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Showing posts from September, 2023

Sony Pictures Entertainment Unveils A Family Game Show

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A Nigerian entertainment company, Mekdoss International, in association with Sony Pictures Entertainment, has unveiled a  game show expected to promote family  bonding  and reward contestants. The game tagged “Pyramid Game Show Nigeria“ would be aired on more than  five television stations from October, according to Mr Martin Gbados, Chief Executive Officer of Mekdoss. Gbados unveiled the game show in Lagos on Friday. Other partners in the show include Airtel Nigeria, Vento, Polystar, Seinde Signature, Ritefoods (Sosa), Golden Penny and Hotspot Studios. Gbados said that the game show would be fun and make  families to come together and learn new words or phrases in form of entertainment. “It is a game show that would give back to the people. It has  been in existence in the United States of America for 40 years, and won many awards. “It is a franchised game show owned by Sony Pictures Entertainment.  “Now, we are bringing it to Nigeria. Every contest will be assisted by a celebrity. “T

Media Innovation: My Unforgettable Trip to South Africa Sponsored by MTN Nigeria

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By Babajide Awoyinfa This is one trip that will continue to linger in my memory for a lifetime.  In future, if by God’s grace I attain some measure of greatness and I am to write my memoirs, this is one chapter of my life I will definitely love to capture: how MTN Nigeria treated me and my colleagues to an adventure I never could have imagined or dreamt of.  How did it all begin? I heard from a friend that MTN was opening a media-screening slot to sponsor 20 journalists in a Media Innovation Programme, aimed at building the capacity of media practitioners in Nigeria.   As a leader in the telecoms space, MTN was showing commitment to impacting the Nigerian media industry through intensive training that will open the participants to knowledge about media convergence, technology, and the future of combining outstanding reporting with media technology. I had to quickly send all required documents to apply for this sponsored programme. During the screening process I was also given some task

Ogun Open To Local, Foreign Investment, Says OGFTZ Coordinator Abbey Onas

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Dr Abbey Onas, coordinator Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone (OGFTZ), has assured investors that the Governor Dapo Abiodun led-administration would develop economic policies and programmes to create a conducive business environment for investors. Onas gave the assurance  in a statement on Thursday while stressing that state government was open for business and partnership.  He, therefore, called on investors to collaborate/partner with the state government to develop critical sectors of the economy.  OGFTZ is one of the free trade zones out of a group of eight free zones which have been designated to be formed in Africa and is the second free zone after the Lekki Free Trade Zone to be developed with the help of the Chinese government.  The OGFTZ is located in the city of Igbesa in the Ogun state of Nigeria.  Onas listed agriculture, tourism, infrastructure development, transportation, healthcare, waste management,hospitality industry among others as critical areas for investment in the st

Fuel subsidy: Transportation Experts Advises Hovts To Make Policies On Cost Of Transportation

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A Professor of Transport and Logistics Samuel Odewumi advised the governments to shift its focus on policies that would bring down the cost of transportation and energy to ensure that the removal of the subsidy on fuel would not harm the citizens beyond its current inflictions. Odewunmi,former Dean of the School of Transport and Logistics of Lagos State University said this in a virtual conference organised by the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration of Nigeria on Thursday,Lagos. He called on the Federal Government to subsidized fertilizers for farmers, crude for local refineries, and tax relief for manufacturers. The event was CIOTA Roundtable Discussion on Effective and Defective Palliative Delivery Strategies. “Everything possible should be done to ensure the security of lives and property in the land, a significant increase in crude production to sure up revenue to strengthen the naira, the oil thieves must be exposed and punished to stop the larceny going on in the Nige

Funke Akindele Headlines Prime Video Mini Series, SHE Must Be Obeyed

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  Funke Akindele, Lateef Adedimeji, others star in SHE Must Be Obeyed Prime Video mini series on September 29th SHE Must Be Obeyed mini series Featuring Funke Akindele debut  in  Prime Video's latest exciting series on September 29th. Excitement is building as Amazon Prime Video has announced the debut date for its latest enchanting mini series titled SHE Must Be Obeyed. A captivating five-part mini-series delving into the intriguing world of stardom & secrets, the series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video from Friday September 29, 2023. Featuring a stellar cast led by Funke Akindele, Lateef Adedimeji, Nancy Isime, Akah Anani, Patience Ozokwo, Mike Ezuronye, Rachael Okonkwo, among others, Amazing Prime Video continues its tradition of providing riveting content with SHE Must Be Obeyed as its latest offering.  The series offers a window into the lives of three successful music stars, unveiling the cut-throat rivalries and backstabbing activities they engage in, all in an e

Int’l Peace Day: Stakeholders Call For Youths Involvement In Nation’s Devt.

