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The Future Awards 2023: Full list of winners

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The Future Awards 2023: Full list of winners

The 2023 edition of Future Awards was held on Sunday, October 22, at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos.

 

The event was hosted by singer and actress Vee Iye, along with actor and TV personality James Gardiner.

Here is a complete list of winners below.

Prize for Lawyers — Seyi Bioku Benjamin

Prize for Journalism — Pelumi Salako

Prize for Agriculture — Emmanuel Negedu

Prize for Education — Uchechi Rochas

Entrepreneurship — Lukman Shobowale

Prize for Governance — Hakeem Onasanya

Prize for Intraprenuership — Precious Akpan

Prize for Dance — Seyi Oluyole

Prize for Arts and Literature — Morenike Olusanya

Prize for Photography — Opeyemi Femi Oke

Prize for Film — Ife Olujuyigbe

Prize for Music — Asake

Prize for Acting — Tobi Bakre

Prize for Fashion — Veekee James

Prize for Technology — Victor Fatanmi

Prize for On-Air Personality —Omonhinmin Ilooise

 

 

 

 

MOVIE REVIEW: IJOGBON; A BEAUTY WITH ROUGH EDGES

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Director: Kunle Afolayan

Writer: 
Tunde Babalola

Release date: October 13, 2023

Languages: Yoruba, Igbo and English

Streaming site: Netflix

Rating: 2.5/5

When the sun goes down and the mind is at rest and most receptive, kids are gathered together. And then the aged tell fables about the history and wisdom of the people, subtly hiding life lessons in the various corners of their subconscious minds. These life lessons usually become of help at turning points in their lives. This was the practice in conventional African communities. Kunle Afolayan’s Ijogbon, as is his practice, remiss one of those good old days.

 

The cinematography of Ijogbon is top notch but I blame Kunle Afoloyan for the few rough edges I spotted in the movie as it flowed scene after scene telling the story of blood diamonds, young daredevils and dangerous people. One of such rough edges was the part where those kids were trailing the strange tyre marks in the forest. There were trees all over the place and the teenagers squatting at some point to check out tyre marks at some point when the trails were so obvious to the eyes was just overdoing it.

 

Gabriel Afolayan, Kunle’s brother, on the other hand, outdid himself in role interpretation. That scene where he sat at a pub singing a song about Bisi his lover really did it for me. I laughed so hard. Gabriel is one of the best Nollywood actors today and deserves an accolade for his sterling performance in Ijogbon.

 

I need to also quickly shout out to the four youngsters who played the four friends that discovered some uncut diamonds which formed the bone of contention in the movie.

Ijogbon is the story of four friends who found a bag containing some diamonds which fell from a dead man. This discovery awoke their desire to get out of the seemingly stifling lifestyle of their parents. However, diamonds being bloods got the kids enmeshed in a fast paced chain of events that almost got them killed as many persons got murdered in cold blood.

 

The beauty of the movie lay in the way Afolayan married scenes of an old woman telling a folktale about a strange stone that turned brothers against brothers, with scenes on the four kids and their adventure with the bag of diamonds. Finally after surviving all those who knew about the diamonds, and getting the diamonds as their part of a bargain with a Chinese investor who is interested in mining for diamonds in the village, two of the boys turn against each other and almost throw themselves into a lagoon. Oby, the female among them who happens to be the warrior and deep thinker of the pack reminds them of the folktale about blood diamonds and just as was suggested in the folktale, throws the diamonds into the lagoon. End of movie.

 

Kunle Afolayan scored a strong point in this movie in the area of teenager’s perspective to life. They seem caught between two stages in life; childhood and adulthood. They already understand things and life almost like adults but they still have the strong control of their parents over them. The different survival instincts teenagers develop in their verge to navigate that stage in life smoothly especially with over bearing Nigerian parents, is done justice to in this film. There is also the theme of greed among the adults of the society who would go to evil lengths to satisfy their inordinate quest for easy and quick riches.

 

How about the theme of the white man’s tendency to see the big picture faster than the African. While the Chinese man was able to see an opportunity to get a mine full of diamonds, his Nigerian counterparts were killing themselves over a few diamonds. He was only able to find reasonable men among the teenagers and that was why he killed the adults and struck a deal with the kids.

 

Of course, the tendency for diamonds to be blood diamonds is emphasized. I see it as also as a lesson about the snare of get rich quick syndromes. I believe this is the first Nollywood movie about diamonds that really struck a chord in me. One great thing about Kunle Afolayan movies is his ability to enshroud them with that moonlight story kind of vibe.

