Anthony Ebuka Victor, professionally known as Victony, has opened up about how a tragic car accident in 2021 led to a significant change in his parents’ stance regarding his pursuit of a music career. The Nigerian artist, best known for his breakout hit “Soweto”, shared in an interview on the Behind The Prestige podcast that his parents initially didn’t endorse his ambitions in the music industry. Their main priority was for him to complete his education and establish a stable career in engineering. Victony recounted that this changed dramatically following the accident in April 2021, which sadly claimed one life and left three others injured. The overwhelming support he received from the public during his recovery played a pivotal role in altering his parents’ view. “My parents weren’t fully on board with me doing music from the beginning. They didn’t outright say I should stop, but they didn’t give their full support either,” he explained. “They wanted me to focus on school and become an engineer. But after the accident and seeing how much love and concern people showed for me—like the outpouring on social media with messages such as ‘Pray for Victony’—they finally understood how much music meant to me. That’s when they let me follow my path.” Victony’s rise to prominence began after collaborating with Mayorkun on the track “Holy Father”, which significantly expanded his audience. He is currently signed under the Mainland Block Party record label, led by Nigerian music entrepreneur Tobi Mohammed. In a separate 2023 interview, Victony described the near-fatal accident as a “blessing in disguise”, reflecting on how it strengthened his resolve and altered his life trajectory. He also revealed that he has undergone four surgeries since the incident due to complications resulting from the crash.
Popular Nollywood star Mary Njoku has candidly spoken about her current emotional struggles, marked by self-doubt and uncertainty. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared early Friday morning, the actress disclosed that she feels emotionally paralyzed and uncertain about her next direction in life. She described a deep sense of being stuck, revealing that these emotions often rob her of sleep and peace of mind. “I’m at a phase in my life where I genuinely don’t know which path to take. It seems like I’m stranded at a junction, confused and without clarity. “Sometimes the people you thought you knew suddenly appear like strangers—and that realization is unsettling. I’m normally decisive and clear-headed. But right now, I feel lost. My thoughts are overwhelming. I’m sleepless,” Njoku expressed. This emotional revelation comes just a month after she commented on the significance of Nigeria’s Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in helping students gain entry into higher institutions—a topic that also sparked public interest.
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Popular Nigerian artist Victony, born Anthony Ebuka Victor, has openly shared a personal detail about his live performances. The ‘Soweto’ crooner disclosed that he typically relies on alcohol to boost his performance energy before going on stage. Speaking during a session with Behind The Prestige, Victony admitted that he has never performed live without consuming alcohol. However, he is now determined to shift this pattern during his ongoing ‘Stubborn’ tour, emphasizing a desire to connect more deeply and genuinely with his audience. “This tour is a major turning point for me,” the artist noted. “It’s a tough challenge. I’ve never been on stage sober, but now I want to truly see my fans and create a real connection with them. I just want to try.” This revelation marks a significant personal growth milestone for Victony, as he pushes himself toward more authentic interactions during performances—an approach many artists have found transformative.
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Former Big Brother Naija housemate and Nollywood actor, Elozonam Ogbolu, has addressed toxic masculinity and common myths surrounding masculinity in a revealing podcast discussion. In a recent episode of the In The Company Of Men podcast hosted by Ikhane Akhigbe, Elozonam challenged the outdated perception that tasks such as cooking, grocery shopping, or giving oral sex to a woman are unmanly. He insisted that these actions do not diminish a man’s masculinity. He encouraged men to develop empathy, adaptability, and emotional intelligence when dealing with their partners and the women in their lives. “When it comes to specific tasks—especially those many men typically avoid—I think it highlights toxic masculinity,” Elozonam stated. “There are guys who genuinely believe that pleasuring a woman orally is not manly. It’s strange. Serving a woman, helping her out, running errands like buying groceries—many rigidly masculine men in Nigeria don’t consider that to be manly behavior.” He further explained with examples:“If your wife asks you to buy sanitary pads, some men would feel deeply uncomfortable with that. But why? Why can’t you help your partner, your mother, or your wife by buying a sanitary pad? Why can’t you cook for her? Why does doing what’s traditionally seen as ‘women’s duties’ make you feel any less masculine? It doesn’t.” Elozonam also touched on how toxic masculinity is sometimes perpetuated by women who associate toxicity with love. He noted, “Toxic masculinity is often reinforced by the opposite gender. Some men grow up watching toxic behaviors modeled by their fathers, and they carry that into adulthood. Then they meet women who expect the same toxicity. These women often see it as a sign of love or strength. To them, if you’re not toxic, you don’t care enough.” He added that some women even romanticize abusive behaviors.“I’ve seen posts online where women say things like, ‘If he doesn’t beat you, he doesn’t love you.’ How? Why should abuse ever be a measure of affection?”
