(Football) Barcelona win La Liga, Ronaldo nets hat trick @semaotakeit

Luis Enrique’s side took the first step towards a possible treble as they wrapped up the Primera Division title with a win away to previous champions Atletico on Sunday

Barcelona have been crowned champions of La Liga after beating Atletico Madrid 1-0 at the Vicente Calderon on Sunday.

Diego Simeone’s side claimed the title with a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou on the final day of last season, but Lionel Messi’s second-half goal saw Barca gain revenge this time around by winning the Primera Division at the Calderon.

Luis Enrique’s men took a four-point lead over fierce rivals Real Madrid into the 37th round of matches and their victory in the capital means they have won La Liga with one game to spare.

Champions in five of the last seven seasons including this one, the Catalans now have 23 Primera Division titles and this trophy is the first for coach Luis Enrique.

But there is likely to be more to come as the Blaugrana meet Athletic Club at Camp Nou in the final of the Copa del Rey on May 30 and are also in action against Juventus in the Champions League showpiece on June 6.

While Barca triumphed in Madrid, Real were winners in the Catalan capital as they beat Barca’s local rivals Espanyol 3-1, but their win counted for little and Los Blancos have now won La Liga only once in the last seven seasons since 2008.

Governor Oshiomhole , Wife, Lara Thanks Giving Church Service @semaotakeit

Governor Oshiomhole today while speaking at the thanksgiving Mass at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral, Auchi clarified yet another thing. According to the Governor, his wife, Lara Fortes now Mrs Oshiomhole was never a model and neither is she one at the moment. He also went ahead to say, yes he has remarried, but his late wife Clara, can never be replaceable. Hear him;

“When I read newspaper stories and they say that Comrade has married a ‘top model’ I’m like maybe it’s another person. The lady that God has directed to my path and heart to marry is not and was not a model. Of course, she looks beautiful and I understand that is why people assume that this kind of a lady must be a model but of course, she is a model in my heart and we hope and pray that we will be models in the heart of our God and I think that is the most important thing”.

“I ask you to please continue to pray for us. It is not easy. I lost my first wife and it is not possible to replace her. Yes, I have married another but it is not a replacement. You cannot replace a wife especially one you married when you were young and you were anonymous. Nobody knew you from anywhere, you had nothing, no car, no house; now, you can never replace but I understand that under the Catholic doctrine I am entitled to have another wife which is what I am trying to do’’ he said.

(Time-Out) My Birthday Wish Is To See My Mother Return To Life – Myro @fujiipop @arthurrichard61

In our today’s Time-Out, we bring you rising afro-pop star, Oghenemairo Ozah Daniel, otherwise known as Myro whose birthday is today.

Earlier on in the day, we reporter called Myro up to wish him well on his birthday and at same time asked him to make his birthday wish which customarily would be fulfiled by publishers of Fujipop online magazine, and here is what the #plantain and #ocha crooner had to say.

” Well my birthday wish may be a tough one but truth is, that is my only birthday wish today. You are very much aware I just lost my dear mom. She’s so dear to my heart and I missed her so much already. I just wish to have her back”

Well dear Myro, unfortunately we at fujipop online magazine do not have power to bring your mother back to life. However, we can only wish you what you wish yourself and also pray to God that He may fulfil your heart desires.

We also use this opportunity to bring back an interview you granted us not too long ago. As a birthday wish from us. Thank you.

Please Read

Welcome back home, Myro

Thanks bro

How was your trip to South Africa?

Good, I give God glory for journey mercy

We understand you went there for the video shoot of your new single, #Ocha?

Yea, I was in SA for one or two businesses and also took the opportunity to shoot the video of #Ocha.

From the way you sound, it seems you did not travel for the sole purpose of the video shoot?

Ehmmmm, well I will not say I did not plan the video shoot from here before jetting out of the country, but aside the video shoot I also took some time off to rest after so much hard work. I have been busy going for shows here and there and needed some time to rest, you know if the body is over stressed, the mind can’t function very well, so I took some time off to rest.

You said you took out time to take care of some other businesses. Aside music, do you do any other business?

Yeah, sure I do some other things too. I am an artiste and at the same time I design and customize shirts. As you know, I have designed and customise shirts for so many A list artistes in the country. I designed and customised the popular Alobam shirt by Phyno, I have also designed and customised shirts for some notable Nigerian A list artistes like Dbanj and the rest. Name of my brand is ALIEN DNA

Interesting, so why leave such a lucrative job for music?

Well, it may not be correct to say I left my job for music, music is my life.

