Sisi Yemmie, ‘Lagos House Wife’ and Their Kids Join the Pepsodent #WhenIGrowUp Challenge

Popular lifestyle and motherhood blogger, Sisi Yemmie and Motunrayo of the Lagos House Wife blog have joined the growing list of mothers who have happily joined the ongoing Pepsodent WhenIGrowUp challenge on social media. Both moms recently put up videos of their kids saying what they will like to be in the future and the videos have since been attracting emotional comments from their fans and friends.

They will join several other moms and kids at the Pepsodent City Kids Fiesta holding on Sunday, May 27, 2018 at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja. The party will feature fun, exciting games for participants and lots of freebies.

The event is put together by Pepsodent, a leading brand in the oral care category to celebrate kids and encourage them to dream big while driving home the message of good oral hygiene.

For a chance to win free tickets to the event, visit @pepsodentng on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook and participate in the challenge.

Hosting 2018 BET awards: Jamie Foxx says 'It's gonna be a party and celebration all in one'

Academy award-winning actor and Grammy award-winning musician, Jamie Foxx has been announced as host for the 2018 BET Awards, taking place at the Microsoft Theater on Sunday, June 24, 2018.

Returning to the stage as host for the second time after nearly a decade, Foxx joins an A-List roster of comedians and entertainers who have lit the room, including Leslie Jones, Anthony Anderson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Chris Rock, Mo’Nique, Kevin Hart and Chris Tucker. 

The 50-year-old singer-and-actor's appointment as presenter comes a week after the nominations were announced for this year's ceremony.

In an Instagram post, Foxx wrote, “This year’s @betawards are gonna be a party and celebration all in one cuz your boy is hosting and I’m #backonmyfunnyshit so get ready!!!! We’re just gonna celebrate greatness and have a phuckin good time. June 24 live from LA.”

This year’s broadcast celebrates 18-years of dynamic performances, groundbreaking moments, the hottest talent in the showbiz game, and entertainment’s most thought-provoking players. Most importantly, the “BET Awards” continues to tackle culturally relevant topics and conversations, setting the standard for one of the most intently unconventional, news-provoking and talked-about broadcasts.

In a BET awards first, the top nominees from Africa and Europe will now compete for the Best International Act category, with the winner being honoured as part of the US broadcast.

Recognising the growing international appeal of African artistes, five African artistes have been honoured in the BET Awards. Leading the transformed Best International Act Award category from Nigeria will be Davido and Tiwa Savage, South African rapper Cassper Nyovest, Gqom evolutionists Distruction Boyz and Congolese star, Fally Ipupa.

Also included in the category are French performers, Booba and Dadju and UK acts J Hus, Stefflon Don and Stormzy.

Emem Isong, Jerry Mofokeng set to be honoured at TAFF 2018

Nollywood producer and CEO of Royal Arts Academy, Emem Isong Misodi alongside South African actor, Jerry Mofokeng are bound to be in the spotlight on the 3rd of July, in Dallas, the United States. Organizers of the annual The African Film Festival, TAFF, in Dallas, have announced the distinguished film practitioners as recipients of its 2018 African Film Leadership Awards. The awards will be presented to the duo at this year's festival, opening on June 29, and will run till the 3rd of July, at the Dallas City Performance Hall, Dallas, Texas, United States.

According to TAFF founder, Mr Kelechi Eke, the award will be given to Emem in recognition of her immense contribution towards the development of the African film sector.

A renowned film maker, Emem is the founder of Royal Arts Academy, where she mentors young talents and provides opportunities to rising stars. On his own, Jerry Mofokeng enviable exploits in South African film industry, is inestimable, having starred in several critically acclaimed films, including “ Cry The Beloved Country”; “Lord of War”; “Mandela and de Klerk”; and the 2005 Academy Award-winning film “Tsotsi.”

Speaking on the festival, Kelechi said, the festival which opens on the 29th of June, will climax on July 3rd, with an awards night.

According to him, Richard Mofe Damijo who hosted last year's edition will be teaching the Master Acting class again this year, while popular film director, Lancelot Imasuen will teach a class in directing. The classes, he said will be held at Southern Methodist University, one of the most prestigious universities in Texas, which supports TAFF initiative in promoting African Arts and Culture through motion pictures.

While the festival opening night will be a folklore of storytelling sessions by Eclectic Vanessa Danso from Ghana; Ben Amushie from Nigeria, Dallas Poetry Slam, Juliana Musical Drama from Tanzania, and Ruth Ndulu Maingi from Kenya, the festival director revealed that the Association of Nigerian Physicians in America,ANPA, will be part of this year’s event, as its members will be holding a convention in Dallas ahead of the opening of the festival. ANPA is said to be partnering TAFF to showcase the power of Medicine and Film, as its founder will be delivering a paper at the convention. Notable film makers who are expected to grace this year’s TAFF include: Uche Jombo, Stella Damasus, Charles Billion, Jim Iyke, Kenneth Okolie, Mykel Parish Ajaere, Robert Peters, Dolapo Ajayi, and other US- based Nigerian filmmakers. Also, expected at the event are Cameroonian filmmakers, Kang Quintus, Ruth Nkweti, Terence Limona, Tiana Bibish. Gambian Alhagie Manka; Sierra Leonian Winstina Taylor; Congolese Soleil Marie; Kenyan Hollywood-Based, Benjamin Onyango; and all the practitioners whose work were among the 40 selected films, including Esi Yamoah (Ghana), Molatelo Mainetje (South Africa), Andy Boyo (Nigeria) and Pascale Serra (Central Africa Republic) just to mention a few. According to the organizers, the Five-day event will showcase films made by Africans, as well as a few made by non-Africans about issues important to different regions of the continent.

AFRIMA 2018: AU Unveils Calendar in Accra ...President Nana Akufo-Addo embraces AFRIMA

L-R: Head of Culture, African Union Commission, Mrs. Angela Martins; Ghanaian singer, Becca; Nigerian pop artiste, Seyi Shay; President of Ghana, H.E. Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo; Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Afeku; Kenyan artiste, Victoria Kimani and Principal Personal Assistant to the President of Ghana, Saratu Atta during the courtesy visit to the President of Ghana as part of the activities of the AFRIMA 2018 World Media Calendar Unveiling held on Monday, May 21 at the Presidential Office, Jubilee House, Ghana.

The All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, experienced the warmth of the music and culture industry of Ghana on Monday, May 21, 2018 when the calendar of events for the 5th edition of the biggest awards event on the continent was unveiled by the African Union following a meeting and courtesy visit to His Excellency, the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

Welcoming the visiting delegation led by the Head of Culture, African Union Commission, Mrs. Angela Martins, at the Presidential Office, Jubilee House, Accra, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, lauded the initiative of AFRIMA in conceiving a platform that showcases Africa positively to the world through the creativity of the music talents and the distinctive African cultural heritage.

