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Why I was compelled to immerse myself in the lagoon – Farida Sobowale

Farida Abdulkabir, a well-known socialite from Lagos State who goes by the name Farida Sobowale, recently opened up about her decision to contemplate jumping into a lagoon on the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

Farida, also the owner of House of Phreedah, attributed her actions to a combination of factors including frustrations, a failed marriage, and other challenges she was facing.

She shared in a widely circulated voice note on social media that her high-profile marriage with fellow Lagos socialite Demola Okulaja ended just two months after a lavish wedding, amounting to a N100 million affair.

Distraught and overwhelmed by depression due to the fallout of her marriage, Farida decided to end her life, and there was a distressing moment captured on video where she was being urged not to jump into the lagoon.

Eventually, she was safely taken away in her black SUV to an undisclosed location.

Farida Sobowale, known for her fair complexion and her ownership of a beauty lounge and spa on Akerele Street in Surulere, recounted how she had been warned by friends and family about her marriage decision, with concerns that her spouse was interested in her wealth.

Despite the warnings, her emotions led her to pursue the marriage, believing in promises of love, children, and a future together.

Regretfully, Farida expressed her remorse for putting her children through such a traumatic situation and acknowledged that she wouldn’t have forgiven herself for abandoning them had she followed through with her suicidal thoughts.

She also extended forgiveness to her ex-husband and expressed her hope that he finds happiness with a new partner.

The aftermath of Farida’s broken marriage saw both her and Demola engaging in heated conflicts on social media, where they revealed deeply personal family secrets, exchanged hurtful remarks, and resorted to name-calling.

This episode serves as a somber reminder of the complex emotional toll that can accompany high-profile relationships and the importance of seeking support during challenging times.

Over the course of seven years, Nigerians have embraced Bolt for an impressive 250 million rides

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Bolt, the ride-hailing company, has marked a significant achievement as it celebrates a decade of operation across Europe and Africa. During its journey, over 250 million rides have been taken by Nigerians and residents of Nigeria since its establishment in 2016.

The company revealed that users of its app have collectively traveled more than 3 billion kilometers. With a presence in 45 countries and 500 cities, Bolt has garnered a customer base exceeding 150 million individuals.

These customers engage with various services provided by Bolt, which encompass ride-hailing, micro-mobility services like scooter and e-bike rentals, food and grocery deliveries, as well as unique offerings like Bolt Drive and Bolt Business for car-sharing and corporate mobility solutions.

Remarkably, Bolt’s network of partners, comprising drivers and couriers, has surpassed 3.5 million, with more than one million operating solely in Africa.

The Country Manager for Nigeria, Yahaya Mohammed, emphasized the company’s unwavering commitment to safety, affordability, and reliability for all users.

Despite economic challenges, Bolt remains dedicated to its exceptional service standards and intends to collaborate closely with driver partners, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders to foster the growth of the ride-hailing sector in Nigeria.

Bolt’s strides in Nigeria are evident through the introduction of innovative safety measures, such as the audio trip recording feature.

This feature empowers both drivers and riders to initiate audio recordings of their trips within the Bolt app, providing a solution to situations where discomfort may arise during the ride.

As Bolt continues to evolve, its focus on enhancing the ride-hailing experience and ensuring the well-being of its users and partners remains at the forefront of its mission.

Falana files a lawsuit against CBN, alleging that the floating of the naira is ‘unlawful’.

Prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has strongly criticized the decision by the Central Bank of Nigeria to allow the naira to float freely against international currencies, a move he deems illegal.

Falana has taken legal action to challenge this decision, asserting that it goes against the provisions outlined in the CBN Act.

On June 14, the naira’s value was reportedly allowed to fluctuate between 730 and 755 against the dollar at the Investors and Exporters window.

This alleged instruction from the CBN prompted commercial banks to enable the free float of the naira. Presently, the CBN’s official website lists the exchange rate as N744 to N746.

