Toni Braxton says she regrets not having more sex when she was younger

 Toni Braxton reveals her one regret.

According to Page Six:

“I regret not having more sex when I was younger,” Braxton told The Guardian. “I should have drank more. I should have partied more. Smoked more, even. I think my religious upbringing stopped me doing a lot of things that I should have done. It’s not a good look at the age I am now. The way it works is you do that stuff in your 20s and 30s and then in your 40s you’ve earned enough to pay for the therapy.” Braxton grew up in several religions — all of which looked down on premarital sex. 

“When I was seven, my family became very religious,” Braxton told the paper. “We were Jehovah’s Witnesses; we were Catholic — we tried everything before settling on United Methodist. I asked my mum once what they were searching for and she just replied: ‘It was the ’70s.’ The ’70s were a very religious era. I think a lot of people were looking for the right path.” 

The singer doesn’t subscribe to any religion now but adds, “I wouldn’t say I was religious, but I am spiritual. I believe in a greater force.”

#VMAs: Winners from the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards

Last night, the 2020 MTV Video Music Awards took place virtually in “New York City” hosted by the mega-talented Keke Palmer.

Check out the full list of winners:

Video of the Year

WINNER: The Weeknd: "Blinding Lights" – XO / Republic Records

Billie Eilish: "Everything I Wanted" – Darkroom / Interscope Records

Eminem ft. Juice WRLD: "Godzilla" – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records

Future ft. Drake: "Life Is Good" – Epic Records / Freebandz

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: "Rain on Me" – Streamline / Interscope Records

Taylor Swift: "The Man" – Republic Records

Artist of the Year

WINNER: Lady Gaga – Streamline / Interscope Records

DaBaby – SCMG / Interscope Records

Justin Bieber – RBMG / Def Jam

Megan Thee Stallion – 300 Entertainment

Post Malone – Republic Records

The Weeknd – XO / Republic Records

PUSH Best New Artist

WINNER: Doja Cat — Kemosabe / RCA Records

Jack Harlow — Generation Now / Atlantic Records

Lewis Capaldi — Capitol Records

Roddy Ricch — Atlantic Records

Tate McRae — RCA Records

Yungblud – Locomotion Recordings / Geffen Records / Interscope Records

Song of the Year

WINNER: Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: “Rain On Me” – Streamline / Interscope Records

Billie Eilish: “Everything I Wanted” – Darkroom / Interscope Records

Doja Cat: “Say So” – Kemosabe / RCA Records

Megan Thee Stallion: “Savage” – 300 Entertainment

Post Malone: “Circles” – Republic Records

Roddy Ricch: “The Box” – Atlantic Records

Best Collaboration

WINNER: Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: “Rain On Me” – Streamline / Interscope Records

Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber: “Stuck with U” – Republic Records / Def Jam

Black Eyed Peas ft. J Balvin: “Ritmo (Bad Boys For Life)” – Epic Records / We The Best

Ed Sheeran ft. Khalid: “Beautiful People” – Atlantic Records

Future ft. Drake: “Life Is Good” – Epic Records / Freebandz

Karol G ft. Nicki Minaj: “Tusa” – Universal Music Latin Entertainment

MTV Tricon Award

WINNER: Lady Gaga – Streamline / Interscope Records

Best Pop

WINNER: BTS: “On” – Big Hit Entertainment

Halsey: “You Should Be Sad” – Capitol Records

Jonas Brothers: “What a Man Gotta Do” – Republic Records

Justin Bieber ft. Quavo: “Intentions” – RBMG / Def Jam

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: “Rain On Me” – Streamline / Interscope Records