“The people of Ghana are proud to host the 2018 AFRIMA World Media Calendar Unveiling event and to receive the delegation of officials of AU and AFRIMA as well the talented artistes and the media. I’m excited to hear AFRIMA is engaging the rest of the world on an intellectual platform with conferences and the music awards. We hope you have had a remarkable experience of Ghanaian hospitality. Our hope is that we will host the main awards ceremony”, the President stated..

Other officials of the government of Ghana who received the AU-AFRIMA delegation included the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Catherine Abelema Afeku; Executive Secretary to the President, Nana Asante Bediatuo; Principal Personal Assistant to the President, Saratu Atta: Chief Director, Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, Dr. Joel Sonne; Director, Tourism Council, Ghana, Chief Nana Anim and celebrated Ghanaian music artistes such as veteran Nana Kwame Ampadu who joined artistes from other African countries for the courtesy visit.

The President further prompted the Honourable Minister of Tourism, Catherine Afeku to see to the completion of the formalities required to enable Ghana ratify the Charter on African Culture Renaissance.

Earlier, while delivering the AU’s remarks to President Akufo-Addo, Mrs. Angela Martins expressed gratitude to the government and people of Ghana for the commitment and support displayed towards hosting the 2018 AFRIMA Calendar Unveiling.

“We cherish the partnership with the government of Ghana since it will enhance the pan-African nature of the AFRIMA initiative. The AU also uses the AFRIMA platform to voice key messages related to the Arts and Culture and other social issues for example the campaign on Ebola in 2014”, she buttressed.

What's wrong? From Kiss Daniel to Kizz Daniel

It was rumoured during the week that YEBA crooner, Oluwatobiloba Anidugbe has finally succumbed to the pressure of his former record label G-worldwide and the many issues surrounding his departure from the label. As a result of the rift, Tobi who is popularly known as Kiss Daniel has changed his stage name on all platforms after his label compelled him to desist from using the name. But WG checks, reveal that the pop singer is still retaining the name on his Instagram pages. Kiss Daniel had argued before now that it would be like telling him to stop beating his name since his name is Daniel. However, his new stage name, Kizz Daniel, slight variant from his former name, is yet to reflect on his social media handles. And the talented singer has not commented or confirmed the rumour yet.

Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson loses mum

Curvy Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, has announced the death of her mother, Elizabeth Johnson.

The seasoned actress who is currently the Senior Special Assistant on Entertainment, Arts and Culture to the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, broke the sad news on her Instagram page on Thursday. She politely pleaded that the public grant her and her family privacy as they grief the loss of her mother as she would also appreciate their prayers for fortitude to bear the untimely loss.

“It deeply saddens me to say that my beloved mother is gone. This is a trying time for my family and we would appreciate your prayers, even as we plead for our privacy at this time. Thank you,” she wrote.

As at the time this report, efforts to reach the pretty mother of four proved abortive but a source close to her confirmed the news, noting that the cause of death is yet to be revealed to the public but she has travelled to be with her family members at her hometown in Okene, Kogi State.

“Yes it’s true her mom is dead, but I can’t tell you the actual cause of death and date of death. I haven’t seen her because she has since gone to her family house”, the source told WG.

Harvey Weinstein charged with rape, criminal sex act in attacks on 2 women

Harvey Weinstein smiled as two officials escort him, handcuffed, to a car after he was charged with rape, criminal sex act, sex abuse and sexual misconduct in incidents on two separate women. (Reuters)

 Disgraced Hollywood movie mogul, Harvey Weinstein was charged with rape, criminal sex act, sex abuse and sexual misconduct for incidents involving two separate women after turning himself in to the New York City Police Department on Friday.

A frail-looking Weinstein appeared before Judge Kevin McGrath with his lawyer, Benjamin Brafman, at his side when the terms of his bail were discussed. Weinstein is facing more than 37 years behind bars. His lawyer told reporters outside the courthouse Weinstein "intends to enter a plea of not guilty."

"Mr. Weinstein has always maintained that any sexual activity he engaged in was consensual," his lawyer said adding that bad behavior is not on trial. "Mr. Weinstein did not invent the casting couch in Hollywood."

Prosecutors asked for Weinstein to surrender his passport and agree to a GPS monitoring device. He posted $1 million bail in cash, his lawyer said.

Weinstein is not allowed to travel outside of New York and Connecticut. He will have to decide by May 30 if he will testify or not.

Weinstein smiled as he walked out of the NYPD’s 1st Precinct in handcuffs early Friday and was escorted by two officials to the courthouse.

His lawyer said the 66-year-old is doing "as well as can be expected when you are accused of a crime that you have vehemently denied having committed."

The former Hollywood powerhouse is facing more than three decades in jail. The criminal sex act in the first degree charge carries up to 25 years in jail; the first degree sexual abuse charge carries up to seven years in jail; the third degree criminal sexual act charge carries up to four years in jail and the sexual misconduct and third degree sexual abuse charges carry up to one year and three months respectively.

Weinstein will be required to undergo HIV testing, by law, should his victims request it.

The NYPD detailed Weinstein's pending charges in a statement released to Fox News.

"The NYPD thanks these brave survivors for their courage to come forward and seek justice. The arrest and ensuing charges are the result of a joint investigation between the NYPD and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office," the statement said. "Additional information will be provided as it becomes available."

A law enforcement official told The Associated Press that the criminal sex act charges stem from a 2004 encounter between Weinstein and an aspiring actress. She has said he forced her to perform oral sex. The official says the rape charge relates to a woman who has not spoken publicly. Prosecutors in court on Friday said both parties agreed to keep the anonymous victim's name sealed under an order of protection. When Weinstein arrived at the precinct on Friday, he didn’t reply as news crews that were staked out in the area called out his name. He wore a blue V-neck sweater with a blazer and dress pants as he walked inside. Weinstein carried several books with him, one of which was "Something Wonderful: Rodgers and Hammerstein's Broadway Revolution" by Todd S. Purdum.

On Thursday, news broke that the star was going to face the music. Since his downfall in late 2017, he’s been spending time in a treatment facility in Arizona.

Allegations against Weinstein first came out in two bombshell reports in October, in which multiple women accused him of sexual harassment, sexual assault or rape. More than 80 women have accused him of misconduct.

Praiz signs new act, Dapo

This seems to be great times for X3M Music artiste, Priaz as he signs on new artiste under his management.

The new artiste, Dapo, was discovered in the last season of the music reality show, Project Fame, where he served as a judge.

Talking about this latest development, the award-winning R&B talent said he is not leaving X3M Records as his management company is still under X3M.

In his words, Praiz said, “Dapo is a very talented artiste who I discovered during the last edition of Project Fame where I was a judge. Remember I am a product of reality show as such, I know a good talent when I see one.

“I am still with X3M music. This kind of arrangement is just as Eminem’s Shady Records is under Interscope. This is my label and it's warehoused under X3M Music.