During a recent appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Falana argued that the CBN’s mandate, as stipulated by the CBN Act, includes the responsibility to set the exchange rate.

He emphasized that the concept of allowing market forces to determine the naira’s value is absent from the law.

Falana is currently pursuing legal action against the Central Bank of Nigeria in the Federal High Court, citing Section 16 of the CBN Act, which explicitly places the duty of determining the naira’s exchange rate on the central bank.

He also pointed out Section 20(1) of the Act, which designates the official legal tender in Nigeria as the currency notes issued solely by the Central Bank, specifically referring to the naira.

Highlighting Section 20(5) of the CBN Act, Falana noted that using any currency other than the naira within Nigeria without the central bank’s approval is considered an offense punishable by a six-month prison term.

Falana emphasized that the real solution lies in strengthening the naira’s status as the exclusive legal tender in Nigeria, expressing concern that temporary measures such as allocating N5 billion to each state and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as palliatives serve to divert attention from addressing the underlying issue.

In Falana’s view, these measures fail to address the core problem, which is the growing dollarization of Nigeria’s economy.

He cautioned that any palliatives announced would ultimately be consumed by the persistent dollarization trend, unless substantive steps are taken to reverse the situation.

Venita Akpofure, The Unpredictable Star of #BBNaijaAllstars

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In the dynamic world of reality television, where staying relevant is a constant challenge, Venita has emerged as a shining star in the #BBNaijaAllstars edition. Her ability to consistently provide captivating and unpredictable content has made her the talk of the show. From her unexpected SHIP with Adekunle Olopade to her unwavering determination to win, Venita has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with. Despite her long-standing presence in the entertainment industry and being one of the oldest in the #BBNaija house this year, Venita has managed to captivate audiences and build a new fanbase.

One cannot deny the impact Venita has had on the #BBNaija show. Amidst a sea of shining stars, she has managed to shine even brighter with her daily dose of unpredictability. Venita’s ability to keep viewers on their toes and generate engaging content sets her apart from the rest. Her love lifestyle with Adekunle Olopade took everyone by surprise, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about content of the season. Venita’s willingness to embrace vulnerability has resonated with audiences, catapulting her to the forefront of the show.

Despite her extensive experience in the entertainment industry, Venita’s presence in the #BBNaija house has allowed her to reach a whole new audience and create a fresh fanbase. Her authenticity, relatability, and ability to connect with viewers have endeared her to many. Venita’s determination to win the show has only strengthened her appeal, as fans admire her unwavering focus and drive. With each passing day, Venita continues to solidify her position as a fan favorite, leaving a lasting impact on the #BBNaijaAllstars edition.

Venita’s journey in the #BBNaija house is a testament to her unwavering determination and resilience. Despite her past achievements and industry experience, she entered the house with the intention to win, and she has left no stone unturned in pursuit of that goal. Venita’s ability to adapt, engage, and surprise viewers with her compelling content is praiseworthy. She has demonstrated that age and experience are not barriers to success, and her determination serves as an inspiration to both aspiring entertainers and fans alike.

As the competition heats up, we applaud Venita for her unwavering focus and commend her for giving the #BBNaija show the content it desperately needed.

Ilebaye: From Lemon to Lemonade – A Journey of Resilience in the #BBNaijaAllstars House

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In the unpredictable realm of reality television, where opportunities and challenges go hand in hand, Ilebaye’s story stands out as a testament to the power of resilience and determination. As a former #BBNaija Level Up Season Housemate in 2022, she left prematurely despite serving captivating content, falling victim to strategic formations. However, in 2023, she returned to the #BBNaija house, ready to make her mark as a force to be reckoned with. Without a doubt, Ilebaye has become a frontrunner, capable of turning the tides and potentially claiming victory on the final day.

