Simon Akpaasou's Blog

Amy Wright, mother of two kids born with Down syndrome and an avid advocate for disabled workers has emerged the winner of the 2017 CNN Hero of the year award. Wright was named the 2017 CNN Hero of the Year for her efforts to advocate for disabled people. The award is determined by online voters who selected Wright from among thetop 10 CNN Heroes finalists. Wright's advocacy took the form of acoffee shop. She opened Bitty & Beau's Coffee in January 2016, named for her two children. On Sunday, it was clear that Wright, Bitty, Beau and the 40 disabled employees at the Wilmington, North Carolina, shop have an army of supporters. Wright will receive $100,000 to grow her cause. All of the top 10 CNN Heroes for 2017 will receive a $10,000 cash award. Donations made to each of their designated nonprofit organizations are also being matched up to $50,000. In her speech, Wright said, "I am bringing this home to the 40 employees who work at Bitty & Beau's bec...

A 30-year-old DJ was killed at the Atmosphere Festival in Brazil and three other people were injured after high winds caused the stage to collapse. DJ Kaleb Freitas was performing Sunday when the stage suddenly destructed at about 2 p.m local time. Revellers captured the horrifying moment the metal structure over thestage came down during a storm at the packed Atmosphere Festival in Esteio near the southern city of Porto Alegre. DJ Kaleb was rushed to hospital critically injured after suffering head injuries but died soonafter arrival. An investigation has now been launched to determine why the festival wasn’t shut down, despite the severe weather warnings about heavy wind, hail and torrential rain. There were almost 5,000 people in attendance at the festival but only three others were injured and they are expected to make a speedy recovery. Friends of the dead man, whose real name is Kalleby Freitas da Rosa, took to Facebook today to pay tribute to the musician. Kaka Guim...

NBA club, Los Angeles Lakers, has honoured basketball legend, Kobe Bryant by retiring both his No 8 and No 24 jerseys following stellar 20-year career. The ceremony took place at the Staples Center at halftime as the Lakers took on the Golden State Warriors on Monday night. It was the very first time both jerseysworn by a basketballer were retired at once. According to reports,  Los Angeles opted to retire both numbers because Bryant, who retired in 2016, spent his first 10 seasons wearing No 8 and his final 10 in No 24Before the ceremony, a Kobe's short film, 'Dear Basketball', was played onthe arena Jumbotron. Bryant was then introduced by fellow Lakers jersey retiree Magic Johnson. In a speech by Magic Johnson, who is the Lakers president, he encouraged Bryant to use his platform to help unite this country. 'The thing, Kobe, is this, brother: We need you right now. When I look into this audience, there [are] all races of people [who] come together, cheered...

Donald Trump has sparked dementia concerns after he was captured drinking water with two hands like a small child while unveiling his new national security strategy in front of military service members in Washington, D.C. This comes days after he slurred his words during Jerusalem speech and prompted Twitter users to wonder if he has a health problem. While some suggested he was cradling theglass or because of his "tiny hands", others raised concerns that the movement could be evidence of a serious degenerative disorder, such as dementia, which can cause shaky hands. Charlene Eliz. Jones wrote that Trump "holds that water glass like my 3 year old grandson holds his cup! I really think Trump has dementia and is reverting 2 childhood action. Joseph Fedorko added: "THE WAY HE IS GRABBING THAT GLASS SHOWS TRUMP HAS DEMENTIA. HIS MOTOR SKILLS ARE DEGENERATING. "It's not the first time Trump has been seen drinking strangely. In November, he picked...

A lawmaker from Katsina state, has revealed his surprise after seeing the level of organization and discipline during his recent visit to Amman, Jordan. Hon. Abdullahi I. Mahuta, took to his social media page to share how he saw two cars patiently waiting for the traffic lights at 2.30 am despite being the only cars on the highway. Abdullahi said he remembered Nigeria when he saw the cars waiting at the traffic. Below is what he shared on Facebook; It's 2:30 am here. I just looked through my window, then I saw these two cars waiting for the traffic lights to give them the green light. Then I remembered my country Nigeria and asked myself :When will we get to this level of maturity and discipline?

