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Author: Taiye Baiyerohi

  • NATOP markets Kwara’s tourist attractions for global exploration 

    Tourism
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 14, 2024 (NAN) The Nigeria Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) says it will be committed to  marketing tourism attractions in the state of Kwara during its forthcoming 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM).
    Mrs Ime Udo, National President of NATOP, who disclosed this during a virtual media briefing in Lagos on Friday, said the AGM had been slated to hold from July 17 to July 20 in Ilorin, Kwara.
    Udo said the essence of marketing the sites was to attract local and international tourists to the state and most especially, the ancient city of Ilorin.
    According to her, the association is in partnership with the Kwara Government to host the AGM.
    “It has always been our tradition to host our AGM in different states of the federation to deliberately put searchlight on the tourism potential in each state.
    “Our 8th AGM would hold from July 17 to July 20 in Ilorin, Kwara state. So, we have planned to market most of the sites in Kwara state as local and global choice destinations.
    “We will be visiting Sobi Hills, Owu falls, the University of Ilorin Zoological Garden and iconic places where local fabrics of Aso-oke are made.
    “We were in Ekiti last year. We did the same marketing for the state and we are set to do it again in Kwara state this time,” she said.
    According to Udo, states have become eager to host NATOP AGM annually,which she said, is a testament to the success of previous AGMs.
    Udo revealed the theme for the AGM as “Tourism as Catalyst for Progress, Peace and Partnership”.
    She said the theme was carefully coined to address salient issues of insecurity and the need for tourism industry players to improve on collaborations.
    Speaking further on the AGM, Mrs Bolaji Mustapha, Deputy President of NATOP, who also doubles as the Chairperson, Planning  Committee for the AGM, said July 18 would feature a conference at the Banquet Hall, GRA, Ilorin.
    According to her, this segment of the programme will have a keynote speaker address important issues in the industry, as well as panel sessions.
    “July 17 is for arrivals. For 18th, we will hold the conference. On the 19th, we will have the city tour of Ilorin while every delegate returns to their destination on July 20.
    “As tour operators, we want to encourage Nigerians to travel within the country. That is the reason we go extra miles to identify hidden tourism sites and promote them.
    “During the AGM, we will have a tour of Ilorin. We will have each local government area showcase all their cultural and tourism endowments so that all tour operators present will be better informed on what to market.
    “We are set to open Kwara state up for tourism,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Vivian Ihechu

  • Nigeria among top 5 countries streaming Amapiano- Spotify

     

    Nigeria among top 5 countries streaming Amapiano- Spotify

    Amapiano

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos June 14, 2024 (NAN) Online streaming platform, Spotify, says Nigeria, South Africa, United States, United Kingdom and Germany are the top five countries that have streamed Amapiano music in the last 10 years.

    Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music in Sub Saharan Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of Amapiano music.

    Amapiano, meaning “the pianos in Zulu, is a subgenre of Kwaito and house music that emerged in South Africa in 2014.

    It is a hybrid of deep house, jazz and lounge music characterised by synths and wide percussive bass lines

     

    Okumu said in 2023, the South African dance genre hit over 1.4 billion streams on Spotify.

    “South Africa, United States Of America, United Kingdom, Nigeria and Germany are the top five countries streaming Amapiano in the last 10 years.

    “The top five Amapiano playlists in 2024 are: AMAPIANO grooves, SoulPiano, Beast Mode Amapiano, Amapiano 101 and Amapiano Rising.

    “Top 10 Amapiano artistes streamed in Nigeria in the last 10 years are: Focalistic, DJ Maphorisa, Tyler ICU, Titom, Yuppe, Kabza De Small, Mellow and Sleazy, Tumelo_za, Uncle Waffles and Justin99.

    “One of the most affirming parts of watching Amapiano explode over the past decade is seeing how people use it for self-expression,’’ Okumu said.

    She said that the genre had recorded over 345 per cent growth in 2023, with critical assessment from 2014.

    She said Amapiano attracted over 153,000 per cent growth in export in 2023 compared with critical assessment from 2014.

    She noted that the genre attracted 87 per cent growth of female artistes in 2023 compared to 2022.

