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Nigeria, 29 Other Countries Flag-off Obangame Express To Fight Piracy And Maritime Threats

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In a bid to sustain the onslaught against piracy and other maritime threats in the Gulf of Guinea (GOG), Nigeria and 29 other nations Thursday commenced a multinational sea exercise, christened OBANGAME EXPRESS.

Sponsored by the United States of America (USA) through its African Partnership Station, this year’s OBANGAME EXPRESS would be concluded at Abidjan in Cote D’Ivoire.

According to the Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Eastern Naval Command  (ENC) and Officer in Tactical Command (OTC) Rear Admiral James Oluwole three Nigerian Navy Ships (NNS), a helicopter and a French ship would navigate the nation’s waters in the course of the exercise.

At a press briefing held at Onne Port in Rivers State, Oluwole said NNS OKPABANA, NNS CENTENARY, NNS SAGBAMA and one navy helicopter would participate in the exercise.

According to him, Angola, Belgium, Benin Republic, Brazil, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Denmark, Equatorial Guinea, France, Gabon, Germany, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Norway, Mauritania, Portugal, Congo, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, South Africa, Togo, Turkey, The Netherlands and the USA would participate in the exercise.

Oluwole said: “Regional organizations such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) would also participate in the exercise.

“The exercise is sponsored by U.S Africa Command and is designed to improve regional cooperation, maritime domain awareness, information-sharing practices and tactical interdiction expertise to enhance the collective capabilities of Gulf of Guinea and West African nations to counter sea-based illicit activities.

“The Exercise would be conducted in phases within the territorial waters of the participating nations.
“The Nigerian phase of Exercise OBANGAME EXPRESS would hold from March 24 to 28 within the nation’s waters. A French ship, JACOUBET will sail into Nigerian waters from Cameroon. It will perform several exercises with the NN platforms as will be presented by the exercise scenario.

“The purpose for the exercise is to create realistic scenarios that reflect past piracy incidents whereby a hijacked vessel will transit from one territory to another. Maritime Operations Centres (MOCs) during the Exercise will be challenged to recognise these illicit acts appropriately and share with other MOCs.

“Additionally, the Exercise will test each maritime force to patrol their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) and detect, prosecute illegal activities accordingly.”

Celebrities

Plantashun Boiz attempted reunions failed because I wasn’t invited, says Blackface

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Blackface, the Nigerian dancehall singer, says Plantashun Boiz, a defunct music group, multiple attempts to reunite failed because he was not included.

Formed in 2000 with 2Baba and Faze, Plantashun Boiz disbanded in 2004 but briefly reunited in 2007 for an album.

In a recent episode of the ‘Curiosity Made Me Ask’ podcast, the host asked Blackface if there was any chance that the group might come back together.

The singer disclosed that his colleagues had attempted to reunite without him but were unsuccessful.

“Without me, they have tried and they have failed. Many times. You saw them in all those shows that they were going,” he said.

“They tried but they failed. But what I must say is I’m the plantation. So let it be known. Forget the fake memo that they spread before.”

In September, Blackface called for the reunion of the defunct music group.

He urged fans to join the mission, emphasising that “unity is strength, not division”.

“My people oya make una talk put mouth for this matter! We are on a mission for world peace and it’s not a small-time thing,” he said in pidgin English.

Since 2015, Blackface constantly tackled 2Baba for recording 2004 hit ‘African Queen’ which he claimed he wrote.

In 2017, he argued that 2Baba “sabotaged” his career in the music industry.

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Despite feud, Peter Okoye celebrates Paul on 43rd birthday

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Peter ‘Mr P’ Okoye, the Nigerian singer, has celebrated Paul ‘Rudeboy’ Okoye, his twin brother, on their 43rd birthday amid their ongoing feud.

The twin brothers have been in the public eyes since their second fallout in August.

They had their first rift in 2017 which led to the dissolution of Psquare, their music brand. Though they reunited in November 2021, their reconciliation was short-lived.

Paul recently revealed another fallout, accusing Peter of orchestrating his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Peter, however, denied the allegations and accused Jude Okoye, their older brother, of diverting millions of dollars from their joint account into a secret company.

Responding to the accusations, Jude said he had done everything possible, even “sacrificing himself,” to mend the rift between his brothers.

In an Instagram post on Monday, Peter shared several photos showcasing their growth over the years.

He also celebrated their birthday while wishing himself as well as his twin brother more wins.

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Tiwa Savage calls out Wizkid fan for bullying

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Wizkid’s group of fans collectively known as “Wizkid FC” are popular for their vehement support for Wizkid and their antagonism toward those considered his rivals.

Tiwa Savage is the latest artist to call out Wizkid FC for harassment after some members of the fanbase mocked her for releasing a song on the same day as Wizkid.

On November 15, 2024, Ruger released his new song ‘Toma Toma’ featuring Tiwa Savage which she shared on her Instagram page with the caption “Told yall this one is special. The @rugerofficial called and I answered”.

In response, a Wizkid fan said “Dey play, nothing special pass Wizzy hits”.

The reply rubbed off wrongly on Tiwa Savage who said “Because I am promoting music? WTF…y’all are not fans anymore ooo you guys are actual bullies”.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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