I was scared when Funke Akindele told me to kiss Mercy Aigbe –Adeniyi Johnson

Actor, Adeniyi Johnson, has recounted how he felt when star actress, Funke Akindele told him he would be kissing Mercy Aigbe in a movie.

Johnson made this known during the birthday celebration held for Mercy Aigbe recently.

In a video of the event shared on Mercy Aigbe’s YouTube Channel, Johnson stated that  the fashionable Aigbe gave him the platform he needed to start out as an actor. He said, “My name is Adeniyi Johnson but the name would not have been If I had not met Mercy Aigbe. Over time, there have been a lot of misconceptions about how I rose to become a star. Few people that are close to me, know my source. I am never shy to be affiliated with the name, Mercy Aigbe. I had attended an audition for the movie, ‘The Return of Jenifa’. Luckily for me, I was picked. I was told I would be acting with Mercy Aigbe, even though I was an up and coming actor. When I got on set, Funke Akindele told me I would be kissing Mercy Aigbe. I felt she wasn’t supposed to tell me, because acting with her alone gave me tension, let alone kissing her.”

Johnson added that he had to check if his breath didn’t smell. “I had to check my breath every now and then. She (Aigbe) acted the role of my girlfriend in ‘The Return of Jenifa’. I think she saw what other people didn’t see in me. She told me I did well. The first sub-lead I ever played was given to me by Mercy Aigbe. I would continue to make you proud. Thank you for allowing God to use you for me,” he added.

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Don’t leave men who cheat on you, Bukunmi Oluwasina tells women

Actress and singer, Bukunmi Oluwasina, is of the opinion that it is very hard to find a man who is 100 per cent faithful.

Speaking about the qualities she looks out for in a man, she said, “I like a man that has the fear of God. A man who has the wisdom of God in him will know how to raise a family. I also want a man that won’t give up on me no matter what, because I can be complicated. I love a man that loves me for all of me. I like it when people stick to one another, no matter how hard it could be.  I believe love is love when it never ends. I don’t know if I can get a faithful man because we all are human beings. It is very hard to get someone who is 100 per cent faithful. Most people don’t know this, so when someone cheats on them, they leave the relationship. What gives you the impression that the next person you would date won’t cheat on you? We are not angels, nor are we saints. I also look out for a man who can forgive because there is no love without forgiveness.”

Speaking on her working relationship with her colleague, Lateef Adedimeji, Oluwasina, stated, “I am an actor. That is what I am paid to do and that is what I studied in school. I have chemistry with all actors, provided they know how to do their job well. Adedimeji Lateef is a fantastic actor too and one would always feel one has a chemistry with someone if two fantastic actors are paired together. They will rub off on each other because it is going to look real.”

The actress also stated that acting was much more demanding than many think. She added, “The job takes a lot from you than it gives you. Showbiz gives you fame but at the same time robs you of things that you may not pay attention to. If I wasn’t into showbiz, I would have probably had my own child and settled down because I love kids. I won’t trade fame for wanting to have a family of my own. Sometimes, showbiz doesn’t give you enough time to hang out with your loved ones. Showbiz has taken away my freedom. It hurts sometimes. I am really an introvert. However, I have had to make friends with people, even when I am not comfortable doing it. I don’t like spending too much time on social media because it robs me of creative things I would have done. Whenever I am writing a script, I don’t like to have my phone around me. I have had reasons to do things I don’t want to do and it freaks me out sometimes.”

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Nollywood actress, Lola Alao, recovers from COVID-19

 Nollywood actress, Lola Alao, recovers from COVID-19

She posted, “I tested positive for COVID-19 but I am fine now. To God be the glory.

I was sick to the bone and couldn’t smell anything. I was so scared because I had kids to take care of. You don’t ever want to imagine going into self-isolation and not seeing your loved ones.

“I don’t know what you must have heard about COVID-19, but I tell you today that it is way deadlier than you can ever think of.