    She said that 40 per cent of Amapiano listeners were between the age of 18 and 24.

    “The Amapiano’s influence on the music culture in South Africa, and beyond has seen the world grip in an Amapiano frenzy from dance challenges to inspired collaborations and fusions.

    “This international phenomenon is reflected in Nigeria, where Amapiano listenership increased by 181 per cent between 2023 and 2024.

    “This critical influence has led to the launch of ‘A Decade of Amapiano’.

    “This is a site looking at the past decade of Amapiano and its different key influences, complemented by an on-platform Amapiano destination with pivotal playlists and podcast for anyone wishing to learn more about the genre’s origins, sounds and future,” she said.

    Okumu noted that COVID-19 pandemic proved to be a game-changing year for Amapiano’s growth on the platform.

    She said in 2020, the genre hit its first 100 million streams, followed by an impressive 300 million streams in 2021, further solidifying its rising popularity.

    “A Decade of Amapiano, launches today, 14 June, in the lead up to South Africa’s commemoration of Youth Day.

    “The 16th of June marks a historical turning point for the country’s youth and their quest for freedom and justice.

    “Today they use Amapiano as a platform to amplify their voices, freely express their aspirations and showcase their resilience and creativity.

    “In June 2023, Spotify launched “Afrobeats: Journey of a billion streams”, a website dedicated to celebrating the Afrobeats genre.

    “Spotify through ‘A Decade of Amapiano’ reinforces its commitment to supporting the growth of home-grown music genres in Africa,” she said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

     

     

     

  • Tinubu endorses Abibatu Mogaji stage project

    Seyi Tinubu and Ola Awakan
    Tinubu endorses Abibatu Mogaji stage project
    Project
    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, has endorsed a stage play to immortalise his grandmother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.

    The play, “Abibatu Mogaji, the Opera”, is written by renowned playwright, Prof. Ahmed Yerima, and produced by Ola Awakan.

    The play tells the story of Mogaji, a business magnate and the Ìyál’ọ́jà of Lagos, who withered all storm to become successful, and also raised a child who is now the president of Nigeria.

    She was born Oct. 16, 1916, and died June 15, 2013.

    Tinubu gave the endorsement when Awakan paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday.

    He said he was excited to see his grandmother  being immortalised through the arts.
    He promised to give his support and always collaborate on any meaningful project geared toward national development.

    The command performance of the stage production will hold July 9 at the New Banquet Hall, Presidential Villa, Abuja, with President Tinubu as the special guest of honour.

    Awakan said he was happy to have the president’s son as a major collaborator in the project.
    He said the project was to celebrate the strength of motherhood by spotlighting the pains, joy, struggle and successes of Mama Mogaji, to highlight the benefits of political mentorship.
    According to Awakan, there will be additional performances on July 11, at the NAF Centre, Abuja and July 14, at the Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos.(NAN) (nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Democracy Day: Ebenezer Obey offers prayers for Nigerian leaders, citizens

     

    Nigerian Juju Musician, Ebenezer Obey

     

     

    Prayers
    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Legendary Nigerian Juju musician, Ebenezer Obey, on Wednesday offered prayers for Nigerian leaders and citizens in general on the celebration of Democracy Day and 25 years of unbroken democracy.

    Obey, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview said that prayers would conquer all forms of challenges currently confronting the masses.

    He advised Nigerians to pray fervently for the nation.

    He said: “On a day like this, it is an opportunity to pray for our leaders, from the President to the vice president, the governors and all other leaders.
    “I pray for them all. May God visit Nigeria and hear our prayers, let this country witness progress and every good things we lack today, help us change things for the better.
    “I pray that God intervenes in our various challenges and gives us the ability to cooperate to get back to better times.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Veteran Nollywood actor, “Sule Suebebe”, is dead

    The Cleric, Agbala Gabriel with late Actor, Dayo Adewunmi

     

     

    Death

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Veteran Nollywood actor, Dayo Adewunmi, popularly known as “Sule Suebebe”, is dead.

    The Yoruba actor died on Wednesday after several months of protracted illness.

    Popular Ibadan-based cleric and philanthropist, Ademola Amusan, popularly known as “Agbala Gabriel”, disclosed this on his Facebook page, “Agbala Gabriel Global Page”.