Twitter user, Stevie Que has taken to the platform to express his anger over 'Bride pride' claims Nigerians use every opportunity to scam. He wrote; Can somebody explain to me why the Africans have no class?? Why do they throw ones at people on their WEDDING they as if they are worthless strippers with no dignity ? Please explain "He continued;" African parents sell their daughters as if they are prostitutes and call I️t a “bridal fee” or someother dumb poo just to get married... smh why am I paying the parents to marry their daughter? this is sick""Africans are known for scamming & finessing but this is just sick...  can people be in love IN PEACE without you scamming for once.. I’m not paying nobody parents to marry their daughter.. they better be grateful somebody even wants to marry her"

Ethiopian Airlines, on Saturday made history as it transported its passengers from the Bole International Airport Addis Ababa to the Murtala International Airport Lagos on a Boeing B777-300 ER plane operated by an all-female crew. The crew was made up of Captain Amsale Gualu (who commanded the flight), First Officer Tigist Kibret, and 11 cabin crew members. The flight is the first international flight to be operated by an all-female crew to Nigeria. The 391 passengers on board the ET 901 flight that lasted approximately four hours, thirty minutes applauded the crew during take-off and after the plane touched down in Lagos. On arrival in Lagos, the flight was welcomed with water cannons which preceded a ceremony to welcome the historic flight. The Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Mrs. Nkiru Onyejeocha, commended the Captain and the rest of the crew, saying that their successful flight from Addis Ababa to Lagos is proof that women can achieve so much if given the opportu...

This Nigerian bride-to-be is not here foe ladies who might want to come for her man! Jasmine & Bennie are set to wed and have released this very unique and creative pre-wedding photo as shared by their photographer.

Twitter user shares disheartening story of how a lady wearing a mini dress was humiliated by both men and women in Ikorodu. He said in his narration that even women supported the men who were stripping her, saying she is a prostitute and how he was almost beaten because his partner tried to resolve the situation in a hard way. The twitter user however call on Nigerians to fight the barbaric act.

You’re never too young— or too old — to take care of your heart. Preventing heart attack (and all cardiovascular diseases) means making smart choices now that will pay off the rest of your life. Lack of exercise, a poor diet and other unhealthy habits can take their toll over the years. Anyone at any age can benefit from simple steps to keep their heart healthy during each decade of life. Here’s how: All Age Groups No matter what your age, everyone can benefit from a healthy diet and adequate physical activity. Choose a healthy eating plan. The food you eatcan decrease your risk of heart disease and stroke.Choose foods low in saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium. As part of a healthy diet, eat plenty of fruits and vegetables, fiber-rich whole grains, fish (preferably oily fish-at least twice per week), nuts, legumes and seeds and try eating some meals without meat.Select lower fat dairy products and poultry (skinless). Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and red meat. If you choose...

In a recent interview with Tvc Entertainment, The Nigerian rapper and comedian "Falz" asked if being a rapper and a comedian at the same time sounds disrespectful to hiphop genre. Falz replied: "for me it is an unspoken rules, the fact that I'm a rapper doesn't mean I'm going to be forming over gangster or I'm going to carry it on my head, it is not compulsory that you should tight hiphop to your chest, relax your body and makemusic in your own way" he says. Watch The Interview Video Below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3ft3IIoA9o

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has performed the ground-breaking ceremony of the Dangote Education for employment (E4E) job centre at Okpuala in Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area of the state.The pilot project which is to be fully funded by Dangote Group, led by Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is aimed at providing a digital one-stop-shop for job seekers with services that include free employment consultancy. Speaking at the event, Ikpeazu, who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu, applauded the Dangote group for selecting Abia State as one of the pioneer states for the corporate social responsibility project and called on other corporate organisations to emulate the group in giving back to the society. He pointed out that his administration’s pledge to offer technical and vocational education training to 100,000 youths in the state has been given further boost with the project embarked upon by the Dangote Group. When we launched the E4E project we started ...

The hustle is real for Chicago based Nigerian lady and Twitter user @Adaugo_ , as she has taken to the platform to list her portfolio to aid in her search for husband. Her tweet read;“I’m Nigerian: Igbo & Calabar. I’m in college & live in Chicago, IL. I’m funny, I can cook, & I’m mad loyal. Retweet because my husband might be on your TL.