My boss, Steve Babeko has always wanted me to have my imprint and he's very eager to see me grow. He supports my dream to grow from being just an artiste to being a businessman. I am blessed to have someone like that who wants to see you grow regardless,” he said.

Meanwhile, the new kid on the block, Dapo, is a firebrand in the afropop genre and he is set to make a mark in the music scene.

Born Oladapo Arogundade, the young artiste had released a single, 'Vibe' featuring Monae. His upcoming single, ‘Necessary’, will hit the airwaves soon.

Gwyneth Paltrow: Brad Pitt Threatened To Kill Weinstein Over Alleged Assault

With Harvey Weinstein set to turn himself in to the New York police Friday, Gwyneth Paltrow revisited her own experiences with the disgraced mogul in the 1990s, revealing that Brad Pitt threatened to kill Weinstein after she told him of the alleged sexual harassment she experienced at the hands of Weinstein.

During an interview on Howard Stern’s Sirius XM radio show Wednesday, Paltrow said she immediately told her then-boyfriend Pitt when Weinstein asked her for a massage while the two were alone in a hotel room. Pitt confronted the producer when the three attended the opening of “Hamlet” on Broadway.

“It was the equivalent of throwing him against the wall,” she said.

Pitt then allegedly told Weinstein: “If you ever make her feel uncomfortable again, I’ll kill you.”

Paltrow had already signed on to make two movies with the producer, so she was particularly disconcerted by the hotel room incident. The actress expressed her approval of Pitt’s actions: “He leveraged his fame and power to protect me at a time when I didn’t have fame and power yet,” she said.

-FOX News

Morgan Freeman Apologizes After Sexual Harassment allegations

Hollywood star, Morgan Freeman, has apologized over reports that multiple women accused him of sexual misconduct.

Sixteen people — eight of whom say they were victims — described to CNN a variety of troubling behaviour on production sets or on promotional tours over Morgan’s career.

“Anyone who knows me or has worked with me knows I am not someone who would intentionally offend or knowingly make anyone feel uneasy,” Freeman said in a statement.

“I apologize to anyone who felt uncomfortable or disrespected — that was never my intent.”

The cable television network quoted a young production assistant who says Morgan harassed her over a period of months in the summer of 2015, while she was working on his bank heist comedy “Going in Style.”

She accuses Freeman of touching her repeatedly, resting his hand on her lower back or rubbing her lower back without permission, and frequently making comments about her appearance.

The woman said Freeman, who turns 80 next week, continually tried to lift her skirt and kept asking if she was wearing underwear.

Actor Alan Arkin “made a comment telling him to stop. Morgan got freaked out and didn’t know what to say,” the woman said.

A senior member of the “Now You See Me” (2013) production staff told CNN team members knew “not to wear any top that would show our breasts, not to wear anything that would show our bottoms,” or any fitted clothes, if Freeman was coming by them.

Freeman is the latest in a litany of Hollywood celebrities and other high-profile public figures accused of sexual misconduct since revelations about alleged serial abuser Harvey Weinstein sparked the #MeToo movement last year.

He is also accused of staring at women’s breasts, asking a woman how she felt about sexual harassment and asking women to twirl for him.

Pro Basketball Player Evelyn Akhator joins Temple Management

Nigerian professional basketball player and key member of Nigeria National Female Basketball team, D’Tigress, Evelyn Akhator is the latest Nigerian talent to be signed on to leading pan-African talent management agency, Temple Management Company.

Drafted third overall pick in the 2017 Women's National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) draft, Akhator joins the highly coveted league of sports talents such as Super Falcon Defender, Ebi Onome, Sprint champion, Seye Ogunlewe, Tennis Starlet, Marylove Edwards, teenage Golf sensation, Georgia Oboh and Nigerian Beach Soccer star, Abu Azeez Abolaji, currently being managed by Temple Management Company.

Speaking on the organisation’s latest addition, Head of Sports, Temple Management Company, Koye Sowemimo remarked: “Delighted to welcome Evelyn to the family. Our focus as with all our talents is to enable Evelyn to become her own brand, inspire future female players to get into the game and give her that support structure to keep performing at the highest level”.

Akhator who started her professional career in the United States, first at Chipola CC (Marianna, Fla.) and then at the D-I level with Kentucky beamed with excitement as she commented on her latest move.

“Super excited to join Temple Management Company,” she said. “When I met with Koye Sowemimo, the Head of Sports, it seemed like a no brainer to me. The vision they have was clear and very much aligned with where I want to go in my career and beyond. The future as I see is very bright ”.

Expressing the organisation’s commitment to its talents across the African continent, Group Chief Executive, Temple Management Company, Idris Olorunnimbe, maintained that the Temple Management was unwaveringly resolute to giving its talents the platforms, opportunities and tools to guarantee their success within their respective fields.

He added “Temple Management is determined to create a paradigm shift in the management of talents across Africa. As a truly pan-African organisation, our objective is to place our clients on a global pedestal where their talents and equally importantly, their personal brands are brought to the fore and genuinely appreciated. It is for this reason that we are thrilled to welcome Evelyn Akhator to the family”.

Akahtor who grew up Nigeria, was first picked up a ball at age 14 at a girls’ camp. She currently plays forward/centre for the D’Tigress (National Team) and was with the Dallas Wings of the Women's National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) for the 2017/18 season. She debuted in her first WNBA game at San Antonio and scored her first WNBA points against Phoenix in May 2017. There are number of options for Evelyn to consider post her Dallas Season, so watch this space.

Evelyn Akhator completed her collegiate career at Kentucky after transferring from Chipola Community College, in Marianna, Fla., where she led the Indians in scoring and rebounding each year. At Kentucky, she held an All-American senior season for the Wildcats, earning Associated Press All-America Honorable Mention honors. She finished the season averaging 15.9 points per game and 10.8 rebounds per game with a team-best 29 blocks. She was also ranked second on the team with 45 steals, while her 56.8 percent.

Shooting indigenous films is the future of Nollywood, says Alex Eyengho

'Shooting indigenous films remains the future of Nigerian movie industry', Alex Eyengho has posited, even as he advised film makers to go back to basics.

Eyengho, an award-winning film maker and incumbent Vice President of the International Federation of Film Producers Association,FIAPF, who's currently in the post-production stage of his latest language movie, “Toneukanrin” lamented that failing to shoot movies in our indigenous languages would further endanger the languages which are already going into extinction. He cited America and Europe, where the film makers there embrace the culture of shooting films in their indigenous languages. “Italians will never shoot films in English language nor will German or French film makers,”he stressed.

According to the popular film maker, if Nigerian film makers want to be recognized in the global film market, there is need for them to go back to shooting films in our local languages. However, with his latest movie, Eyengho seems determined not only to raise the bar in Nollywood, but also to show the Itsekiri you don't see in the movies.

