Ommy Dallah
Mombasa Born International Boxer Okwiri Back In Action
Kenya's Africa middleweight champion Rayton Okwiri (6-0-1) returns to the ring on Saturday to take on Columbia's Fidel Monterrosa Munoz (39-25-1) in an eight round non-title fight in Portland Maine in the United States of America.
Okwiris's fight is being promoted by Michael Reyes of Reyes Boxing Inc.
The Kenyan 2016 Rio Olympics quarter-finalist is now based in Boston on a five-year managerial contract with Raynelo Management who are partners with Reyes Boxing Inc.
Okwiri left the country in May for more intensive training in the United States in preparation for a series of fights lined up for him in the United States and in East Africa.
He first landed in Cancun, Mexico for intensive physical conditioning training with Namibia's Walter Kautondokwa before moving to Boston for sparring camp.
"I liked the physical conditioning camp in Mexico but the hot weather was not favourable for my training. In Boston everything is okay. Promoter Michael has taken good care me, I'm living very well like a champion, I thank Mike for all this and I promise not to let him down on Saturday,'' said the 35-year-old Okwiri nicknamed Boom Boom.
Okwiri is not shaken by the record of his Columbian opponent Fidel Munoz who has won 39 fights, lost 25 and drew once. The 33-year-old Columbian fights from the orthodox stance and turned professional in 2006.
"I'm not bothered by my opponent, he won't last eight rounds because I'm in good shape now,'' said Okwiri who has dedicated Saturday's fight to Commissioner General of Kenya Prisons Service Wycliffe Ogallo, his deputy Benjamin Njoga, sports coordinator and Olympic marathon silver medallist Catherine Ndereba, Kenya Professional Boxing Commission chairman Reuben Ndolo and secretary-general Franklin Imbenzi.
Okwiri, a sergeant at Prisons Service, said he's grateful for the support from his employer.
"The Commissioner General (Wycliffe Ogallo) his deputy Benjamin Njoga and Catherine Ndereba have boosted my morale in every way possible. I appreciate their kind gesture to allow me turn professional and retain my job, I'm still in their payroll.''
The Kenyan southpaw boxer last fought on December 14, 2019 at Nairobi's Charter Hall, retaining his ABU title by outpointing Augustine Matata from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a 10-round fight dominated by Okwiri.
Okwiri has won all his six fights including 4 KOs and one draw since turning professional in February 4, 2017 when he KO'd Tanzania's Salehe Mkalekwa in the Fox Sports Promotion card at Crowne Plaza Hotel in Nairobi. In his fifth fight on June 8, 2019 Okwiri captured the vacant Africa Boxing Union (ABU) middleweight title with a third round KO over Tanzania's Hussein Itaba at the Charter Hall.
Promoter Michael Reyes is impressed by Okjwiri's progress so far in training.
"Rayton has been improving everyday. He has learned to sitdown on his punches and is going hard in sparring,'' said Reyes, and went on, "Based on the current middleweight breakdown with great champion I believe Rayton will be in the mix and a top ten in the world by this time next year.''
Okwiri said his burning ambition is to become a world champion before he's 40 years.
"Between now and 40 I promise my fans I'll win a world title, that's my eventual goal in pro boxing, I'm capable of doing it judging from difficult opponents I've beaten in amateur boxing and in Aiba professional boxing.''
He said he prefers training in the US because of tough sparring partners unlike in Kenya where he lacks stiff competition during sparring sessions.
Some of his sparring partners in the US include WBO champion Demetrius Andrade who in April this year defeated Britain's Liam Williams on a unanimous decision to retain his WBO middleweight title in Florida. Andrade is unbeaten in 30 fights, and is now keen to take on the division's other champions such as Gennady Golovkin and Jermall Charlo.
Mombasa Targets To Train Youth To Harness Blue Economy Opportunities
The county government of Mombasa is targeting to build capacity of the youth to help them explore the many opportunities existing in the Blue Economy sector.
According to county officials, many of the youth are not aware of the existing opportunities and could not comprehend what the Blue Economy entails and as such fail to exploit it.
Speaking in a Mombasa hotel where the county commemorated the International Youth Day 2021, the chief officer Department of Youth, Gender and Sports Innocent Mugabe said that they were focused on training the youth to take up the opportunities created by the sector as a way of solving the issue of unemployment.
The theme for this year’s celebration was Transforming Food Systems with the county choosing to localise it and focus on the Blue Economy sector.
Mugabe said that the sector contributed a lot on the food value chain especially on the part of fishery and transportation of food through the sea.
He noted that exploitation of the sector was going on at a slow pace thus the need to train more youth to harness the sector.