    The cleric, founder of Agbala Gabriel Apostolic Church wrote: “It’s a pity, Baba Suebebe died at the hospital this morning. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cleric has been instrumental to raising funds for the actor’s medical bills and in 2023 he provided him with a new house.

    Sule Suebebe, a comic actor, had featured in over 100 movies.

    He is popularly known for his roles in Suku Suku Bam Bam (2004) and Ago Kan Oru (2003).

    Aside from being an actor, he is was an MC and a TV presenter.

    He also had a YouTube channel, Suebebe TV, where he produced films propagating the Yoruba culture and language.(NAN) (nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Film distribution: Actor Chidi Mokeme lauds creation of BRS Studios

     

     

    Nollywood Actor, Ramsey Nouah; Founder of Blue Pictures Cinema, Joy Odiete and renowned filmmaker, Chris Odeh

     

    Film

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Nollywood actor, Chidi Mokeme, has commended the establishment of BRS Studios, a platform to enhance film content, deepen distribution and improve creativity in audiovisual works from Africa.

    BRS Studios was established by Joy Odiete, Founder of Blue Pictures Cinema; Nollywood actor, Ramsey Nouah and renowned filmmaker, Chris Odeh, recently in Lagos.

    Mokeme, in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos said the initiative was insightful.

    He described it as the right tool to further entrench the African cinema which is blessed with abundant talents.

    “The platform will definitely take the industry further, because it will allow creatives the opportunity to explore their imaginations unrestrained by resources and logistics.”

    He said that the partnering companies had clearly stated that the joint venture would serve as a special vehicle to push projects of greater proportions while pursuing their individual businesses and specialties.

    He noted that the trio were bringing their different experiences and expertise in scriptwriting, directing, production management, as well as marketing to create a world class audio-visual outlet out of Africa.

    Also, renowned filmmaker, Charles Novia, said Nollywood was in need of such collaborations to enable it attain the desired heights.

    “We have been stressing the need for this kind of partnership in the industry. I am happy that BRS has set the stage rolling in this regard.

    “I would not be surprised to see others copying this initiative under various guises and names; the fact remains that this is good for Nollywood,” he said.

    Film producer, Uzodimma Okpechi, enjoined the team to give the platform the commitment it deserved so that the set goals would be realised.

    Ramsey Nouah, with over three decades of acting and more than 200 movies to his credit, owns Ramsey Films and has directed the remakes of classics like ‘Living in Bondage – Breaking Free’ and ‘Rattlesnake’.

    Joy Odiete, the producer of ‘Gone’, ‘Money Miss Road’ and ‘Owambe’ amongst others is the brain behind Blue Pictures, a renowned local and international independent film distributor/film sales agent.

    She has been a sub distributor to Warner Brothers Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures, Black Sheep Entertainment and other independent studios in the U.S., UK and South Africa for over 19 years.

    Chris Odeh has almost 20 years experience in the film and TV industry. He has also produced over 15 films, including Rattlesnake – The Ahanna Story, Choke, Nneka, the Pretty Serpent, Aki and Pawpaw, Love, Lust and Tokunbo, amongst others

    He is the Senior Producer of Sozo Films and Ramsey Films, and a consulting producer for Play Network Studios, Blue Pictures, Take Out Media and Urbane Productions. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Democracy: Adewale Ayuba releases new musical album, “Isé Olúwa”

    Fuji Musician, Adewale Ayuba

     

    Democracy: Adewale Ayuba releases new musical album, “Isé Olúwa”

    Album

    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Legendary Fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba, popularly known as “Mr Johnson”, is set to release a new musical album titled “Isé Olúwa”, in commemoration of this year’s Democracy Day celebration.

    Ayuba disclosed this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

    According to him, the four-track album to be released on June 14 is aimed at pacifying Nigerians on current economic challenges.

    “One of the tracks, “Humility”, emphasises the fact that Nigeria is not a destroyed nation, while the slogan “Nigeria ko wo”, repeatedly emphasised in the song means ‘Nigeria is not collapsed’.”

    He said the song was for listeners to know that the nation will survive the current economic hardship and in no time revert to good old days.