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Popular Afrobeat sensation and songwriter, Oluwatobiloba Daniel Anidugbe, professionally known as Kizz Daniel, has opened up about the emotional experience that inspired his latest track titled “Al-Jannah”. In a recent podcast appearance, the Nigerian music star reflected on his heartfelt relationship with his late father, describing him as more than just a parent. “My dad was my closest companion when he was alive,” Kizz Daniel expressed during the interview. The singer revealed that the song “Al-Jannah”, which translates to “paradise”, is a heartfelt tribute born out of multiple personal losses. Kizz Daniel shared that he and his family have experienced significant grief over the years. He stated: “The idea was to create a song that honors not just one person, but everyone we’ve lost. In 2021, we lost our child. My dad passed in 2015. My wife lost her mother in 2024. I also lost my stepmother. It has been a tough journey, and I wanted to capture that shared pain.” Kizz Daniel emphasized that the intention behind “Al-Jannah” was to reach listeners who have endured similar heartbreaks. The use of the word “friend” in the song, he explained, was deliberate — to reflect the deep bond shared with loved ones who have passed on. His father passed away on May 9, 2015, shortly after the singer celebrated his 21st birthday — a loss that left a lasting impact on him.
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Real Madrid have officially confirmed a transfer agreement to sign rising Argentine talent Franco Mastantuono from River Plate. The deal, announced on Friday, includes a total package valued at approximately €61 million, which accounts for taxes and additional fees. Despite the official agreement, Mastantuono will not immediately join the Spanish giants. According to beIN Sports, River Plate pushed to retain the 17-year-old midfielder until the conclusion of their Copa Libertadores campaign. As a result, the transfer will be completed after the FIFA Club World Cup. In an official club statement, Real Madrid revealed: “Mastantuono will be a player at our club for the next six seasons, from 14 August 2025 to 30 June 2031.” Franco Mastantuono has already made history by becoming the youngest footballer to feature in an official match for Argentina’s national team, showcasing his potential at just 17 years old. In contrast, Trent Alexander-Arnold, who recently joined Madrid for a reported €10 million in compensation, is already in training with Xabi Alonso’s squad at Valdebebas. The English full-back is expected to make his debut during the upcoming Club World Cup.
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Florian Wirtz has officially joined the elite list of footballers who have been signed for a nine-figure transfer fee. At just 22 years old, the German midfielder is set to join Liverpool for the 2025 season, after the reigning Premier League champions agreed to an initial £100 million transfer deal with Bayer Leverkusen. Depending on performance-related clauses and additional bonuses, the deal could escalate to £116 million, placing Wirtz among the most expensive signings in football history. This high-profile transfer not only marks Wirtz as Liverpool’s most expensive player ever, but also crowns him the costliest German footballer and the biggest sale by a Bundesliga club to date. Liverpool is no stranger to record-breaking transfers, having previously acquired Alisson Becker, the world’s second most expensive goalkeeper, and Virgil van Dijk, the second most expensive centre-back globally. The figures used in this ranking are based on initial transfer fees and, where necessary, reliable media estimates were included when official numbers weren’t disclosed. According to BBC Sport, the following players make up the top ten most expensive signings in football history: Top 10 Most Expensive Football Transfers (Initial Fees Only)
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Pastor Chris Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee (Isaiah 43:2). You may find yourself buffeted by pressures and persecutions on every side for the sake of the Gospel; don’t despair. What you’re doing has a future. Your labour in the Lord is not in vain; it is purposeful and eternal. God never promised that everything would be smooth or without challenges. He told us there would be difficulties, trials and adversaries. But in the midst of them all, He assured us of His presence and victory. Recall what we read in our opening scripture; He didn’t say there would be no tempest or fire. The promise is not the absence of challenges but the assurance of His presence and protection for you in the midst of adversities. It helps you understand the reason He says, “Count it all joy when you go through diverse tests” (James 1:2). The Bible tells us in Daniel 3 about Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, three young men who stood firm in their faith despite fierce opposition. Their story is often remembered for the fiery furnace and their miraculous deliverance, but there’s more to it. Before they were thrown into the flames, they faced condemnation, rejection and false accusations. They endured hatred and opposition simply because they refused to compromise their faith. 2 Corinthians 4:17 says, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” So, there’re things you’ll have to face, go through, stand against and confront for you to live the godly life that the Lord has given you. There may be adversaries on every side, but in the midst of them all, you’re more than a conqueror. 