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  Peace stakeholders on Thursday urged government-at-all-levels to engage youths in social-economic activities, so they could contribute their patriotic service to the nation’s growth and development. The stakeholders made the appeal during the 2023 International Peace Day celebration in Lagos, which had the theme: “Action for Peace: Our Ambition for Global Goal.” The Peace Corps of Nigeria (PCN) Lagos State Commandant, Dr Kuforiji Williams, said every Sept. 21 served as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for global peace and collaboration towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). “PCN is an organisation that affiliates with the United Nations. This year’s Peace Day theme lay emphasis on the interdependence of peace and sustainable development. “It is an indisputable fact that where peace is lacking, there cannot be sustainable development. “International days are occasions to educate the public on issues of concern, to mobilise political will and resourc

AMAA 2023 To Hold Oct. 29, Nominees Unveiled

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The Board of the Africa Film Academy (AFA) and organisers of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), on Thursday announced nominees for the 2023 edition of the awards ceremony. Mr Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe, Chairman, AFA, and AMAA jury headed by Zimbabwean curator, Keith Shiri, revealed the line-up of activities for the 19th edition of the film and movie awards ceremony, in Lagos. According to Anyiam-Osigwe, the 2023 edition with the theme: “The Renaissance, Legacy In Motion”, will hold on Oct. 29 at the Balmoral Hall, Sheraton Hotels, Ikeja. Anyiam-Osigwe noted that that this year’s edition would be redefining the continental awards ahead of future plans and the 20th edition. Shiri, who was represented by a member of the jury,  Mr Steve Ayorinde, unveiled the nominees of the 26 categories. Shiri stated that the jury went through a tedious and steadfast process to arrive at the nominees of each of the 26 categories that are expected to slug it out for the 2023 AMAA. Recounting the process

UNGA: Tinubu Commends Tony Elumelu for enormous $100m support for SMEs, Startups

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  ... Challenges Africans to Look Inwards Instead of Reliance on Int'l Donor Funds  President Bola Tinubu has commended Tony Elumelu for the impact his foundation, Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) has had on young people and SMEs in the country and beyond since 2010. He also challenged Africans, including its political and business leaders, to look inwards instead of undue reliance on international donor funds.  He made the call at the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) and United Nations Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) Generation Unlimited (GENU) Breakfast Roundtable meeting, a side event at the ongoing 78th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, yesterday. The event also served as a forum for the launch of the Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) Impact Report titled "The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme: A Decade of Impact." The president, who was represented by the Minister for Trade and Industry, Doris Uzoka-Anite, also stressed on the need for

CNS Expresses Satisfaction With Conduct Of Operation Safe Domain II Operation

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  The Nigerian Chief of the Naval Staff (CNS) Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of 'Operation Safe Domain II' involving Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Niger Republic. Ogalla expressed his satisfaction during the closing ceremony of Operation Safe Domain II which started on Sept.11 and ended on Sept.15 at Cotonou, Port Naval Base, Republic of Benin. The CNS was represented by the Deputy Director of the Nigerian Navy, Commodore Shuaib Ahmed. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria, Benin, Togo and Niger are members of the Maritime Zone E countries established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Integrated Maritime Strategy (EIMS) in 2013. The purpose of the Joint Maritime Operations and Patrols (JMOP) is primarily to ensure the permanent, joint and coordinated control of the Maritime Zone E’ with a view to ensuring maritime safety and security. Ogalla said that even though the operation had been declared closed, sh

CLEEN Foundation Trains Stakeholders On Crime Prevention In Lagos

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  CLEEN Foundation, a non-governmental organisation trained some security stakeholders on prevention of Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) in Ikeja, Lagos Statetate. The two-day training which started on Monday had the theme: “Serious and Organized Crime (SOC) on Prevent for the Crime Prevention Steering Group (CPSG). The Executive Director of the Foundation, Mr Gad Peter, in his opening address, said that the idea to train stakeholders on crime prevention was because Lagos state was among states more prone to security challenges. Peter said that the Prevent Project was for everyone irrespective of status. “This project is not only for people in small community even the rich people we thought are protected suffer from molestation and do what they do not want to do. “We need to pay attention to what is happening around us. “Nigerians want to know how our security agents are responding to this issue of crime and criminality that push people into depression,” he said. He called on all stak