“At this critical time when people are beginning to ignore the warnings against this virus, you can make a difference with your family members by being very conscious of the fact that it is still very much around.

“There is a thin line between life and death. Please, be nice to everyone around you always. My name is Lola Alao. Stay very safe, my people.”

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control announced 250 new cases of COVID-19 in the country on Saturday, bringing the nation’s confirmed cases to 53,727.

The public health agency said that till date, 53,727 cases have been confirmed, with 41,314 cases discharged and 1011 deaths recorded in 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

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Nollywood Star Omotola, Children Recover From COVID-19

 

Nollywood Star Omotola, Children Recover From COVID-19

Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and her children have recovered from COVID-19, few weeks after they contracted the disease.

“My kids and I are fine and COVID free now, and I do not take the experience for granted at all,” the actress posted on her Instagram page on Sunday, thanking God, family and friends for their prayers, calls and messages.

“I am grateful to God Almighty the Lord of Lords for all He has done for my family and I. He is truly a dependable Friend if you trust in Him,” she noted.

Omotola had on August 15th, disclosed that she contracted the virus, infected her children, and gone into isolation.

But the actress who is now free from the virus, went ahead to disclose the kind of lifestyle she adopted during her treatment, warning people to adopt safety protocols as COVID-19 is real.

“If you still don’t believe this virus is real, I pray you don’t experience it to believe,” the actress said.

“If you ever feel ill during this pandemic, please know there’s nothing to fear or be ashamed of…you’re not alone.”

she Also advice people

Please get TESTED immediately, it could save your life. Many have had covid and treated it as fever, malaria etc and luckily they've been fine....( note that symptoms are different and viral loads vary). However, a problem with that is they have probably gone on to infect others, since they were not monitored or guided. The average span for a covid infection if not severe is 2 weeks (14 days ) when you should totally isolate so as not to infect others.

Make sure to use vitamins - Vitamin C (1000ml) , vitamin D and Zinc daily and please WEAR A MASK. Please maintain physical distancing, wear a mask properly and wash your hands regularly.

I'll also like to thank the amazing lead Dr who treated me, Dr Folarin Opawoye and Finally , my husband whose Love and Faith nursed us back to health.

To God Alone be all the Glory.

Thank you all. ❤

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 Apple’s iPhone still rules, but Samsung and other phone makers are stepping up their game

iPhone 12 can beat the Galaxy Note 20 — here's how

Samsung's latest flagship phones have debuted to strong reviews, with the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra winning particular raves for its responsive S Pen, powerful zoom lens and its dynamic 120Hz display. It sets a pretty high bar for the other flagship phones coming out in the second half of 2020 — particularly for the new iPhone 12 lineup.

So will the initial success of the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra cause any sleepless nights in Cupertino, as Apple executives wrestle with how to make the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Pro standout from rival devices? Not exactly, tech analysts say.

• iPhone 12 Pro vs. Galaxy Note 20: Which phone will be the year’s best?
• The best phones right now
• Just in: Forget the Galaxy Note 20 — Galaxy S21 Ultra just leaked
• 

"While the Galaxy Note20 Ultra is extremely impressive, the iPhone ecosystem is quite sticky," said Avi Greengart, lead analyst at Techsponential. "There is not as much cross-shopping as you might think."

Still, while the iPhone 12 should still do very well for itself, thank you very much, there's more than a little pride at stake. None of the major smartphone makers like to cede any amount of buzz about their new devices, even if they're confident that fans will flock to the new versions. And with the iPhone 12 expected to ship later than usual — Apple has indicated we won't see the new iPhone in September — there might be some pressure to make up for the Note 20's head start.

But ultimately, the challenge facing Apple and the iPhone 12 is the same one that faces any device maker a dozen years after the original iPhone reinvented the smartphone market. How do you keep something fresh that's so familiar? 

"Smartphones are a mature category," Greengart said. "Aside from new form factors like dual-screen or foldables, all updates are iterative."

