Sorry I Have Been Away, But there Is A Reason...

I want to say how sorry I am for being AWOL for sometime now. Something very seriously unpleasant happened to us just after something extraordinarily wonderful had happened to us in the birth of our lovely daughter, IniObong Gbubemi Ebong. Our baby is perfectly okay, so no shaking.

Am sorry I would be unable to narrate or tell what it was but those who have become aware and have sympathized with us, we say a BIG THANK YOU.

For that same reason and some other, I would still remain hidden but no more AWOL. You can however catch me on https://www.facebook.com/josephebongieblog where I have since continued to post stories.

Thanking You for your understanding.

Joseph

I WILL BE BACK....

Nigeria Beats South Korea 2-1

Nigeria’s Under-20 female national team, the Faconets scored two first half goals to beat their hard-fighting South Korean counterparts 2-1 at the ongoing FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Canada.

The Nigerians now have four points to lead Group C after playing 1-1 with Mexico in their opening game on Tuesday.

The Falconets will tackle England on Wednesday

BREAKING NEWS: INEC DECLARES APC'S AREGBESOLA WINNER OF OSUN STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION

All Progressive Congress, APC candidate, Governor Aregbesola has won the governorship election held on Saturday. Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU, Ile-Ife, who is also the returning office for INEC in the state, Professor Bamitale Omole, said, Aregbesola won the poll in 22 LGA while Senator Iyiola Omisore of the Peoples Democratic Party could only win in 8 councils in the state.

Credit: vanguardngr

U.S. Ebola Patient Releases Statement

American U.S Aid doctor, Dr. Kent Brantly has just released a statement from his isolation room at Emory University in Atlanta where he is being treated with the experimental drug, Zmapp. Read his statement below:

“I am writing this update from my isolation room at Emory University Hospital, where the doctors and nurses are providing the very best care possible. I am growing stronger every day, and I thank God for His mercy as I have wrestled with this terrible disease. I also want to extend my deep and sincere thanks to all of you who have been praying for my recovery as well as for Nancy and for the people of Liberia and West Africa.

What Has Happened To Radio – No More LIVE Results?

What has happened to the days where Radio was the source of valuable and vital information. Where people carry their radios in the shoulders or in their bags and hang on to every word coming out of those speakers.

Yes there were no OAP back then but the contents of radio stations were simply unquestionable. Today radio is about OAP and the content is well below par.

Elections are going on in Osun State and I have been turning from one radio station to another for live coverage of the election but not one single station is covering the election live. They all seem to think playing music is a better game. So sad.

Thank God for online News paper.

OSUN DECIDES: Aregbesola in early lead

Early results from the Osun State Gubernatorial election puts Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the All Progressives Congress, APC in the lead. Peoples Democratic Party, PDP candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore is however posing stiff challenge.

Aregbesola is leading in Oshogbo, Ede and Ilesa, while Omisore is leading in Ife and some other wards.

There is still no clear leader at this point as the case was in the Ekiti state election.

Credit: vanguardngr

What Is This, Who Are These ISIS?

Horror: Yazidis in the barren hills near Sinjar with bodies of children said to have been killed by fanatics

Executions: IS fighters have been posting graphic images of mass killings - with Yazidis among the victims

Who are these Fanatical Jihadi Movement Islamic State (formerly known as ISIS)

Why do they have so much hunger for blood, killing every non Muslims, Christians and even Muslims they consider not Muslim enough?

Nigerian Man Quarantine in Canada with Ebola-Like Symptoms

A Nigerian man has been put in isolation in Canadian hospital after he arrived in the country from Nigeria with symptoms of fever and flu, possible sign he could be infected with the Ebola virus local media said.

Though there has been no official diagnosis and there are multiple diseases that could have caused his symptoms, authorities decided to place him in isolation as a precaution. Other strict precautionary measures have also been put in place just in case.

Christians Reacts To Comments By Ann Coulter And Donald Trump About Ebola Patients

Read this article on Yahoo and decided to share the original.

This is my best quote to Trump Rants: Russell Moore, the head of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission, tried to restrain himself on Instagram: “I have no words for this. Actually I think I do but the Holy Spirit won’t let me say them.”