 

When the sun goes down and the mind is at rest and most receptive, kids are gathered together and fables about the history and wisdom of the people is narrated to the kids hiding life lessons in various corners of their subconscious minds. These life lessons usually become of help at turning points in their lives.

 

Ijogbon is a suspense thriller about coming of age in Nigeria and it contributes to the conversation about the relationship between Nigerians and expatriates with regard to Nigeria’s natural resources. At some point in the movie, it almost felt like I was watching a documentary about a real life incident in Nigeria. I was asking questions like, “could the story writer know something about this unfavorable deal communities have struck with these expatriate miners allegedly plundering our precious stones? Is it possible this is one of the narratives in one of such communities blessed with precious stone deposits in their land?”

 

I am cocksure that if Kunle had collaborated with another director like Dimeji Ajibola, Ijogbon would have had that missing wow factor. However, I see Ijogbon doing very well at the box office and most likely winning a laurel or two.

The Naira continues its decline, plummeting to an exchange rate of 1,190 Naira per US dollar

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The Nigerian naira continues its downward trajectory due to a growing scarcity of the US dollar.

On Friday, at the parallel market, the naira opened trading at 1,175 naira per dollar and closed at 1,190 naira per dollar, marking a significant decline from its rate of 1,100 naira per dollar just two weeks prior.

In contrast, there was a minor appreciation observed on the Investor & Exporter forex window, where it concluded trading at 808.28 naira per dollar on Friday, slightly up from 810.05 naira per dollar on Thursday, according to data from the FMDQ.

Some Bureau de Change Operators highlighted the dollar’s scarcity, stating that they were struggling to acquire sufficient foreign exchange to offer to customers.

For instance, BDC operator Jubril Mutiu mentioned that they did not even have dollars available at the rate of 1,175 naira per dollar.

This scarcity caused the exchange rate to fluctuate during the day.

The depreciation of the naira is a consequence of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to permit a more flexible exchange rate in June, which has seen it trade at 471.67 naira per dollar on the official market on the FMDQ and 765 naira per dollar on the parallel market.

Dr. Aminu Gwadabe, President of the Association of Bureaux De Change Operators of Nigeria, emphasized the need for full participation of BDCs in the retail segment of the forex exchange market to achieve a stable and strong exchange rate in Nigeria.

He acknowledged the challenges faced by the nation’s forex market and the depreciating naira, calling for cooperation from all stakeholders.

Gwadabe stressed that reversing the trend of naira depreciation and fortifying the local currency would require collaboration, with BDCs playing a crucial role.

He emphasized that, like other market segments, market illiquidity remains a significant concern for the BDC sector and expressed dissatisfaction with unlicensed forex dealers who engage in speculative activities and tarnish the sub-sector’s reputation.

Tragedy on Lagos-Ibadan Highway: Five Lives Lost and 15 Injured in Devastating Collision

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At the Kara Bus Stop section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on a Sunday, an unfortunate auto accident claimed the lives of at least five individuals.

Around 15 others suffered various injuries and are presently under medical care at an undisclosed hospital.

This incident, which took place in the outbound lane from Lagos, involved a truck with the registration number KRD-12HGS, a CRV SUV, and an interstate commercial bus.

The exact cause of the accident remained unknown at the time of reporting.

However, Adebayo Taofiq, the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority, confirmed the accident and the number of casualties in a telephone conversation with one of our correspondents.

He stated, “Five people lost their lives in the collision, and more than 15 injured individuals have been transported to the hospital.

We have personnel from LASTMA and other emergency response teams, including the Federal Road Safety Corps, on the scene.

Our top priority is rescuing the victims before initiating the police investigation.”

In the aftermath of the crash, the ensuing traffic gridlock left both motorists and commuters stranded for hours, with some drivers resorting to driving against the flow of traffic, thereby obstructing vehicles heading towards Lagos.

 

Nigeria Unites in Solidarity with Palestine: Massive Rally in Lagos as Muslims Call for Justice

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A massive rally took place in Lagos yesterday, organized by the Conference of Islamic Organizations (CIO), where various Muslim groups, civil society organizations, students, and Islamic scholars from across the country gathered to demand justice for Palestine and an end to the continuous Israeli bombardment of Gaza.