In “Toneukanrin”, Eyengho boasts, Nollywood is ready to conquer the world. Eyengho said 'Toneukanrin' is the first film in a Nigerian indigenous language to be shot on Red Camera, in addition to doing full ADR and 5.1 audio. The movie, Eyengho said is looking good to show any cinema anywhere in the world. “I didn't want to compromise when it comes to good picture, sound and story structure,” he said, adding “ It's a film that preaches unity at all levels, using the family and politics to tell the story. The technical input is top notch and my own way of raising the bar in terms of film production in indigenous languages. I'm looking forward to taking it to major International film festivals, awards and also getting International distribution deals.”

The movie, according to some pundits, chronicles the thrilling story of former governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan. Starring notable Itsekiri movie stars, “Toneukanrin' will be premiered before the end of the year. Eyengho, a promoter of Itsekiri movie industry, said he's ready to churn out movies that are rooted in Itsekiri culture.

Festival of Lancelot's movies engulfs Uromi

Uromi, in Esan North-Eastern Local Government Area of Edo State, is currently in a state of frenzy, as a festival of Lancelot Imasuen's movies opens today, in the ancient town.

The festival holding at Citadel Cinema, Uromi, according to an insider, will feature over 60 works of the popular movie director and producer. Some of the movies slated for showing are “Love upon the Hills”, 'Shadows in the dark”, “Single in Abuja”, “ATM” and his latest movie, “Love Birds.” This feast is coming days after Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki

penned a heartfelt note to the Benin-born popular film maker, commending his latest offering, “LoveBirds.”

In the letter, Obaseki wrote, “I celebrate you as one of the icons who have taken the Nigerian movie industry not only to the world stage, but according it high regard and patronage. You are also doing tremendously well by promoting Benin movies and promoting the allures of our rich culture to attract foreigners and broadens the economic prospects of Edo State. Your efforts are highly regarded for assisting to provide employment and present the ideal moral prospective for societal lessons.”

“As you continue to make landmark progress in your profession, I sincerely want to thank you for being a worthy ambassador of Edo State and to specially congratulate you on your new movie “Love Birds.” Lancelot, who has over 60 movies to his credit, delved into the movie industry since 1999, as a film director and producer.

Selassie taking centre stage

BUDDING urban and Afrobeat singer, Selassie who recently released his debut nine-tracker entitled, ' Anywhere Belle Face', is doing everything possible to be in the spotlight. And he's surely getting the desired response from his growing fanbase.

Just less than two months after he premiered the visuals for his lead single, 'Obianuju' off the album, the handsome singer is already making waves with his Obianuju video.

Selassie was one of the musicians that thrilled the large crowd that thronged the popular Freedom Park on the Lagos island for the just concluded The Lagos International Jazz Festival. He's also warming up again to grace the stage,for another exciting event tagged, 'Music and fashion show' which is billed to hold on the 26^th of May, at the same Freedom Park.

Selassie is not ready to slow down, even as he has hinted on his Facebook page that he's dropping a new song titled, “The Lagos Anthem” soon.

On his Obianuju video, the artiste said that he dedicated the video to all the women and girls who have in one way or the other, supported his career.

Obianuju, according to him, “ is one song that I wrote when I was making my project. I decided to make a love song for all the women, all the girls that have supported my career because there is something I tell other artistes; without women you are nobody. Without girls you are nowhere. They are our biggest fans. So this is a song specially for all my female fans. I decided to release it as my first video to showcase my love for everybody out there, he told The Nation.Directed by MLV, Obijanuju is a single of the artistes mixtape, Anywhere Belle Face.

Other tracks in the mixtape include Thunder Fire You (Produced by Ehzy Beatz), So Amazing (featuring Santa), Off and On, Na So, Pop Star, Palava, 1 Chance, as well as Ginja.

Selassie says that he aims to attain the same heights as his mentor, Fela Anikulapo Kuti. “One thing I like about his music is, first of all, he stood for what he believed in and he always sang about it. And that is what I want to do. I just want to release music that comes from the heart,” he said.

President Buhari expresses delight over Nigeria-US relations

President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed satisfaction with the current level of relationship between Nigeria and the United States.

The President, who spoke on the issue when he received a telephone call from the U.S. Secretary of State, Michael Pompeo on Thursday, also used the opportunity to congratulate the new Secretary of State on his appointment.

President Buhari recalled his past meeting with Mr Pompeo, then as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and thanked him for the enormous support the U.S. has extended to the Nigerian security and intelligence services.

The President requested the Secretary of State to extend his appreciation to President Donald Trump for the warm reception he was given in the course of his recent visit to the White House.

Secretary Pompeo assured President Buhari that with him in the Department of State, relations between both countries would get even better.

He reiterated the desire of the U.S to continue to pursue, side by side with Nigeria, matters of common interest on the African continent, including the fight against terrorism and corruption, trade and development.

DistructionBoyz, FallyIpupa and Steflon Don battle for Best Int'l Act as UMG dominates 2018 BET Awards nominations

 

DistructionBoyz

Nominees for the 2018 edition of the BET Awards were announced on Tuesday, 15th May, with Universal Music Group (UMG) artistes dominating the Best International Act category.

Universal Music Africa has one nomination with South Africa’s DistructionBoyz, while Universal Music France has twonominations with Congolese singer FallyIpupa and rappers Booba and Niska. English singer-rapper Stefflon Don and French singer Dadju of Polydor Records, a Universal owned label, are also nominated in the Best International Act category.

Famous for the smash hit, ‘Wololo’, the Durban based DistructionBoyz have pushed gqom music to the mainstream with their Gold selling debut album, ‘Gqom is the Future’, which features another hit single, ‘Omunye’.

The BET nominations which are selected from thousands of submissions across 20 categories, showcase some of the most gifted music makers of the past awards year. The nominations are selected by BET’s Voting Academy, which comprises fans and an esteemed group of entertainment professionals in the fields of television, film, music, social media, digital marketing, sports journalism, public relations, and the creative arts.

The BET awards are voted for by the public with an interest in all genres made by black people. Voting closes on June 1, 2018, and the show will air live on BET on Sunday, June 24, 2018, from the Microsoft Theatre, Los Angeles, California, United States.

I will never let you down, Okoroji tells COSON members

Chief Tony Okoroji has vowed never to let any member of Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, down or turn his back on them.

Okoroji, made this solemn promise at the society's Annual General Meeting, AGM, which recently held in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, Okoroji thanked the members for their unflinching support, promising, however, that “I will never let you down or turn my back on you.”

According to him, COSON train would continue to move despite the obstacles placed on its way.

Speaking further, he added, “On December 19, 2017, you gave me the greatest honour anyone can ask for. With tears in my eyes, I promised that I will never let you down or turn my back on you. I will never.”

“Across Africa, COSON is regarded as one of the most professional and transparent collective management organizations. “Believe me, outside the country, your society is a source of pride to the Nigerian nation. As a result of the incredible strides we have made at COSON it is difficult sometimes to appreciate that COSON has only been in existence for about eight years. With all humility, I boldly say to you that COSON has done what many said was impossible in our nation. COSON is a child of struggle. Nothing we have got has come easy. Let no one forget that our struggle to be approved was herculean,” Okoroji said.