Taylor Swift: “Lover” – Republic Records

Best Hip Hop

WINNER: Megan Thee Stallion: “Savage” – 300 Entertainment

DaBaby: “Bop” – SCMG / Interscope Records

Eminem ft. Juice WRLD: “Godzilla” – Shady / Aftermath / Interscope Records

Future ft. Drake: “Life Is Good” – Epic Records / Freebandz

Roddy Ricch: “The Box” – Atlantic Records

Travis Scott: “Highest in the Room” – Epic Records / Cactus Jack

Best R&B

WINNER: The Weeknd: “Blinding Lights” – XO / Republic Records

Alicia Keys: “Underdog” – RCA Records

Chloe x Halle: “Do It” – Parkwood / Columbia Records

H.E.R. ft. YG: “Slide” – MBK / RCA Records

Khalid ft. Summer Walker: “Eleven” – Right Hand Music / RCA Records

Lizzo: “Cuz I Love You” – Atlantic Records

Best K-Pop

WINNER: BTS: "On" – Big Hit Entertainment

EXO: "Obession" – SM Entertainment

(G)I-DLE: "Oh My God" – Republic Records

Monsta X: "Someone's Someone" – Epic Records

Red Velvet: "Psycho" – SM Entertainment

Tomorrow X Together: "9 and Three Quarters (Run Away)" – Big Hit Entertainment

Best Latin

WINNER: Maluma ft. J Balvin: “Qué Pena” – Sony Music Latin

Anuel AA ft. Daddy Yankee, Ozuna, Karol G & J Balvin: “China” – Real Hasta La Muerte

Bad Bunny: “Yo Perreo Sola” – Rimas Entertainment

Black Eyed Peas ft. Ozuna & J. Rey Soul: “Mamacita” – Epic Records

J Balvin: “Amarillo” – Universal Music Latin Entertainment

Karol G ft. Nicki Minaj: “Tusa” – Universal Music Latin Entertainment

Best Rock

WINNER: Coldplay: “Orphans” – Atlantic Records

Blink-182: “Happy Days” – Columbia Records

Evanescence: “Wasted On You” – BMG

Fall Out Boy ft. Wyclef Jean: “Dear Future Self (Hands Up)” – Island Records

Green Day: “Oh Yeah!” – Reprise / Warner Records

The Killers: “Caution” – Island Records

Best Alternative

WINNER: Machine Gun Kelly: “Bloody Valentine” – Bad Boy / Interscope Records

The 1975: “If You're Too Shy (Let Me Know)” – Dirty Hit / Interscope Records

All Time Low: “Some Kind Of Disaster” – Fueled By Ramen

Finneas: “Let’s Fall in Love for the Night” – AWAL

Lana Del Rey: “Doin’ Time” – Interscope Records

Twenty One Pilots: “Level of Concern” – Elektra Music Group / Fueled By Ramen

Best Group

WINNER: BTS

5 Seconds of Summer

The 1975

Blackpink

Chloe x Halle

CNCO

Little Mix

Monsta X

Now United

Twenty One Pilots

Best Music Video From Home

WINNER: Ariana Grande & Justin Bieber: “Stuck with U” – Republic Records / Def Jam

5 Seconds of Summer: “Wildflower” – Interscope Records

Blink-182: “Happy Days” – Columbia Records

Drake: “Toosie Slide” – OVO/Republic Records

John Legend: “Bigger Love” – Columbia Records

Twenty One Pilots: “Level of Concern” – Elektra Music Group / Fueled By Ramen

Best Quarantine Performance

CNCO: MTV Unplugged At Home

Chloe x Halle: "Do It (from MTV Prom-Athon)"

DJ D-Nice: Club MTV Presents: #DanceTogether

John Legend: #TogetherAtHome Concert Series

Lady Gaga: "Smile" from One World: Together At Home

Post Malone: Nirvana Tribute

Video For Good

WINNER: H.E.R.: “I Can’t Breathe” – MBK / RCA Records

Anderson .Paak: “Lockdown” – 12 Tone Music Group

Billie Eilish: “All the Good Girls Go to Hell” – Darkroom / Interscope Records

Demi Lovato: “I Love Me” – Island Records

Lil Baby: “The Bigger Picture” – Quality Control Music / Motown / Capitol Music Group

Taylor Swift: “The Man” – Republic Records

Everyday Heroes: Frontline Medical Workers

WINNER: ALL

Dr. Elvis Francois and Dr. William Robinson: "Imagine"

Dr. Nate Wood: "Lean On Me"

Jefferson University Hospital’s Swab Squad: "Level Up"

Jason "Tik Tok Doc" Campbell

Lori Marie Key: "Amazing Grace"

Best Direction

WINNER: Taylor Swift: “The Man” – Republic Records – Directed by Taylor Swift

Billie Eilish: “Xanny” – Darkroom / Interscope Records – Directed by Billie Eilish