Oriental Brothers, Kabaka’s New Album Ranks 50th On Apple Music 100 chart

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  Kabaka and His Oriental International Brothers’ new album, “Abialam”,  has surged to the 50th position on  Apple Music Top 100 chart worldwide less than 24 hours after its release. Ammarachi Anyanwu, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Derda Promotions, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Lagos. “In a groundbreaking moment for African highlife music, after its release. this monumental achievement makes “Abialam” the first highlife music album from Africa to ever reach this global milestone. “Abialam, which means “I have returned”, is an intricate tapestry of traditional rhythms and modern beats, capturing the essence of highlife music while resonating with a broad international audience. “The album features six tracks that pay homage to the highlife genre’s rich history, while also incorporating contemporary elements that make it accessible and relevant to today’s music scene. “We are beyond thrilled to see this level of engagement and support from our fans around the worl

Anetekhi Explains Benefits Of Sargassum (Sea Weed)

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  Dist. Prof. Martins Agenuma Anetekhai, Centre Leader, Centre of Excellence for Sargassum Research, Lagos State University (LASU) has explained the various uses of Sargassum, a sea weed, and hinted of possibility of commercializing products made from it. Prof. Anetekhai spoke to the media at the 5th Lagos State University (LASU) Research and Innovation Fair which took place at the Makanjuola Lecture Hall, at Ojo, Lagos State, on September 12, 2023. Speaking on what his Centre is doing to promote the use of Sargassum, he stated that the centre is working on the potential for commercialization. “We are working on the potential for commercialization; we have picked out three items already for patent, we are working on it, we have already filled the form out but there are few things we need to do here and there. The beautiful thing is that the outcome of the research we have taken to the field, we have farmers that are already using them, many of the farmers are here, those in Priggery, G

Don Seeks Action Against Communication Abuse In media Platforms

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Prof. Mahfouz Adedimeji, Vice Chancellor, Ahman Pategi University (Private -owned) Kwara State, said more attention should be given to the media, both traditional and new, with a view to curbing the abuse of communication. Adedimeji said this at the 38th Annual English Scholars’ Association Of Nigeria (ESAN) Conference with the theme ”Language and Communication Studies for Peace, (In) Security and Development in Nigeria”. He said the step was necessary to safeguard peace and national security in Nigeria. “For any country to develop, three conditions of a conducive legal and political environment, good economic policies and equitable social system must be established. “As desirable as development is, it cannot take place in a cultural vacuum, as culture constitutes the livewire of any people with which all human activities are harmonised, hence galvanised for development.   “There is no alternative to development without the cultural component. “The development of Nigeria has been const

Snooker Fest To Strengthen Creative, Tourism Industry- Organisers

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Organisers of the 2023 Snooker Fest on Thursday said that the event would strengthen the creative and tourism industry. Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Mr Emmanuel Agbaeze, the Creative Director of 36 Media said the event which is being produced in partnership with Pesoheti sports and Hot Fm Lagos would also strengthen the sport in the country.  Agbaeze noted that the Billiard community in Nigeria had continued to grow by the day, and that It's evident in the massive participation in almost every local and standard bar across the nation. He said that the sport was specifically chosen due to its capability of connecting people from different walks of life.  "We're bringing pool and entertainment together, thereby strengthening the sport, creative and tourism industries.  "We are creating a platform where pool players, food and party lovers connect, play, compete to win prizes and enjoy great performances from some of Nigeria’s finest DJs, hypem

Kabaka, Oriental Brothers, Derda Promotions Set To Release “Abialam"

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  Legendary and veteran highlife musician, Godwin Okpara popularly known as Kabaka, has announced his return to the music scene in a big scale. Amarachi Anyanwu, the Chief Operating Officer of Derda Promotions,  made this known at a news conference held at Nest Hub, Yaba, Lagos. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kabaka, a famous guitarist, was the leader of the Oriental Brothers International Band. The band was famous in the Eastern Nigerian highlife scene for several years. After the group lost its lead vocalist, Chief Christogonus Ezewuiro Obinna, popularly known as ‘Sir Warrior’ in 1999, the group went under and left its fans with their vinyl record albums as memory. Anyanwu disclosed that Kabaka partnered Derda Promotions, a leading 360 entertainment management company, to unveil his long-awaited masterpiece album entitled  “Abialam”. She stated that the release of the album was slated for Sept. 15, with a Pre-Listening event at the Art Nouveau Centre, Owerri, Imo. “We