Okoroji revealed that “Ten days from today, precisely on May 20, 2018, it will be the 8th anniversary of the historic approval of COSON as Nigeria’s sole collective management organization for musical works and sound recordings. That event began our nation’s true participation in the world of collective management of copyright, paving the way for the many success stories we have had in the last eight years.”

However, at the event, members of the society urged President Muhammadu Buhari to sack the Director-General of Nigerian Copyright Commission, NCC, Mr. Afam Ezekude, positing that the creative industry has totally lost confidence in his leadership.

The members also ratified the reinstatement of Okoroji as Chairman of the Management Board by the General Assembly at its Extra-Ordinary General Meeting, which held on December 19, 2017.

Recall that on December 7, 2017, six Board members of the society met and consequently moved a motion to remove Chief Tony Okoroji as the chairman of the society. He was replaced by an artiste and events manager, Efe Omorogbe. This move, however, generated a lot of mixed-feelings among the members, leading to the Extra-Ordinary General Meeting of the society held in COSON Arena on December 19, 2017. At the meeting, Okoroji was restored as Chairman of the society, days after he was asked to step aside by the organization’s board.

All set for the wedding of the year as Meghan Markle arrives UK

All is set for the wedding of the century as Prince Harry's would-be wife, Meghan Markle arrived in the UK ahead of tomorrow's wedding at Windsor Castle's St George's Chapel. But the American actress will be walking down the aisle without her father accompanying her. She confirmed on Friday that her father, Thomas Markle, will not attend her wedding to Britain's Prince Harry on Saturday.

Her statement ends days of speculation over the 73-year-old's health, and a controversy over whether he staged a series of paparazzi-style photographs.

"Sadly, my father will not be attending our wedding. I have always cared for my father and hope he can be given the space he needs to focus on his health," Meghan Markle said in a statement provided by Kensington Palace Thursday.

"I would like to thank everyone who has offered generous messages of support. Please know how much Harry and I look forward to sharing our special day with you on Saturday."

The statement is the first official confirmation that Thomas Markle would not be able to walk his daughter down the aisle at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on Saturday.

According to CNN, Markle has been in contact with her father in recent days, who told her that he was unable to attend the wedding on medical advice. CNN understands that while Markle is concerned for her father, she is surrounded by friends, in a good frame of mind and is looking forward to the wedding.

Kensington Palace has faced criticism for not doing enough to protect Thomas Markle from the inevitable glare of publicity that would come with the situation. In particular, some royal commentators have suggested that the royal family ought to have sent a "minder" to look after Markle in the weeks running up to the wedding.

The royal family never discusses such arrangements publicly, but CNN has learned that Kensington Palace has been offering advice and providing practical support in protecting Thomas Markle's security and privacy since after the couple met in 2016.

Kensington Palace did not say who would take Markle's place, but Meghan Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, arrived in London on Wednesday and will be a leading candidate.

Another possible stand-in would be Prince Charles, Meghan's future father-in-law.

Thomas Markle first suggested he might not attend the wedding on Monday, after conceding he had worked with an American celebrity photographer to stage a series of pictures of him preparing for the ceremony.

In a series of interviews with the entertainment website TMZ, Markle first said he would not attend to save his daughter embarrassment. Then he appeared to have a change of heart: "I hate the idea of missing one of the greatest moments in history and walking my daughter down the aisle," he was quoted as saying.

Later, Markle told TMZ that his daughter had attempted to reach him by phone, and having failed to do so, texted him to say that she loved him and to express concern. At that point, Markle said he would do his best to attend, despite suffering chest pains.

Finally, he said he had been forced to undergo heart surgery and would not be able to go to the wedding after all. Speaking to the TMZ entertainment website, he said it would "take a long time to heal."

Thomas Markle is a former lighting director who worked on popular TV shows "Married with Children" and "General Hospital," according to the Internet Movie Database.

He met Meghan's mother, Doria Ragland, at a Hollywood studio in the late '70s. The pair split when their daughter was young.

Meghan Markle's half-sister, Samantha Markle, recently said she was the "culprit" who urged their father to stage the photos in an ill-fated bid to improve his image. She said her father had "suffered at the hands of the media" and had decided "enough is enough."

In Windsor, members of the Members of the British Armed Forces took part in a large-scale dress rehearsal. Troops left their barracks at 11 a.m. local time (6 a.m. ET) Thursday, many marching to Windsor Castle to take up their positions inside the grounds.

A carriage is driven through the streets of Windsor during a rehearsal for the royal wedding.

My son is not a product of a one-night stand --Binta, Wizkid's 2nd baby mama cries out!

Pop singer, Wizkid's 2^nd Baby mama, Binta has put the record straight, declaring that her son, Jnr. Ayo Balogun is not a product of a one-night stand.

Binta stated this categorically after trolls had descended on her Instagram page defending their musical idol, following the latest call out.

According to Binta, who has since deleted the post, one night stand is not her thing, she never did it and she would never do it. “My son was never a result of a one-night stand. By the way, I never had a one night-stand before, it's not my style,” she insisted.

To back up her claims, the aggrieved mother of one has threatened to release some evidences that would prove she had a steady relationship with Wizkid before their son, Ayo was conceived. The clarification became necessary following the recent claims by the Starboy's baby mamas that he has not been playing his roles as a father. The first baby mama, Shola Ogudu, insisted that she had been playing the role of a mother and father for his seven-year-old son. Similarly, the second baby mama, Binta Diallo, revealed that Wizkid had not been there for his son too. But responding to the allegations, Wizkid tweeted, “There are two sides to every story.”

Winners emerge at Goldberg’s Ariya Repete talent hunt

The just concluded Goldberg talent hunt, Ariya Repete 2018, which held in the ancient city of Ibadan would forever remain indelible on the minds of Ashafa Olushola Martins, Ayodele Olatunji and members of Oludare Cultural Group, who emerged ultimate winners at the grand finale, in Fuji, Juju and Drumming categories.

The road to the final was a long one as each contestant who progressed from the audition stage went through rigorous grooming and mentorship sessions at the Ariya Academy. Eventually, out of about 5000 contestants, only sixteen progressed to the finals in Ibadan after they were selected from the forty that slugged it out in the Lagos semi-finals.

For the Fuji category, only six contestants, Ayomide Ode Omotola, Saheed Akangbe, Abiodun Saheed Oloto, Sulaimon Ajibola Destiny, Mohammed Adewale and Asafa Olushola made it to the final. Another four, Wale Crown, Bukola Ahmed, Ayodele Olatunji (a.k.a Femi Bright) and Ayegbayo Oluwaseun qualified from the Juju music category. They were joined at the finals by the six dance groups; Ifesowapo Cultural Group, Sakuba Cultural Group, Oludare Cultural Group, Igba Iwase African Entertainment Cultural Group and Eniafede Dance Group.