Doja Cat: “Say So” – Kemosabe / RCA Records – Directed by Hannah Lux Davis

Dua Lipa: “Don’t Start Now” – Warner Records – Directed by Nabil

Harry Styles: “Adore You” – Columbia Records – Directed by Dave Meyers

The Weeknd: “Blinding Lights” – XO / Republic Records – Directed by Anton Tammi

Best Cinematography

WINNER: Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: “Rain On Me” – Streamline / Interscope Records – Cinematography by Michael Merriman

5 Seconds of Summer: “Old Me” – Interscope Records – Cinematography by Kieran Fowler

Camila Cabello ft. DaBaby: “My Oh My” – Syco Music / Epic Records – Cinematography by Scott Cunningham

Billie Eilish: “all the good girls go to hell” – Darkroom / Interscope Records – Cinematography by Christopher Probst

Katy Perry: “Harleys In Hawaii” – Capitol Records – Cinematography by Arnau Valls

The Weeknd: “Blinding Lights” – XO / Republic Records – Cinematography by Oliver Millar

Best Art Direction

WINNER: Miley Cyrus: “Mother’s Daughter” – RCA Records – Art Direction by Christian Stone

A$AP Rocky: “Babushka Boi” – Polo Grounds Music / RCA Records – Art Direction by A$AP Rocky & Nadia Lee Cohen

Dua Lipa: “Physical” – Warner Records – Art Direction by Anna Colomer Nogué

Harry Styles: “Adore You” – Columbia Records – Art Direction by Laura Ellis Cricks

Selena Gomez: “Boyfriend” – Interscope Records – Art Direction by Tatiana Van Sauter

Taylor Swift: “Lover” – Republic Records – Art Direction by Kurt Gefke

Best Visual Effects

WINNER: Dua Lipa: “Physical” – Warner Records – Visual Effects by EIGHTY4 and Mathematic

Billie Eilish: “All the Good Girls Go to Hell” – Darkroom / Interscope Records – Visual Effects by Drive Studios

Demi Lovato: “I Love Me” – Island Records – Visual Effects by Hoody FX

Harry Styles: “Adore You” – Columbia Records – Visual Effects by Mathematic

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: “Rain On Me” – Streamline / Interscope Records – Visual Effects by Ingenuity Studios

Travis Scott: “Highest in the Room” – Epic Records / Cactus Jack – Visual Effects by ARTJAIL, SCISSOR FILMS & FRENDER

Best Choreography

WINNER: BTS: “On” – Big Hit Entertainment – Choreography by The Lab, Son Sung Deuk

CNCO & Natti Natasha: “Honey Boo” – Sony Music Latin / RCA Records – Choreography by Kyle Hanagami

DaBaby: “BOP” – SCMG / Interscope Records – Choreography by Dani Leigh and Cherry

Dua Lipa: “Physical” – Warner Records – Choreography by Charm La’Donna

Lady Gaga with Ariana Grande: “Rain On Me” – Streamline / Interscope Records – Choreography by Richy Jackson

Normani: “Motivation” – Keep Cool / RCA Records – Choreography by Sean Bankhead

Best Editing

WINNER: Miley Cyrus: “Mother’s Daughter” – RCA Records – Edited by Alexandre Moors, Nuno Xico

Halsey: “Graveyard” – Capitol Records – Edited by Emilie Aubry, Janne Vartia & Tim Montana

James Blake: “Can’t Believe the Way We Flow” – Republic Records – Edited by Frank Lebon

Lizzo: “Good As Hell” – Atlantic Records – Edited by Russell Santos & Sofia Kerpan

Rosalía: “A Palé” – Columbia Records – Edited by Andre Jones

The Weeknd: “Blinding Lights” – XO / Republic Records – Edited by Janne Vartia & Tim Montana

Coronavirus cases grow in France, Global cases hit 25 million

France has seen its highest number of coronavirus cases in five months as Emmanuel Macron insisted the country was doing 'everything to avoid another lockdown'.

Some 7,379 people were found to have been infected with the virus across the Channel on Friday - just shy of the record 7,578 high set on March 31. The figures represented what the health ministry described as an exponential surge just days before millions of children are due to return to school for the first time since March. 