Ilebaye’s journey in the #BBNaija house has been far from easy. Despite facing early nominations and two strikes, she has managed to captivate audiences and remain at the center of the show’s content. Even in the face of provocations from fellow Housemates, she has demonstrated unwavering resilience. What sets Ilebaye apart is her ability to listen to others’ strategies and opinions while staying true to her own character. Her unwavering determination to stay in the house until the end has made her the talk of social media and the in-house  cliques.


Ilebaye’s presence in the #BBNaija house has transformed from being a mere participant to becoming a genuine contender for the ultimate prize. Her journey from being nominated early on to emerging as a fan favorite demonstrates her ability to turn adversity into opportunity. With each passing day, she has proven herself as a force to be reckoned with, leaving no doubt that she is a product of resilience and determination.

Beyond her individual journey, Ilebaye has left an indelible mark on the #BBNaija house. Her captivating presence has redefined what it means to be a Housemate, inspiring others to embrace their own uniqueness.

Ilebaye’s story in the #BBNaija house is a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to transform lemons into lemonade. Her journey from early elimination in 2022 to becoming a frontrunner is a reminder that setbacks can be stepping stones to success. As the competition intensifies, it is clear that Ilebaye’s impact will continue to grow, and she may very well be the one to switch off the house lights on the final day. With her unwavering determination and unique character, Ilebaye has proven herself as a true contender, captivating audiences both inside and outside the house.

Femi Adebayo’s Jagunjagun: The Lessons Attached

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JAGUNJAGUN had loads of lessons if you are paying attention. Asides telling us how the rich make use of the poor as puppets, and how political leaders take delight in promising youths all for the gain of using them, and most times against one another, for their own benefit reasons while their previous ones are kept, And that family sometime isn’t define by the people you share your name and bloodline with, But sometimes people who truly love, care, support and want to see you grow. Knowing that even if your light shines better than theirs later, the joy would be being proud to be part of the source of the brightness.

But most importantly to me, Jagunjagun talks about the power of the supposedly known to be weak and also underrated gender in society.

The gender that does the most, but is seen the less.

The gender is said to be behind every successful man but still painted as the weaker beings and being incapacitated in some parts of society. The only gender that the creator gave the key to the door through which every and any human can come to the this world.

They do the most for free out of love, and all their efforts, pain, and struggles through it all earns no accolades, because the society see it as “That’s their responsibility and what they are made to do. Make the king, not try to be one.”

 

I hope today, JAGUNJAGUN reminds the world again about the struggles and timeless sacrifice of this gender.

And how the need to appreciate, love, care, encourage, commend and celebrate them cannot be overemphasised.

 

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#JAGUNJAGUN.

The movie 🎬

The Unsung Tale of Tope Adebayo: A Journey from Ordinary Scion to Extraordinary Director – Yemi Amodu

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The Unsung Tale of Tope Adebayo: A Journey from Ordinary Scion to Extraordinary Director

*By Yemi Amodu*

 

Amidst the dazzle of the limelight, it’s often the unsung heroes who shape the magic of cinema. Among them is Tope Adebayo, a name that might not be the first to roll off the tongues of many, yet his journey from an unassuming member of the illustrious Adebayo Salami lineage to one of Nigeria’s finest directors is nothing short of remarkable.

Nollywood Movie Director
Nollywood Movie Director

Tope Adebayo, a man inherently devoted to the art of process, emerges as a narrative thread weaving through the captivating tale of “Jagun Jagun.” His story is a testament to how dedication and unwavering determination can transform an ordinary journey into an extraordinary odyssey.

 

My own testimony echoes the trajectory of Tope’s ascent. Back in 2004, he began his voyage with us, joining as a modest set designer. But it wasn’t long before his zest for innovation and his unquenchable thirst for growth caught my attention. His evolution was swift, as he morphed from a set designer into a remarkable production designer.

 

It was during this metamorphosis that I truly discovered the hidden gem that is Tope Adebayo. His imagination painted sets with colors that breathed life into the stories we told. His meticulous attention to detail turned mere scenes into immersive worlds, leaving an indelible mark on every production he touched.