    “The tracks in Isé Olúwa album are: ‘Humility’, ‘Jo’folorun’, ‘Jafo Authority’ and ‘Bonsue On The Go USA’. I came up with this album to deliberately speak to Nigerians in a way of advice.

    “We all know that we have not elected a president from America or other climes, we elected a Nigerian like us. So, we should exercise patience, support the government and make things work again.

    “Current economic challenges did not start today and no one can say that President Bola Tinubu is not working, we must be consistent in our prayers for our leaders, for divine help.

    “I also emphasise the need to show love, which  Yoruba people refer to as ‘Ife Eleyele’. This is the kind of love exhibited by the pigeons, unequalled love that will not make an individual to jettison his or her neighbours, friends and relatives, in face of challenges.

    “When we exhibit this, we will have a sane society,” he said.

    Ayuba said that the album would be accessible on all musical distribution platform when released.

    He urged his fans across the globe to watch out for the release and position their minds to be inspired through the songs.

    Emphasising on the need to exhibit love to one another, the Bonsue-crooner said Nigerians must be ready to jettison tribal, religious and political differences to move forward. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Hoteliers laud FG’s ban on lodging of underage girls

    Eze Patrick Anyanwu, National President, Nigeria Hoteliers Association and Chief Jamiu Talabi, President of Lagos Hoteliers Association

     

     

    Hoteliers laud FG’s ban on lodging of underage girls

    Ban
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Nigerian Hoteliers Association (NHA) on Tuesday lauded the Federal Government’s ban on lodging of underage girls in hotels across the country.
    The association described this as  a step in the right direction.
    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye, on June 8 in Abuja announced the federal government’s plan to ban lodging of underage girls in hotels across the country.
    The minister said the ban will  take effect from June 20.
    Kennedy-Ohanenye cautioned hoteliers nationwide against accommodating underage girls in their facilities, as defaulters will face sanctions.

    She mandated them to put up a ‘No Lodging of Underage Girls’ signage outside their facilities.

    Eze Patrick Anyanwu, National President of NHA, while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview said “encouraging underage girls access into hotels is a way of promoting prostitution and must be discouraged”.
    Anyanwu said that hoteliers would cooperate with the federal government to implement the ban and ensure full adherance.
    “Accommodating underage girls in hotels is not good, we are in support of federal government’s decision and I will also seize this opportunity to tell fellow hotel operators to begin to reject lodging of underage girls even before the implementation begins.
    “Lodging underage girls will continue to promote prostitution, these are girls who are supposed to be in school or be positively engaged somewhere.
    “We will make sure we assist government in implementing this, to have a sane society and raise responsible girls,” he said.
    Anyanwu noted that there were also other important issues government needed to wade into as it relates with hoteliers’ operations.
    “I urge the federal government to encourage hoteliers by way of giving out grants, tax exemptions and waiver as the case may be.
    “Hoteliers are only straggling to remain in business considering the current economic hardship, hike in fuel and diesel prices as well as electricity tarrif.
    “We are only struggling to stay in business, we do ridiculous things to remain in business.
    “We want government to look in our direction and take positive steps to help us just the way the ban of lodging of underage girls will be done.
    “We have not enjoyed government support at all, we are the ones who accomodate their guests, we create employment and contribute maximally to boosting the nation’s Gross Domestic Product,” he said.
    Also,  Chief Jamiu Talabi, President, Lagos Hoteliers Association (LHA), commended the government’s decision.
    Talabi said that LHA at various organised forums usually emphasises to its members to stop lodging underage persons.
    “Any hotelier in his or her right senses should know this is wrong, we have been reiterating this in our conferences, seminars. So, it is something we have always paid cognisance to.
    “It is also against the ethics of our profession,” he said.
    Talabi called on the Lagos State Government to expedite action in streamlining the multiple taxes given to hotel operators to pay.
    He also appealed to the state government to help in cushioning the effect of economic hardship on hoteliers, by giving grants.
    “Lagos state came up with series of money driven agencies who are also supposed to be carrying out corporate social responsibilities like LASEPA, LASTMA and the safety commission.
    “When they come for enforcement, they usually come with lorry loads of security men and this scares our customers. This is not normal in a civilised society.
    “The state is always after revenue collection, they should also be concerned about business survival.
    “Many of us are living from hand to mouth. We cannot even afford to pay N60,000 to our staff,  which is being proposed as minimum wage by government.
    “Government is not encouraging us, we are not lazy, we will be happy if we gain access to grants. Taxes should come with human face,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • Nigerian chef attempts to break GWR grilling marathon

