Entertainment
US Senate Declines To Fast-Track TikTok Bill
A bill that would force the sale of TikTok from its Chinese owners or see it banned in the United States will move cautiously in the US Senate, key lawmakers said, after it sailed through the House.
The bill’s whirlwind House passage on Wednesday, and its backing from US President Joe Biden, had raised alarm bells that the app, used by 170 million in the United States, could be shut down within months.
But hopes from TikTok’s foes that the Senate could also move quickly were dashed, with key senators saying they would put the proposed law through the usual legislative process, which can take months.
“These fields are evolving and changing so rapidly that you can do a lot of damage by moving too quickly or without the facts,” Senator Ron Wyden, a Democrat who chairs the Senate Finance Committee, told the Washington Post on Friday.
Passing major legislation is especially difficult in an election year, and backers of the bill have bitterly predicted that the House’s proposed law would die in the Senate.
“What we’re likely to see happen in the Senate is people will nickel-and-dime it, a death by a thousand cuts,” Republican Senator Josh Hawley told Axios.
“Nothing that Big Tech doesn’t want moves across the Senate floor,” he said.
Senate leaders who would be in charge of shepherding the proposed law through a complicated amendment process and bringing it to a vote have been noncommittal on the bill.
After the House vote, Senator Maria Cantwell, a Democrat who chairs the Commerce Committee, said that she would “try to find a path forward that is constitutional and protects civil liberties.”
Republicans also expressed caution, and on Thursday former president Donald Trump reiterated his opposition to any ban of TikTok, asking his supporters to focus their anger on Facebook-owner Meta instead.
Trump’s position, which was surprisingly ignored by Republicans in Wednesday’s vote, is a reversal from his efforts as president to force TikTok away from ByteDance, its Chinese owner, efforts which were ultimately blocked by the courts.
Some Western governments have voiced concern about TikTok’s soaring popularity, alleging that the app’s ownership makes it subservient to Beijing — and could be used as a conduit to spread propaganda — claims TikTok and Beijing deny.
The White House has said Biden will sign the bill if it reaches his desk.
AFP
Entertainment
Davido honours deceased mother with new hostel at Clifford University Abia
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chimezie Omeonu, commended Davido for his contribution to education and for inspiring young Africans.
Afrobeats superstar Davido has commissioned a female hostel at Clifford University, Abia State, named after his deceased mother, Dr. Veronica Adeleke.
The facility, Veronica Imade Adeleke Female Hostel, was unveiled during the university’s 6th Convocation Ceremony, where Davido also delivered a commencement speech to graduating students.
Davido urged graduates to lead purposeful lives, emphasising that true greatness is, not fame or wealth, but the lives one touches.
“When I looked into their faces, I saw the same fire that built me — that hunger to be seen, to make something out of nothing, to turn pain into power.
“I told them that talent might open the door, but purpose gives it meaning,” Davido said.
The hostel is a tribute to his late mother, an educationist and philanthropist who believed education and compassion could change lives.
“My mother, Dr. Veronica Adeleke, was a teacher and giver who believed education and compassion could change lives. This building is a continuation of her purpose — turning love into legacy,” he wrote.
Davido was joined at the event by his friend, Cubana Chief Priest, who pledged to sponsor 50 students’ school fees.
The university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Chimezie Omeonu, commended Davido for his contribution to education and for inspiring young Africans.
Entertainment
‘65 percent of my fans are Igbos, not Yorubas– Sir Shina Peters
Now 67, Sir Shina Peters dismissed the idea of returning to active music-making, stating that the current environment no longer supports his creative process.
Popular Nigerian Juju musician Oluwashina Akanbi Peters, widely known as Sir Shina Peters, has opened up about his personal life, revealing that he had his first child at the age of 14.
In a teaser for the upcoming episode of The Honest Bunch podcast, the Afrojuju legend reflected on his early beginnings in life and music, recounting how success came swiftly for him.
“I started my career at the age of 10. I had my first child at 14. I bought my first car at 13. I built my first house at 16,” he said.
Now 67, Sir Shina Peters dismissed the idea of returning to active music-making, stating that the current environment no longer supports his creative process.
“65 per cent of my fans are Igbos, not Yorubas. My fans are demanding that I give them new music but I don’t just go to the studio. I can’t go to the studio, the atmosphere is not conducive to me. I don’t know what to sing,” he added.
Entertainment
Imisi Wins Big Brother Naija Season 10
She won with 42.8% of the votes, followed by Dede with 15.94%, Koyin with 15.23%, Sultana with 7.94%, Kola with 5.48%, Jason Jae with 4.84%, Mensan with 3.54%, Isabella with 3.07%, and Kaybobo with 1.72%.
•BBNaija Season 10 Housemate, Imisi Ayanwale…Photo Credit: Africa Magic.
Africa Magic’s viewers pulling show- Big Brother Naija Season 10 ended yesterday with Imisi Ayanwale emerged as the winner of the competition.
She took home N80 million in cash as part of the N150 million grand prize, after an exciting finale that wrapped up months of drama, laughter, and unforgettable moments.
She won with 42.8% of the votes, followed by Dede with 15.94%, Koyin with 15.23%, Sultana with 7.94%, Kola with 5.48%, Jason Jae with 4.84%, Mensan with 3.54%, Isabella with 3.07%, and Kaybobo with 1.72%.
The humorous and outspoken housemate, who enjoyed massive support from her loyal fanbase known as “Ijoba 606,” beat strong contenders including Dede, who finished as first runner-up, as well as Koyin, Kola, Isabella, and Kaybobo
.Known for her witty remarks and playful personality, Imisi became a fan favourite for her comic timing, authenticity, and ability to lighten tense moments in the house.
Her humour, coupled with her resilience during tough tasks, made her one of the most relatable contestants this season.
This comes after Koyin was shockingly evicted, and Dede and Imisi were instructed to leave the house for the stage.
According to the tradition of the show, the lights were turned off in the house after their exit, an emotional moment for fans who had followed the housemates’ journey for weeks.
This edition of Big Brother Naija has been one of the most engaging yet, featuring unexpected twists, emotional evictions, and viral highlights that dominated social conversations for weeks.
With her win, Imisi joins the ranks of previous champions like Mercy Eke, Laycon, Whitemoney, Phyna, Ilebaye, among others.
All remembered for their unique imprint on the Big Brother legacy.
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