Other News
The president of the ecowas commission speaks on the death of former president Nelson Mandela
ABUJA – The ECOWAS Commission has learnt with a deep sense of loss and devastation, the passing on of former South African President Dr. Nelson Mandela.
The Commission notes that Dr. Mandela as a charismatic World leader and international icon of peace and reconciliation guided South Africa from the shackles of apartheid to multi-racial democracy.
In spite of his imprisonment for 27 years for fighting against white minority rule, Dr. Mandela has bequeathed to his country and the world a legacy of forgiveness and an unmatched example in leadership by winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and serving only one term as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999.
In the death of Dr. Mandela on 5th December 2013, at 95, Africa and the world have lost a rare legend, a distinguished role model, great freedom fighter and a man of peace and courage.
On behalf of ECOWAS Institutions, the Commission wishes to commiserate with the Mandela family, the Government and the people of South Africa over this huge loss.
While Mandela’s big shoes would be difficult to fill, the greatest tribute to his memory is to immortalize his legacy and the principles of peace and reconciliation which he cherished, lived and died for.
May God grant him eternal rest and his immediate family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Other News
Reactions Continues To Trail Baltasar Engonga Sex Scandal
Nigerian Socialite Pretty Mike Condemns Baltasar Engonga Amidst Scandal Involving Brother’s Wife and Married Women
In a recent development that has captured widespread attention, Nigerian socialite and entrepreneur, Pretty Mike, has publicly criticized Baltasar Ebang Engonga, the former Director-General of Equatorial Guinea’s National Financial Investigation Agency (ANIF), following allegations of Engonga’s intimate relationships with his brother’s wife and multiple married women.
Engonga, 54, known for his influential position and close ties to President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, has been embroiled in controversy after a raid on his residence reportedly uncovered over 400 explicit videos involving more than 300 women. The scandal has not only tarnished his reputation but also sparked discussions about ethics and abuse of power among high-ranking officials.
Pretty Mike, born Mike Eze Nwalie Nwogu, is renowned in Nigeria for his flamboyant lifestyle and ownership of Club Uno in Lagos. He has often been a subject of media attention due to his unconventional appearances at events, such as attending weddings with multiple pregnant women. Despite his own controversies, Pretty Mike has taken a firm stance against Engonga’s alleged actions, emphasizing the sanctity of marriage and condemning the betrayal of familial trust.
Public reactions to Pretty Mike’s condemnation have been mixed. Some individuals commend him for speaking out against moral misconduct, highlighting the importance of holding public figures accountable. Others, however, question his position to criticize, given his own history of controversial behavior. This discourse reflects a broader societal debate on morality, accountability, and the responsibilities of those in positions of influence.
The scandal involving Engonga has prompted discussions about the ethical standards expected of public officials and the consequences of personal misconduct on professional roles. As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the scrutiny faced by individuals in the public eye and the complex interplay between personal actions and public perception.
Other News
Painkillers Damaged My Kidney, Says Ufoma McDermott[VIDEO]
Nollywood actress, Ufoma McDermott has shared how her long-term painkiller use led to kidney disease.
In a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, she opened up about her 12-year struggle with the illness and urged the public to prioritize their health.
While revealing that her condition was a side effect of long-term painkiller abuse, McDermott said; “I really wish everyone would understand the importance of health. My brother was diagnosed late on stage 4 of kidney disease and he goes straight into dialysis and has complications.
“I was diagnosed earlier, so I have lived on medication for almost 12 years now. When my brother I ran to my cardiologist. My parents were scared, thinking if this is genetic? We had to trace the kidney disease and we learned it was from drug abuse.
“I grew up with migraines, headaches and eyeaches, and I never wore my glasses because they made me look like a geek. I’d take painkillers for my migraine. I took strong painkillers and not the ordinary painkillers because I wanted the pain to go away.”
Other News
Music Icon Quincy Jones Passes Away At 91
Quincy Jones, the legendary music producer, composer, and cultural icon whose career spanned over seven decades, has passed away at the age of 91.
Jones died peacefully on Sunday night at his Bel Air home, surrounded by family, according to his publicist, Arnold Robinson.
“Tonight, with full but broken hearts, we must share the news of our father and brother Quincy Jones’ passing,” his family said in a statement. “And although this is an incredible loss for our family, we celebrate the great life that he lived and know there will never be another like him.”
Renowned for his unmatched versatility, Jones collaborated with some of the greatest musical talents of the 20th and 21st centuries, including Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra, Aretha Franklin, and Will Smith. He played an integral role in producing Jackson’s groundbreaking albums Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad, which catapulted the pop star to global superstardom and earned Jones worldwide acclaim.
READ MORE: JUST IN: Tinubu Swears In Seven Newly-Appointed Ministers
Born in Chicago in 1933, Jones’ journey into music began early. His childhood introduction came from a neighbor’s piano playing and his mother’s singing. After moving to Washington state following his parents’ divorce, he honed his skills in his high school band and began playing with a young Ray Charles in Seattle’s vibrant club scene.
Jones’ career took off in New York, where he played trumpet in Elvis Presley’s early TV performances and worked with bebop legends like Charlie Parker and Miles Davis. By 1958, he was working with Frank Sinatra, arranging for the singer’s band at the request of Princess Grace Kelly. Their partnership flourished, spanning several projects including Sinatra’s final album LA Is My Lady in 1984.
Throughout the 1960s and 70s, Jones’ talents extended into film and television scores, composing music for films such as The Italian Job, In the Heat of the Night, and the acclaimed The Color Purple, for which he earned three Oscar nominations. He also scored hit TV shows including The Bill Cosby Show and Roots.
In 1985, Jones produced and co-conducted the charity anthem “We Are the World” alongside Michael Jackson and Lionel Richie, raising millions for Ethiopian famine relief. Despite personal and professional challenges—including surviving a near-fatal brain aneurysm in 1974—Jones’s career continued to thrive.
Jones’ influence wasn’t limited to music. In 1990, he founded Quincy Jones Entertainment, the company behind the popular sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, which launched the career of Will Smith. His media ventures also included the creation of Qwest TV, an on-demand music streaming service, and the magazine Vibe, which celebrated Black music and culture.
Over his career, Jones earned 80 Grammy nominations, winning 28—making him one of the most decorated artists in the award’s history. Tributes poured in following news of his death. Actor Michael Caine, who shared Jones’ birthdate, called him “a wonderful and unique human being.” Music artists such as LL Cool J expressed gratitude, saying, “You were a father and example at a time when I truly needed one. Music would not be music without you.”
Jones is survived by his seven children, leaving behind an indelible legacy that will resonate through generations to come. His life’s work transformed music, television, and culture, proving that there truly was no limit to what Quincy Jones could accomplish.