Prominent conservative voices are criticizing the decision to bring two medical missionaries who contracted Ebola back to the United States for treatment.

Real estate mogul Donald Trump and retired neurosurgeon Dr. Ben Carson were both critical of bringing the infected missionaries back to the U.S. Columnist Ann Coulter went further, questioning why the missionaries were working in the “disease-ridden cesspools” of Africa.

Dr. Kent Brantly, with Samaritan’s Purse, and Nancy Writebol, with Service in Mission, are medical missionaries who were infected with Ebola while working with patients in Liberia. They are being treated at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Continue....

U.S. Lifts Hold On Experimental Drug – Would Soon Be Available For Ebola Patients

The United States Health authorities have ease safety restrictions on an experimental drug to treat Ebola, a move that could clear the way for it to be used in patients infected in the virus.

TKM-Ebola, a drug made by Canadian drug maker Tekmira Pharmaceuticals Corp said the U.S Food and Drug Administration which it has a contract with has modified a hold recently place on the company's drug after safety issues emerged in human testing.

The is coming after the FDA halted a small study of the injection in adult to request additional safety information

Two Americans diagnosed with Ebola were recently treated with a different experimental drug called Zmapp made by Mapp Biopharmaceuical Inc. of San Diego.

The drug aims to boost the immune system's effort to fight off Ebola and is made from antibodies produced by lab animals exposed to parts of the virus.

The two Americans were first treated in Liberia where the FDA does not have authority over the use of such experimental drugs. The FDA must grant permission to use experimental treatments in the United State but it has no authority over the use of such drugs in other countries.

Crocodile Eats Shark – Brutus Takes His Revenge

Celebrity crocodile 80-year Brutus who lost his right foreleg in a fight with a shark some years ago has finally gotten his revenge. On Tuesday, Brutus the Croc was seen with a Bull shark in his mouth.

The photograph was taken by a Sydney man Andrew Paice who was on a cruise with his partner and their 7-year old daughter.

Brutus made international headlines in 2011 when it was photographed lifting his two-tonne frame out of the Adelaide River in the Northern Territory to gnaw at some Kangaroo meat during a 'jumping crocodile' tour.

See more pics after the cut:

Even After Recovering, An Ebola Victim Stays Contagious For 7 Weeks After He Is Cured?

I read this in one of the comments on a post on Yahoo and I was shocked.

Remember, even in it's present hard-to-catch form, a man who recovers from this stays contagious for seven weeks after he is cured, through a sexual contact. Sperm can carry the EBOLA virus that long.
For the 10 to 40% who survive EBOLA, then, the men are walking time bombs for almost two months. Men working far from their home villages, having sex with part-time prostitutes is how AIDS spread all over Africa.
This virus could mutate, and become easier to catch. This is what happens to another virus, the 'bird flu' virus. When it mutates, then it gets easier for people to catch it.
That is what caused the huge flu outbreak during WWl, a bird virus that mutated.

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We really need to be careful how we handle this situation.

The United State Congress Reacted Late To The Ebola Crisis In Africa – Samaritan's Pulse

A Nigerian port health official uses a thermometer on a worker at Muhammed International Airport. (Sunday Alamba/AP)

On Thursday, we heard how a humanitarian organization, Samaritan’s Pulse pleaded for help for more than a month before the well-publicized infections of two Americans finally prompted a response from the U.S. Government.

Ken Isaacs, vice president of the North Carolina-based Christian missionary organization-Samaritan's Pulse told a congressional committee that, “in mid-June, I began speaking privately to U.S. Officials that the disease was spiraling out of control and more needed to be done immediately.” But nothing was done. “That the world would allow two relief agencies to shoulder this burden along with the overwhelmed Ministries of Health in these countries testifies to the lack of serious attention the epidemic was given.”

….......

Until this epidemic hit Nigeria, it was never taken serious, in fact, just the other day, CNN's Chief medical correspondent Dr, Sanjay Gupta was talking with the CDC about the level one Ebola alert and the guy pointed to the map of countries with the infection, then said after it hit Nigeria, the Alert was issued.

But should the U.S. Government have waited till some lives have been lost and possibly more infected before doing what they can do to contain the virus?