But his journey didn’t stop there. The relentless pursuit of excellence, the kind that only the unsung heroes truly comprehend, led Tope Adebayo to embrace a new mantle – that of a director. Adept at understanding the nuances of storytelling, he transitioned seamlessly into this role, unveiling a vision that resonated with both heart and intellect.

 

Tope’s ascent is a testament to the power of unrecognised dedication. From an ordinary beginning as a set designer to becoming one of the visionary directors of “Jagun Jagun,” his story is etched into the tapestry of Nigerian cinema.

As the accolades are heaped upon the luminaries, let us not forget the unsung heroes who illuminate the path for greatness. Tope Adebayo stands as a testament to the fact that the journey from anonymity to significance is a road paved with passion, commitment, and an unwavering love for the art of storytelling.

 

Tope, I extend my heartfelt admiration for your unwavering determination today, and I want you to know that I am immensely proud of you. Congratulations, my dear brother.

 

*I pen this as Yemi Amodu, a film director and educator.*

I sold some of my properties to produce Jagun Jagun” Femi Adebayo reveals, speaks on his worst nightmare

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Nollywood actor and filmmaker, Femi Adebayo Salami, recently shared the extraordinary lengths he went to in order to bring his latest movie, Jagun Jagun, to fruition.

During a press interview, the renowned box office King revealed that he made the decision to sell some of his properties to finance the film, as he wanted to avoid seeking assistance from financial institutions or individuals.

 

Adebayo disclosed that Jagun Jagun is a project worth billions of naira, although he refrained from revealing the exact amount he invested in its production.

 

“Jagun Jagun is a multi-billion naira project, and I cannot disclose the exact amount I spent on shooting it,” he stated.

He further explained that he utilized the proceeds from his previous film, Agbeshinkole, to fund Jagun Jagun. Adebayo was determined to avoid relying on external funding sources, and when he found himself running out of finances, he made the difficult decision to sell his properties, driven by his unwavering faith in the success of the project.

 

In another part of the interview, Adebayo revealed that his greatest fear is surpassing the success of Jagun Jagun in his next endeavor.

 

“When I made King of Thieves, I was confident that my next project would surpass it. However, now I lack that same level of confidence. My worst nightmare is having to compete with Jagun Jagun in my next production,” he admitted.

 

Adebayo also discussed the challenges he faced in establishing the warrior school featured in the movie.

 

“We built the warrior school from scratch. We encountered difficulties when it came to acquiring the land; we wanted to own it. Initially, we reached an agreement and made the necessary payments.

However, the children of the landowner had a change of heart and decided against the sale. We had already constructed half of the school when they arrived from Lagos and demanded that we cease construction. They threatened to demolish everything we had built.

 

They were ready to destroy all that we built and that held us up for almost a week, going to the Police station and Obas appealing to them and we were told to only shoot there and not buy it.

 

Speaking about his inspiration, he said, “What inspired the story of Jagun Jagun is the youth and environment of Nigeria.

 

I wanted to pass across a social message to the youths and wanted to do it culturally”.

 

Tinubu Splits Petroleum Ministry, Appoints 2 State Ministers

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Tinubu Splits Petroleum Ministry, Appoints 2 State Ministers

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assigned portfolios to 45 ministers confirmed penultimate Monday by the Senate.

 

The list of portfolios announced by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, showed the split of some ministries and the creation of new ones.

 

Some ministries also get more tasks with added appellations.

 

For instance, the president split the Ministry of Petroleum Resources with the appointment of Ekperipe Ekpo as Minister of State, Gas Resources.

 

Heineken Lokpobiri is equally appointed Minister of State, Petroleum Resources.

 

It is not clear if President Tinubu will retain the position of senior Minister of Petroleum.

 

His predecessor, Muhammadu Buhari, oversaw the affairs of the ministry during his eight-year tenure.