His Holiness, Prophet Ufuoma Bernard, the founder of The Godist Church has reportedly decided to scrap paying of tax in his church as a result of listening to Freeze's teachings. "No more tithing in my ministry": Pastor says after listening to Daddy Freeze and doing further research According to the prophet's Facebook post, he is convinced Daddy freeze is right because he has looked through the bible and critically examined arguments for and against tithes and he believes paying of tithes is not biblical. "No more tithing in my ministry": Pastor says after listening to Daddy Freeze and doing further research Freeze has rejoiced over the prophet's decisionand shared the news via his Instagram account with the caption:"Wow this gentleman actually has quite a big ministry... I'm proud of him! Lets all stand up for the truth! "The prophet further added:"No more tithing in my ministry": Pastor says after listening to Daddy ...

Egyptian archaeologists have discovered a mummy in one of two previously unexplored tombs, the antiquities ministry said on Saturday. The tombs were found across the Nile from thesouthern city of Luxor in the 1990s by German archaeologist Frederica Kampp. Since Kampp's discovery, 'both tombs were leftuntouched' until an Egyptian archaeological mission started work. 'It's truly an exceptional day,' al-Anani said.'The 18th dynasty private tombs were already known. But it's the first time to enter inside the two tombs. 'However, she had only reached the entrance gate and 'never entered', the ministry said. It said that both tombs, which were given numbers by Kampp, were likely to date back to dynasties of the New Kingdom, which lasted several centuries until about 3,000 years ago. Antiquities Minister Khaled al-Anani was in Luxor to announce the discovery in Draa Abul Nagaa necropolis near the famed Valley of the Kings, where many p...

While others were preparing for worship and thinking of how to praise God. Some evil people are moving around looking for where to rob. A huge and handsome guy lost his life today. He(the Armed Robber) was caught and burnt alive today at Pipeline area of Aleto, Eleme in Rivers state, by angry youths. According an eye witness, the armed man had succeeded in robbing a woman along the pipeline at about 5a.m early in the morning today. When the alarm was raised " thief o, thief o, thief o" however his gun had no bullet, he was caught and sent back to hell.

No hijab as she knows the rule and abides by it. Your comment is accepted.

Here are pre-wedding pictures of a physically challenged lady and her sweetheart who are set to tie the knot on December 27 in Akwa Ibom state. According to reports, the lady identified as Miss Edidiong Edet has served God faithfully in the Apostolic church on the wheel chair as a chorister and a witness member from birth. Congratulations in advance to the soon-to-be couple.

Afro beat legend’s wives open up on.. FELA, SEX & WEED By Tony Ogaga and Simon Akpaasou Last weekend, all roads led to Terra Culture, Victoria Island, Lagos, for the screening of a new musical on late afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti, entitled ‘Fela and The Kalakuta Queens’, a musical written, produced and directed by Bolanle Austen-Peters of Terra Culture. Indeed it was a gathering of the crème de la crème of the industry as captains of industry, politicians, high networking individuals and thespians graced the red carpet. And of course, also in the house were two of Fela’s wives, Bolanle Babayale and Omolara. The pair opened up to Entertainer on life with the late afro beat maestro, narrating their lives and times with him. Fela did not die of HIV. Laide Babayale What would you say was your happiest moment with Fela? Every time with him was exciting. Fela was a nice person to be with. You just loved him. Fela is from a wealthy background and I am also fro...

Family of Iraqi beauty queen 'forced to flee country after she took a selfie with Miss Israel'So much for diplomacy by selfie. Miss Iraq, Sarah Idan, and her family had to flee their homeland after receiving death threats over a photo she posted online last month. Why? Because Idan posed with Miss Israel, Adar Gandelsman, at a Miss Universe International Beauty Pageant, the Times of Israel reported. Idan came under fire for posting the photo to Instagram, captioned, “Peace and Love from Miss Iraq and Miss Israel,” in addition to modeling a bikini. “The two of those things together caused a mess for her back home where people made threats against her and her family that if she didn’t return home and take down the photos, they would remove her (Miss Iraq) title, that they would kill her,” Gandelsman told Israeli TV, the paper reported. In another Instagram post, Idan apologized to those who thought the photo was “harmful to the Palestinian cause,” clarifying that it w...