Governor Fashola Reverse LASU School Fees

Governor Fashola of Lagos State today heeded to the plead of the students of the Lagos state University and reversed the school fees to the old rate.

The students before today had embarked on different tactics including lodging at the office of the governor in order to force the governor to reverse the fees which they viewed as exorbitant for their parents and guardians to pay.

It is not yet known what led the governor to make the decision. But the decision came during a speech at the 19^th convocation ceremony of LASU held today, August 7th at the Ojo campus.

Toke Makinwa Vblog: How To Stay Ebola Free - Funny But True

Nigeria Media Personality, Toke Makinwa speaks about the Ebola virus and how one can stay Ebola free in this funny but well researched video presentation. I truly enjoyed myself watching it.

How I Met My Wife- Sammie Okposo

In an interview with YES Magazine, Nigerian gospel artist Sammie Okposo explans how he met his wife.

According to him, he met her when he decided to look away from the entertainment world, because he was tired of the many fruitless relationships he has had, and during an innocent encounter while ministering at KICC London, he finally met the bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh.

Hear Sammie himself:

I went to perform at KICC (Kingsway International Christian Centre in London). Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo’s church. That was how and where I met my wife. She came with her sister. After my performance, I was signing my CDs for people. I was so busy, I wasn’t even looking up. People were on queue; they buy and I sign. Continue...

OSUN STATE ELECTION: Whose Fooling Who? Free Food For Vote

So both Aregbe and Omisore are now business men? Fufu and Rice exchanged for money or vote?

Ebola Jibe: Nollywood Actor, Ugezu J. Ugezu Has This To Say

And What Kind Of Hairstyle Is This Messi?

What do we call this now Messi?

Manchester United ''Referee'' Howard Webb Retires - Fans Mocks His Retirement With Images

Howard Webb, considered by some as a ManUnited referee, since he manages to ensure Manchester United gets a penalty or at least leaves every match with either a victory or a late draw in their favour, has retired after 25 years of meticulous service as a referee.

He leaves to become the new technical director of Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL). 

Fans took to the internet to post images mocking his perceived allegiance to ManUnited.

Ebola Update: Second American Aid Worker Weak But Improving Says Husband

The plight of the second American air worker affected with the Ebola virus has now been relieved. According to her, she is weak but shows signs of improvement.

Her husband who is still in Liberia told the president of the aid group SIM USA Tuesday that his wife, Nancy Writebol was progressing. Bruce Johnson, president SIM USA spoke with David Writebol, who said, his wife 59-year-old stood and got on a plane in Liberia with assistance to head to Atlanta for treatment. When she arrive Tuesday, she was wheeled in a stretcher.

Ebola Virus: How To Survive An Ebola Virus Attack - People Have Been Known To Beat The Virus

Yes, the Ebola virus does not yet have a cure and those infected with the virus are more likely to die from it but there are however some people who have beaten the virus and survive the attack to tell their story.

Doctors don't know for certain who will survive Ebola but studies suggest there are some biological markers linked with a higher chance of surviving Ebola, experts say.

Ebola virus depletes the immune cells of its sufferers, these immune cells defend against infection. The virus depletes immune cells called CD4 and CD8 T Lymphocytes, which are crucial to the function of the immune system, Derek Gather, a bioinformatics researcher at Lancaster University in the United Kingdom said.

Is Ebola Spread Through The Air Or Is There Something We Are Not Been Told?

We have constantly been told that the Ebola Virus is not spread through the air but through contacts, but I am beginning to believe either this isn't true or the medical experts don't truly know the full extend of how the virus is spread.

The two Americans brought back home for treatment for the disease were brought home fully covered and strapped from head to toe. And even those who met with them wore full gear, covering their even their noses too.

Why is this so?

Ebola Latest: Experimental Drug Zmapp So Far Working

There are every indications to be happy about the experimental drug Zmapp, being used on US missionary doctors, Brantly and Writebol who contacted the Ebola virus while on charity missionary work in Liberia.

Brantly it is said took the serum nine (9) days after contacting the virus and he has since showed signs of recovery that can only be termed “miraculous'' at best.

He was also said to have walked into the hospital himself with little assistance and there was even a video to prove that.