Real Estate Guru Aare EmmanuelKing Commends PCRC Role In Combating Crime

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  Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing, the Group Managing Director/Chairman of Adron Group has commended the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Ogun and South West Chapter for its effort at combating crime in the state.  EmmanuelKing made the commendation during a courtesy call by the Commisioner of Police Ogun CP Abiodun Alamatu on Wednesday at his residence at Ilishan-Remo Ogun.  The real estate boss who is also the grand patron of the South West PCRC, received the crime buster and his men in his home amid pomp.  The visit was to strengthen bond with leadership of the PCRC Ogun and South West Chapter.  The commissioner expressed his appreciation to all critical stakeholders, opinion leaders, and the good people of Ogun for their cooperation since his assumption  Alamatu stated that the success recorded so far was orchestrated by support from people like EmmanuelKing. According to him, he has supported the state command with basic needs to ensure that combat against crime is won easily

NGO Empowers Students To Dolve Climate Challenges In Communities

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  A non-governmental organization, Junior Achievement Nigeria(JAN) on Tuesday, said that nine students from different schools, had been empowered, aimed at finding solutions to pressing climate challenges within their communities.  These students, according to the JAN Executive Director, Mrs Foluso Gbadamosi, in a statement issued  in Lagos, emerged as the winners of the NGO’s second edition of the National Innovation Challenge. Gbadamosi noted that the national innovation challenge and empowerment program was in partnership with BASF, a world’s leading chemical company committed to environmental protection and Junior Achievement Worldwide (JAWW). She said the  national challenge served as a platform for showcasing the efforts of students who had been exposed to the transformative climate change offered by JAWW. “The students were selected after a meticulous process and they presented their groundbreaking ideas and solutions to climate challenges. “After a meticulous selection process,

Burna Boy Inspired My Venture Into Music – Don Lamba

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  Budding music artiste, Onyekachukwu Mba, popularly called ‘Don Lamba’, has described how Grammy Award winner, Burna Boy’s consistency as well as relevance, influenced and inspired his decision to venture into music. Don Lamba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos that Burna Boy’s style of music influenced him to always do music that could resonate with the audience.  “I hope to win a Grammy like Burna Boy also, his music reflects everyday reality, and people can easily connect to his messages. “It also influenced me to sign talented artistes who understand the importance of doing music that connects to people and makes them have an exhilarating experience,” he said. The Enugu State indigene, also commended the giant strides achieved by top-notch musicians including Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, Kizz Daniel, and fast-rising acts like Asake, Seyi Vibes, among others. “Olamide, despite his fame, is a very humble and down-to-earth person, his career is worthy of emulation a

Lagos Lawmaker Distributes Back-To-School Bags To Students

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Princess Omolara Oyekan-Olumegbon, the member representing Lagos Island Constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly has distributed back-to-school bags to pupils and students from 17 schools in the area. Speaking at the event on Saturday, Oyekan-Olumegbon said the school bags contained notebooks and stationeries. According to her, the back-to-school outreach will help to reduce the financial burden on parents as the children resume school. Oyekan-Olumegbon added that the gesture was also part of her commitment towards ensuring that the children, especially those from low-income families, had access to quality education and learning materials. She admonished the students to focus more on their studies and shun defiant behaviours, adding that she would embark on visits to all the schools within the constituency. She pledged her continuous support for her constituency and promised to embark on more community developmental projects. “I have big shoes to fill in terms of what my pre

NGO To Train 100 Corps Members, Graduates On Entrepreneurial Skills

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  A non governmental organisation , Junior Achievement Nigeria(JAN), on Wednesday, said it would  train 100 National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members and recent graduates on entrepreneurial skills. The JAN Executive Director, Mrs Folusho Gbadamosi, made this known in a statement in Lagos. She said the training  was in collaboration with Parthian Partners, GB Foods, and Mastercard. According to her,  the training will be given under the Venture in Management Programme (ViMP)  “This is aimed at equipping youths with essential business management skills. “Annually, about 100 graduates are taken through activities aimed at sharpening their entrepreneurial and work readiness skills,” she said. She said that the programme, slated for  Sept. 11 to 15, would be hosted by  the Lagos Business School. “This is a five-day transformative programme where selected corps members and recent graduates are taught in case study facilitated sessions by world-class educators and professors. “During this t