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Olivia Newton-John Dead at 73

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Olivia Newton-John died “peacefully at her Ranch in Southern California this morning, surrounded by family and friends,” according to an Instagram post shared by her family. She was 73.

“We ask that everyone please respect the family’s privacy during this very difficult time. Olivia has been a symbol of triumphs and hope for over 30 years sharing her journey with breast cancer.”

The Australian singer was known just as much for her top hits, including “Physical” and “You’re the One That I Want,” as she was for her starring role alongside John Travolta in the classic film, “Grease.”

Newton-John was diagnosed with cancer multiple times through the years after first revealing she battled breast cancer in 1992, which she discussed in her 2019 memoir, “Don’t Stop Believin.’”

“Her healing inspiration and pioneering experience with plant medicine continues with the Olivia Newton-John Foundation Fund, dedicated to researching plant medicine and cancer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made in her memory to the @onjfoundation,” the social media post added.

“Olivia is survived by her husband John Easterling; daughter Chloe Lattanzi; sister Sarah Newton-John; brother Toby Newton-John; nieces and nephews Tottie, Fiona and Brett Goldsmith; Emerson, Charlie, Zac, Jeremy, Randall, and Pierz Newton-John; Jude Newton-Stock, Layla Lee; Kira and Tasha Edelstein; and Brin and Valerie Hall.”

Newton-John married Easterling in 2008 on top of a mountain in Peru during an Incan spiritual wedding ceremony. They returned to Florida and made their union legal with a beachfront wedding on Jupiter Island on June 30.

Easterling founded Amazon Herb Company, and formulated a special blend of cannabis called “Olivia’s Choice” for his wife, who was also an advocate for the plant medicine.

Days before her death, Lattanzi posted a picture with her mother and wrote, “I worship this woman. My mother. My best friend.”

John Travolta shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram to his former “Grease” costar. “My dearest Olivia, you made all of our lives so much better. Your impact was incredible. I love you so much. We will see you down the road and we will all be together again. Yours from the moment I saw you and forever! You’re Danny, your John!”

Ravolta’s wife, Kelly Preston, lost her battle to cancer in the summer of 2020.

“Kelly was a lovely, beautiful woman, both inside and out,” Newton-John told Fox News. “She had a very sweet, gentle spirit. And we shared care for the environment. We made a video together when her baby was born and when [my daughter] Chloe was a young baby. We made a video at our home for the Children’s Health Environmental Coalition about pesticides and things that you have under your sink that can be dangerous for children.”

Travolta and Newton-John captured the hearts of America with the 1978 hit film “Grease,” about good girl Sandy Olsson (Olivia) who was new to Rydell High and found out her summer fling, Danny Zuko (Travolta), was one of the bad boys on campus.

Songs she sang in the American classic, “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” and the duets with Travolta, “You’re the One That I Want” and “Summer Nights,” ranked on the top Billboard hits for the year.

The movie, which also starred Stockard Channing, Jeff Conaway, Didi Conn and Michael Tucci, was filmed on a $6 million budget at Venice High School, John Marshall High School and Huntington Park High in Los Angeles. It went on to make more than $396 million worldwide.

Newton-John embarked on the project after already finding success as a singer, and earned her first of four Grammy Awards in 1973 with the Best Female Country Vocalist trophy for “Let Me Be There.”

“Physical” was her fifth No 1. Single off her 11th studio album of the same name released in 1981 and went certified platinum. On the 40th anniversary of its release, Newton-John told Fox News the song allowed her to revamp her image from good girl to sultry siren.

“They call it reinventing yourself,” the “Xanadu” star said of the shift in how she was perceived by fans after the song became a hit. “I wasn’t doing it on purpose. It just was the song that I was attracted to and the album. But I feel very fortunate that I had the opportunity to record it.”

At the time, the song was considered too scandalous for some markets and was banned from playing on some radio stations.

“I felt a little embarrassed to be banned,” she said of the song, which was originally written with Rod Stewart in mind. “But looking back now, I go, ‘That was great.’ It got attention. And also compared to what I’m listening to on the radio now, it’s more like a lullaby.”

Barbra Streisand shared a photo of herself with the actress and wrote, “Too young to leave this world. May she RIP.”

Beach Boys legend Brian Wilson wrote, “Sad news about Olivia Newton John passing.”

Dionne Warwick tweeted, “Another angelic voice has been added to the Heavenly Choir. Not only was Olivia a dear friend, but one of the nicest people I had the pleasure of recording and performing with. I will most definitely miss her. She now Rests in the Arms of the Heavenly Father.”