Writebol arrived at the US Tuesday for further treatment, she took is showing signs of improvement.

You can read the full story here on CNN

NEW SINGLE: ''Oh Come Emmanuel'' By EbongiE

Joseph Cece Ebong aka EbongiE is a song writer and singer. He loves inspirational and gospel songs.

When EbongiE talks about ''Emmanuel'' God being with us, he certainly knows and understands the wordings then most people.

Married without any issue for a long time, God finally answered his prayer in year 2014 after his beautiful wife gave birth to their first child, IniObong Gbubemi Ebong, after 10 years of marriage.

Lampard To Join Manchester City Blue, Is This A Joke?

There are confirmed reports that former Chelsea's legend, Frank Lampard is to join Manchester City on a six months loan move.

Manchester City coach, Manuel Pellegrini has even confirmed the story.

Lampard spent 13 years at Chelsea where he won everything with the club and joined City's US team New York City FC after being released by Chelsea this year.

There are also reports that, Lampard will refuse to play against Chelsea.

….......

I find the reports quite disturbing, how can Frank do this to us, yes us as in Chelsea, until I read he won't play against Chelsea. Smart guy, we for.....Thank God

Jonathan sacks NNPC boss, appoints replacement

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE PRESIDENT 

JONATHAN APPOINTS NEW CEOs FOR NNPC AND NPDC 

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has approved the following appointments and changes in the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC): 

1. Dr Joseph Thlama Dawha – Group Managing Director, NNPC 

2. Mr Anthony Ugonna Muoneke – Managing Director, NPDC 

3. Ms Aisha Mata Abdurrahman – Group Executive Director, Commercial and Investment, NNPC 

4. Dr Attahir B. Yusuf – Group Executive Director, Business Development, NNPC 

The new Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Dr. Dawha hails from Borno state. He has served previously as the Group Executive Director, Exploration and Production, NNPC and Managing Director of Integrated Data Services Ltd (IDSL), a subsidiary of the NNPC. 

Mr Anthony Muoneke, the new Managing Director of the NPDC, hails from Anambra state. Called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985, he has over 29 years’ experience at both local and international levels in the oil and gas as well as the energy and power sectors, including serving as Executive Director, Finance & Admin, Niger Delta Power Holding Company Ltd. (NDPHC).

Fashola Is Wrong By Etcetera

Governor Fashola is one of the most outstanding governors in Nigeria. Unlike some state governors, he should be duly commended for his style of governance, his vision for Lagos State, and achievements. But the recent approval of 10 days paternity leave and six months maternity leave for civil servants of the state has been greeted with mixed sentiments within and outside the state. The paternity leave for instance sounds ridiculous to me each time I think about it. What sounds even more laughable is the state Head of Service telling us that the new leave regime is meant to reduce the stress of the extensive work life of civil servants in the state. Please, since when did we start attributing words like “extensive work” to civil servants in Nigeria? My father was a civil servant, I visited his workplace most times and can categorically say that most Nigerian civil servants don’t do any extensive work.

IS MICHAEL JACKSON REALLY DEAD OR…? by DETONA ABOABA

It was June 25th 2009 and I was just about to slip into bed when a friend of mine burst into my college dorm room to announce to me that Michael Jackson had just passed. I initially thought it was a joke till he insisted I turn the radio on to listen to what song were playing. Michael Jackson’s Man in The Mirror came on as I turned on the radio, I switched stations to another Michael Jackson song. My dorm room was on the third floor and it took me less than a minute to rush to the common room, located on the ground floor. There were about 30 people in the common room at that particular time watching a movie and their reaction when I changed the channel was that of extreme anger. They were easily calmed when they saw the headline …Michael Jackson, King of Pop DEAD.

My heart sank. I was confused, angry and shocked to say the least. It wasn’t April 1st and if it was, CNN wouldn’t be in on a prank so ludicrous. He should be in rehearsals for his highly publicized THIS IS IT TOUR. Michael Jackson was unarguably the greatest entertainer to ever live. He was not just an entertainer, he was the music industry. His 2001 LP Invincible was considered his greatest failure while alive and it sold 10 Million copies. Note that selling 10 Million copies or going diamond as the music industry would say in the 2000’s, a failure to Michael Jackson was a feat unachievable to so many artists. Michael Jackson was a singer, song-writer, actor, dancer, businessman and most importantly a PHILANTHROPIST. Michael changed the music industry and THE WORLD.