“We are putting in our focus as a coastal county to make sure that our young people are able to harness the opportunities and this will contribute in a big way towards eliminating issues of poverty and radicalisation of our young people,” said Mugabe.
Mugabe added that there was more to be exploited especially in the fishing industry to ensure that the youth are fully engaged to be able to contribute to the economy.
“We are financing people wanting to do the seafarers course through bursaries and also offer revolving funds for the youth who would want to partake in business to ensure that we be the pioneers in the issues of exploiting the blue economy across the east Africa,” said Mugabe.
He also said that the county was going to work hand in hand with the national government in their quest to train 1000 youth every year drawn from the six coastal counties on deep sea fishing by helping in training and recruiting.
On August 4th, the Agriculture CS Peter Munya was at the Liwatoni Fishing Complex to officiate the flagging off of twenty youth aboard two vessels FV Seamer II Longliner and FV Miss Jane Longliner who were going to undertake their practical trainings on deep sea fishing.
The training is expected to to ensure that there are adequate skills and experience among the Kenyan youth to be used by the growing fishing industry to exploit the vast fish resources.
“There exists a lot of potential in our marine waters which has now a key focus by the government , it is out of this realisation that the government is making deliberate efforts to explore these resources for socio-economic growth of the coastal communities and nation at large,” said Munya
Meet Ojayy Wright, The Talented Singer Taking Nigeria's Industry By Storm
Ojayy Wright real name Oluwagbenga Amu-wright is a music sensational who is taking the Nigeria music industry by storm.
Ojayy the son of popular veteran actress, Bukky Wright, started his music career 2016 with his debut single dubbed “MOFO”.
In 2020, the singer offered his 2020 debut EP titled 37 Degrees In Lagos, an 11-track mixtape that featured artists like Ice Prince, Chidinma, CDQ among others.
This year, Ojayy Wright unveiled his sophomore project, a 7-track body of work named Commander in Chief and his collaboration with Teni De Entertainer on “Fuji Pop” being the centerpiece.
In a recent interview, the singer revealed that he used to act before getting into music.
"I acted in my first ever movie when I was 10 or 11, I was in high school then. That movie never came out actually, it's called Remilekun. We might have to reshoot it because the storyline was very beautiful. However, for my music, my greatest influence of all time is Micheal Jackson. " he said.
On his 'Commander In Chief " Ep , the singer said "I think for the first time in my life, I can genuinely say I've not seen any bad reviews about the EP yet. So far, I just love the fact that people cannot pick one song from the EP. It's hard for anyone to say that they have a favorite song and that gives me joy. As a producer, I'm satisfied, and as a consumer, I just want you to keep wanting more."
Check out on of his songs below.
Nadia Mukami And Arrow Bwoy Love Imekolea 'Kolo'
Kenyan singers Nadia Mukami and Arrow Bwoy have finally confirmed that they are an item after keeping it a secret for quite some time.
This comes just days after thetwo who are currently in Zanzibar shared a photo kissing each other with Arrow Bwoy flaunting his masculine body, while Nadia arching her back.
“My hardworking, patient, pure-hearted handsome man! Baba Safari aka kindu wakwa,” captioned Mukami.
On his part Arrow Bwoy posted "“You are my smart, intelligent boss mama! Mama Safari. My beautiful thing,”
In a joint Insta-live session on Wednesday morning the two confirmed that they are an item.
“Are we dating? Yes. I have been Arrow’s/Ali’s girlfriend for some time now. I have been dating. We have been together for a longer time that people can actually guess. when I met Arrow I was in a relationship, so when I started dating him I was in another relationship” said Nadia Mukami.
The Maombi hit maker went on to explain why they have decided to go public.
“Why we came out is coz I feel sai niko more mature… right now naweza handle pressure yenye inakuja na hizo." she said.
Arrow Bwoy or Ali as Nadia likes to refer to him responded to a fan asking Nadia " muhindi alienda wapi" jokingly saying "muhindi angeezana na hii mali" boy isn't love lovely but Nadia further clarified the Asian guy was only a video model and nothing more.
She also revealed that the two have been seeing each other for quite a long time. Sema Lowkeyy!!
Arrow Bwoy insisted that he would like to keep things between them private by not revealing more information after fans started enquiring about their love life.
They clearly insisted that their relationship isn't about clout chasing, they are just two people madly in love with each other
Uhuru Leads Politicians In Mourning Ex- Kwale County Woman Representative Chidzuga
Former Kwale County Woman Representative Zeinab Chidzuga is dead.
Chidzuga who served as Kwale Woman representative from 2013 to 2017 died on Thursday, while undergoing treatment at a Nairobi hospital.
