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The Darkness that is The Black Book – RMD

The Darkness that is The Black Book.

Truth be told, even though there tough days during the preparations for the shoot nothing worried me more than how dark the character has to go.

 

When I say dark I mean it in every literary sense. No smiles. No romance. No sweetness nothing.

As in to conspire with the overall darkness, nature used to align with us.

So we were shooting in Apapa on a Sunday after by the docks and the sun is out in all its glory. No jokes it was probably 36 to 38 degrees at that moment and I was about to step out into it shoot. I did.

Then we cut after the first take and I was sweating buckets and I joked about the sun being capable of driving anyone mad at that intensity. I don’t know what made me ask the make up artist for a mirror to look at my face but what I saw made me scream. My face was so dark I didn’t recognise me. But for the timely explanation of the makeup artist I would have thought something was terribly wrong.

She said it was my body protecting itself by producing more melanin to protect my skin.

 

Looking at the pictures now I see the effect it has on my character and I thank God for making nature itself align. No make up nothing. All melanin. Now I know what Melanin popping means.

 

Happy to share the official poster with you. The Black Book is Coming.

 

RMDtheActor is Coming!

 

To my director, son, and friend, @editieffiong , you did it. You made the plunge, did the impossible, and fought to make this film everything you had dreamed it would be. The world is about to witness your genius! They think they are ready – they don’t know what is about to hit them.

 

This is the film! This is my film. This is Nollywood’s Biggest Film yet! Brace yourselves, it’s going to be a wild ride into the depths.

 

Thanks folks for engaging with the trailer. I’m super gassed up.

Did somebody just ask if I would do this again? Heck yes. Story just dey start.

If I nor give una, how una go collect!

 

🎬🌟#TheBlackBook #TheBlackBookOnNetflix #TheBlackBookIsComing #September22 #TBB #TheBlackBook #RMDSaysSo

“Starting September 25th, FG will be implementing the introduction of HPV vaccines.”

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The Federal Government announced its intention to introduce the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine on September 25, 2023, aimed at preventing cervical cancer among women and girls.

This decision was revealed during a bi-annual review meeting with religious leaders in Abuja, where the government emphasized the significance of administering the HPV vaccine to girls aged nine to fifteen as a preventive measure against cervical cancer.

Cervical cancer, a condition affecting the cervix’s cells, is closely linked to various strains of HPV, a sexually transmitted infection. It was highlighted that the HPV vaccine has the potential to avert over 90% of HPV-related cancers.

Notably, the World Health Organization identified that in Nigeria, the HPV types 16 and 18 are responsible for nearly half of high-grade cervical pre-cancers.

Tragically, around 14,000 Nigerian women are diagnosed with cervical cancer annually, leading to approximately 7,968 deaths each year.

During the review meeting, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Muhammad Pate, represented by Dr.

Emmanuel Odu, the Senior Special Adviser to the Minister, acknowledged the valuable contribution of faith-based communities to healthcare delivery in Nigeria.

He stressed the importance of blending spiritual beliefs with scientific knowledge to effectively tackle health challenges.

Dr. Pate affirmed the government’s commitment, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, to enhance healthcare accessibility and affordability for all citizens, seeking the support of religious leaders to foster community trust in health interventions.

Dr. Faisal Shuaib, the Executive Director and CEO of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, called upon religious leaders to aid in raising awareness about the free HPV vaccination among their congregations.

He urged them to dispel misconceptions, encourage healthier behaviors, and advocate for the HPV vaccine, highlighting its role in preventing cervical cancer.

Sultan Abubakar III, President of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, emphasized the need to address food security as a fundamental aspect of public health.

He expressed hope that collective efforts would lead to positive outcomes and urged self-reliance alongside trust in divine intervention.

Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, represented by Rev. Joseph, welcomed the attention given to primary healthcare.

He emphasized the pivotal role of religious leaders in influencing their followers’ health decisions, commending the collaboration between religious institutions and the government to improve healthcare access, particularly in rural areas.

Tanzanian singer Harmonize signed with Diamond Platnumz’s prestigious Wasafi Record Label.

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Tanzanian singer Harmonize made a significant move in his career when he signed a 15-year contract with Diamond Platnumz’s prestigious Wasafi Record Label.

However, his unwavering determination to achieve success overshadowed his consideration of the potential consequences associated with this deal. Regrettably, by the year 2020, Harmonize found himself compelled to sell his properties and exhaust his savings in order to terminate the contract, leaving him heartbroken and disheartened.

 

Nevertheless, it is truly remarkable to witness Harmonize’s remarkable journey, as he now stands among the most affluent artists in East Africa. His perseverance and talent have propelled him to great heights, earning him a well-deserved place among the region’s wealthiest individuals.