US Doctor With Ebola Arrives The United States For Treatment

The American doctor infected with the Ebola virus in Africa has finally been flown to the States. The plane which was specially equipped carrying the doctor arrived at a military base in Atlanta.

The doctor was then whisked away to one of the most sophisticated isolation units in the country, officials say.

This marks the first time anyone infected with Ebola which is considered one of the world's deadliest diseases, have been brought into the United States.

A second American aid worker infected with the virus was expected to arrive at Emory within a couple of days. U.S. Officials are confident the patients can be treated without putting the public in danger.

The patient is Dr, Kent Brantly, who worked for the charity group, U.S - Based Samaritan's Pulse missionary group, it was later confirmed.

NEW SINGLE: ''Oh Come Emmanuel'' By EbongiE

Joseph Cece Ebong aka EbongiE is a song writer and singer. He loves inspirational and gospel songs.

When EbongiE talks about ''Emmanuel'' God being with us, he certainly knows and understands the wordings than most people.

Married without any issue for a long time, God finally answered his prayer in year 2014 after his beautiful wife gave birth to their first child, IniObong Gbubemi Ebong, after 10 years of marriage.

Americans In Ebola Scare As Citizens Infected Are returning to U.S in Coming Days for Proper Treatment

Kent Brantly (right) inserted the only serum available to a colleague

As two America infected with the Ebola virus prepared to be flown back home for proper medical treatment, those back home are beginning to show fear of an outbreak of the virus in the United States.

Two missionaries working with the faith-based charity Samaritan's Purse who got infected with the Ebola virus were sent a plane from Georgia to fly them back home where they are sure to get better treatment than in the West African country of Liberia where they presently confined

Virologist Dr. Charles Chiu from the University of California San Francisco believes they stand the best chance to survive back in the United States.

Ebola Virus: Has A Cure Being Found – Bitter Kola?

It extract can be eating or rubbed into the skin

I first heard this news some days ago while driving on a program hosted by Gloria (Miss giving you what you want) on Inspirational Fm, Lagos.

She had said, Kolanut, specifically Bitter Kola has been known to slow down the multiplication of the virus and hence advice those suffering from it to eat lots of biter kola, she even went on to advice the non-sufferers to load up on Kola to serve as a barrier or body defense to it.

Well, if you know Gloria, a lot of the things she says are just gist.

It has now been confirmed. Yes Garcinia Kola aka Bitter Kola compound has been shown to halt multiplication of the virus in the laboratory.

It is hoped that if repeated in humans, this would give the body a chance to fight off the virus.

From Victim to Victor - Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, The Sudanese Queen Lands In US

Meriam Yahia Ibrahim Ishag, the Sudanese woman who was to be condemned for converting to Christianity and twice freed has finally arrived in the US.

She arrived in New Hampshire on Thursday evening with her American husband and her children.

Welcoming her on a brief stopover in Philadelphia, the city's mayor, Michael Nutter described her as a "world freedom fighter".

There was global condemnation when she was sentenced to hang for apostasy by a Sudanese court earlier this year.

Mrs Ibrahim's father is Muslim so according to Sudan's version of Islamic law she is also Muslim and cannot convert.

She maintains she was never Muslim having been raised by her Christian mother.

Mrs Ibrahim flew from Rome to Philadelphia with her husband and two children, en route to Manchester, New Hampshire, where her husband has relatives and the family hope to settle.

Mrs Ibrahim had earlier visited Rome where she met with the Pope.

MY THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Hold onto Jesus Grace in August and you will not be disgraced.
Good morning Jesus, good morning All.

Blessings Wins Double Gold – Win Commonwealth 200m Gold, Ese Brume Wins Nigerian's first Long Jump Gold in 14 years

Nigeria's Blessing Okagbare completed a Glasgow 2014 sprint double by winning the women's 200m ahead of English duo Jodie Williams and Bianca Williams.