Among the attendees was Amnesty International (AI) Nigeria representative Auwal Musa Rafsanjani. Demonstrators carried signs with messages such as “Nigeria Unites for Palestine,” “Stop Killing Innocent Women and Children,” and “From the River to the Sea, Palestine Would be Free.”

The rally, known as the “50,000 Man Match,” called on the Nigerian government to suspend diplomatic relations with Israel until a two-state resolution is achieved.

Prof Isa Maishanu, an adviser to the vice chancellor of Afro-Asian University, Somalia, and the Dean of the Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies at Usman Dan Fodiyo University, Sokoto, read a 14-point resolution on behalf of Nigerian Muslims.

The resolution demanded that the international community, led by the United Nations, intervene to stop Israel’s bombardment of Gaza and other parts of Palestine.

The group criticized the United States and the European Union for their support of Israel and stated that Hamas is not a terrorist organization but an elected representative of the Palestinian people engaged in armed resistance against an occupying force.

The general secretary of CIO, Lukman Balogun, emphasized that supporting the oppressed, especially when they are fellow Muslims, is a religious duty.

The NDLEA apprehends a businessman en route to Spain, foiling the smuggling of heroin and meth consignments

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) operatives have apprehended Sherif Egbo Ally, a 40-year-old businessman based in Madrid, Spain, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. He was arrested while trying to board an Air France flight to Paris, France, after illicit drugs were discovered in his system.

Egbo’s arrest took place on October 14th when a body scanner revealed he had concealed wraps of illicit drugs in his stomach.

He was subsequently placed under observation in the Agency’s exhibit recovery room, where he excreted 93 pellets of heroin weighing 2.222 kilograms. In his statement, the suspect admitted to working at a chicken hatchery farm in Madrid, Spain, while also being involved in drug trafficking.

Simultaneously, NDLEA operatives at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos seized a consignment of 10 cartons containing 500,000 pills of tramadol 225mg, branded as tapentadol.

The cargo, shipped from India through Qatar Airways, was purported to be transit cargo to Monrovia, Liberia, but was intercepted due to intelligence sharing between NDLEA and its Liberian counterpart.

Another thwarted attempt involved a passenger named Ngene Chinecherem Oscar, who was trying to export 11.100kgs of skunk and 600 grams of tramadol concealed in foodstuffs through the Lagos airport. NDLEA officers arrested him and seized the illicit substances.

In separate operations, NDLEA officers attached to courier companies intercepted 1kg of methamphetamine concealed in containers of body cream bound for New Zealand, along with a consignment of 2.5kgs of cocaine and phenacetin hidden in carton walls destined for Saudi Arabia.

Two more seizures were made in Lagos, including 112 grams of Dimethyl Sulfone concealed in the hollow of a motor driving shaft going to New Zealand, and a consignment of cocaine and phenacetin packed into a bottle of body cream heading to Saudi Arabia.

In Imo state, operatives intercepted a Mercedes Benz container truck on October 15th, parked along Owerri – Onitsha expressway, leading to the recovery of 168 bags of skunk weighing 1,854 kilograms. Additional seizures of 1,381.3kgs of the same substance occurred in various interdiction operations in parts of Edo state.

Kano state saw the arrest of an ex-convict, Aminu Suleiman, along with two others, while 106kgs of cannabis were recovered from them. Four more suspects were arrested in Kano for dealing in 75.3kgs of skunk.

In the Zone J Command, 478kgs of cannabis were seized in a forest in Ikere Ekiti, and Ondo state command recovered a total of 928kgs of the same substance in various locations. In Borno state, a suspect was arrested with 182kgs of cannabis.

Commands across the 36 states and the FCT continued their War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) sensitization lectures in schools, communities, workplaces, and more, spreading awareness and education about the dangers of drug abuse.

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), commended the efforts of NDLEA officers and called on them to remain vigilant, especially with the increased desperation of criminal networks to profit by any means during the upcoming holiday season.

Rema, Yemi Alade, Roseline Layo, Davido… Here’s the Complete List of Winners from the Inaugural Trace Awards.

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Trace, the global music powerhouse and Afro-music tastemaker, hosted its inaugural Trace Awards 2023 on October 21, 2023, at the BK Arena in Kigali, Rwanda. The event aimed to honor the creativity, talent, and impact of African and Afro-inspired music and artists. With over 150 artists nominated, the awards ceremony celebrated the excellence and diversity of Afro-centric music, spanning genres like Afrobeat, Dancehall, Hip Hop, Afro-pop, Mbalax, Amapiano, Zouk, Kizomba, Genge, Coupé Décalé, Bongo Flava, Soukous, Gospel, Rap, Rai, Kompa, R&B, and Rumba.