These days, Apple may not be able to revolutionize phones the way it did more than a decade ago. But there are plenty of ways that the iPhone 12 can still stand out in a crowded market and maybe even push rivals like the Galaxy Note 20 off to the side.

iPhone 12: The first 5G iPhone

Let's start with the obvious thing missing from the iPhone, and one of the features Apple is most likely to add. While other phone makers have been putting out 5G phones since 2019 — Samsung released the Galaxy S10 5G more than a year ago — Apple has sat on the sidelines. It's not like Apple has missed much: 5G networks are still being built out, and consumers have yet to reap the full benefits of faster network speeds and lower latency.

Now that Apple's throwing its hat into the 5G ring, it's expected to do so in a big way. All four rumored iPhone 12 models are likely to feature 5G connectivity, so if you buy a new iPhone, you'll be able to connect to a 5G network.

Or at least, you should be able to. A leak from earlier this year suggested both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max would only be able to connect to the sub-6Hz flavor of 5G; higher-speed mmWave connectivity used primarily by Verizon would be reserved for the iPhone 12 Pro models. Subsequent rumors have suggested that all iPhone models will support both kinds of 5G. And that's a smart decision — if Apple's 5G debut is to be a success, it needs to make those phones available to the widest audience possible.

Early 5G phones were very expensive, with prices regularly topping $1,000. That's come down a bit in recent months, especially as Android phone makers have been able to take advantage of the less expensive Snapdragon 765 mobile processor and its built-in 5G modem to release 5G that cost $600 or less.

The iPhone 12 likely won't be that inexpensive. But the fact that Apple will apparently release four different 5G iPhones means that there will be models available at a wide range of prices.

iPhone 12: Getting the price — and size — right

Speaking of price, if there's one lesson Apple's learned in the past year, it's that people rarely pass up an opportunity to buy a cheaper iPhone. Apple actually saw a modest increase in iPhone sales during its June quarter in spite of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic closing the company's retailer stores and would-be upgraders likely holding out for new iPhones in the fall. Much of the credit for that growth goes to the iPhone SE 2020, Apple's $399 device, which proves that people still like an iPhone with a low price and a compact size. 

It's not just the iPhone SE. Since the $699 iPhone 11 made its debut last fall, it's been Apple's most popular model, as shoppers look for a viable alternative to a $999 iPhone.

That's likely to continue with the iPhone 12, at least based on rumors about the new iPhone's prices. The iPhone 12 Pro and Pro Max are expected to keep the respective $999 and $1,099 price tags of their predecessors. The iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Max will be the low-cost alternatives, with rumored price tags of $649 and $749, respectively. That not only gives people a way to save money from the iPhone 12 Pro, it's also hundreds of dollars less than the flagships Samsung has put out this year.

Just as important as price, though, is size. While phone screens are getting ever larger — you can't get a Galaxy S20 or Note 20 that's smaller than 6.2 inches — there's still a segment of the phone-buying population that covets compact devices. The $649 iPhone 12 is rumored to be addressing that demand with a 5.4-inch screen, which could wind up on our best small phone list. And that will help Apple's new phone stand out, Greengart said.

"If Apple releases a 5.4-inch iPhone, as has been widely rumored, that will fill a niche that nobody else is targeting for small premium phones," he added.

iPhone 12 display: Embracing 120Hz

Apple may boast the fastest phones, thanks to its A13 Bionic chipset. (The even faster A14 is all but certain to power the iPhone 12.) But some Android phones have gotten in another area where Apple has stood still — they feature displays with faster refresh rates.

All three Samsung Galaxy S20 models released earlier this year feature displays that refresh at 120Hz; the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra does that spec one better by dynamically adjusting its refresh rate based on how you're using the phone. And those aren't the only Android devices with faster refreshing screens — the Pixel 4 lineup boasts a 90Hz refresh rate while both the OnePlus 8 and OnePlus 8 Pro have faster refresh rates, too.

