Author: Babajide Awoyinfa

By Babajide Awoyinfa and Taiye Olayemi

Ceremony

Lagos, June 25, 2024 (NAN) The highly anticipated wedding of Nigerian music megastar, Davido and his long-time partner, Chioma Rowland, took over the social media on Tuesday with series of heartwarming and memorable moments.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that videos and pictures that surfaced online allowed fans worldwide to partake in the joyous occasion.

Fans felt as though they were right there, celebrating alongside the couple, as the ceremony garnered thousands of views and reactions from those who could not get enough of the couple’s enchanting love story.

Also, it was all pomp and pageantry as the wedding ceremony brought together some of the big names in politics, business, and entertainment.

Distinguished guests who graced the occasion are former President Olusegun Obasanjo; Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Oba Saheed Elegushi of Ikate-Elegushi Kingdom.

Other prominent dignitaries in attendance include Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun; Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun; former governor of Akwa Ibom, Udom Emmanuel; the President’s son, Seyi Tinubu; business mogul and socialite, Obi Cubana and many others.

The wedding, tagged #CHIVIDO2024, eagerly awaited by fans and well-wishers, showcased Davido and Chioma in their stunning traditional attires.

While Chioma dazzled in a breathtaking beaded bridal attire, exuding elegance and radiant beauty, Davido also looked dapper in his outfit.

The couple’s coordinated outfits highlighted their unity and style, making a powerful statement of their commitment to each other.

One of the standout moments from the videos online was Davido and Chioma’s affectionate display on the stairs.

The ‘Unavailable’ crooner was seen tenderly cooling Chioma’s makeup with a fan, a gesture that captured the hearts of many fans online.

Another memorable moment of the ceremony captured on video, was when Davido prostrated before Chioma’s parents, expressing his commitment to their daughter’s well-being.

He said, “Your daughter will be protected, respected and connected.”

The venue was also decorated with a mix of white and gold colours.

The opulent decor added to the grandeur of the event, creating a perfect backdrop for the couple’s special day.

Davido surprised Chioma with a car gift, bearing a customised number plate, “CHIVIDO”. (NAN)

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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Group

By Babajide Awoyinfa

Lagos, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Emeka Ike, the newly appointed Chairman of the Creative Industry Group Advisory Board, has pledged to leverage his position to boost Nigerian content worldwide through global partnerships, festivals, and exhibitions.

Ike gave the pledge during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.

He said the group was committed to showcasing the best of Nigerian creativity to the world.

“Our vision is to create a vibrant, sustainable, and globally competitive entertainment industry in Nigeria.

“We will achieve this by fostering strategic collaborations between CIG, sister guilds associations, unions, and industry stakeholders to promote opportunities for growth and development,” Ike said.

According to him, CIG is committed to establishing training programmes and capacity-building initiatives to enhance skills and knowledge of industry professionals.

“We are committed to developing modern film production facilities, studios, and equipment to support high-quality content creation, and strengthening legal frameworks.

“Also enforcement mechanisms to protect intellectual property rights and combat piracy and copyright infringement.

“We believe that the entertainment industry has the power to inspire, educate, and unite us, and we are dedicated to making it a source of national pride.”

President of CIG, Felix Duke, said that the group was thrilled to have Ike on board.

”The CIG team is excited to work with industry stakeholders to achieve these plans and create a brighter future for the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

“Ike’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to strengthen the group’s efforts in promoting the creative industry in Nigeria.

“His passion and dedication to the industry are contagious, and we are confident that he will inspire others to work together toward a common goal of lifting mankind, “he said. (NAN)
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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Investment

By Babajide Awoyinfa

Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The General Manager, National Arts Theatre, Tola Akerele, has called for more investment in cultural tourism, creative industries, and multicultural education to further leverage Nigeria’s diversity.

Akerele made the call on Tuesday in Lagos at a World Cultural Day celebration organised by the National Theatre in collaboration with the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP).

The theme of the programme is “Harnessing Cultural Diversity to foster Unity and drive Economic Growth in Nigeria”.

“Cultural diversity is not a liability; it’s an asset waiting to be adequately harnessed.

“By embracing our diversity, we position Nigeria as a global leader – a hub of creativity and ingenuity.”

She highlighted the creative industry’s significant contribution to Nigeria’s GDP, citing the sector’s impressive figures from 2023.

“The creative industry, particularly motion picture and music recording, accounted for roughly N154 billion (approximately 197.6 million U.S. dollars) of Nigeria’s GDP in 2023.

“This figure demonstrates the sector’s vital role in Nigeria’s overall economic landscape,” she said.

According to Akerele, Nigeria’s cultural wealth is a testament to the resilience, creativity, and ingenuity of its people.

“We must recognise and celebrate our differences, rather than allowing them to divide us,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of promoting intercultural dialogue, celebrating Nigeria’s cultural heritage, and exploring ways to harness diversity for economic growth.

Renowned Playwright and Theatre Director, Ben Tomoloju, highlighted the importance of multiculturalism in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in Nigeria.

The playwright defined multiculturalism as “the state of a society or the world in which there exists numerous distinct ethnic and cultural groups seen to be politically relevant.”

Tomoloju urged stakeholders in the cultural industry to explore the potential of Nigeria’s diverse cultural heritage and optimise its commercial benefits.

“I encourage the community of culture producers to take stock of extant manifestations of the Nigerian cultural industry and assess their potential use-value.”

According to him, the democratisation of culture is essential for widening the space for participation of the people in organised cultural life.

Tomoloju emphasised Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, with over 370 ethnic groups, each with its own language and cultural peculiarities.

He acknowledged organisers of the event for their efforts in promoting Nigerian culture.

He also recognised the National Theatre as a legacy of Nigeria’s most ambitious and globally celebrated cultural event-FESTAC 77.

NAN reports that the event featured a vibrant celebration of Nigerian culture, with performances, exhibitions, and discussions showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Guests included dignitaries, cultural icons, and stakeholders from the creative industry. (NAN)

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Edited by Folasade Adeniran