IMO BREAKING NEWS BLOG

Sierra Leone needs "urgent support" now for thousands of people hit by mudslides and massive flooding in the capital, the country's president says. Ernest Bai Koroma said entire communities had been wiped out and that the "devastation was overwhelming us". More than 300 people have been killed and a mass burial of victims is planned to free up space in mortuaries.

Efforts to recover more people from the muddy rubble that swept through the Regent area are continuing. The Red Cross said it was struggling to get equipment in to extricate bodies that were buried deep in the mud.

Homes in Freetown were engulfed after part of Sugar Loaf mountain collapsed following heavy rain early on Monday.

Today marks President Muhammadu Buhari’s 100th day’s absence from office, having embarked on a medical vacation to treat a yet-to-be disclosed ailment in London. As he was leaving the country on May 7 for the second round of overseas treatment, Mr. President handed the reins of power to his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who has since become the Acting President.

Because of his 100-day absence from office, Buhari has not only become the first incumbent head of state to have spent an extended number of days outside his domain, Osinbajo has also made history as the first Acting President, globally, to clock 100 days in office.

The world over, most office holders mark the first 100 days in office to showcase their modest achievements within three months of coming to office, and to also engage with the citizens to know their aspirations and thoughts about the office holder. Buhari and his deputy have therefore made an unusual history.

Chelsea became the first defending Premier League champions to concede three goals in their opening match of the season by making an abysmal start against Burnley.

Blues captain Gary Cahill was sent off after 14 minutes at Stamford Bridge and Sean Dyche's men have taken full advantage, racing into a 3-0 lead courtesy of Sam Vokes goals either side of Stephen Ward's strike.

That has left Chelsea reeling against a side many have predicted will find themselves in a relegation battle this season.

Unless Antonio Conte can organise his men into an astonishing comeback, they will be only the second defending champions to lose their first game of the following campaign.

Leicester City became the first last season by falling to a 2-1 loss against Hull City, but Chelsea are off to a significantly worse start.

Four defending champions have conceded two goals on opening day but only Leicester have lost, with Manchester United recording 3-2 wins in 2001 and 2012 and Chelsea drawing 2-2 with Fulham in 2015.

But the Blues, who are without the likes of Eden Hazard and Diego Costa, now find themselves three goals behind with 45 minutes still to play in west London.

The Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Prof Victoria Adaobi Obasi, has reportedly lost her son after a brief illness.

According to a Facebook post by Iheanyi Daniel Enwerem, Mr. Nnamdi Obasi died as a result of internal bleeding, after surgery.

Enwerem said, “Mr. Nnamdi Obasi who died today’s morning at a Hospital (name withheld) along Orlu road, Owerri is the son of the Vice Chancellor of Imo State University, Professor Victoria Adaobi Obasi.”

Confirming his death in a lengthy post, political strategist and Youth mobiliser, Ifeanyi Cy Njoku, said the young man died from appendix complications on 13th of August, 2017, in an undisclosed hospital in Owerri.

Obasi who got married two years ago was last seen in a public function with his wife a day before his death, Njoku said.

“He saw his death coming, but couldn’t comprehend it…

“Take her great lady, just a day after you anchored the official unveiling of Elfreeda Foundation program as the master of ceremony (Mc), thrilling your audience with wonderful tunes and melodious voice, you lost your darling husband who was obviously elated watching your performance on stage at the same event.

“He saw his death coming, but couldn’t comprehend it. Seating on a round table chair with friends and guest at the opening ceremony of Elfreeda Foundation, he was reported to have told a friend that he has appendicitis but is afraid of doing the operation here in Nigeria.

“At night, the appendix raised it’s ugly head and he was rushed to a renowned family surgeon at a hospital in Orlu road Owerri after Federal Medical Centre Owerri. The surgery was carried out, and compounding his fear, he was reported to have died of complications arising from bleeding.

“Just two years after their wedding, oh! leaving a pretty, gorgeous and soft spoken woman heart broken.

Rest in peace Mr. Nnamdi Obasi, be consoled Mrs. Obasi, take heart Prof Adaobi Obasi.”

Nnamdi was in his early 30s left  behind his Jamaican wife and young son.

Afro pop legend Tuface Idibia aka Tubaba will be storming Owerri, the capital City of Imo State for the endorsement of singer cum rapper Cynthia Ladyg Anyiam popularly known as LadyG in an event of dual highpoints.

LadyG who was favoured at the Imo Artiste Conference which took place on April 29, 2017 at Imo International Convention Center Owerri, will now be soaring under the influential feathers of Tubaba’s Hypertek Records as was promised by the state governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha at the April event, while other artistes like Acharaman, Sparks, etc who were promised various rewards, will be receiving them.

In a statement by Hon.  Irouno Chukwunonye, the Senior Special Assistant to Imo State Governor on Entertainment, the August 16 event will be ‘redemption and elevation showers’, as artistes will be going home with the Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N200,000) and Hundred Thousand Naira (N100,000) promised to those who performed at the Imo Got Talent Fiesta.

With Governor Rochas Okorocha as the Special Guest of Honour and the Chief of Staff to Government House Owerri, Ugwumba Uche Nwosu, as the host, Hon. Irouno further stated that “all artistes are expected to reignite their music and comedy flames, to capture the admiration of the Governor, Record Label owners and the teaming crowd”.

He then urged all members of the industry to be present at the event in solidarity as “injury to one, is injury to all, just as blessing to one, is blessing to all”.

Meanwhile, the affected artistes are urged to be at the Bongo Center today Tuesday August 15, 2017, by 2:00pm, for briefing and Soundcheck ahead of the Wednesday August 16, 2017 event which will be kicking off by 12:00 noon at Imo International Convention Center Owerri with the best of the best in the State set to grace the stage again.