Meanwhile, Apple's iPhones are stuck at 60Hz refresh rates, the standard for smartphones these days. That means while owners of other phones are enjoying more immersive experiences like smoother scrolling and better gameplay.

"High refresh rate displays are becoming a feature consumers look for at the high end of the market," Greengart said. "Apple has plenty of experience with this. The iPad Pro has offered one for years."

But will the iPhone 12? Of the new models coming out this fall, it would seem like the iPhone 12 Pro were the most likely to adopt 120Hz refresh rates, though more recent rumors have thrown cold water on that speculation. It seems like something Apple will need to add sooner rather than later or risk having the iPhone fall behind the competition, at least when it comes to displays.

iPhone 12 cameras: What else is new?

The iPhone has long been considered one of the best camera phones, and that's unlikely to change with the iPhone 12. Still, other phone makers have stepped up their game, both in terms of camera hardware and software. On the hardware front, we're particularly impressed by the Space Zoom lens on the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, and its ability to produce some pretty clear images with its 50x zoom. On the software side of things, it's Google that often sets the standard for computational photography.

So how does Apple respond? Based on the rumors we've heard about the camera arrays on the various iPhone 12 models, we're unlikely to see advances like a dramatically improved telephoto lens. Apple's software innovations have a way of sneaking up on us — who knew about Smart HDR and Deep Fusion until Apple explained how those features make for better, more detailed photos? So we could be surprised by some similar innovation when Apple shows off its new phones in a month or so.

One possible new feature headed to the iPhone 12 Pro phones will be a LiDAR sensor similar to the one on the iPad Pro. This extra lens will be able to gauge distances more quickly and accurately than time-of-flight sensors, which should improve portrait shots taken by the iPhone 12 Pro. But a more compelling use would be with augmented reality and iPhone AR apps that could tap into the LiDAR sensor to more accurately measure the distance of real-world objects. 

Expect Apple to spend a lot of time explaining the benefits of LiDAR at its iPhone 12 launch event, and maybe even invite some app makers on stage to show how their software takes advantage of the new hardware.

iPhone 12 outlook

Apple rarely takes notice of what other phone makers are doing, opting to go in its own direction. Given the volume iPhones Apple has sold to date, you'd have a hard time arguing with that strategy.

"The reason to buy an iPhone 12 will be the same reason people bought an iPhone XS or iPhone 11 — it’s an iPhone," Greengart said. "Apple’s processors outperform the competition. Apple’s imaging, networking, and displays should be competitive. But the iOS ecosystem and user experience is unique."

Still, the iPhone 12 arrives at a unique time. Apple's new phones will debut later than usual — perhaps even after Google's upcoming Pixel 5 if rumors of a Sept. 30 release for that phone pan out. The economic fallout from coronavirus may make people resistant to shelling out big bucks for a new phone, even one from Apple. And Android phones — the Galaxy Note 20 Ultra, in particular — have upped their game in an effort to challenge Apple.

There are plenty of ways Apple can raise the bar for smartphones yet again with the iPhone 12. We'll find out exactly how when Apple is ready to unveil its latest phones.

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Apple’s Radical iPhone 12 Upgrade Suddenly Confirmed

Apple’s best iPhone 12 upgrades have been dropping like flies in recent weeks with display disappointment, design concerns and strange battery decisions. But arguably the most exciting new addition, does now look to have been confirmed. 

Picked up by the excellent new site AppleTrack, the first iPhone 12 Pro Max case to show the flagship phone’s redesigned camera array has leaked. The case reveals not only the enlarged rear cameras, but also how Apple will integrate its hugely exciting new LiDAR sensor in the phone’s triple camera array. And it’s not what everyone was expecting.  