It was a blend of fun and serious business as all the finalists treated the audience to rich renditions of their severally rehearsed and composed songs. Their sonorous voices rent the night as the whole of Ibadan stood still for the performances of all the 16 budding artistes.

All sixteen finalists delivered very impressive performances making the selection of the eventual winners even tougher for the Judges. In the end, three contestants who stood out, Ashafa Olushola Martins, Ayodele Olatunji, and Oludare Cultural Group in their performances emerged.

Ashafa Olushola Martins got N2 million prize for emerging tops in the Fuji category, while Ayodele Olatunji a.k.a. Femi Bright also went home with N2 million cash prize after winning the Juju category while Oludare Cultural Group, led by a pregnant woman, Olubunmi Sadiq came first in the drumming category and won N1 million cash prize. Consolation prizes ranging from N1m to N250,000.00 were given to First and second runner ups in all the three categories.

Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo excited ...as organizers unveil AFRIMA 2018 calendar in Accra

Ghana Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Catherine Afeku  

The International Committee of AFRIMA, in partnership with African Union and the government of Ghana have declared that the calendar for the 2018 All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) will be unveiled on Monday, May 21, 2018, at a world media event and music conference scheduled for Accra, Ghana.

Part of the agenda for the calendar unveiling is a courtesy visit to the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, who is excited to receive African delegates and music stars scheduled to attend the epoch-making event.

The delegation will include Head of Culture, African Union, Mrs. Angela Martins; President/Executive Producer, AFRIMA, Mr. Mike Dada; Director, Brand Communications, AFRIMA; Ms. Matlou Tsotetsi; AFRIMA Regional Director; Western Africa, Mr. Don Obilor, the Ghanaian-UK AFRIMA Juror, (representing UK-Diaspora) and BBC-1 show host, Ms. Rita Ray and the AFRIMA Country Director, Ghana, Mr. Francis Doku.

Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Catherine Afeku, said the prestigious awards shares President Nana Akufo-Addo’s objective to develop sustainable tourism, hinged on Ghanaian arts and culture. “Arts and culture, as a sector, remains one of Africa’s greatest strengths. As well as being a source of values, identity and a sense of belonging, the creative industries have become a driver of economic growth and job creation. In agreeing to host the AFRIMA 2018 calendar unveiling, the Government of Ghana is motivated by the need to harness the potential of the creative sector of Ghana to promote national and regional tourism. We congratulate the African Union for lending its weight behind this laudable effort”, she said.

Orits Wiliki, Tony Okoroji settle rift at Ras Kimono's birthday bash

The age-long feud between reggae star, Orits Wiliki and Chief Tony Okoroji appears to have been resolved after all. The duo have been locked in a battle over who is licensed to collect right of musical works for many years now. But recently, at the birthday bash of one of Nigeria's reggae legends, Ras Kimono, once bitter enemies at the instance of veteran broadcaster, Bisi Olatilo had a handshake and embraced each other as a sign of peace. It was the highpoint of the birthday bash, which had a a number of artistes in the showbiz industry performing for the Rubba Dub Master who also marked his 34 years on stage and his guests.

Present at the occasion, which held at Time Square Event Centre, Ikeja were Daddy Showkey, Alariwo of Africa, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Chief Tony Okoroji, Sir Shina Peters, Funsho Adeolu. Others were Dede Mabiaku, Eddy Remedy, Dede Mabiaku, Lekan Ogunbanwo, Kenny Saint Best, Koffi, Agatha Amata and Orits Wiliki. While the event lasted, everyone had something to say about the rub-a-dub master who was in high spirits as encomiums were showered on him. The occasion was spiced up by the likes of Koffi Da Guru who cracked up everyone with funny jokes.

President Buhari condoles Christians on passing of CAN Gen. Sec, Rev Musa Asaka

President Muhammadu Buhari joins the national leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Christian community in Nigeria in mourning the passing of the General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev (Dr) Musa Asake.

The President, while commiserating with the family of the late Reverend, prays that God Almighty will comfort all those who mourn the departed, and grant his soul eternal rest.

CNN meets Toke Makinwa, to learn about her journey to success

Nigerian radio host and television personality Toke Makinwa has explained why acknowledging her personal “brand” was a crucial element in her journey to success. She gave the explanation while speaking on this week’s episode of African Voices, CNN. 

Born in Lagos, Makinwa grew up with her siblings after both of her parents died when she was eight years old. She reflects on her father’s ambitions for her: “When my dad was alive, he thought I was going to be a lawyer because I couldn’t keep quiet. I was a bubbly, very chatty child. But I was never really interested in law. I have a lot of respect for lawyers but I’m a creative.”

After gaining some experience on a local radio station and graduating from University, Makinwa explains how she initially faced much rejection, but didn’t let this stop her from her goal of working in the entertainment industry: “When I started auditioning, the light and the fire in me was born and I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I remember the amount of auditions I’d go to and wouldn’t get a call back. But with every ‘no’, I used it to fuel my passion. ‘No’ doesn’t mean it’s not going to happen, it just means it’s ‘not yet’. [Rejection] fuelled me to keep auditioning and get comfortable in front of the camera. Eventually there was one big ‘yes’ that opened the door to so many other things.”

Makinwa credits her faith for helping her to remain focused and positive and the start of her career: “I feel like my [Christian] faith has helped me on this journey. I mean I don’t know where I would be without my faith. There were times where prayer was all I had, and knowing that this was what I wanted to do. You know, it may not have been clear at the beginning but somehow every single thing I’ve done has always been interrelated. It’s always led to something.”

Today, Makinwa presents a late morning radio show on Rhythm 93.7 and a television show on Ebony Live TV. Having made a name for herself all over Africa, Makinwa is now a social media influencer on top of her day jobs: “One thing I realised in 2017 was the power of my brand. I started realising that people would be influenced by certain things I’d wear and post. So I have some collaborations with some designers and they would sell out! It’s a very humbling process…”

Makinwa outlines her “brand” identity and why she wants to inspire her fans: “I’d say my brand is very aspirational. I appeal to a lot of young people out there… I only have one mission statement: ‘you can’. Regardless of where you started from, regardless of where you find yourself, as long as you have a dream and have a passion for what you do, you can.”

Recently adding another string to her bow, Makinwa became an author in 2016 after releasing her first book, a memoir titled On Becoming. She explains to the programme why she wanted to tell her story: “For many years, as women we’re being told you have to be a certain type of way as a woman and so many people are ashamed of things. You know once you face your fear and shame that shame, there’s nothing else that you cannot take on. As long as you know who you are and are focused on where you’re going, you’ll always find your way.”

Cinematographers are not celebrated, says Fayo

Popular cinematographer, Olusegun Fayo Ogedegbe a.k.a Fayo has lamented that the Nigerian film industry does not give cinematographers the respects they deserve compared to their counterparts.