It comes as a second wave continues to surge across Europe, with Portugal becoming the latest country to report a rise in coronavirus cases, sparking fears it may be added to the UK government's quarantine list.

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases globally has topped 25 million, according to a tally kept by Johns Hopkins University. The US leads the count with 5.9 million cases, followed by Brazil with 3.8 million and India with 3.5 million. The real number of people infected by the virus around the world is believed to be much higher – perhaps ten times higher in the US, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention – given testing limitations and the many mild cases that have gone unreported or unrecognised. 

Global deaths from Covid-19 stand at more than 842,000, with the US having the highest number at 182,779, followed by Brazil with 120,262 and Mexico with 63,819.

Happy 62nd birthday King of Pop, Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson's family honored the King of Pop on what would've been his 62nd birthday on Saturday.

To mark the occasion, the singer's sisters Janet Jackson, LaToya Jackson, and brother Tito Jackson, shared touching tributes to the 13-time Grammy winner on their social media accounts. 

For her celebratory post, the legendary performer's 22-year-old daughter, Paris, created an edit of herself and Michael, using a a throwback shot of him in a red button-down and a black fedora hat.

Happy birthday king, I love you for ever!

R. Kelly reportedly in solitary confinement after being beaten up in Chicago prison

R. Kelly has supposedly been attacked while serving time in a Chicago prison.

According to a report from TMZ on Thursday (Aug. 27), law enforcement sources claim Kelly got into a physical altercation with another inmate at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Chicago. Apparently, the embattled singer was sitting on his bed when another inmate walked into his cell and began punching him. This Day In History Sources say the inmate was upset because the prison had been shut down due to protests being held on R. Kelly's behalf calling for his release from the facility. 

The fight was short-lived and it's unclear if Kelly and the inmate were broken up by another prisoner or a guard at the correctional center. Kelly was reportedly examined by a physician and doesn't have any severe injuries. 

The news of R. Kelly's alleged attack comes about three months after he made his third request to be released from prison citing coronavirus concerns was denied by a Brooklyn judge. Kelly is facing indictments in both New York and Chicago and has filed temporary release requests in both states. Brooklyn Federal Court Judge Ann M. Donnelly denied the singer's motion back in May and April. 

Three months ago, Kelly cited diabetes as a health reason to be released. 

In March, Kelly's attorney filed documents claiming that he had a surgical procedure that would've made him susceptible to the virus. 

#BlackPanther actor, #ChadwickBoseman dies of #cancer! He was only 43 years old!!

Black Panther star Chadwick Boseman has died after a private four-year battle with colon cancer, his family said in a statement on Friday.

He was 43. 

The actor passed away at his home in the Los Angeles area with his wife and family by his side. They did not specify when he died. 

'It is with immeasurable grief that we confirm the passing of Chadwick Boseman. Chadwick was diagnosed with stage III colon cancer in 2016, and battled with it these last 4 years as it progressed to stage IV,' the family said. 'A true fighter, Chadwick persevered through it all, and brought you many of the films you have come to love so much.' 

The family revealed several of Boseman's recent films, including Marshall, Da 5 Bloods, and August Wilson's Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, were filmed 'during and between countless surgeries and chemotherapy.' 

Boseman is survived by his wife Taylor Simone Ledward and a parent and had no children.

Rest in perfect peace Chad!

Jeff Bezos becomes the first person ever to be worth $200 billion

According to multiple reports, Bezos is now the first person in the world to have a net worth of $200 billion.

The Amazon CEO was already the richest person in the world, but has seen a net increase to $200 billion from $74 billion during the span of 2020. The net worth of Amazon.com Inc. founder Jeff Bezos eclipsed $200 billion on Wednesday as shares of the e-commerce giant climbed to a record. 

The move simultaneously pushed his ex-wife MacKenzie Scott, 50, to the brink of becoming the world’s richest woman, just behind L’Oreal SA heiress Francoise Bettencourt Meyers. 

CEO Jeff Bezos on Wednesday saw his net worth soar above $202 billion, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, making him the first person to cross the $200 billion threshold. He’s now $78 billion richer than Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates, who stands at number two. 