She is the mother to former KTN and K24 news anchor.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has led other leaders in mourning the former legislator.
In his condolence message, Kenyatta eulogised Chidzuga as a women’s rights champion.
“I have received the sad news of the passing away of Hon Zainab Chidzuga with a heavy heart. The ugly hand of death has robbed our country of a highly influential grassroots mobiliser and leader who was a role model to many women." said Kenyatta.
Adding "“Mama Zainab Chidzuga was a passionate advocate of women empowerment whose many achievements as an activist, legislator and mentor will continue shaping the gender agenda in our country for generations,”
On his part deputy President William Ruto described her as a selfless and and visionary leader.
"We have lost a selfless and visionary leader who served the people of Kwale with dedication. Mheshimiwa Zainab Chidzuga was progressive, steadfast and focussed. We will remember her as a champion of women empowerment." Ruto mourned.
"Clouds of sadness hang over the coast as we mourn the passing on of our beloved sister Hon. Zainab Chidzuga the former Kwale County Women Representative. She was a true champion who always stood up to improve the lives of the people of Kwale." said Mombasa governor Hassan Joho.
Tanasha Donna Lands Ambassadorial Deal With Samsung
Kenyan singer Tanasha Donna has bagged a new ambassadorial deal with smartphone company Samsung.
The mother of one shared the news with fans on her instagram live session.
"I'm so excited to share with you this great news. I have been officially endorsed by Samsung" she said.
Adding" We will soon be unveiling a new product".
In March this year, the singer was also named the brand ambassador for Deez Secret, an organic skincare company.
Uhuru Meets Raila, Oka Leaders In Mombasa
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Tuesday met ODM party leader Raila Odinga and OKA co-principals Gideon Moi (Kanu), Kalonzo Musyoka (Wiper), Musalia Mudavadi (ANC) and Moses Wetang'ula (Ford-K) at State House, Mombasa.
Kakamega Governor and ODM deputy party leader Wycliffe Oparanya was also present at the meeting.
According to a statement from State House spokesperson Kanze Dena the 'consultative' meeting was mainly about Covid-19's impact on the country and how to revamp the economy; and the importance of maintaining peace, unity and national cohesion.
"Uhuru held a consultative meeting with a cross-section of political party leaders to discuss several subjects touching on the State of the Kenyan Nation." reads the statement.
The meeting comes barely days after Mudavadi, Wetangula and Kalonzo exited the National Super Alliance.
There have been reports that the president is keen to ensure the leaders unite and form a formidable coalition ahead of the 2022 polls.
'I Wish ODM Well,' Says Kingi After Being Ejected From Party Leadership
Kilifi Governor Amason Jeffah Kingi has welcomed the ODM Party decision to replace him with Ganze MP Teddy Mwambire as the new ODM chair in Kilifi.
Kingi who has fallen out with the party over the formation of a coastal political party thanked his party leader Raila Odinga for according him the opportunity to serve as the ODM chair in Kilifi for the last 9 years.
In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Kingi said that during his tenure he made sure that the ODM Party became the dominant party in Kilifi County.
"I steered the party to great success and made sure ODM became the dominant party in the county a fact that was confirmed during the last general elections when Kilifi became the only county in the country to deliver a clean sweep for the ODM party in all elective positions," said Kingi.
The ODM party on Tuesday confirmed that it had removed Kingi as its Kilifi County Chair replacing him with the Ganze MP days after the party's youth league chair Samir Nyundo resigned from ODM.
Kingi has been at loggerheads with the party and his Mombasa counterpart Governor Ali Hassan Joho over the formation of a political outfit for the coast people.
The two had earlier resolved that the coastal people needed to have their own political party to bargain for a seat at the national table come the 2022 general elections a move that saw ODM party leader camp and lead a series of meetings to try and consolidate his support in the region.
The move saw Mombasa governor backtrack on the mission as he announced that he will face it out with Raila for the ODM presidential ticket in 2022.
However Kingi has remained adamant forging forward to form a political outfit for the coast.
Kingi has openly declared his support for the newly formed Coast Integrated Development Initiative that brings together a number of political parties drawn from the coast including Kadu-Asili, Shirikisho Party of Kenya, Umoja Summit Party, Republican Congress Party of Kenya and the Communist Party of Kenya.
The Ganze MP Teddy Mwambire, who deputised Kingi will now take over as the party strategizes on how to strengthen ODM amidst threats from the newly formed United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party associated with deputy president William Ruto that has been making inroads in the coastal region.
"I hope and pray that the incoming chair and his team will match and/or break my sterling record, I wish the party the very best not just in Kilifi County but across the country as it prepares itself for the 2022 general elecstions. God bless." Said Kingi.