Fayo, who revealed that his journey into cinematography was borne out of ‘love and passion’, posited that for Nollywood to grow, cinematographers have to be given their due recognition.

He also talked the breakthrough he has recorded in the industry, saying “It’s been God all the ways. According to him, “When I look back from early 2001 when I started with handmade equipment at Movie Land Studios, today my works have been nominated in many award platforms across the globe even though I haven't won any yet.”

To his credit, Fayo was sponsored to Mumbai, India on a two weeks short course on cinematography as a beneficiary in 2014 Project ACT Nollywood initiated by the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

His training at Whistling Woods International, Mumbai, he recounted inspired his recent works including ‘Just Not Married’, directed by Patrick Uduak, ‘Resident Permit’, directed by Afe Olumowe, ‘What Men Want’ and ‘Homely’ both directed by Akin Harrison.

“Whistling Woods International gave me another thousand ways on how creative technically I should be and also following the rules of cinematography as a filmmaker and the secrets of cinematography as well. I just launched my company, Vigor101 Media which focuses on filmmaking, documentaries, TV content, photography among others. By God's grace, I will be working on my first ever short film titled ‘The Venoms’ as well as ‘The Good Fight’,” he hinted.

He also revealed that Vigor101 Media has been responsible for some of the rave making events like Chief Lucky Igbinedion’s 60th birthday coverage, 2Face Idibia’s ‘A Million Voices for Peace’ campaign, the triple tour with 2Baba and American singer, Bridget Kelly. Vigor101 Media, he said, will soon be officially launching Vigor101 TV Channel and Vigor101 Media Academy.

AGN Crisis: Ibinabo denies being invited to past presidents meeting *Insists being authentic president of the guild

Embattled former president of Actors Guild of Nigeria, Ibinabo Fiberesima has denied that she was never invited by Mr. Emeka Rollas when the past presidents of the guild had a close-door meeting with him, in Lagos.

The meeting, which held last week, at Lounge 50, in Surulere and exclusively reported by HVP had about five past presidents of the guild in attendance. They were Chief Lari Williams, the first president of the guild, Zack Orji, Ejike Asiegbu, Emmanuel Agugua and Segun Arinze who handed over to Ibinabo as AGN president.

Ibinabo, according to Emeka Rollas, was duly informed about the meeting. But in a statement she released during the week, the ex-beauty has denied being invited to the meeting. She insisted, however, that she's still the authentic president of the guild.

The statement reads thus: “The attention of the National Executive Council of the Actors Guild of Nigeria has been drawn to a false allegation on our National President, Ibinabo Fiberesima that she turned down the invitation to attend the Meeting of the Past Presidents of the Guild.

We want to state categorically that the allegation is totally untrue, cocuted to malign and tarnish the name and image of our National President.”

“The National President was never invited nor contacted by the conveners of the so called meeting.

Even though she is still incumbent, authentic elected National President, she would have used the opportunity to brief her colleagues on the position of the Guild and the act of illegality currently being perpuated by a section of the members led by Emeka Rollas.”

“The present Exco is still in the Appeal court battling the judgment of March 16, 2015 by the Federal High Court which declared us illegal at the tail end of our first tenure. We respect law and order thus we have not conducted a fresh election.”

“Ibinabo is not desirous of remaining as AGN President forever just as the case in the appeal court will not last forever too, therefore the National Executive shall midwife a credible election as soon as all the pending court cases are resolved.”

“For the records, Emeka Rollas is on suspension for his fraudulent practices as National Secretary under the Government of National Unity led by Segun Arinze. He was indicted by the probe panel therefore he cannot parade himself as the President of the Guild.”

“The Actors Guild of Nigeria, is governed by a written constitution and we shall continue to be guided by law and order. We cannot be intimidated by illegality and impunity as being demonstrated by some misguided and disgruntled elements that threaten the peaceful existence of the Actors Guild of Nigeria.”

Minister of State for Petroleum son Kach joins Ubi Franklin’s Record Label

Rising hip-hop star and son of Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, Uche Kachikwu,

who's known as Kach, has joined Made Men Music Group (MMMG), a record label co-owned by Ubi Franklin.

The self-acclaimed Afrotrap pioneer was welcomed to MMMG by Franklin via a post on his Instagram post on Thursday, May 10, with the caption:

“I am a rare species, not a stereotype. Dear Friends welcome @kachofficial To Made Men Music Group. @mademenmusicgroup1

Franklin now co-owns MMMG with show promoter, Paul ‘PaulO’ Okoye, after parting ways with Iyanya Mbuk, an artist and former co-owner, who joined Mavin Records.

Kach  tweeted: "To The World!!! So happy to join the Triple MG family.

I will be online for the next hour answering my fans questions on this new journey.

Please use the hashtag #TripleMGunveilsKACH"

Kach is the son of Ibe Kachikwu, the minister of State for Petroleum Resources and the immediate past Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

He is well known for his single ‘Dino’ – where Kogi West senator Dino Melaye made an appearance in the video. Kachi will be joining a team of talented artists including Tekno, Selebobo, Ellyman and Rogerlino already signed to the record label.

Lipton yellow label tea gives Nigerian widows ‘Reason To Smile’

Becoming a widow in Nigeria is often followed by a fall into extreme poverty – a situation usually aggravated by widespread practice of property grabbing and sometimes, physical abuse. Consequently, they are subjected to food insecurity due to poverty or unemployment, failure to find basic and school necessities for their children, lack of shelter, difficulty in accessing working capital for small-scale businesses, and victimization by harmful cultural practices.

In many traditional settings, the death of a husband can put women at the risk of social segregation and the loss of the security and social status their partners would have provided. They are immediately banished to the fringe of society and suffer different forms of stigma and discrimination.

For any nation or society interested in fostering progressive development, it is important that citizens create a social climate conducive for collective achievement. Apart from the need to adopt a friendly culture that dignifies victims and recognizes their pain, widows need support systems that provide opportunities to reintegrate into society after the loss of their spouses.

If we are going to achieve this, everyone needs to understand that widows are extremely disadvantaged. In a country where culture and tradition are used as tool to oppress disadvantaged women, we have a collective responsibility to overcome these barriers with practical solutions to alleviate their poverty and helplessness. Either as a corporate imperative or individual responsibility, actions and decisions have to be taken to rehabilitate widows disenfranchised by poverty and unemployment.

Consider Lipton’s ‘Reason To Smile’, an initiative by Unilever Plc.’s leading tea brand which is aimed at supporting 1,000 Nigerian widows with necessary care packs and seed fund to start a business. Expected to be executed in states across Nigeria, the Lipton ‘Reasons to Smile’ campaign is also giving all concerned Nigerians the opportunity to get involved with one Lipton pack at a time, give widows a reason to smile and lighten their burden.

