Entertainment
Portable rejects Okocha’s rematch
Nigerian street-pop artist, Habeeb Badmus, aka Portable, has rejected Nollywood actor, Charles Okocha’s call for a rematch refusing to hand over the belt.
Okocha was defeated by Portable in a Heritage Boxing Entertainment celebrity bout on Tuesday night at Landmark Beach, Oniru, near Victoria Island, Lagos. Following four rounds of action, Portable was declared the winner by the referee.
Okocha described their boxing bout as rigged, saying that Portable removed his boxing gloves in the third round, an action that should have led to immediate disqualification.
The two were engaged in an online feud over an alleged N40m rip-off. Portable claimed that Okocha cheated him out of the money and only sent him a small amount.
This sparked a fight, during which they agreed to settle their differences physically and both scheduled their boxing match for Boxing Day immediately after Christmas with HBE sanctioning the title for the fight.
In the aftermath of the bout, Okocha took to his Instagram page to call out the referee for irregularities, alleging that Portable removed his boxing gloves during the third round, which should have resulted in immediate disqualification.
“How can you give up in the third round when we have four rounds? How do you take off your gloves in the third round, leading to total disqualification when the fight hasn’t ended?
“Y’all know this was rigged, with an incompetent referee who knows nothing about boxing rules. Nevertheless, we move on. Rematch coming soon,” he wrote.
In response, Portable released multiple videos on Friday vehemently opposing Okocha’s demands, expressing reluctance to fight him, and instead directing him to two-time world heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua.
“You want another beating? You that weigh more than I do, I beat you and collected money and belt. First round I beat you, second round I beat you, third round and fourth round, I beat you. Go and fight another person, if you want to fight, go and call Anothy Joshua, I am not dropping this belt,” Portable said.
Meanwhile, the interim president of the Nigerian Boxing Federation, Azania Omo-Agege, reacted to the fight between the Nigerian superstars hailing the duo for promoting boxing in Nigeria.
He maintained that NBF would consider going into partnership with them to make them Ambassadors of the boxing profession in Nigeria.
“Let me say I am so happy to see two Nigerian superstars take to the boxing ring in a celebrated boxing fight. I am very happy with the exposure they have given to boxing by that singular act.
“NBF will look for a way we can enter into discussion with them to explore the opportunity of making them ambassadors of boxing in Nigeria. Because we believe that their identification with boxing has a very great potential to pull many Nigerian youths out of the streets to join the boxing trade,” he said.
The Africa Boxing Confederation VP also praised the organisers saying, “I also want to thank the organizers of the celebrity boxing event. What they did has gone a long way in promoting boxing in Nigeria.
“These are the kinds of things we are talking about. If people are seizing the initiative to do things in this country like they have done then it will not be hard for us to develop sports in Nigeria. With time, we would meet with them to see how we can do more things for Nigerian Boxing.”
Entertainment
Ali Baba says Northern elites are responsible for the way things are in Nigeria
Nigerian comedian Ali Baba has raised concerns about the serious issues facing Nigeria, especially in the northern region.
In an Instagram post yetserday, he shared a video showing many schoolchildren in the North who were out of school and begging on the streets, calling for urgent action.
Ali Baba recalled discussions he had over five years ago with friends from top universities. They created a WhatsApp group to brainstorm solutions for Nigeria’s problems. He noticed that some members from the North were sensitive when it came to discussing the high number of out-of-school children.
He wrote in part, “Many, who believed, like me, that the failure of the government to properly educate the young children from birth to age 10 was going to be a time bomb waiting to explode. We agreed it was happening in the south, too, but the rate and number of out-of-school children were becoming alarming, especially in the northern parts of Nigeria.”
“This woman from the North protested about the discussions. Vehemently. Then, at another time, time the matter on the front burner was grazing. Where my position was, the rearing and trading in livestock was a personal business…” he added.
He noted that the discussions took a different turn after a video of children begging for food was sent to the group.
“Then, a video surfaced, showing hundreds of children begging for food. Not in an IDP camp oooo. Inside Kano. As soon as we started discussing the issue, a certain Northern lady pounced on me as one who always has the negative narrative,” the comic continued.
Ali Baba highlighted the responsibility of Nigeria’s elite to address the educational and social issues facing the country, especially in the North.
“I kuku left the group. Now, only the Northern people are complaining about what I complained about. But I don’t feel vindicated, I just realised that some of the Northern elites are responsible for the way things are. The way I see it, the number of kids as seen I the posted video is mind-boggling. And it’s not 10 years yet, like I warned. Dem go feel it!” he concluded.
Entertainment
Banky W relocates to US with family to pursue master’s degree
Bankole Wellington, the music executive fondly called Banky W, has announced his relocation to the United States with his family.
In an Instagram post, Banky W shared the reasons behind his decision, saying “family, faith, and finding purpose”.
The singer also revealed that he will be pursuing a masters degree in Policy Management at Georgetown University in Washington DC.
He posted photos with his wife Adesua and their son at the airport, as well as snapshots with loved ones, including music executive Eldee.
“For family. For faith. For finding purpose. For the next year of earning a Masters degree in Policy Management at Georgetown University in Washington DC,” he wrote.
Adesua added, “home is wherever you are” in the comment section.
Entertainment
Reekado Banks, partner welcome first child
Reekado Banks, the Nigerian singer, and his girlfriend have welcomed their first child.
In a post via Instagram, the singer shared a video of himself leaving the hospital with his newborn and expressed gratitude for the “blessings of fatherhood”.
“Cos, how is it 2 years after, I’m leaving the hospital, thankful for the blessings of Fatherhood,” he wrote.
Banks also showered appreciation on his partner for her strength and resilience throughout the pregnancy.
“Nothing but deep appreciation to my woman for 10 months of absolute show of grit and strength. Love you forever,” he added.
However, the singer did not reveal the name or gender of the child.
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