 

Sadly, Harmonize’s story is not an isolated incident. Numerous African artists face similar challenges due to their record deals, which, if revealed in detail, would undoubtedly evoke a sense of sympathy and compassion.

 

In light of these circumstances, it is crucial to reflect upon the state of African record labels and their impact on artists. What are your thoughts on this matter? The experiences of Harmonize and countless others shed light on the complexities and hardships faced by artists within the African music industry.

“Jagun Jagun, I Love Am Die”: Burna Boy Applauds Femi Adebayo’s New Movie

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“Jagun Jagun, I Love Am Die”: Burna Boy Applauds Femi Adebayo’s New Movie, as He Connects with Asake.

 

The sensational Afrobeat icon, Burna Boy, has ignited a wave of excitement across the internet with his heartfelt endorsement of Femi Adebayo’s latest blockbuster, Jagun Jagun. In a viral clip, Burna Boy can be seen passionately expressing his admiration for the film, while enjoying a casual outing with his fellow artist, Asake.

During their hangout, one of Burna’s entourage playfully teased him, questioning why he always exudes the spirit of a Jagun Jagun. In response, Burna Boy playfully declared his love for the movie, comparing himself to the legendary character, Ogundiji.

 

This lively exchange unfolded after Burna Boy and Asake shared an affectionate embrace, solidifying their camaraderie as rising stars in the Afro-fusion genre.

 

Boldly celebrating the union of two musical powerhouses, Burna Boy’s endorsement of Jagun Jagun has undoubtedly amplified the film’s buzz. With his immense influence and undeniable talent, Burna Boy’s stamp of approval serves as a testament to the movie’s quality and entertainment value.

 

As the Afrobeat superstar continues to captivate audiences worldwide, his support for Femi Adebayo’s latest cinematic masterpiece further solidifies his position as a tastemaker and trendsetter in the industry.

 

In a world where the entertainment landscape is constantly evolving, Burna Boy’s bold and unapologetic endorsement of Jagun Jagun showcases his unwavering commitment to championing exceptional artistry. With his infectious energy and magnetic presence, Burna Boy effortlessly captivates both fans and critics alike, leaving an indelible mark on the cultural zeitgeist.

 

As the anticipation for Jagun Jagun reaches fever pitch, Burna Boy’s endorsement serves as a rallying cry for fans to experience the magic and brilliance of Femi A

Harnessing the Power of Social Media Marketing for Your Business – Part 1

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Harnessing the Power of Social Media Marketing for Your Business

– By Adesina Kasali

In today’s digital age, social media has become an indispensable tool for businesses to connect with their target audience and promote their products or services. With billions of active users across various platforms, social media marketing offers immense potential for businesses to reach and engage with a wide range of customers.

 

One of the key advantages of social media marketing is its cost-effectiveness. Compared to traditional advertising methods, advertising on social media platforms is often more affordable, allowing businesses of all sizes to compete on a level playing field. By strategically utilizing social media platforms, businesses can effectively target specific demographics, interests, and locations, maximizing their advertising budget.

 

Another significant benefit of social media marketing is its ability to build brand awareness and increase visibility. Through consistent and engaging content, businesses can establish a strong online presence, making it easier for potential customers to discover and recognize their brand. By sharing valuable information, promotions, and updates, businesses can foster a loyal following and create a positive brand image.

 

Social media platforms also offer powerful tools for audience engagement and interaction. Businesses can leverage features such as comments, likes, shares, and direct messaging to foster meaningful connections with their customers. By actively engaging with their audience, businesses can gain valuable insights, address customer concerns, and build trust and credibility.

 

Moreover, social media marketing allows businesses to track and analyze their performance in real-time. Through various analytics tools provided by social media platforms, businesses can measure the effectiveness of their campaigns, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions to optimize their marketing strategies. This level of transparency and flexibility enables businesses to adapt and refine their approach to achieve better results.

 

Adesina Kasali

Digital Marketing

2023

Banks and 18 additional entities penalized with a fine of N125 million due to delayed submissions.

A total of eight banks and 18 other publicly listed companies have been penalized with fines amounting to N125 million for their failure to submit their audited financial statements for the year 2022 and quarterly reports for the first half of 2023 as mandated by the Nigerian Exchange.

The financial institutions affected by these sanctions include Unity Bank, FBN Holdings, Access Holdings, Fidelity Bank, Jaiz Bank, Wema Bank, Guaranty Trust Holdings Plc, and Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.

Similarly, notable companies like John Holt, PZ Cussons, Notore Chemical, Glaxo SmithKline Consumer Nigeria, Industrial Medical and Gases Nigeria, and Juli Plc have also faced penalties due to non-compliance.

The Nigerian Exchange’s post-listing rules stipulate that quoted companies are required to submit their audited results within 90 calendar days (three months) after the close of the relevant period. Additionally, interim reports must be submitted within 30 calendar days after the period ends.