The awards ceremony, which was hosted by Nigerian music veteran D’Banj alongside Angolan global supermodel Maria Borges, featured a star-studded lineup of performers, including DavidoYemi AladeBlack Sherif, Kizz Daniel and more.

This year’s nominees included stars like Davido, Burna BoyBlxckie, Yemi Alade, Libianca, and DJ Maphorisa, among others. If you weren’t able to tune in, here are the winners of the Trace Awards 2023.

  • Best Music Video – “Baddie” Yemi Alade (Nigeria)
  • Best Artist France & Belgium – Tayc (France)
  • Best Producer – Tam Sir (Ivory Coast)
  • Best Artist North Africa – Dystinct (Morocco)
  • Best Artist UK – Central Cee
  • Best Artist Indian Ocean – Goulam (Comoros)
  • Best Artist Francophone Africa – Didi B (Ivory Coast)
  • Best DJ – Michael Brun (Haiti) 
  • Best Gospel Artist – KS Bloom (Ivory Coast)
  • Best Artist The Caribbean – Rutshelle Guillaume (Haiti) 
  • Best Artist Anglophone Africa – Asake (Nigeria)
  • Best Global African Artist – Rema
  • Best Newcomer – Roseline Layo (Ivory Coast)
  • Best Collaboration – “Unavailable” – Davido (Nigeria) with Musa Keys (South Africa)
  • Best Dancer – Robot Boii (South Africa) 
  • Best Artist Lusophone Africa – Lisandro Cuxi (Cape Verde)
  • Changemaker Trace Award – Mr Eazi (Nigeria)
  • Best Live – Fally Ipupa (DRC)
  • Lifetime Achievement Award – 2Baba (Nigeria)
  • Album of the Year – “Love Damini” – Burna Boy (Nigeria)
  • Best Female Artist – Viviane Chidid (Senegal)
  • Best Male Artist – Davido (Nigeria)

Nominate the Best! Africa’s Actors of the Year 2023

It’s that time of the year again when we celebrate the outstanding talents that grace our screens and captivate our hearts. We’re excited to announce the call for nominations for “Ranks Africa’s Actors of the Year 2023 in Nigeria.”

If you have a favorite actor or actress whose stellar performances have left a lasting impression, here’s your chance to shine the spotlight on them!

How to Nominate:

  1. Send an email to info@ranksafrica.com
  2. Include the nominee’s name and a brief explanation of why you believe they deserve to be recognized.

Deadline for nominations: Entries officially close on November 13, 2023.

Let’s come together to celebrate the talent and dedication of our beloved actors who bring stories to life on the big and small screens.

Thank you for being a part of the Ranks Africa community. Your voice matters, and we can’t wait to see who you choose as the Actors of the Year!

Nominate the Best! Africa’s Most Innovative Entrepreneurs 2023

Do you know someone making waves with innovative ideas, reshaping industries, and leaving an indelible mark in Nigeria’s business landscape? Now is your chance to shine a spotlight on their excellence!

Ranks Africa invites you to nominate your preferred individuals for the prestigious title of Most Innovative Entrepreneurs 2023. Recognize those who inspire change, drive innovation, and contribute significantly to the entrepreneurial spirit in Nigeria.

How to Nominate: Send your nominations to info@ranksafrica.com

Deadline for Nominations: Entries officially close on November 13, 2023.

Let’s celebrate the driving forces behind Nigeria’s innovation revolution. Nominate now and be part of recognizing brilliance and ingenuity!

Michelle, the daughter of Mercy Aigbe, celebrates her graduation from a Canadian university

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Actress Mercy Aigbe was deeply moved when her daughter, Michelle, completed her studies at a Canadian University.

The Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, was filled with joy as her first child, Michelle Gentry, achieved her degree at the University of Manitoba in Canada.

Mercy, alongside her husband Kazim Adeoti and her colleague Kemi Afolabi, was present to celebrate this special occasion. She shared a video capturing the heartfelt moment when she shed tears of pride while witnessing her daughter’s graduation.

Captioning the touching moment, she expressed her immense pride and attributed all the glory to her creator.