08/25 Update: in a further boost to the iPhone 12 Pro lineup, 2020's breakout Apple tipster Jon Prosser has told Apple fans: "Don’t give up on 120hz on 12 Pro yet..." explaining "I know they’ve got iPad Pro-like 'Promotion' running on 12 Pro Max. Just not sure if it’ll make launch. But there’s enough evidence from my sources not to give up on it quiet yet." He does warn that the new iPhones will not use Samsung's LPTO displays (seen in the Note 20 Ultra) which are optimized for high refresh rate panels, but this was expected. Despite this, the concern is less about whether the new line-up has 120Hz capable screens, but whether Apple implements them due to battery drain concerns - a problem of Apple's own making. Either way, this feature is clearly touch and go and, for some (including myself), its omission would be a deal breaker.

Apple was widely tipped to add the LiDAR sensor by shifting the iPhone 11’s triangular camera setup into a square design of four equal sized lenses (three cameras, one LiDAR sensor). Instead, the case shows Apple has kept the same layout and managed to shrink the LiDAR sensor down significantly from the large module first seen in the iPad Pro in March. The result is a sensor which is as small as the LED flash and can nestle into the bottom right corner of the camera hump. 

While sufferers of trypophobia will be happy with this new design, it does raise questions. Most notably, has Apple managed to shrink the LiDAR sensor without impacting the superb 3D mapping performance it delivers in the iPad Pro (video below). And will LiDAR also be seen on the smaller iPhone 12 Pro? (iPhone 12 and iPhone 12 Plus models will miss out). 

My personal opinion is if Apple wants widespread LiDAR adoption by app makers, then it needs to equip both iPhone 12 Pro models. Having clearly spent significant time designing this tech, what Apple doesn’t need is another failed 3D Touch situation on its hands. With the right support, LiDAR will be a true differentiator for the iPhone range as virtual and augmented reality apps continue to evolve at a frightening pace. 

LiDAR performance will also get a big helping hand from Apple’s multi-generational A14 performance. My big concern, however, is battery life with this new high performance hardware set to take a toll on the iPhone 12 range’s downgraded battery tech. Especially with 5G added to the mix.

We will have to wait a little longer to know how this pans out, with Apple already confirming a delayed release and subsequent warnings claiming this may be longer than expected. That said, with Apple also introducing an eye-catching new chassis design and undercutting rival prices for the first time, the iPhone 12 Pro models are poised to give LiDAR a flying start. 

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Nigerians in Canada to be evacuated Friday

The Nigerian High Commission in Canada said on Tuesday Nigerians stranded in the North American nation would return to the country on Friday.

The High Commission disclosed this in a memo with reference no NHC/OTT/ADM.56/1 and titled: “2nd evacuation flight from Canada to Nigeria.”

It said the evacuees would depart Canada at 3.00 p.m. local time on Thursday.

The commission said: “The government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has approved a second evacuation flight for the airlifting of Nigerian nationals who are stranded in Canada due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Boeing 787-Dreamliner, ET 553, operated by Ethiopian Airline is scheduled to depart the Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ) on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at 15:00 hour local time, to arrive at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on August 21, 2020, at 08:00 hour local time and thereafter, proceed to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos.

“The airfare is as detailed below: Economy class to Abuja is $1,250 while Lagos is $1,350; Business-class to Abuja $2,800 while Lagos is $2900; Children – $950 while infant – $100.

“The High Commission wishes to inform that in accordance with the guidelines of the Nigerian Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, it is mandatory for all intending evacuees to undergo a COVID-19 test and produce an original COVID-19 negative result, not older than 14 days to departure.”

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Diezani, a senior Yahoo Girl, no different from Hushpuppi 

A pro-Buhari group, the Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has described a former Minister of Petroleum Resources, Diezani Allison-Madueke as a senior Yahoo Girl, a term used for internet fraudsters, and no different from ‘Hushpuppies’ of this world.

The BMO stated this in a statement on Wednesday while reacting to the appearance of the Allison-Madueke at a virtual event of the Niger Delta, accusing the publisher of Ovation Magazine of packaging the appearance.

The BMO, in the statement signed by its Secretary Cassidy Madueke, said that the former minister’s appearance showed that Momodu was hired to spread falsehood about her health status in 2015.