 

Also divided are the ministries of Finance, Budget and National Planning as well as Works and Housing with Wale Edun as Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, and Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.

 

David Umahi and Ahmed M. Dangiwa are now substantive ministers in the ministries of Works as well as Housing & Urban Development respectively. Abdullahi T. Gwarzo is the Minister of State, Housing & Urban Development.

 

The erstwhile Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has also been split into two and placed under the supervision of John Enoh as Minister of Sports Development and Abubakar Momoh, Minister of Youth.

 

A former governor of Rivers State and leader of G5 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, Nyesom Wike, who worked for the victory of Tinubu, was appointed Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

 

Surprisingly, Dele Alake, a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Lagos State under the then Governor Tinubu, touted to man the Ministry of Information, was eventually assigned to supervise the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development.

Jagun Jagun: What Movie Lovers Are Saying About ‘The Warrior’ By Femi Adebayo

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Jagun Jagun: What Movie Lovers Are Saying About ‘The Warrior’ By Femi Adebayo

 

Jagun Jagun, a movie produced by Femi Adebayo and jointly directed by Adebayo Tijani and Tope Adebayo Salami, has got many talks on social media.

Released on August 10, the movie tells the story of a young man determined to become the most powerful warrior by joining an elite army, in turn, encountering the wrath of a maniacal warlord and the love of a fierce woman.

 

Jagun Jagun stars the likes of Femi Adebayo, Lateef Adedimeji, Odunlade Adekola, Fathia Williams, and a host of others.

 

Adebayo in a post on his Instagram page noted that his dream to surpass ‘Agesinkole’ another movie of his produced in 2022 has left people asking what else could be bigger.

 

He said, “Well, it happened. We beat our record!

 

“We made a didactic story about LIFE, POWER, PEOPLE, CHANGE, CHANCE and PURPOSE. The day we were BORN and the day we find out WHY we were born.”

 

Reacting to the epic movie, #woliagba_ayoajewole said, “Oh! Good morning! Let me go and pray first. Too early to be watching this over and over. This is too huge!!! 👏👏👏👏”

 

#falzthebahdguy simply said, “This looks big🔥🔥🔥”

 

#adelapinky_07 wrote, “As much as we praise the Jagunjagun movie, to me I still prefer the Ageshinkole pls. Fine, I just watched the “Jagunjagun” today and all ill say is that it’s overhyped, the paparazzi social media attached to it is way more than what we saw. I’m not saying it’s not amazing but pls@Ageshinkole is GOAT 🐐 🤌🔥😌. Ps: my opinion✅ nice one.”

 

Another Instagram user #enioluwaofficial wrote, “So grateful for the culture writers and those who preserve it, putting it on the world map for all to see! Uncle #odunomoadekola movie in the cinema, now an original on Netflix.😮‍💨 So proud of the indigenous film industry in Naija. This looks beautiful Uncle #femiadebayosalami and we are all so excited to see it. Congratulations to you and the team! Many More! Amen!✨🛏️”

 

#obapicker001 said, “Thanks for this beautiful costume and a nice storyline. And also letting our youth know that we don’t need to fight against ourselves while the children of our leaders are far away.

 

On X (formerly Twitter) #Folashade_RP said, “My take on Jagun Jagun It’s an interesting movie and action park but hopefully there will be part 2 cos we need to know how a mighty warrior was easily dis-powered by his wife. What kind of relationship do they share we need to know their story and the end of those obas and who’s chatta?”

 

On Facebook, Ayodele Agoro wrote, “The way Yoruba indigenous movie has transformed recently is beyond comprehension… Culture, tradition, originality, and Africanism are all being infused and brought into the limelight in their full force with quality, elegance and dynamism 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥”

 

Vivian Obianuju said, “Y’all have made an Igbo girl fall so much in love with Yoruba culture. If only y’all could see the joy in my eyes while watching this…You’d for sure say I’m definitely obsessed with Yoruba movies. 😍😍

 

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