George Takei wrote, “We have lost a great, iconic artist in Olivia Newton John, gone too soon from us at age 73. I trust she is now in the great Xanadu beyond. Know that we are forever hopelessly devoted to you, Olivia. Rest in song and mirth.”

Musician Richard Marx wrote: “My heart is broken. Rest now, sweet friend. You were as kind and loving a person as there’s ever been. I’ll miss you every day.”

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Agriculture

Borno establishes Ministry of Livestock, Fishery Development

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Gov Zulum Initiates Efforts to Revive Transborder Trade with Chad

The Borno Government has announced the creation of Ministry of Livestock and Fishery Development to align its

Development strategy with Federal Government initiatives, and boost the state’s economic potential.

Gov. Babagana Zulum made the announcement on Tuesday during the swearing in of two commissioners at the council chambers of the Government House.

Zulum underscored the importance of livestock and fisheries as vital sectors with untapped revenue potential.

He emphasised that the new ministry would focus on high-yield livestock breeds, milk production and fisheries, targeting both domestic consumption and export opportunities.

The governor said that “no state government can make substantial money in livestock alone, but we believe with the right investment and political will, the sector can generate significant revenue.”

He said that the growing demand for milk by yogurt companies and the proximity of Maiduguri to Asian and Arab markets, are great opportunities for dairy exportation.

The governor, therefore, assigned the Deputy Governor, Dr Umar Kadafur, to oversee the activities of the new ministry, citing his practical experience and passion for livestock development.

He said “livestock development is not just about academic qualifications, it is about practice and the deputy governor has demonstrated capability in that regard.”

According to him, the ministry will prioritise procuring high-yielding livestock varieties, enhancing milk production and creating sustainable rural projects to support

Local communities.

He said that projects in Mafa, Gajiram and in Southern Borno will soon be launched under the new ministry’s purview.

The governor urged civil servants and ministry personnel to take ownership of the new initiative, adding that the ministry’s success would contribute to the states

Long-term economic stability and self-reliance.

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British High Commissioner seeks military, civilian efforts in tackling insecurity

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The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr Richard Montgomery, has called for the combination of military and civilian efforts in tackling the complexity of security challenges in Nigeria and globally.

Montgomery made the call at a two-day Security and Justice Symposium organised by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) in Collaboration with the British High Commission, on Tuesday in Abuja.

He commended the efforts of the Nigerian military in promoting civil-military collaboration and adoption of kinetic and non-kinetic action in addressing the menace of terrorism and insurgency in the country.

“At the heart of all this is recognition of the importance of upholding the rule of law, human rights, humanitarian law and international humanitarian law.

“We need to consider the different legal principles and frameworks that apply to criminal violence or to violent conflicts and how we deal with them in protracted conflict zones.

“We had a legal frameworks roundtable with the Nigerian military officers earlier this year, and a really good debate about how we adapt to different situations.

“I am hoping today we will help progress that dialogue on which Nigerian legal frameworks are appropriate in which circumstances,’’ he said.

Montgomery highlighted the positive and open relationship between the UK and Nigeria, noting that both countries were learning from each other’s experiences in tackling security challenges.

He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to continue this productive dialogue and hoped that the symposium would result in actionable insights and further strengthen the partnership.

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Zulum swears in 2 new commissioners

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Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno on Tuesday presided over the swearing-in of two new commissioners to replace those who died while in active service.

The State Chief Judge, Justice Kashim Zannah, administered the oath of office at the ceremony held at the Government House in Maiduguri.

The new commissioners are Muhammad Lawan-Dalorima for the Ministry of Finance and Isa Haladu for the Ministry of Reconstruction, Resettlement and Rehabilitation (RRR).

In his speech, Zulum expressed gratitude to the Borno House of Assembly for their prompt scrutiny and confirmation of the nominees.

He urged the commissioners to uphold the principles of integrity, transparency, and accountability in their new roles, while emphasising the administration’s strategy of periodically rotating commissioners to different ministries to promote fresh ideas and effective governance.

“You have been chosen for your exceptional qualities and expertise. I have no doubt you will make valuable contributions to our administration,” he said.

The governor also paid tribute to the late commissioners who previously held the portfolios, reflecting on their contributions to the development of the state.

Responding on behalf of the commissioners, Haladu thanked the governor for finding them worthy of the appointment, and promised him of diligent service delivery.

 

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