The group said, “How is a woman that teamed up with the Ovation Publisher to put up a fraudulent act in 2015 different from Yahoo Boys? And considering that she is linked to multi-million dollar money laundering schemes locally and internationally, we dare say she is on a higher level than the average internet fraudster and could only be compared to the Hushpuppies of this world”.

BMO also stated, that, “Having carefully studied the footage of the former minister speaking at the event organised by the Ijaw National Development Group, we have come to the conclusion that what Mr Momodu did in that syndicated 2015 interview was a disservice to journalism.

“We found it hard to reconcile the picture he shared in November 2015 of a frail, balding Diezani looking almost twice her age, to the one Nigerians saw in the video shared by another infamous hack and blogger Jackson Ude.

“It is tragic that an individual who is always eager to paint himself as a social crusader in his weekly column in a national newspaper could make himself available for a gimmick designed to hoodwink Nigerians, at a time the former minister was being investigated for sundry financial crimes in Nigeria, United Kingdom and the United States of America.

“it was not a surprise therefore that not too long ago, Dele Momodu was the one that rose to deny claims that Mrs Alison-Madueke had secured the citizenship of a small Caribbean Islands nation in a bid to escape justice

“Back to her appearance at the virtual event, she did not sound or look like someone who was battling cancer or had at any time gone through what the Ovation Publisher claimed in his serialized write up four years ago.

“Or is it that she made such a remarkable recovery that not even Momodu knew about it”, the statement added.

The group also said that the appearance packaged as another publicity initiative has unfortunately backfired.

“Her appearance at that virtual event from the UK seems like an effort to reintegrate her into the region and present her as a voice for women in the Niger Delta from the diaspora.

“But just like the Dele Momodu Show, the latest gambit was doomed to fail after she called out internet fraudsters also known as Yahoo boys with so much audacity.

“Like many Nigerians, we won’t accept the message and overlook the messenger because we see her in the same mould as those fraudsters. This is more so that the former minister was presented as a role model that could be invited to admonish young people and aspiring female politician, even with so many corruption allegations hanging on her neck.”

The pro-Buhari group also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation to do whatever it takes to ensure that the former minister is extradited to face a similar fate like the internet fraudsters.

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UAE Denies Imposing Travel Restrictions On Nigerians

 UAE Denies Imposing Travel Restrictions On Nigerians

The United Arab Emirates (UAE), on Thursday, debunked claims of restricting travels from Nigeria.

The Embassy in Abuja stated this in a statement, noting that unverified claims of suspension of different categories of visas to Nigerians after Hushpuppi was arrested for alleged fraud were not true.

The statement stressed that the UAE only took a number of precautionary measures to combat the spread of coronavirus, including the temporary suspension on issuing UAE visas for all nationalities as of March 17, 2020.

It also said that the UAE had already eased some measures from July 7, permitting visitors from various countries to adhere to the necessary precautionary measures, including showing negative PCR test results within 92 hours of travelling to the UAE, as part of measures it is taking while entering the recovery phase of the pandemic.

It said the travel between the UAE and Nigeria had remained limited due to the closure of Nigerian airspace, adding that the UAE Embassy in Abuja was working closely with the Nigerian government to obtain the necessary approvals to facilitate travel between the two countries.

The embassy, therefore, urged the general public to verify the authenticity of such reports and to seek information from the official sources.

Hushpuppi's arrest

Recall that Hushpuppi and 11 others were arrested on June 10, in UAE in connection with fraud by the Dubai police.

He was later extradited to the United State.

Hushpuppi, who has over two million followers on Instagram, is known for his display of wealth on social media.

He often posts pictures with his luxury cars like Ferrari and Rolls Royce and a private jet.

Nigerian social media users had taken to the different platforms to lament that companies in Dubai have started excluding Nigerian applicants from job vacancies after Huhpuppi's arrest.

They also complained that Nigerians were also barred from applying for tourist visa.

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