    Challenge
    By Taiye Olayemi
    Lagos, June 10, 2024 (NAN) A Nigerian accountant turned chef, Edwin Akinsowon, is attempting to break a Guinness World Record (GWR) of 80 hours in grilling.
    He is attempting to set a new record of 82 hours or more.
    Akinsowon, an indigene of Ondo State, in a statement on Monday said that the activity would start from 1.00 a.m. on June 15 until he is able to break the record.
    He noted that drawing from his diverse background and motivated by a deep-seated belief in achieving the extraordinary, he aimed to grill for over 82 hours, surpassing the current record of 80 hours.
    According to him, the activity will take place beside Kayser Restaurant, Victoria Island, Lagos.
    “To break the record, I must grill for over 81 hours in a public area, adhering to specific guidelines set by Guinness World Records.
    “I plan to grill for more than 82 hours, using only charcoal as modern grilling machines are not permitted.
    “The event will be open to the public, and I’ll have a medical certificate to ensure the quality and safety of the food,” he said.
    Akinsowon described himself as a passionate griller and aspiring world champion, with a background in accounting and a deep love for the culinary arts.
    He said his journey from an arts student to a record-breaking hopeful was a story of perseverance and unwavering belief in the power of dreams.
    On the inspiration behind this ambitious attempt, Akinsowon said, “Motivation is an inner drive that pushes you beyond expectations.
    “I have always believed that nothing is impossible. Though I was an arts student in secondary school and later studied accounting in higher education, I found my true calling in the restaurant business.
    “Learning to grill from my grandfather in Ondo town ignited my passion for barbecue.”
    He noted that his attempt toward this record-breaking attempt began two years ago and had engaged an expert trainer in 2023 who dedicated a month to honing his grilling skills.
    “From childhood, I envisioned myself as a world champion. Working in a restaurant solidified my dream of achieving greatness through grilling.
    “However, the path has not been without challenges, financial constraints and a demanding work ethic have been significant hurdles, but my determination to succeed keeps me going.
    “Managing rest breaks and staying active throughout the attempt will be crucial. Guinness allows only rest breaks, not sleeping time. I aim to remain active for the full four days,
    “The Lagos state government is providing emergency services to ensure safety and all foods prepared will undergo government approval to maintain high standards.
    “I solicit for private and public companies’ support, federal and state government support as I will be embarking on the journey.
    “We are inviting everybody to come and experience greatness at the venue,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran

  • MultiChoice Nigeria to appeal tribunal’s N150m fine, free subscription

    MultiChoice Nigeria to appeal tribunal’s N150m fine, free subscription
    Tribunal
    By Taiye Olayemi

    Lagos, June 8, 2024 (NAN) MultiChoice Nigeria says it will appeal Friday’s ruling of the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal in Abuja, which awarded a N150 million fine against it for challenging the court’s jurisdiction.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tribunal had fined MultiChoice Nigeria the sum of N150 million for disobeying its order.

     

    The order had restrained the pay-TV company from increasing its monthly subscription pending the determination of the suit brought before it by an Abuja-based lawyer, Festus Onifade.

    The tribunal also ordered the pay-TV company to provide its Nigerian customers with a one-month free subscription to its DStv and GOtv packages.

    In a statement, MultiChoice reacted as it said that it disagreed with the ruling and would file an appeal against it.

    The statement read in part: “MultiChoice Nigeria is aware of the recent ruling by the Competition and Consumer Protection Tribunal regarding its jurisdiction to entertain a price regulation matter.

    “We disagree with the ruling, and will therefore file an appeal against the said ruling.

    “As the matter is currently sub-judice, we are restrained from making further comments.” (NAN) (nannews.ng)
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    Edited by Folasade Adeniran