Truth is, I have been in music for a very long time, e don tey my brother, we don tey for the hustle. I have been doing music for some time now, yes God said this is my time to shine, but I ave been around for some time now. I got songs with Mode 9  and terry tha Rapman back then. so no be today.

So how has the journey been so far?

Well I thank God, He has been kind and faithful to me and my career. He alone is my strenght and inspiration.

Can you elaborate a little more on that considering the fact that the industry is not an easy one?

Like I said before, na only God, there are other artistes who have been here before me but have not gotten to the level I am today, it could only be God.

I also want to use this opportunity to say a very big thank you to my boss, the CEO of Masterpiece Records, Mr Emmanuel Alisiobi, popularly known as master. He took me in like a son and we have been like family.

You just talked about your record label, what is the contract agreement between you and them like?

(General laughter) You know I will never disclose that to you.

But your fans may want to know?

Well like i said before, at masterpiece entertainment we are all like one big family. Everyone, all the staffs are together in the vision and mission of the company. As regards my contract, as you can see, I don’t look like someone who could sign a slave contract.

Ok as an artiste, there’s no question of girls falling over themselves for your attention. What is your relationship with them like?

My relationship with girls is good, I love them as they love me. Infact I deducates my latest single,#Ocha to them. #Ocha is a love song for all my female fans.

Ok tell us, what is your relationship status?

My relationship status is good.

Are you in any serious relationship at the moment?

Well I keep my private life private, I will not wish to discuss that.

Ok, lets go back to your music. What genre of music do you do?

My brand of music can easily be described as Afro pop.

After the drop of the #Ocha video, what next are we expecting from you?

More and more good music.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see myself at the top, at the biggest stage.

How do you see the Nigerian music industry?

The Nigerian music industry has grown. It has grown from what it used to be. We are now competing with the best in  the world.

Who is your music mentor?

Ah! This question go hard small o. Honestly I can’t single out any person as my music mentor because I listen to manyb artistes, both local and international.

What do you have to say to young ones out there who may be looking up to you?

First I will say they should always believe in themselves, believe in the power of your dream. Don’t give up, dream big and never forget to always remember that all power belongs to God. Believe in God, trust in God, never give up and never give in. I assure you, he will see you through.

To your fans out there?

I love them. They should keep on supporting me. They should keep on supporting the brand. We are together, forgether, forever in this. I Love them all.

Thank you for speaking to us, Myro

Always my pleasure

(Boxing) Quit Now Or End Up Like Mohammed Ali, Filipino President Tells Manny Pacquiao @fujiipop @arthurrichard61

A really bad May just got worse for Manny Pacquiao … ’cause the president of his beloved Philippines is telling Pacman he needs to RETIRE … before he gets SERIOUSLY hurt.

Benigno Aquino III, the top man in Manila, reportedly made the statements to Bombo Radyo in the Philippines … saying he thinks it’s time for the 36-year-old Pacquiao to think of his long term health over ring glory.

According to Filipino reports (translated from Tagalog) … the Prez didn’t stop there, going on to say that Manny need look no further than Muhammad Ali — who fought until age 39 — for an example of a fighter who held on too long … and paid the price for it.

“One of the most tragic examples, perhaps, was when I saw (Ali) lighting the Olympic torch with his hand shaking.”

Aquino also said that the Filipino fans — who worship Pacman — should be understanding of the fact that the magic can’t last forever … and allow the superstar to retire in peace.

“If we will push him (and say) that ‘No, there should be a rematch, you have to take a gamble again’, I think we will not be showing debt of gratitude to the person.”

 

(Violence Crime)Member Of French Montana’s Coke Boys Rapper Chinx Drugz Murdered In Drive By Shooting @fujiipop @arthurrichard61

Rapper Chinx Drugz was shot and killed early Sunday morning in a drive-by.

It happened in Queens NY at around 4 AM.  Police found 2 victims in a car, one who whom was Chinx, who was shot multiple times in the torso.

The 31-year-old is a member of French Montana‘s Coke Boys.  Chinx big song is “I’m a Coke Boy” which features French.

The second victim, who was shot in the back, has been hospitalized.  He’s in critical condition.

Cops are on the hunt for the shooter.

(Sports) Champions League Final: Arsenal To Make $4.5 million Off Barca If They Wins @fujiipop @arthurrichard61 @tj_shetade

In a minor and quite miniscule sense, Barcelona will have Arsenal on its side in next month’s UEFA Champions League final against Juventus.

Perhaps we’ll call them Barcenal.

The North London club will get $4.5 million if Barcelona wins the UCL title, thanks to a clause in the summer sale of defender Thomas Vermaelen.

