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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.

 

Solaire Logistics’ leader receives well-deserved recognition

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The Managing Director of Solaire Logistics and Supply Chain Ltd, Dr. James Adeyemi, was recently bestowed with the Fellow Award and a Doctor of Philosophy in Global Leadership and Corporate Governance by the Board of Trustees of Leadership Manpower and Management Development.

This recognition stems from his remarkable contributions to the fields of leadership, management, manpower, and development.
The prestigious ceremony, marking ILMM’s 24th induction and investiture event, transpired in Lagos.

During the event, Dr. Theophilus Cornerstone, the Director of Membership at ILMM, encouraged the newly inducted members to uphold the institute’s values and become exemplary ambassadors.

In his post-ceremony remarks, Adeyemi emphasized that genuine leadership entails setting a positive example both within an organization and throughout society.

He also highlighted that ILMM’s strategic positioning signifies its imminent prominence within Africa in the coming years.

Movie Review: Ìjọ̀ngbọ̀n [Ìjàngbọ̀n] is not Ìjọ̀gbọ̀n! 

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Ìjọ̀ngbọ̀n [Ìjàngbọ̀n] is not Ìjọ̀gbọ̀n!

 

On Kúnlé Afọláyan’s new film…

First up, I am not comfortable with the title of the film. It should be Ìjọ̀gbọ̀n or Ìjàngbọ̀n and not Ìjọ̀gbọ̀n!

 

Also, Chaos – the English rendition of the film’s title is wrong. Chaos in Yoruba is synonymous with rúdudùru, ìdàrú, rògbòdìyàn.

 

Ìjọ̀gbọ̀n [Ìjàngbọ̀n] in Yoruba means trouble or worry in English and not chaos. The synonyms of Ìjọ̀ngbọ̀n [Ìjàngbọ̀n] are: ìyọnu and wàhálà.

Now back to the film itself. The plot is a well trodden path. Four Nigerian teenagers – Ruby Akubueze (Oby), Káyọ̀dé Ojúolápé Jr. (Jámíù), Fawaz Àìná (Ọmọọba) and Olúwaṣèyí Ẹ̀biẹ̀súwa (Rántí) accidentally find a pouch of uncut diamonds in the bush and decide to keep them.

 

Not too long, the owners of the diamonds come looking for them and the four teenagers find themselves in deep trouble (Ìjọ̀ngbọ̀n) involving several murders.

The cinematography is top notch and I love it. Compared with Aníkúlápó though, this film is under par. I dislike the use of Yoruglish by some of the actors.

 

The star of the film for me is the adorable Oby (Ruby Akubueze). Her performance is captivating. She shuns materialism and greed, the hydra-headed monster destroying our society today.

 

She teaches us the value of selflessness and the pitfalls of sudden wealth. This should be a great inspiration for our teenagers. Ruby Akubueze is 25 but she looks 15!

 

Yẹmí Ṣóladé (Chief Owónifáàrí) performs beautifully. He displays a no nonsense demeanor. His eloquent use of the Yoruba language is commendable.

 

Kábíyèsí (Bimbọ Manuel), Rev. Ṣàngódoyin (Sam Dede), Bánjọ (Fẹ́mi Branch), Mama Oby (Tana Adélànà), Brọda Kàsálí (Gabriel Afọláyan), Chidera (Àdùnńi Adé) and others all perform well.

 

Is Rántí a coward? Is Jámíu overbearing? What about Ọmọọba? What do you say?

 

Overall, a beautiful film showcasing the Yoruba society to the world.

 

Kudos to Kúnlé Afọláyan and his team.

 

Ire o.

 

Credit: Olobeyonyon

Wema Bank recognizes and provides incentives to educators

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WEMA Bank has demonstrated its dedication to advancing the cause of quality education and recognizing the outstanding contributions within the educational domain by honoring the winners of the Wema Celebrates Teachers competition.

In an official statement, the bank expressed that this initiative was carefully crafted to applaud and acknowledge the extraordinary efforts of educators who have made a substantial and positive impact on the field of teaching.

During the event held in Lagos, WEMA Bank presented substantial cash prizes to the top three teachers who excelled in the competition.

The statement highlights the following awardees: Olawale Gbenusola from Vetland Senior Grammar School, Lagos secured the 1st position and received a generous N2 million cash prize.

Raheem Hassan from Araromi Ilogbo Secondary School, Lagos, claimed the 2nd position with a cash prize of N1.5 million.

Adeniran Adedoyin from Dolphin Junior High School, Lagos, was awarded a cash prize of 1 million naira for securing the 3rd position.

Speaking at the event, the Chief Executive of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, affirmed the bank’s unwavering commitment to fostering excellence and innovation within the education sector.

LP Raises Concerns About INEC’s Efforts to Thwart Ogah’s Appeal

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On Friday, the Labour Party’s leadership expressed concerns regarding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its alleged attempts to hinder their efforts to regain the mandate of their suspended House of Representatives candidate, Amobi Ogah.

This situation arose after a dispute between two INEC lawyers at the appellate court in Lagos.

The party has also appealed to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, urging him to promptly investigate and address this issue.

INEC initially declared Ogah the winner of the Isiukwuato Umunneochi Federal Constituency election, with 11,769 votes, but the election was nullified by the National Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal in Umuahia on September 6, citing non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

During a hearing at the Lagos Appeal Court on Thursday, confusion ensued when two legal practitioners claimed authority to represent INEC.

This led to the Labour Party leadership penning an open letter to INEC Chairman, titled “Open letter to INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, on the show of infamy and dishonor by the commission in election appeal held in Lagos,” pleading for a fair resolution of their candidate’s appeal.

The National Publicity Secretary of the LP, Obiora Ifoh, expressed their belief that this incident was a deliberate act by INEC to obstruct their efforts to reclaim Ogah’s mandate.

He emphasized the need for an investigation into the situation and called on INEC to maintain its integrity in light of the upcoming 2023 general elections.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) does not issue arrest warrants for individuals who have defaulted on loans

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has emphatically denied issuing arrest warrants for loan defaulters, refuting allegations made by certain loan companies. In an official statement posted on the Commission’s authorized platform, the EFCC clarified that they have never issued arrest warrants, as claimed by these companies.

According to the EFCC, some of these loan companies have been sending out documents containing lists of individuals supposedly on the Commission’s fabricated arrest list in an attempt to intimidate defaulters into repaying their loans.

The Commission strongly rebuked such practices and warned these companies to cease their fraudulent activities, asserting that the EFCC is prepared to take legal action against them.

The statement, titled ‘EFCC Does not Issue Arrest Warrant on Loan Defaulters,’ conveys, “The EFCC has been made aware of the dissemination of fabricated documents related to ‘Arrest Warrant Processing,’ ‘Loan Fraud Escalation,’ and other materials by certain loan companies.

These documents falsely attribute their threats against loan defaulters to the EFCC.

“The public is urged to exercise caution when encountering such claims, as it is a well-established fact that the EFCC does not issue arrest warrants for loan defaulters.

Loan companies attempting to associate the Commission with their loan recovery efforts must immediately cease such deceptive practices, as the EFCC is fully prepared to take legal action against them.