The Amazon founder’s personal wealth, which is mostly in Amazon stock, has skyrocketed in recent years along with the company’s share price. Bezos became the world’s richest man in recent history in 2018 when his personal wealth climbed above $150 billion. He first became the richest man in the world in 2017. Amazon shares hit record highs in April on the back of unprecedented demand from consumers, and the stock has continued to rise, adding hundreds of billions to its market value and giving investors a gain of more than 86% this year so far. 

As of Wednesday, the company is worth more than $1.7 trillion, making it the second-most valuable company in the U.S., trailing only Apple.

#F1: This year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will hold in December sans spectators

The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will return to Yas Marina Circuit on December 13.

It will bring the curtain down on the 2020 Formula One season. 

The event will take place without spectators, and access will be limited to essential F1 staff, drivers and teams. Abu Dhabi Media Office confirmed that Yas Island will transform into an 'F1 biosphere' for the race.

The @F1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2020 is to take place on Sunday, 13 December at @ymcofficial, using the innovative ‘safe zone’ model. Access is to be limited to essential F1 staff, drivers and teams. The event will take place without spectators. pic.twitter.com/EGqe8yUYjx

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) August 25, 2020

The collaboration of public and private sector stakeholders has made this large-scale operation possible, enhancing Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a safe destination for elite sporting events during the COVID-19 pandemic following the success of @ufc Fight Island.

— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@admediaoffice) August 25, 2020

Meanwhile, Formula 1 confirmed that the Chinese Grand Prix, which was initially postponed earlier this year, will now not be run in 2020, bringing the current race total to 17 for the season. The Turkish Grand Prix will be run on November 15, just before a back-to-back double-header in Bahrain, with the Bahrain Grand Prix on November 29 followed by the Sakhir Grand Prix on December 6.

BREAKING: The Turkish Grand Prix is back!

F1 will also be making two trips to Bahrain, before heading to Abu Dhabi in mid-December. #F1 pic.twitter.com/gmMjcWGiSg

— Formula 1 (@F1) August 25, 2020

 

GREAT NEWS! WHO declares Africa has eradicated Polio after decades-long battle

Africa is free of polio after years of trying to eradicate the virus, the World Health Organization has declared.

The landmark achievement comes after decades of campaigning and vaccination programmes across the continent. No cases of polio have been diagnosed in Africa in four years — the threshold to certify eradication of the crippling virus. The last case was detected in 2016 in Nigeria, where vaccination efforts had been hampered by Boko Haram jihadists. Professor Rose Gana Fomban Leke, chair of the African Regional Certification Commission for Polio eradication, called it a 'historic day' for the continent. Poliomyelitis - the medical term for polio - is a contagious virus which attacks the spinal cord and causes irreversible paralysis in children, sometimes within hours. 

It paralysed 75,000 children a year in Africa in the 90s, when efforts to eradicate the virus were stepped up. A working life-long vaccine wiped out the disease in developed countries like the US and UK but the illness has carried on for years in poorer parts of the world. 

Polio now joins smallpox in the list of viruses that have been wiped out in Africa — 'one of the greatest achievements in public health history', the WHO said. It now only exists in Afghanistan and Pakistan. There are, however, still rare cases of polio among Africans who haven't had the vaccine because virus fragments in the jab can pass in the faeces of someone who has been vaccinated then mutate and eventually infect unprotected people. 

In other promising developments, the WHO claims Africa's Covid-19 outbreak may have finally passed its peak. 

More than one million cases and 28,000 deaths have been recorded across the continent since the pandemic began.

Of those who develop symptoms, these tend to appear three-to-21 days after infection and include:

• High temperature
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Abdominal pain
• Aching muscles
• Nausea and vomiting

Simon Cowell chooses Ashley Modurotolu Banjo to replace him at the Britain's Got Talent Live Finals

Simon Cowell has asked Ashley Banjo to replace him for the Britain’s Got Talent 2020 live finals.

Cowell suffered a back injury when he was involved in a bike accident in Los Angeles earlier in August and although he is recovering well, he has taken the decision to rest up, and miss this year’s finals. 

The show, which is set to record its first semi next week, will now see Banjo in the hot seat. 

Cowell says of his replacement: “Ashley will be a fantastic edition to the panel. He knows the power of the show; and the responsibility of it. I couldn’t think of a better person to sit in my seat whilst I follow doctor’s orders. I hate that stupid bike!” 