According to the most recent X – Compliance Report issued by the regulatory arm of the Nigerian Exchange, FBN Holdings incurred fines for delaying the submission of its 2022 financial results and its Q1 2023 report. The bank paid N6.3 million for the former violation and N3.3 million for the latter.

Unity Bank paid N6.4 million for its delay in submitting the 2022 results and an additional N3.4 million for not filing its Q1 2023 interim reports on time.

Other penalties included fines of N2.7 million, N1.4 million, and N1.9 million for Fidelity Bank, GTCO, and Wema Bank, respectively.

Access Holdings was fined N2 million, while Jaiz Bank, Ecobank, and John Holt were penalized with amounts of N600,000, N3.2 million, and N3.2 million, respectively.

PZ Cussons received a fine of N4.8 million, Notore Chemical paid N500,000, and GSK, which had announced the closure of its Nigerian operations, was also fined N1.3 million for the late filing of its 2022 financial results.

Other companies facing penalties for delayed filing of their 2022 audited accounts include Industrial Medical and Gases Nigeria (N1.2 million), Juli Plc (N120,000), and NPF Microfinance Bank (N1.8 million).

Daar Communications was fined N1.7 million, Champion Breweries and Abbey Mortgage Bank Plc were each penalized N1.6 million and N1.4 million, respectively.

Regency Alliance Insurance and Thomas Wyatt Nigeria also faced fines of N1.4 million and N4.9 million, respectively, for the same violation.

Presco Plc was fined N24.8 million, Ardova paid N18.6 million, and Universal Insurance Plc was penalized with N12.4 million for violating filing regulations.

Conoil faced a penalty of N7.9 million for failing to submit its results within the stipulated period, and Caverton Offshore Support Group paid N5.7 million for the same offense.

Additionally, telecommunications services firm Briclinks Africa Plc was fined N590,000 during this period.

David Adonri, Vice-chairman of Highcap Securities, emphasized the importance of these fines in upholding the integrity of the market.

Many of these penalties are related to corporate disclosures.

The capital market heavily relies on accurate information, and listed companies are obligated to disclose specific details within appropriate timeframes.

In cases where a company anticipates difficulty in meeting these requirements, they can request an extension from the exchange.

Insufficient funds: Banks’ reliance on CBN borrowing reaches a staggering N12 trillion.

There is evidence that both commercial banks and merchant banks are increasingly relying on the Central Bank of Nigeria for liquidity, with their borrowing from the apex bank intensifying during the last eight months of 2023.

In addition to August 2023 coming to a close this week, a combined total of N12.46tn has been borrowed by commercial banks and merchant banks from the CBN during the first eight months of this year, according to data from the CBN accessed by our correspondent.

Comparatively, during the initial eight months of 2022, these financial institutions borrowed N6.96tn from the central bank, which marks a significant 79 percent increase.

The means through which commercial and merchant banks obtain funds from the apex bank include utilizing the Standing Lending Facility (SLF) window for borrowing and the Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) window for depositing cash.

Insights reveal that banks availed the SLF window extensively during the first eight months of 2023, influenced by the CBN’s tightened monetary policy stance.

The CBN employs the SLF, a short-term lending avenue, to facilitate commercial and merchant banks in securing liquidity for their daily operational needs.

January to June this year, commercial banks and merchant banks borrowed N10.25tn from the CBN via the SLF window, reflecting a YoY surge of 138 percent compared to N4.3tn borrowed during the same period in H1 2022.

The data also indicates that the figure for the first quarter, standing at N4.95tn, exceeded the half-year value of 2022.

A breakdown of the monthly figures shows that in January, commercial banks and merchant banks borrowed N528.16bn from the CBN, with this number dropping to N453.7bn in February 2023.

However, in March, this figure witnessed a substantial 776.22 percent increase to N3.98tn, marking the second-highest value after the N4.47tn recorded in April 2023.

The CBN data further displays borrowings of N590.29bn and N235.06bn for May and June 2023, respectively.

Furthermore, the SLF figures for July and August stood at N908.43bn and N1.3tn, respectively.

Offering commentary on this trend, Dr. Muda Yusuf, a former Director-General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, stated, “This reflects the liquidity pressure some banks are experiencing.

Although this facility is typically short-term, it doesn’t necessarily indicate that the banks are distressed or unstable. Nevertheless, bank recapitalization is long overdue.

The current minimum capital requirement of N25 billion is insufficient, especially when adjusted for inflation.”

Tajudeen Ibrahim, a financial expert at Chapel Hill Denham, commented, “This development suggests that banks are facing liquidity shortages.

Tightening monetary policy has resulted in reduced liquidity. Borrowing from the CBN is a more cost-effective option for banks.

While this situation isn’t positive, it’s important not to over-tighten as it could hinder economic growth.”

“Atiku raises doubts about the authenticity of Tinubu’s educational credentials.”