2 Timothy 3:12 says, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” Greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world (1 John 4:4). He assures in Matthew 28:20 (NIV), “…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” Set your eyes on the future and on His glory. Refuse to be distracted by the temporary challenges. Be confident that no matter what, His Word will prevail in your life and His glory will always be revealed in and through you. CONFESSIONI stand firm in faith, irrespective of the challenges or oppositions, because the greater One lives in me. God’s Word puts me over every trial, and I walk in perpetual victory. Thank you Lord for your presence, your protection, and your Word that never fails, in Jesus’ Name. Amen. FURTHER STUDY1 Corinthians 15:57-58But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord. Romans 8:31-37What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us? 32 He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? 33 Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? [It is] God that justifieth. 34 Who [is] he that condemneth? [It is] Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? [shall] tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. 37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. 2 Corinthians 4:17 AMPCFor our light, momentary affliction (this slight distress of the passing hour) is ever more and more abundantly preparing and producing and achieving for us an everlasting weight of glory [beyond all measure, excessively surpassing all comparisons and all calculations, a vast and transcendent glory and blessedness never to cease!], DAILY SCRIPTURE READING1-Year Bible Reading PlanActs 4:1-31 & 2 Chronicles 16-19 2-Year Bible Reading PlanLuke 1:26-38 & Deuteronomy 11 Extract From Rhapsody of Realities Daily Devotional DAILY AFFIRMATIONS: I live a life of faith. I’m not moved by what I feel, see, or hear. I am only moved by God’s Word. The presence of the Holy Ghost in my life gives strength to my spirit, soul, and body. I am replenished and built up by the Word. I walk in the full benefits of the salvation that Jesus Christ wrought for me, including health, peace, prosperity, and all-round success. I fear no adversary, for Christ has already obtained the victory over every adversary, and my faith in the Word of God is the victory that overcomes the world. I dwell in the victory that Christ wrought for me; thus, I’m no longer subject to any form of fear, limitation, or bondage, for Christ has set me free from sickness, disease, and death. I have the life of God in me. I am born of God. I walk in the fullness of the blessings of Christ. I am propelled, by the sheer force of eternal life. My ever-expanding peace and reign have no end. I am present, constant, and relevant. I am the seed of Abraham. Everything about me expands and extends even unto eternity. I am a tree planted by the rivers of water. I bring forth my fruits and my leaves shall never run dry. I am furnished in abundance for every good work and charitable donation. Everything required for life and godliness is present in me. There’s order and
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In a dramatic turn of events, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla from California was forcibly ejected from a press briefing led by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Thursday. The incident took place at a federal building in Los Angeles and marks a new height in the ongoing conflict over contentious immigration enforcement actions. Senator Padilla was reportedly pushed and shoved out of the briefing room as he attempted to question Secretary Noem about recent immigration operations that have caused unrest in Los Angeles, America’s second-largest city. While trying to pose his questions, Padilla stated, “I’m Senator Alex Padilla. I have questions for the secretary,” but before he could continue, two men swiftly approached, seized him in full view of attending media, and escorted him out. Video footage shared by Padilla’s team, taken just outside the room, shows the moment the Senator was thrown to the ground by FBI personnel. In response, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a statement alleging that Senator Padilla lunged at Secretary Noem during the briefing. The department claimed his behavior was disrespectful and disrupted an ongoing live event. Assistant Secretary Trisha McLaughlin later commented on social media, stating that Senator Padilla did not comply with established security procedures, which include formally identifying himself and wearing his official Senate security pin. She emphasized that the Senator “lunged toward Secretary Noem,” prompting the swift action of security officers. McLaughlin defended the response by the FBI and Secret Service, saying they perceived Padilla’s actions as a potential threat and acted immediately in defense of the Secretary. After the scuffle, it was reported that Senator Padilla and Secretary Noem met privately for about 15 minutes. Noem later remarked that Padilla’s disruption of the event was “inappropriate,” noting that he had not scheduled any meeting with her beforehand. Reacting to the incident, California Governor Gavin Newsom strongly condemned the handling of Senator Padilla, calling it “outrageous, dictatorial, and shameful.” He blamed former President Donald Trump and described the security personnel involved as “shock troops,” asserting that their conduct is out of control. “This must end now,” Newsom concluded.
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The prestigious Ballon d’Or 2025 is beginning to gain momentum, as France Football—organisers of the renowned individual football accolade—have officially disclosed the date for the announcement of this year’s nominees. The update was shared through France Football’s verified X (formerly Twitter) account, confirming that the list of shortlisted players for the 2025 edition will be released on August 7th. Traditionally, the nominee list comprises 30 outstanding footballers from around the world. These elite players will later be evaluated, with the final winner set to be announced on September 22nd. In the previous edition, Rodri of Manchester City claimed the honour, edging past contenders like Vinicius Jr. of Real Madrid. However, Rodri may not feature among the top 30 this time, owing to a serious long-term injury that sidelined him for the majority of the current season. This year, stars from Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and FC Barcelona are anticipated to dominate the nominees’ list. Both clubs have exhibited stellar performances across European and domestic competitions. PSG clinched the UEFA Champions League title and secured additional silverware, reinforcing their dominance in European football. Meanwhile, Barcelona showcased their superiority by winning La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup, achieving an impressive domestic treble. Likely candidates expected to appear on the shortlist include Ousmane Dembélé, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Mohamed Salah, Kylian Mbappé, and Robert Lewandowski.
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Sporting CP forward Viktor Gyokeres has publicly addressed the rumors surrounding his potential departure, following Arsenal’s opening bid for the prolific striker. The Swedish international, who is 27 years old, is currently drawing strong interest from several elite European clubs this summer transfer window. Since joining Portugal’s Primeira Liga from Coventry City in 2023, Gyokeres has delivered an outstanding performance, scoring an impressive 97 goals in 102 appearances across all competitions. A host of Premier League giants, including Arsenal, Manchester United, and Liverpool, have shown keen interest in acquiring the striker. Beyond England, top clubs such as Juventus, Napoli, Atletico Madrid, and Saudi Pro League powerhouse Al Hilal have also been linked with a move for the dynamic forward. Amid swirling rumors of tension between Gyokeres and Sporting CP, the Swedish star has finally broken his silence regarding his future. Addressing fans via his official Instagram handle, Gyokeres clarified the situation: “There is a lot of talk at the moment, most of it is false.I will speak when the time is right.” His statement has added more curiosity to the unfolding transfer saga, especially as Arsenal continue their aggressive recruitment strategy ahead of the upcoming season.
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Renowned Nigerian comedian and social commentator, Ali Baba, has shed light on the enormous financial demands required to secure political positions in Nigeria. During an insightful conversation on the “Outside The Box” podcast, Ali Baba discussed the alarming levels of corruption entrenched in the Nigerian political system. Drawing from his extensive connections within political circles, he revealed that contesting for public office in Nigeria is now an extremely capital-intensive endeavor. According to Ali Baba, aspiring senators must be prepared to spend as much as ₦1.2 billion to secure a Senate seat. He added that running for the House of Representatives requires an estimated ₦1 billion, while candidates aiming for positions in the State House of Assembly need close to ₦500 million. When it comes to governorship positions, the figures are even more staggering. The comedian explained that the financial cost varies depending on the state. For instance: Ali Baba emphasized that the astronomical costs involved in Nigerian elections are a major driver of corruption. He explained that public office holders often prioritize projects that yield monetary benefits, particularly those that can be leveraged during future election campaigns, instead of focusing on essential sectors such as education. In his words: “To win a senatorial seat now, you need between ₦1 billion and ₦2 billion. For House of Reps, it’s about ₦1 billion. State House of Assembly candidates require ₦500 million. Governorship varies—₦20 billion for Delta, ₦25 billion for Rivers, and ₦4–₦6 billion for certain Northern states.” Ali Baba criticized leaders for abandoning the real needs of the people, stating that their decisions are often influenced by what will benefit their next political race, not the welfare of citizens. Watch the full video here on Instagram:? Ali Baba Exposes Nigeria’s Political Price Tags
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Popular Nigerian actress and social activist, Kate Henshaw, has voiced her deep concern about the deteriorating state of affairs in Nigeria, particularly on a day meant to commemorate the nation’s democratic journey. Appearing on Channels Television’s Democracy Day special, Henshaw lamented that despite 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance, there is little to show for it in the lives of ordinary Nigerians. She emphasized that Nigeria’s democracy appears hollow, offering no tangible impact to the citizens it should serve. The actress questioned the significance of celebrating democracy when it continuously fails to meet the people’s basic needs and expectations. According to Henshaw, democracy that is distant from the population and fails to uplift the nation is essentially pointless. “There’s no middle class anymore. We can no longer deceive ourselves,” she said, noting that critical sectors of the economy are collapsing. She described the current national situation as one where “everything around us is crumbling,” with citizens merely surviving under immense hardship. Nonetheless, Henshaw encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope. She urged citizens to remain vocal and hold leaders accountable across all levels of government. “We must not stay silent,” she asserted. “Justice, equity, and security must prevail—for the safety of lives and properties.” Ending on a note of resilience, Henshaw expressed hope that the country will recover and become a better place for future generations to build upon.