In many Nigerian communities where a lot of women are housewives, fully dependent on their husbands, it becomes a great challenge when such families lose their breadwinner and find it difficult to cater for themselves and their children. These women need to be given a helping hand – a lifeline to create a better future for themselves and their communities in general.

The challenges that widows in our communities and cities experience daily affects everyone. They are our mothers, sisters, friends, neighbours and more. They remain one of the most marginalized persons, a depressing reality that has dealt a blow to compassion and decorum in our society. The least we can do is to care for them and also provide them with opportunities for solutions – which is the objective of the Lipton brand.

Widows need be celebrated and encouraged. They are an integral part of our society and deserve as much respect and dignity as anyone else. As women and mothers, they are active members of the Nigerian society who contribute to national development. We cannot allow them to be victimized and subjected to untold hardships just because they lost a loved one, Lipton is saying we have the power to lighten their burden and put smiles on their faces.

AWF launches festival website

Abuja Writers Forum (AWF) has launched a new website for the Abuja Literary Festival which will hold from June 28- 30, 2018.

The website will provide regular updates about the festival as panelists and authors are confirmed in the coming days. There will also be insightful articles and interviews. It will also provide information during the festival.

The website can be accessed at www.abujaliterrayfestival.org. Meanwhile two Embassies have confirmed interest in the Festival by offering to support some of the segments. The Ecuadorian Embassy will partner in the International Art and Photo Exhibition with the display of the Ecuador/Nigeria Photo-book being one of the proposed highlights.

The American Embassy is providing assistance for the digital media training for the five -day drama workshop.

This development underscores the growing partnership between the Ecuadorian Embassy and the Abuja Writers Forum. In 2017, the Embassy sponsored a short story contest for young Ecuadorian and Nigerian writers. A selection from the winning entries was eventually published as a bilingual (Spanish/English) collection of short stories,Pais Casabe (Casava Lands).

The collection has been achieved some feats as it is the first time Ecuadorian writers are being published collectively in English and vice versa for their Nigerian counterparts translated to Spanish. It has also been adopted as a major resource by the African descendants in Ecuador.

The Future Project set to hold The Nigeria Symposium

The Future Project (TFP) is set to hold the fourth edition of The Nigeria Symposium for Young and Emerging Leaders on May 31, 2018 at the Muson Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Themed ‘Shaping New Narratives’, the Symposium will bring together leaders and influential personalities in politics, business, advocacy, media, and more – to engage and discuss issues of governance, public policies, and civic engagement.

As an annual knowledge-exchange and mentorship event between present and emerging leaders in government and the public sector to facilitate learning and youth inclusiveness, the event provides a platform for young Nigerians to engage public officials on democratic institutions and national development.

In a statement released by The Future Project, chief operating officer, Bukonla Adebakin, spoke on its drive to change negative narratives about Nigeria while highlighting the role of the Nigerian youth in demanding for better governance and improvement in the system of leadership.

“In strengthening leadership and citizen participation, it is important that we provide platforms to aid true transformation and establish democratic values while developing active and empowered citizens. With the theme ‘Shaping New Narrative’, we intend to highlight the crucial role of citizens in imperatives of open governance,” Adebakin said.

The Future Project has a mandate to build empowered citizens across Africa through inclusive enterprise and active citizenship.

Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, others rock ‘StillBroke’ as Clothing line set to launch

Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Annie Idibia, and Lilian Esoro have been captured rocking the first of its kind collection of designer underwear ‘Still Broke’ which is set to launch on the 13th of May, 2018.

The company released a statement via social media; describing the clothing line as unique, affirming customers will enjoy the comfortability of the fabric which rivals some of the world’s best underwear brands.

The manufacturers of the underwear went on to promise fans that the products are very stylish and affordable.

As subtly described by the CEO Michael Uyi Agho, popularly referred to as Godson; the brand’s name ‘Still Broke’ promotes positivity; instilling a sense of hard work and responsibility in its wearer. He went on to describe the sole theme of the brand as a tool to evoke appreciation of ones means of living, emphasising on the need to keep working hard despite recording success.

‘Still Broke’ has in its collection; an array of tracksuit bottoms, sports bras, briefs, among others, which customers can choose from.

Inside sources reveal the launch will have some of the industry’s biggest names in attendance; ranging from socialites to personalities.

Tolu 'Toolz' Oniru-Demuren: Turning Inspiration Into a Voice For Women

Tolu Oniru-Demuren, widely known as ‘Toolz’, has one of the most popular voices on Nigerian airwaves. As a multi-award winning presenter, talk show host, and assistant director of programmes at Beat FM, she is already a media powerhouse. Not the least insecure about her figure, she has carved a niche for herself in the broadcast industry, while also serving as an inspiration for women all over world – especially curvy ladies.

With confidence and style that seem to flow from her scalp to her toenails, Toolz has consistently shared personal stories about her tough experiences before attaining her present height, a journey that has spurred her to educate and push others to find confidence and pride in themselves.

Since her return to Nigeria in 2009, Toolz has consistently dominated news headlines and social media trends, with conversations either covering her popular weekly radio show ‘Midday Show with Toolz’ or new photos on her social media pages – generating controversy among critics about her body shape and size.

Based on her personal experience with body image and finding self-esteem, the media mogul and business woman has decided on a bold move - to launch an inspirational brand for plus-size women trying to make a statement. As a plus-size celebrity, she found her way to wide recognition and acceptance through creativity, resilience and boldness.

In Nigeria, plus-size ladies are psychologically ostracized and consistently attacked, becoming subject of discourse among health and well-being experts on how to change the perception about body weight. Growing into confident ‘self’, Toolz stands out due to her self-confidence and unshaken ambition.

This, more than anything, is the message she intends to share with the new brand – something to change the lives of plus-size women. A brand that truly defines, represents, and captures every curvy woman’s beauty in and out.

President Buhari receives in audience outgoing UAE ambassador

President Muhammadu Buhari receives the Outgoing Ambassador of United Arab Emirate to Nigeria, Mohammed Mahmood Al Mahmood accompanied by Embassy Attache, Ahmad Mohammad Al-Tenaiji during a farewell visit at the State House in Abuja. PHOTO; SUNDAY AGHAEZE 

Rising Act '96' Thrills, Senator Tejuosho, others at Miss Tourism Ogun 2018

As High-profile dignitaries and party rockers from different backgrounds stormed the third edition of Miss Tourism Ogun Pageantry, fast rising act Adejola Abayomi Olanrewaju a.k.a ‘96’ thrilled the crowd with an off-the-hook performance of his hit single ‘money’.

The Nigerian-born UK-based Afro-pop singer is gradually taking his name to new heights with his grand performance at annual Miss Tourism Ogun beauty Pageant and Ogun Heritage Awards which witnessed the presence of dignitaries such as: Senator Lanre Tejuoso, Ogun state Commissioner for Youth and Sport- Hon. Afuape Afolabi, Hon. Bayo Adeyemi of the Ogun State House of Assembly amongst other notable societal icons