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Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has once again raised questions about the controversy surrounding President Bola Tinubu’s academic history.

Atiku, who is currently seeking intervention from a United States court to prompt Chicago State University to address the inconsistencies in the certificates issued to President Tinubu, expressed that without clarification, it becomes quite challenging, if not impossible, for the public to comprehend the educational journey of the former Lagos State Governor.

Through his verified Twitter handle @atiku on Sunday, Atiku stated, “I woke up this morning wondering how we got to this cul de sac. In 1999, @officialABAT (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) claimed he attended St John’s Primary School, Aroloya, Lagos, before proceeding to Children Home School in Ibadan.

According to him, his next steps in his educational journey were Government College Ibadan, Richard Daley College, and Chicago State University in the United States.

Interestingly, in 2023, Tinubu’s narrative has changed to solely attending Chicago State University.”

Atiku further expressed his bewilderment, “I am scratching my head. How is that possible? It seems to me that all well-meaning Nigerians should be as puzzled as I am with Tinubu’s assertion that he had no primary and secondary education, yet he possesses a university degree.

Perhaps you might want to inquire of Tinubu how he achieved this, so that we can benefit from his resourcefulness,” accompanied by a laughing emoji.

Atiku and the Labour Party’s presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, are jointly contesting the declaration of Tinubu by the Independent National Electoral Commission as the victor of the February 25 election.

In response, Bala Ibrahim, the Publicity Director of the ruling All Progressives Congress, characterized Atiku as a poor sportsman who is resorting to any means to antagonize the president.

Ibrahim remarked, “Politicians sometimes engage in actions that lead one to question whether they are striving for the advancement of the nation or merely seeking to undermine the system as a whole.

Atiku Abubakar, having traversed the Nigerian political landscape, should ideally be receiving sound counsel.

He has faced numerous allegations from political rivals, most of which were dismissed for their lack of substance, often being baseless and absurd.”

Ibrahim continued, “However, to return and engage in the same, or possibly worse behavior than what he experienced, implies he is dancing to the tune of these political mediocrities.

This approach might not resonate well, and history might not judge him kindly if he persists. His actions resemble those of a poor sport.”

Anglican bishop expresses deep concern over Nigerians experiencing intense suffering and pain.

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The Most Reverend Joseph Akinfenwa, Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, expressed that the current economic situation has caused significant suffering for many Nigerians, contrary to the initial promise of its short-lived nature.

Akinfenwa shared this sentiment during a sermon held at a service where Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, consecrated four new bishops for the church at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church in Ikeja, Lagos on Sunday.

The consecrated individuals include Ifedola Okupevi, who becomes the new Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos, and Ebenezer Saiki, the new Bishop of Akoko Edo Diocese.

Venerable Collins Babalola from the Anglican Diocese of Ajayi Crowther and Venerable Festus Nwafili of Ndokwa Diocese were also consecrated.

Akinfenwa highlighted, “Even though we may label it as temporary, the reality is that people are enduring substantial hardship. In times of distress, it is often clergymen who provide support and understanding, offering their shoulders for others to lean on and seek solace.

” He further addressed the prevailing issues in the nation, remarking, “Despite the prevailing worship, it’s hard not to be disheartened by the prevalence of corruption, crime, and a negative culture in the country.

It’s frequently said that a society’s leadership reflects its own values.

Even a leader once hailed for integrity and anti-corruption efforts was confronted with significant corruption during his eight-year tenure.”

In his advice to fellow clergy members, Akinfenwa encouraged, “Stay focused and undeterred.

There is substantial work ahead of us. Consider this as a divine call to action rather than a personal achievement. This is a summons to serve.”

“Banks, public sector banks (PSBs), and fintech companies should work together to promote financial inclusion in Nigeria, according to Eli Hini.”

Eli Hini, the CEO of MoMo and PSB Nigeria, emphasized that Nigeria holds a unique advantage over other African nations in terms of achieving success in financial and digital inclusion.

He made this point during a discussion at the 4th MSME and Startup Summit organized by Vanguard and the Economic Forum Series in Lagos.

Hini identified three key areas for enhancing financial and digital inclusion in Nigeria. He mentioned the progress made in agent banking, along with the availability of numerous POS and financial service points.

However, he stressed the need for industry players to leverage these resources to drive innovation and the adoption of digital payments.

A significant point Hini highlighted was the importance of reducing cash withdrawals and encouraging digital payments.

He expressed the necessity for people to use their cards for digital transactions rather than relying primarily on cash withdrawals.

Additionally, Hini emphasized the need for deeper collaboration between traditional banks, FinTechs, Payment Service Banks, and other payment service platforms.

He recognized that while traditional banks have limitations, FinTechs and payment service operators possess advanced technologies that can reach a broader audience at a lower cost.

The final factor he discussed was education and information dissemination. