Nigerian R ‘N’B singer, Bankole ‘Banky W’ Wellington has shared shocking details behind his absence from limelight.
In a lengthy post on his Instagram page, the actor revealed his ordeal with cancer, adding that he had a surgery last month to remove a rare strain of skin cancer tumors found in his skin. He had the first two surgeries 10 years ago but the cancer resurfaced this year. Thankfully, he had a successful operation and is now back on his feet. See his post below.
“A wise man once said this: “Scars. A sign that you had been hurt. A sign that you had been healed.” Scroll through the pictures to see mine. I’m sharing these because they’re proof of what God has brought me through. And because somewhere out there, I know there’s someone who needs to hear this.
For those who’ve been wondering why I’ve been away so long..I had my 3rd surgery on a rare strain of skin cancer tumours in my shoulder last month. The first 2 times were over 10 yrs ago, then it recently resurfaced. But this isn’t a sad story as much as it is a reminder, and a testimony.
A reminder that you should never take life for granted. You only get 1 shot. Some people went to sleep and never woke up. Many others have lost the battle to cancer and other illnesses. Many are still fighting. U never know when your time will be up so don’t waste another minute. It’s also a testimony about the goodness of God. I think I had to go through this again to remember how merciful God is to me; Lord knows I don’t deserve it but He saves me time and again anyway. I keep saying I need to write a book. I really, really do.
The past few weeks of recovery have been tough, but beautiful. I’m finally back on my feet, feeling stronger and ready to get back to life. I’m especially thankful to my Nurse Susu for loving me and being by my side every step of the way – I don’t deserve U ??, my parents & siblings, in-laws & close friends for the love, support and prayers, my Pastors – Pastor Tony Rapu & Pastor Del Balogun of TPH, Pastor Taiwo Odukoya and Pastor Bayo Adeyokunnu – for constantly praying with and for me. And of course to Dr Wodajo & Dr Miralli & their teams – who God used to operate on me successfully.
I’m thankful for life, provision and healing. Pls dont feel bad, or msg me with any worries.. God has done it, just thank Him for me.
The pain will eventually go away but the scar won’t – and I’m glad because it’s a reminder to me of what God has done, and evidence to you of what He CAN do. I’m not stronger or better than anyone. I’m just a living testimony that no matter what u face, U can survive & thrive, by God’s grace.”
You are a survivor Banky!
Film And Television Star, Sadiq Daba Down With Leukemia And Prostate Cancer.
According to reports, TV and film star, Sadiq Daba has been diagnosed of leukemia and prostrate cancer. The sexagenarian is urgent need of $25,000 to pay for his medical bills. Per Azuka Jebose, former journalist and artiste manager, revealed that Daba is currently receiving treatment at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital and a Gofundme account has been set up on his behalf.
‘Through the years, Sadiq Daba enchanted us with his beloved performances as a young Actor on Nigerian Television and in the movies. We loved his charming characters. In real life, Sadiq transcends humanity with his free spirit and openness to all; hence Nigerians gravitate to his affection. Sadiq Daba is a veteran superstar actor, a national treasure and an Icon of our pop culture. These times, our famous and fantastic movie star, director and one of the pioneers of Nollywood is terminally ill. Sadiq is battling Leukemia and prostrate cancer.
These deadly diseases are challenging his existence and comfort..He is determined to beat these. His fight to survive has become ours. We must embrace him just as we embraced his characters on his movies and television acting. The diseases have impacted him financially. The staggering cost of treating cancer is affecting his family. Please We need your help. Support Sadiq’s treatment with any donation. He continues to receive treatments at various cancer centers in Nigeria. These treatments are costly. He needs us now. We are determined to help him live again, by beating Cancer. Please support our goal of $25,000 to pay for his medical bills…’ He wrote.
You can donate here
Coping with Suicidal Thoughts | By: Tony Ogunlowo
You haven’t killed yourself, yet, so that’s a start. You are thinking, seriously, of doing it but haven’t yet mustered up the courage to go ahead with it. With all the conflicting thoughts in your head you’re still trying, desperately, to find a reason to carry on living.
Don’t despair! You might think the whole world is against you and there is no other option, but it’s not over – there’s a way.