“She did it, I did it, We did it, God did it.
@michelleio_ I am super proud of you.
Congratulations my love! @michelleio_ To God be all the glory, honor, and adoration”.

Taking to her comment section, the likes of Iyabo Ojo, Mary Njoku, Ayo Makun, Phyna, Wumi Toriola, Bukunmi Oluwasina, and more rejoiced with her.

Iyabo Ojo wrote, “Congratulations to both of you, my life, yes. She did it

Priscilla Ojo wrote, “Awwwnnn. Congratulations

Faithia Williams wrote, “Congratulations Michelle

Cute Abiola wrote, “I congratulate you specially

Kie Kie wrote, “Congratulations Mama

Kazim Adeoti wrote, “To God alone be the glory. Congratulations to you darlings

Mo Bimpe wrote, “Awwww big congratulations big baby

Wumi Toriola wrote, “Awwn congratulations sis and Michelle. Thanks for making your mum

Omowunmi Ajiboye wrote, “A very huge congratulations to you both. So beautiful

Bukunmi Oluwasina wrote, “Awwnnn. Congratulations darling

Phyna wrote, “Congratulations

Solomon Olayinka wrote, “I am highly super proud of you. Ma’am, we shall all witness this day in our children’s life. I’m so emotional

Mary Njoku wrote, “Wow! Congratulations

Ayo Makun wrote, “Congratulations. Awesome mummy’s movement”.

Earlier this year, Michelle orchestrated a heartwarming surprise for her mother, Mercy Aigbe, on her 45th birthday, even though they were miles apart.

Through a thoughtful arrangement of money boxes, balloons, heartfelt birthday cards, and a plethora of gifts, Michelle managed to make her mother’s special day even more remarkable.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Mercy Aigbe couldn’t contain her tears as they streamed down her face.

In a touching reunion last year, Mercy Aigbe and her daughter, Michelle, shared a deeply emotional moment.

The renowned actress was on vacation in Canada, where Michelle was pursuing her education.

The mother and daughter duo came together, and in that poignant moment, Michelle held onto her mother tightly, unable to hold back her own tears.

Video 1:

 

@realmercyaigbe

She Did it, I Did it, We Did it, GOD DID IT 🙏

@michelleio__ i am super proud of you 👏

Congratulations my love! @michelleio__ To God be all the glory, honor and adoration 🙏

 

Video 2:

 

 

@realmercyaigbe
Super proud of you girl @michelleio__ congratulations my love 😍😍😍😍

Epistle loading……, Brb 🥺

#latestgraduate🎓 #classof2023🎉🎓🎉🎓✨ #alhamdulillah🙏

 

Video 3:

 

@realmercyaigbe:

An Open Letter To My Amazing Daughter.

Dear Michelle @michelleio__ ,

For 22 years you have been constant in my life,we have cried together ,laughed together,experienced life together.

I remember when i decided you will be going to study abroad,I was so scared of so many things but you kept assuring me you will be fine.
I cried so many times because i was so worried about you leaving my side but today I am so thankful that i made that decision.

Look at you. Look at how far you have come.
I am so thankful to be a huge part of your life and the wonder God is making out of your life.
In the past years, i have seen you face your fears, gone through the things life brought and come out just fine. You have grown to be this Smart, Very Brilliant, Extremely Hardworking, Intelligent young woman and i’m loving it 😍
I tell you every single time and i am saying it again; I AM VERY PROUD OF YOU MICHELLE.. Thank you for not throwing the morals and values I taught you away, Thank you for always remembering the daughter of who you are. ❤️
You make me so happy and i pray that this feeling is forever. 🙏

As you move on to a new season in life. I pray that God Almighty will hold you by the hand and guide you. You will not falter, you will not stumble. He will keep you and be everything that you need him to be for you in every step of the way.

Michelle, Look at you, Gorgeous, Intelligent, God Fearing, Prayerful, A Goal Getter, Brilliant, Calm, Humble, Tenacious, Smart, Respectful, Caring , so Gracious and a Good Cook 🤤(your jollof rice in particular 😂😍🤤)

I love you wholeheartedly my darling daughter 😍

Thank you for making Momma Proud 🥲 😍

Congratulations once again my love @michelleio__ 🏆🏆

Signed::
Mom of the latest Graduate, Mummy Michelle 😁
Mercy Aigbe ..

N.B Thank you @diamonddropss for putting Michelle’s outfit together at such a short notice 😁😍

Congratulations Michelle Gentry Mercy Aigbe.