Global Citizen Live Line Ups Revealed
International advocacy organization, Global Citizen, has revealed many of the artists set to perform at Global Citizen Live events in Lagos, Nigeria as well as festivals in Paris, France and New York City, USA on September 25.
Across six continents, artists will help rally citizens in demanding that governments, major corporations, and philanthropists work together to defeat poverty and defend the planet by focusing on the most urgent, interrelated threats hitting those in poverty the hardest climate change, vaccine equity, and famine.
In Lagos, Global Citizen is working with the Lagos State Government to create a limited-capacity event in celebration of Nigerians working on the frontline in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The show will be filmed in advance with a fully vaccinated audience.
These events, with more to be announced later in August, are components of a once-in-a-generation, 24-hour worldwide event on September 25.
Broadcast and streaming partners include ABC, ABC News Live, BBC, FX, iHeartRadio, Hulu, YouTube, TIME, Twitter, and more (air dates and times to come).
African Artists donating their time and talent - whether live or filmed in advance - include Angélique Kidjo, Burna Boy, Davido, Femi Kuti, Made Kuti and Tiwa Savage, alongside Adam Lambert, Alessia Cara, Andrea Bocelli, Billie Eilish, Black Eyed Peas, BTS, Camila Cabello, Christine and the Queens.
Others are Coldplay, Cyndi Lauper, Demi Lovato, Doja Cat, DJ Snake, Duran Duran, Ed Sheeran, Green Day, H.E.R., Hugh Jackman & Deborra-lee Furness, Jon Batiste and Stay Human, Keith Urban, Lang Lang, Lizzo, Lorde, The Lumineers, Meek Mill, Metallica, Rag'n'Bone Man, Ricky Martin, Shawn Mendes, The Weeknd, and Usher from locations in Lagos, Rio de Janeiro, New York City, Paris, London, Seoul, Los Angeles, Sydney and more to be announced.
Coinciding with the UN General Assembly (Sept) before the G20 Meeting (Oct) and COP26 Meeting (Nov), these events focus on interconnected issues: vaccine equity, climate change, and famine.
Global Citizen Live will call on leaders to deliver by September: 1 billion trees planted and preserved to help prevent global temperatures from rising beyond 1.5ºC above pre-industrial levels by curbing emissions and supporting 1t.org; 1 billion vaccines to the poorest countries; meals for the 41 million people on the brink of famine.
“As we humans spend billions of dollars in search of newer worlds in outer space, Global Citizen Live brings us back down to earth by reminding the global community that charity should begin at home and we must preserve our earth and be our brothers' and sisters' keepers. We owe it to ourselves and generations yet unborn. Space can wait!” - Geoffrey Onyeama, Foreign Minister of Nigeria.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said: “Lagos State is thrilled to be a part of Global Citizen Live. With the challenges of rising poverty, hunger and vaccine inequity facing Africa, we need businesses and governments around the world to respond to the call of citizens, stand in solidarity with the people of Africa, and commit to defending the planet and defeating poverty and inequality.”
Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, said: "Over 75% of the more than 4 billion doses administered to date have occurred in just 10 countries while only 1% of people in low-income countries have received a dose. We cannot disregard this gross inequity or become complacent.”
On his part singer Femi Kuti said “ What is taking place on the continent right now is a tragedy. There is no reason that 1% of Nigerians have been vaccinated against covid while countries talk of booster shots. The G7 urgently needs to donate at least 1 billion doses by September. It’s time for our leaders to lead and act now.”
“I am very excited to perform at the Global Citizen Live concert this year. The timing for this call for unity couldn’t be more important,” said Angelique Kidjo.
Adding “There is an urgent need for us to work together across the globe and take action to protect our planet. Mother nature has a way of warning us. We need each other now.”
Global Citizen Live is part of Global Citizen’s overarching Recovery Plan for the World, a year-long campaign to help end COVID-19 by calling on governments, philanthropists, and the private sector for financial commitments to kickstart a global recovery.
Ahead of October’s G20 Summit, and COP26, the Global Citizen Live campaign will call on world leaders, major corporations and foundations to defend the planet and defeat poverty
Sheila Mwanyigah Is Back! 'Searching' With King Kaka
After being silent for close to one year, Kenyan media personality and singer Sheila Mwanyigah who goes by the stage name Nikki has made a comeback, dropping her latest release, featuring King Kaka.
Just like her previous songs, the new release titled 'Searching' is a a soothing soft mellow love song.
In the song, Nikki sings about wanting to starting over with her love interest, to reignite a dead spark.
The song has been co-written by Xeniah Manasseh, Sheilah Mwanyigah and king Kaka and produced by Mutoriah.
Watch the video below