Suicidal thoughts are mostly brought on by financial difficulties, social and peer pressure. Feeling worthless enough to want to end one’s own life can happen to anyone – no one is immune so it’s not the reserve of just the poor, the lonely or mentality unbalanced.
I will not go into the religious implications of taking one’s life as this will just provoke a lengthy debate on the dos and don’ts of suicide: people who are suicidal need help and not a religious lecture! For whatever we might think it takes a very brave and desperate person to decide to end their lives. And for those who believe they took the easy way out, it’s not: sometimes a tormented soul has no other option.
While it’s not easy to try and talk somebody out of contemplating suicide, one can only try. And in trying a counsellor cannot take the moral high ground so I won’t.
So you’ve got to that point where you consider your life is not worth living. I, and nobody else, can imagine in our wildest nightmares what you’re going through and I don’t believe you can tell anybody either what the feeling is like – even if you tried. The pain has enveloped you and you can see no other way out. I would like to tell you that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, no matter what you’re going through, but I won’t: you need to use whatever energy you’ve got left to find it yourself. Somebody trying to tell you how good things can be is not the same as hearing your own voice: talk to yourself and convince yourself there’s light at the end of the tunnel. Give Life another chance! I know you’ve been let down badly by Life so much that you want to kill yourself but give it another chance to redeem itself. You’ll be surprised at how you can turn your life around by deciding to live on! It’ll be a bit of a struggle trying to make a comeback but with the right PMA (Positive Mental Attitude) you’ll make it.
With whatever energy you’ve got left put up a fight – even if that strength is the size of a mustard seed. Somewhere inside you is still that will to live and it can be magnified to pull you through whatever terrible episode you’re going through. Put a smile on your face by remembering the good times you’ve had in your life – and think of the good times you still can have. Think of the problems you have now as something that’s happening now and will eventually go away – they normally do.
You have a problem: we all have problems. Whatever problem you have there is somebody else, out there, who has bigger problems than you and they’re still alive. Even though in your desperate state you believe there’s no way out, there is. Why not try a different approach to solving your problems?
Try talking to somebody: two heads are better than one. A problem shared is a problem halved: bottling things up can make an individual feel lonely, dejected and isolated. Friends and family will gladly help if they know you’re at the end of your tether.
And what about saying a few prayers for divine intervention? In desperate times when we pray that little voice in our head will always be on hand with words of encouragement and advice enough to pull us through. Have faith!
And lastly it doesn’t matter who you are, what you’ve done or what your problems are, you are special, special enough to warrant the right to live in this world. If you’re brave enough to want to take your own life, I believe you are also brave enough to fight on and live: life is not always fair to anyone and can sometimes make us miserable, despondent and suicidal. It’s our job to put up a good fight and make the best of it. As they say after a thunderstorm comes brilliant sunshine: so if the storm soaks you the sun will dry you out – you just have to be patient a little bit more.
Muster up all your strength and positive energy and stay alive. Life is beautiful and it’s your right to live just like anybody else. So please don’t give up (- this is me begging you now!) and give Life another shot no matter what it’s throwing at you now.
Tony Ogunlowo blogs at http://www.archangel641.blogspot.co.uk
Report Emergencies Within Seconds With The Eppme App!
Emergencies remain a part of everyday living and governments make efforts to ensure safety of lives and property for citizens. By their nature however, many emergencies are unforeseen – robbers would strike at unexpected hours of the night or nature strikes without warning. In all these cases, help is hardly too much.
The newly-launched EppMe App; an emergency and business reporting app is today the most secure platform for Nigerians to access secured and profiled transmissions to the authorities when they are in danger. This ground-breaking service assures responsible reportage as users are known within our communities while transmissions are profiled for ease of processing.
Developed by EppMe Digital Technologies Limited and designed to redefine personal safety, the company has also created innovative solutions to corporates – large and small, with the location authenticator (Remote Reporter) and its highly varied applications in different industries, sectors, and fields have been impressive. Downloads are secure on the EppMe app while all communication is protected with SSL certifications on other channels.
Available on Google Play and the App Store now, fitted for daily living, safely sitting on mobile devices and within easy reach of users, users’ locations are locked to their known profiles, while the back end team integrates response while aggregating reports that the users can review ultimately.
In less than 30 seconds, users are guaranteed a report to the Police. In less than 1.5 minutes, EppMe produces satellite imagery of users’ locations, in 2 minutes, EppMe Agents are making follow up calls. The app provides: User profile, Satellite imagery, Routes to location, Incident report, Time/Date particulars, Photos/Videos and lots more.
Speaking about the phenomenal project, Eppme App Developer, Oluwole Aguda maintained that,“With the EppMe App, you are not unknown statistics, but a member of a community of Nigerians taking advantage of digital technology for increased personal and group safety. Users can rest, assured that we have created a solution that greatly expands the window of response from first responders in times of distress. Our channels are securely backed by cutting edge technologies, and international collaborations that stand the functionalities of the EppMe App from current offerings in Nigeria. Our users are steps closer to safety. Much closer to safety.”
He added that, “We currently have a workforce of highly trained experts in digital security and geolocation services in different continents of the world as we continue to expand our reach in the interest of our users and Nigeria at large. The revolutionary EppMe App sends distress signals to our 24/7 support center within seconds in 4 phone taps. A download could make the difference between safety and harm.”
It is also worth noting that the company has launched The Post NYSC EppMe Scheme for graduates who have completed their Youth Service within the last one year and who have a flair for selling.
For more details about the app and the scheme, visit www.eppmeapp.com
Everything you need to know about Ovarian Cysts!
What are ovarian cysts?
A cyst is a little balloon filled with air or fluid on one of the ovaries, which then exerts pressure on the right or left side of the lower abdomen. These cysts can be painful. Besides the pain in the lower abdomen, some other symptoms are: erratic, painful periods, often with much uterine bleeding as a result of elevated estrogen levels, painful intercourse, heel pain, and excessive hair growth.
When the ovarian cyst bursts the pain is relieved, though in some cases the cyst may reappear.
The incidence of ovarian cysts is on the rise, particularly among women between 14 and 55. Let’s look at some of the main factors that contribute to the development of cysts, and then the main things we can do to prevent them.
Causes of ovarian cysts:
Increased use of birth control pills, especially depo provera.
Increased consumption of hormone-infused foods such as most commercial meat and milk, to which growth hormone has been added.
Stressful, frantic lifestyle.
Imbalanced, not natural diet.
Obesity.
A toxic, overburdened liver.
How can we diminish the likelihood of ovarian cysts?
Read more here
World Bank 'Doing Business' report on Nigeria fantastic & is proof that Buhari administration's reforms are working- Osinbajo
FG will not rest on its oars on improving the Nigerian economy
Despite Nigeria’s latest impressive ranking in the World Bank’s latest ‘Doing Business’ report, the Buhari administration will continue to actively pursue its reform agenda to keep improving the nation’s economy, according to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.
Prof. Osinbajo further said the oil and gas industry in Nigeria stands to benefit greatly from the administration’s Ease of Doing Business reforms.
He said this in his speech on Thursday to mark the 55th anniversary of the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS) of the Lagos Chambers Of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Lagos, with the theme: Nigeria: An Investor Friendly Destination.
The Vice President noted that Nigeria’s latest ranking in the World Bank’s report was an indication that the Buhari administration’s reforms were producing results.
“On Tuesday, the World Bank released its latest report, in which Nigeria achieved the unprecedented step of climbing 24 places in the rankings, and earning a place on the list of 10 most improved economies in the world.
“This is fantastic news, but by no means an excuse for us to slow down. Instead we’re taking it as the very reason why we need to ramp up our reforms, for the benefit of Nigeria. There is still work to be done in reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks in the award of contracts and generally in obtaining approvals.
“It is for this reason – the creation of a business environment that catalyses business activity and investment – that this year alone we have issued an Executive Order focusing on improving the business environment, and launched two National Action Plans designed to be short-term interventions aimed at implementing specific business environment reforms. The second National Action Plan is ongoing, and we expect that it will yield results across every sector of the economy, including the OPTS.”
Prof. Osinbajo further said the Federal Government, through its sector road map launched in October 2016, is making inroads towards reforming and repositioning the nation’s oil and gas industry.
He added that the administration has developed and obtained the approval of the Federal Executive Council for a new National Oil Policy and a new National Gas Policy.
Prof. Osinbajo said, “The roadmap has very specific time-focused targets and like the many bold steps we have taken in this sector since the inception of the present administration, we remain focused on making necessary even if dramatic policy shifts in this sector to grow, deepen and open up the business and opportunities in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Sector.
“In 2016, the Nigeria upstream sector of the oil and gas industry was challenged by the menace of upstream assets vandalism. From a peak production of over 2.30 Million barrels per day recorded at the beginning of 2016 we witnessed a decline to an almost all-time-low of about 1.0 Million barrels per day per day due to incessant vandalism. Many indigenous producers suffered perhaps more than other players in the industry.
“Thankfully due to our sustained engagements with the Niger Delta, our production has ramped up to about 2.1 million barrels per day from our 2016 crude oil production average of about 1.80 million barrels.”
While calling for more private sector participation in the oil and gas infrastructure development projects, the Vice President emphasised that the Buhari administration will continue to address development in the Niger Delta through its New Vision for the region.
“We will continue to address Niger Delta issues and build a peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta, with emphasis on job creation for our teaming unemployed youths, investment in infrastructure, energy and promotion of sustainable livelihood,” he said.
Lionel Messi donates €70k to charity after libel case win
Last year, Barcelona talisman, Lionel Messi won a libel case against Spanish newspaper, La Razon who published an article following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Germany in 2014, criticizing the player and claiming he wore a wig and had used performance-enhancing drug Nandrolone.
Spain’s Supreme Court agreed with the Barcelona court’s ruling that the article went outside the bounds of an opinion piece and ordered that La Razon, its editor, Francisco Marhuenda and Ussia should pay €72,783.20 to Messi. The case was closed today, with Messi donating the money won in the case to medical charity, Doctors Withour Borders.
“The football player Lionel Andres Messi Cuccittini has donated a total of €72,783.20 to the organisation Doctors Without Borders. It corresponds to the full amount of compensation requested by the player in the conflict arising from the publication of the article ‘Sonatina’ in La Razon by the journalist Alfonso Ussia. The decision made by a Barcelona court [last year] has now been declared inadmissible by the Supreme Court. [Messi] will continue to defend himself against false and inaccurate accusations which attempt to dishonour him.” Messi’s management company confirmed in a statement.
Victor Moses, Troost-Ekong, others nominated for CAF African player of the year award.
Nigerian duo, Victor Moses and William Troost-Ekong have been shortlisted for the 2018 edition of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) player of the year award. Both Nigeria Internationals ply their trades in England and Turkey respectively.
A statement from CAF released on Wednesday reads thus. “The winner will be decided by votes from the head coaches/technical directors of the national associations affiliated to CAF, members of the CAF technical and development committee and a panel of media experts,” said CAF.
“The awards gala will be held on Thursday, 4 January 2018 in Accra, Ghana.
“Nigerian energy giants, Aiteo, are the headline sponsors of next year’s edition that will see players, officials and administrators who distinguished themselves exemplary during the year under review being honoured for their efforts towards the development of the game on the continent.”
FULL NOMINEES LIST
African Player of the Year
1. Ali Maaloul (Tunisia & Al Ahly)
2. Bertrand Traore (Burkina Faso & Lyon)
3. Cedric Bakambu (DR Congo & Villareal)
4. Christian Atsu (Ghana & Newcastle)
5. Christian Bassogog (Cameroon & Henan Jianye)
6. Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)
7. Eric Bailly (Cote d’Ivoire & Manchester United)
8. Essam El Hadary (Egypt & Al Taawoun)
9. Fabrice Ondoa (Cameroon & Sevilla)
10. Fackson Kapumbu (Zambia & Zesco)
11. Jean Michel Seri (Cote d’Ivoire & Nice)
12. Junior Kabananga (DR Congo & Astana)
13. Karim El Ahmadi (Morocco & Feyenoord)
14. Keita Balde (Senegal & Monaco)
15. Khalid Boutaib (Morocco & Yeni Malatyaspor)
16. Mbwana Samata (Tanzania & Genk)
17. Michael Olunga (Kenya & Girona)
18. Mohamed Salah (Egypt & Liverpool)
19. Moussa Marega (Mali & Porto)
20. Naby Keita (Guinea & RB Leipzig)
21. Percy Tau (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
22. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon & Borussia Dortmund)
23. Sadio Mane (Senegal & Liverpool)
24. Thomas Partey (Ghana & Atletico Madrid)
25. Victor Moses (Nigeria & Chelsea)
26. Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon & Porto)
27. William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria & Bursaspor)
28. Yacine Brahimi (Algeria & Porto)
29. Youssef Msakni (Tunisia & Al Duhail)
30. Yves Bissouma (Mali & Lille)
African Player of the Year – Based in Africa
1. Achraf Bencharki (Morocco & Wydad Athletic Club)
2. Ahmed Fathi (Egypt & Al Ahly)
3. Alkhaly Bangoura (Guinea & Etoile du Sahel)
4. Ali Maaloul (Tunisia & Al Ahly)
5. Aristide Bance (Burkina Faso & Al Masry)
6. Ayman Majid (Morocco & FUS Rabat)
7. Aymen Mathlouthi (Tunisia & Etoile du Sahel)
8. Ben Malango (DR Congo & TP Mazembe)
9. Dean Furman (South Africa & Supersport United)
10. Denis Onyango (Uganda & Mamelodi Sundowns)
11. Elsamani Saadeldin (Sudan & Al Merreikh)
12. Fackson Kapumbu (Zambia & Zesco)
13. Fawzi Chaouchi (Algeria & MC Alger)
14. Geoffrey Serunkuma (Uganda & KCCA)
15. Jeremy Brockie (New Zealand & Supersport)
16. Junior Ajayi (Nigeria & Al Ahly)
17. Karim Aouadhi (Tunisia & CS Sfaxien)
18. Mohamed Meftah (Algeria & USM Alger)
19. Mohamed Ounnajem (Morocco & Wydad Athletic Club)
20. Muaid Ellafi (Libya & Ahly Tripoli)
21. Nasr Eldin Ahmed (Sudan & Hilal Obeid)
22. Oussama Darfalou (Algeria & USM Alger)
23. Percy Tau (South Africa & Mamelodi Sundowns)
24. Sabelo Ndzinisa (Swaziland & Mbabane Swallows)
25. Saber Khalifa (Tunisia & Club Africain)
26. Saladin Said (Ethiopia & Saint George)
27. Sylvain Gbohouo (Cote d’Ivoire & TP Mazembe)
28. Tady Etekiama (DR Congo & AS Vita)
29. Taha Yassine Khenissi (Tunisia & Esperance)
30. Tarek Hamed (Egypt & Zamalek)
England beat Spain 5-2 to win the U17 World Cup.
In what can be described as an astounding victory, England win their first U-17 World Cup after turning an 0-2 deficit into a resounding 5-2 victory over Spain. Manchester City’s Phil Foden‘s double strikes inspired the incredible comeback victory at the Salt Lake Stadium in India.
England now double world youth football champions in 2017, having won U20 WC earlier this year.
It has been a rollercoaster year for England’s youth teams.
U17 Euros – Final
U18-20 Toulon – Winners
U20 WC – Winners
U21 Euros – Semi
U17 WC – Winners
Liverpool FC/England player, Rhian Brewster won the Man of the match award.
Asamoah Gyan obtains license to operate private airline in Ghana.
Ghana national team captain, Asamoah Gyan, has obtained a license from the government of Ghana, to operate an airline in the country. The airline, which is called Baby Jet Airlines, is expected to commence operations soon. The announcement was made by President Akufo-Addo at the 2017 African Airshow at the Kotoka International Airport.
The ex Sunderland striker will focus initially on cargo trips and grow from there.
“I’ve been reliable informed that the Captain of our senior national football team, the Black Stars, Asamoah Gyan, Baby Jet has obtained an air carrier license and is working feverishly to establish an airline, obviously called Baby Jet airlines. I want to call on other Ghanaians both home and abroad to invest in the rapidly growing aviation sector.” President Akufo-Addo said.