The 25-year-old, who won Monday's 100m, claimed victory in 22.25 seconds. She becomes the 11 women to win the event in the history of the Commonwealth games.

In the Long Jump event, Nigeria’s Ese Brume won gold also on Thursday with a leap of 6.56m. It is Nigeria’s first gold medal in this event in 14 years

Congratulation Nigeria.

By Thursdays night, Nigeria had 25 Medals with 8 Golds.

Happy New Month, All

A new day is a new gift to a wise man. Wishing all my readers a new and prosperous beginning. August will bring us a break from every stress and a freshness to our strength and focus, enabling us to achieving our goals and dreams in Jesus name. The mistakes of July will not be repeated in August and the goodness of July will be tripled in August. Welcome to August, All!!!

Jonathan Is Not Doing Anything - Really!!! These Pictures Says Otherwise

Former dead trap, the Benin-Ore Rd, now wearing a new look, under President Jonathan's leadership, Gombe-Potiskum Rd, Jos-Bauchi Rd, Lagos-Ibadan Rd.

Chibok Girls Could Be Sent As Teenage Suicide Bombers By Boko Haram

There are indications that Boko Haram could armed some of the Chibok girls and sent them back as teenage bombers. Already we have seen incidents of teenage girls playing the role of suicide bombers.

Just days after two bombs in Kano detonated during the Ramadan celebrations allegedly by teenage girls, Leadership reports with reference to different sources that scores of terrorists are entering Maiduguri. At least 40 Boko Haram suicide bombers, including teenage girls, sneaked into the city to launch attacks.

This revelation was made by a member of the Civilian-JTF who decided to remain anonymous, according to the source, a suspected sect member arrested in July 27 in the city made the confession, adding that out of 40 who had arrived in Maiduguri with the intention to born the state capital, 2 were girls.

….......

This has to be taken serious.

MY THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Its best to wait for God to lead you than to make silly mistakes that would take you no where but backwards. I will wait for I know my redeemer liveth. Let Him lead us into and through August.
Good morning Jesus, good morning All.

Lukaku Is Now Everton

Everton have signed Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku for a club record £28m.

The 21-year-old Belgian World Cup forward, who scored 16 goals on loan at Everton last season, has signed a five-year contract at Goodison Park

Lukaku said after signing the current, "I'm 21, I need to be playing in a good team. I needed to be in a place that felt right.

"I decided very quickly I wanted to come back. This is the place I belong."

..........

Happy for him, hope it doesn't hunt Chelsea though. I hope Torres will not disappoint.

Femi Fani-Kayode Again! - Challenges APC To Explain Relationship With BH

Femi Fan-Kayode is at it again, this time, the former minster of Aviation is challenging the All Progressives Congress to explain their relationship with the dreaded Islamic sect, the Boko Haram. He said the party has been unable to controvert him since he accused it of sponsoring the sect some months ago.

Femi is alluring that some members of the APC, particularly those from the North were sponsoring the operations of the Boko Haram. He made this declaration after attending a campaign rally of the PDP.

president Jonathan Launches The New 64 pp For Frequent Travelers

The President today officially launched the new 64-page e-passport. Presidential spokesperson, Reuben Abati said.

The passport is designed for frequent travelers, its gender friendly, forestalls identify theft, cheaper for the aged and low income earners, and conforms with international best practices.

The cost of the new e-passport for Nigerians below 18-years and those 60-years and above is N8, 750; change of name as a result of marriage or divorce is also N8,750.

The current e-passport is 32pp; this new one is 64pp but it is strictly for frequent travelers. ''The new e-passport does not INVALIDATE the 32pp which is current being used''

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That price you see there is the OFFICIAL price oh. No try em.

New Song: Mairo Releases ‘You are the Reason’ - A Good Song Deserves Airplay

Its being a long time I heard a Nigerian gospel song that really touched me. When I listen to most gospel songs, I don't bother listening to them twice or to the end.

But when I heard this song, I was so impressed I decided to publish it without the artist permission. Good songs deserve airplay and this song certainly ranks among them.

Its a song by an artist simply known as Mario, and its titled ''You are the Reason''

Enjoy. Kindly click the link You are the Reason

Credit: lindaikeji