Meanwhile, Banjo has commented on his new role, calling it “poetic”. 

“As if 2020 couldn’t get any crazier! It’s super humbling and super exciting! I remember being on that stage last year and talking about how it’s been ten years since we won, and how people should never tell you, you can’t do something. Walking on that stage as a 20-year-old street dancer from the streets of East London and now I am walking out there and stepping in for the big man! It feels really nice, almost poetic,” he said. 

The Diversity star knows exactly what it takes to be crowned a BGT champ after his dance troupe beat Susan Boyle to victory way back in 2009. 

Since then, Banjo’s career has gone from strength to strength, judging on Got To Dance, Dance, Dance, Dance, and Dancing On Ice. He has also presented on Can’t Touch This and Flirty Dancing. The Britain’s Got Talent finals will look a little different this year on account of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

They were supposed to take place in May, but they are now due to start recording next week with the final eventually airing in October.

Ashley Modurotolu Banjo is Nigerian! 

His dad is Nigerian while his mum is English.

Dubai private schools staff must take #COVID19 tests before resuming

All school staff members in Dubai private schools will have to undergo COVID-19 PCR tests before they return to schools.

That's according to a circular from Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which added that "staff who have carried out a COVID-19 test in Dubai recently and have a copy of the results will not be required to re-take the test". 

The education regulatory body also highlighted that "the COVID-19 PCR testing is not mandatory for students". 

The circular was sent to private schools in the emirate as students gear up to return to campus next week.

Usain Bolt tests positive for coronavirus after throwing a party to celebrate his 34th birthday

Usain Bolt has tested positive for coronavirus just days after partying with guests including England star Raheem Sterling for his 34th birthday in Jamaica, according to reports in the country.

Nationwide90fm, a radio station in Jamaica, reports that the greatest sprinter of all time has contracted the disease and will spend time in self-isolation as a result. The publication says Bolt took a test for the virus a few days ago following his party on Friday last week, and discovered on Sunday that he had tested positive. 

Bolt was honoured with a surprise birthday party on August 21 which was attended by a host of big names. Manchester City star Sterling, Bayer Leverkusen attacker Leon Bailey and cricket legend Chris Gayle are believed to have been in attendance.

Photos: Segun Awolowo & wife, Bola Awolowo survive #COVID19! His story

 A few hours ago, the CEO at the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Olusegun Awolowo took to Facebook to narrate how he and his wife of almost 3 years, Bola Awolowo tested positive for coronavirus and his ordeal.

He shared:

He wrote:

It all started on a ‪Saturday morning‬ when I woke up to go for my usual walk, I got dressed and went downstairs and was consumed by extreme fatigue. I sat down, drank some water and watched TV wondering what was wrong with me.
Then I ate a banana and drank more water trying to muster enough energy to go for my walk.
I suddenly became a bit feverish so I was compelled to turn off the air conditioner.
At this point I knew I had to call the doctor, who arrived promptly and took my vitals and blood sample to run a few tests, he advised I take panadol, eat well and have a good rest.
Alas that was the end of my day.... No walk for me.

The next day the doctor informed me that I had Malaria and prescribed Coartem - a very powerful Malaria drug that knocked me sideways, I used it for 3 days and felt a bit better but still weak.
Strangely enough, my temperature never went beyond 37° and I didn't have a cough or breathing difficulties and my taste buds were fine.
But the body fatigue was something I had never experienced before in my life. I was completely weak and lethargic.

I decided to go home to Lagos and on arrival, I tried to isolate myself from the rest of the house, which was not possible because I was so ill and weak my wife had to take care of me.(for my dear wife of almost 30 years it’s for better and for worse )

Another doctor came and administered a drip as I had started to lose weight from not eating and had severe diarrhoea, a lethal combination l daresay!

Finally, we decided that I simply had to go to the hospital as I wasn't getting any better. My wife was apprehensive because my hospital is @firstcardiologyconsultants, and they have not been too popular in the media recently, as the media has chosen to highlight the unfortunate losses of several high profile personalities while failing to document that they have an 82% survival rate which is higher than most hospitals in the United Kingdom.
However, I insisted on going there, as both Dr Adeyemi Johnson and Dr Kofo Ogunyakin have my medical history and my greatest confidence.

All the while I was not afraid, I just knew I was ill and wanted to get better.
.
Go to next post ➡️

Then the shocker!

We both tested positive for COVID-19, my wife was asymptomatic while I was already ill.
The doctor looked worried as he gave us both diagnoses.
Looking at the doctor’s somehow downcast and gloomy mien coupled with my brother Sola Braithwaite’s demeanour who had insisted on accompanying us to the hospital was the moment the fear came down on me!
I strongly believe the fear of this coronavirus is the real killer.

Doctor sent us off to perform a CT scan, to ascertain the extent of the damage.
The ride to the lab was the longest, my wife @bolawo7 drove and I was collapsed in the passenger seat, we were both worried sick about ourselves and our children & domestic staff who had by now reported to the hospital to get tested Thankfully they all tested Negative).
I tried to lighten the mood with some dry jokes but these, of course, didn't work! 😂

We took the test results back to the hospital and for the first time both Doctors smiled while expressing their satisfaction on the results of the scan.
Thereafter we were placed on medication and were told to isolate ourselves at home and return in a week.
He prescribed the following drugs: Colchicine, Azithromicine, Vitamins C & D and Rivaroxaban and added that it was important to eat.
We were advised to *treat food as medication* and this was a Herculean task as I had no appetite whatsoever.
We went home relieved that I was not admitted or taken to any Isolation centre or placed on Oxygen as my blood pressure and oxygen levels were okay.

We isolated ourselves in a wing of the house and did our best to eat as advised by the doctors.
We received numerous advice from friends and family to experiment with all sorts of herbal remedies (Our Nigerian way) .
We however succumbed to the inhalation of the traditional DogoYaro leaves (the bark, leaves of the Neem Tree) but also stayed the course of the recommended treatment by the doctors and by the 5th day I was feeling much stronger.
At the end of the week, I got the all-clear and my wife took a little longer to get better, so we switched roles and I had to take care of her. ( remember it’s for better for worse )
.
Go to next post ➡️

After another week we went back to the hospital and we both got the all-clear check.
The Total timeframe of our ordeal was about Four weeks.

I knew I was better when I went to see my mother on her birthday and I ate all the birthday goodies heartily! I knew my appetite and strength were back, she was excited to see me as she had been so worried. We observed strict social distancing protocol.

How did I get Covid-19?
I honestly can't pinpoint how or where I got it.
I thought I had been very careful observing all the rules and regulations but as a public officer, at some point, we had to go back to work and one is really exposed to the numerous high profile meetings one attends, entourages of people swanning around you, files and letters you come in contact with etc.

I believe my symptoms didn't become extreme because I had built up my immunity, with vitamins C, D, zinc and lots of exercise. ( That's my belief)

I thank God for life and I decided to tell my story because COVID-19 IS REAL.

It is important to try and stay safe, as no country has the solution yet. They say the solution lies in a vaccine but in the interim #MaskUp, build your immunity, observe social distancing, stay safe, FOR YOUR LOVED ONES not just yourself.
If you feel like you are being careful already DOUBLE YOUR EFFORTS

I give special thanks to God for the grace of healing.
I thank family and friends for their love and concern for me and my wife which was expressed through numerous phone calls and messages.

I must also mention my boss and brother, the Minister for Investment, Trade and Industry @otunbaniyiadebayo for his kindness throughout this ordeal .
I thank my colleagues at work for their support especially @sidiabdullahi for holding the reins during my absence.
Finally to my doctors at @firstcardiologyconsultants, Dr Yemi Johnson and Dr Kofo Ogunyakin thank you for taking good care of my wife and I.
It is my fervent prayer that the Good Lord will continue to watch over you and all frontline health workers during this period.
I must thank our numerous unofficial doctors as well.
.
Go to the FINAL post ➡️

Once again I thank God for life🙏🏼
May the Good Lord in his infinite Grace deliver us all from this noisome pestilence
AMEN🙏🏼

#MyCovidStory
#Covid19Survivor
#BreakTheStigma
#StaySafe
#MaskUp
#StayHealthy
#ProtectYourselfandOthers
#Covid-19Isreal
#Covid-19Nigeria
#Psalm91

Thank God for the couple!