between the LA Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks on December 29, 2019 in Los Angeles. (Photo by Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images) (Getty Images)
Every year on Aug. 24, fans can reflect on his legacy and can realign their goals using their version of the “Mamba Mentality” to help make their dreams a reality – just like Kobe did.
Credit to: foxla.com
EPL: Jamie Carragher disagrees with Van Dijk’s red card
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has given his verdict on captain Virgil van Dijk’s red card during the Reds’ Premier League win over Newcastle United on Sunday.
Just minutes after Anthony Gordon gave the hosts the lead, Van Dijk was shown a straight red card for a challenge on Alexander Isak.
With Isak played through by Gordon’s excellent through ball, Van Dijk appeared to go through the Newcastle striker before getting a touch on the ball and being shown a straight red by referee John Brookes.
However, Carragher was left furious with the referee’s decision, insisting that it was not a red-card offence.
According to him, Van Dijk was ‘lazy’ in getting across to Isak but insisted the Newcastle player was not denied a clear goal-scoring opportunity.
“Virgil van Dijk does a lot wrong here,” Carragher told Sky Sports.
“He is lazy initially in terms of not getting across; the decision to then go in and make a challenge is probably ill-advised. But I still don’t think that is a red card. How do you know that is a goal-scoring opportunity? Initially, he is lazy and should get over it earlier and maybe not make the challenge, but that is not a red card.”
Credit to: dailypostng.com
D5 Creation