Afrobeat superstar Ayra Starr has earned the  prestigious Platinum Certification in the United Kingdom for her  hit single “Rush”,  for surpassing 600,000 units in combined sales and streams.

The British Phonographic Industry (BPI) officially recognise “Rush” with a platinum plaque, making the “Sability”  crooner  first Nigerian female artist to achieve this remarkable feat in the UK.

The hit song  marked Ayra Starr’s debut on the UK Official Top 100, cementing  her growing  status as one of the most sought-after African music artiste in recent times.

The Grammy-nominated singer had earlier earned impressive accolades for ‘Rush’, including a Diamond Certification in France in 2023.

“Rush”was released in Sept, 2022, and quickly gained viral success, charting in the top ten across several countries such as France, Lebanon, and South Africa.

The track’s massive popularity also contributed to Ayra Starr’s first Grammy nomination for Best African Music Performance at the 66th annual Grammy Awards.

In addition to her recent UK achievement, “Rush” has also earned  platinum status in Canada and New Zealand, and 3times Platinum in Nigeria, demonstrating its widespread acclaim and commercial success. (NAN) 

 by Muhyideen Jimoh

Liverpool clinched the Premier League title in style as they came from behind to thrash Tottenham 5-1 at Anfield.

First-half strikes from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo all but wrapped up a record-equalling 20th top-flight title.

This was before Mohammed Salah’s 28th goal of a prolific campaign and a Destiny Udogie own goal made the scoreline emphatic.

Spurs briefly threatened to spoil a party that began hours before kick-off by taking an early lead through former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke but the Londoners put up little resistance as the Reds clicked into gear.

The title, secured with four games to spare, is only the Merseysiders’ second in 35 years.

It is also the first in that period they have been permitted to celebrate in front of fans after their 2020 success came during the COVID-19 pandemic

From Chidi Precious, Umuahia

 As Abia State prepares to mark the second anniversary of Governor Alex Otti’s administration, the State Government has announced that the event will be observed in a low-key manner, despite notable strides in governance and development over the past 23 months.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu disclosed this on Monday while briefing Journalists on the outcome of this week’s Exco meeting presided over by Governor Otti.

Prince Kanu who explained the reason for the State Government’s choice of a low key option said that the celebration would focus on introspection and evaluation rather than pomp and pageantry.

The Commissioner revealed that activities lined up for the anniversary include an interdenominational thanksgiving service, presentation of scorecards by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as the commissioning of completed projects, and the flag-off of new ones.

He noted that several roads in Aba under the Urban Renewal Agenda of the State Government including Umuode road, Bakassi road, and Isi-Ihitteukwu Close are completed and awaiting commissioning.

“Also the construction of Umuosi, Ihuoma and Umukanna Roads as part of the Urban Renewal Agenda of the State Government through GADA is ongoing.

“Those projects have reached advanced stages and they will be completed and commissioned as well”, Prince Kanu said.

The Commissioner also disclosed plans to develop a “new Umuahia City”, to expand the capital’s landscape and aesthetics, along with the renovation of the long-neglected vocational and skills center at Mgbarakuma.

He noted that ongoing beautification efforts in Umuahia, including the planting of trees along Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, road reconstruction on Library Avenue to FMC junction, and plans for a redesigned Government House Roundabout and Cooperative Junction.

“The reconstruction of the Library Avenue to FMC junction has reached an advanced stage. The Cooperative Junction is on the verge of being asphalted together a section of Item Road.

“The Roundabout in front of Government House, Umuahia will soon be wearing a new look. A median will be introduced at the T-Junction the flows from the Okpara Avenue to the Abia Line area”, Prince Kanu stated.

The Commissioner said that Abia is poised to enter the Guinness Book of Records, due to the creative effort of an Aba-based artist, Mr. Nuel Geoffrey.

Prince Kanu said that with support from the State Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr Geoffrey is set to paint 300 faces in one hour on May 23rd at the Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, a feat that would surpass the current record of 217.

“The Arts , Culture and Creative Economy is actively supporting this process of promoting a local talent in order to showcase the creative potentials of Abians at the global stage

“We are aware that currently Abians are holding their heads up high in all parts of the country and the world and this is what has happened in the past 23 months.

“Hitherto it was not so, any where Abia State was mentioned people will look down but today Abians hold their heads high and it is all part of the achievements of the State Government”, the Commissioner noted.

Prince Kanu also highlighted the State’s recent achievements in sports, with Abia clinching 33 medals — 9 gold, 10 silver, and 14 bronze at the maiden NDDC Sports Festival.

He added that the State hosted the U-12 and U-15 National Handball Championships, involving 12 states, while the Abia Warriors Football Club chases a continental slot after defeating Rivers United 2-0.

“These milestones underscore the administration’s commitment to youth empowerment through sports,” he said.

Prince Kanu who condemned acts of vandalism and theft of public properties, revealed the arrest of the Facility Manager and two staff members of the Aba Textile Mill for alleged robbery and sabotage.

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