The 29-year-old defender just returned to full fitness after a season-long injury battle with a hamstring tear, but his participation doesn’t matter when it comes to the money.

No word on whether Wenger has already committed the money to signing more attackers.

In case your curious we were Barca and Arsenal haven’t tangled since the 2011 UCL, and the Blaugranashave a 4W-2D-1L advantage in the series.

(Religion) ‘Islam Was Never A Religion Of Peace’ – ISIS Leader @fujiipop @arthurrichard61 @tj_shetade

The Islamic State on Thursday released an audio message purportedly recorded by leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who called on Muslims around the world to join the terror group’s fight in Syria and Iraq. The speaker says there is no excuse for Muslims not to join the battle against “infidels,” declaring, “Islam was never a religion of peace. Islam is the religion of fighting.”

Multiple news sources reported that Baghdadi, in fact, appears to be the speaker, which would mark the first time he has been publicly heard from in months. Previous reports indicated that he had been wounded or even killed by a coalition air strike.

The Islamic State drew new attention this week as its forces drew closer to the ancient Syrian city of Palmyra, fueling fears that the group could destroy the city’s treasured antiquities. Ryu Spaeth

(Society) Oshiomhole, Wife Lara Plan Honey Moon in Dubai @semaotakeit

Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, and his newly-wedded wife, Iara, are planing honey moon at  Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in June.

Governor Oshiomhole had on Friday married former Miss Iara Fortes, an ex-model from Cape Verde, at a marriage ceremony witnessed by a large turnout of dignitaries from various sectors of the country and he was expected to proceed on a honeymoon with the new First Lady.

But it was gathered that the couple had placed their honeymoon on hold in order to attend the inauguration ceremony of the President-elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.) scheduled for May 29 in Abuja.

 

The source said, “They are still in Nigeria. They will go for their honeymoon maybe in June.”

(Politics) Gunmen kidnap Adamawa lawmaker @semaotakeit

 

A group of gunmen has kidnapped the member representing Toungo Constituency in the Adamawa House of Assembly, Alhaji Adamu Usman.

Usman was said to have been kidnapped by the gunmen who stormed his residence at Kofare Ward of Yola around midnight on Friday.

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer, Adamawa Police Command, Mr. Othman Abubakar, said the lawmaker was taken away at gunpoint.

He however said the police were investigating the incident.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Usman is one of the only two members of Adamawa Assembly who won their  re-election to the house for a second term after defecting from PDP to APC in the just-concluded general elections.

The incident brings to three the number of kidnapping recorded in the  state within six months.

NAN recalls that Alhaji Sani Ribadu, a brother to Malam Nuhu Ribadu and Mr. Wilson Gundiri, a brother to Engr Markus Gundiri  were earlier kidnapped but later released.

Gindiri was the Adamawa SDP gubernatorial candidate in the just-concluded general elections.

US Special Operations Likks IS Head Of Oil Operations In A Raid In Syria @fujiipop @arthurrichard61 tj_shetade

 In a rare ground attack deep into Syria, U.S. Army commandos killed a man described as the Islamic State’s head of oil operations, captured his wife and rescued a woman whom American officials said was enslaved.

A team of Delta Force commandos slipped across the border from Iraq under cover of darkness Saturday aboard Black Hawk helicopters and V-22 Osprey aircraft, according to a U.S. defense official knowledgeable about details of the raid. The official was not authorized to discuss the operation publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Americans intended to capture a militant identified by U.S. officials as Abu Sayyaf. When they arrived at his location, a multi-story building, they met stiff resistance, the U.S. official said, and a firefight ensued, resulting in bullet-hole damage to the U.S. aircraft.

Abu Sayyaf was killed, along with an estimated dozen IS fighters, U.S. officials said. No American was killed or wounded.

Before the sun had risen, the commandos flew back to Iraq where Abu Sayyaf’s wife, Umm Sayyaf, was being questioned in U.S. custody, officials said. The goal was to gain intelligence about IS operations and any information about hostages, including American citizens, who were held by the group, according to Bernadette Meehan, spokeswoman for the U.S. National Security Council.

Abu Sayyaf was described by one official as the IS “emir of oil and gas,” although he also was targeted for his known association with the group’s leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

U.S. officials said it was likely, given Abu Sayyaf’s position, that he knew about more than just the financial side of the group’s operations.

Despite the U.S. claims, much about the IS figure was in question. The name Abu Sayyaf has rarely been mentioned in Western reports about the extremist group and he is not known to be among terrorists for whom the U.S. has offered a bounty. The name was not known to counterterrorism officials who study IS and does not appear in reports compiled by think tanks and others examining the group’s hierarchy.

The U.S. official said Abu Sayyaf’s death probably has temporarily halted IS oil-revenue operations, critical to the group’s ability to carry out military operations in Syria and Iraq and to govern the population centers it controls.

But U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, cautioned against exaggerating the long-term gain from killing Abu Sayyaf.

He said IS, like al-Qaida, “has proven adept at replacing its commanders and we will need to keep up the pressure on its leadership and financing.”

A U.S. Treasury official told Congress in October that IS militants were earning about $1 million a day from black market oil sales alone, and getting several million dollars a month from wealthy donors, extortion rackets and other criminal activities, such as robbing banks. Kidnappings were another large source of cash.

U.S. airstrikes in Syria since September have frequently targeted IS oil-collection facilities in an effort to undermine the group’s finances.

IS controls much of northern and eastern Syria as well as northern and western Iraq, despite months of U.S. and coalition airstrikes and efforts by the U.S.-backed Iraqi army to retake territory. IS holds most of the oil fields in Syria and has declared a caliphate governed by a harsh version of Islamic law.

Also Saturday, activists said IS fighters pushed into the Syrian town of Palmyra, home to famed 2,000-year-old ruins.

The U.S. Army raid occurred one day after the U.S.-led campaign to roll back IS gains in Iraq suffered a significant setback in Ramadi, the capital of Anbar province. IS fighters are reported to have captured a key government building in Ramadi and have established control over a substantial portion of the city, officials have said.

U.S. House Speaker John Boehner, in a written statement Saturday praising the raid into Syria, said he was “gravely concerned” by the IS assault on Ramadi and that it threatened the stability and sovereignty of Iraq.

IS has made major inroads at Iraq’s Beiji oil refinery complex in recent days. Reports vary, but U.S. officials have said IS is largely in control of the refinery, as well as the nearby town of Beiji. It’s on the main route from Baghdad to Mosul, the main IS stronghold in northern Iraq.

U.S. Defense Secretary Ash Carter in Washington announced the raid, followed soon after by word from the White House.

Map locates Omar oil field, where U.S. commandos mounted a raid; 1c x 2 inches; 46.5 mm x 50 mm;

Meehan, the NSC spokeswoman, said in a statement that the woman who was freed, a Yazidi, “appears to have been held as a slave” by Abu Sayyaf and his wife. She said the U.S. intends to return her to her family.

IS militants captured hundreds of members of the Yazidi religious minority in northern Iraq during their rampage across the country last summer.

A senior Obama administration official said Umm Sayyaf was being debriefed at an undisclosed location in Iraq to obtain intelligence about IS operations. The official was not authorized to discuss details of the operation by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.

The raid was the first known U.S. ground operation targeting IS militants in Syria. A U.S.-led coalition has been striking the extremists from the air for months, but the only previous time American troops set foot on the ground in Syria was in an unsuccessful commando mission to recover hostages last summer.

Syrian state TV earlier reported that Syrian government forces killed at least 40 IS fighters, including a senior commander in charge of oil fields, in an attack Saturday on the Omar field — where the U.S. raid was said to have taken place. The Syrian report, which appeared as an urgent news bar on state TV, was not repeated by the state news agency. State TV didn’t repeat the urgent news or elaborate on it.

U.S. officials said they had no knowledge of a Syrian raid and that the U.S. did not coordinate its operation with the Syrian government. Meehan said the Syrian government was not informed in advance of the raid. The U.S. has said it is not cooperating with President Bashar Assad’s government in the battle against IS.

“We have warned the Assad regime not to interfere with our ongoing efforts against ISIL inside of Syria,” Meehan said, using another acronym for IS. “As we have said before, the Assad regime is not and cannot be a partner in the fight against ISIL. In fact, the brutal actions of the regime have aided and abetted the rise of ISIL and other extremists in Syria.”

An NSC statement said President Barack Obama authorized the raid upon the “unanimous recommendation” of his national security team.

The administration clearly is concerned by the resilience of IS even as officials publicly express confidence that the extremists cannot sustain their territorial gains and ultimately will be defeated.

Saturday’s raid came as IS fighters have advanced in central and northeastern Syria. Activists said IS fighters pushed into Palmyra, home to famed 2,000-year-old ruins, after seizing an oil field and taking control of the water company on the outskirts.

IS said fighters took full control of Saker Island in the Euphrates River near Deir el-Zour, a provincial capital in eastern Syria split between IS and government forces.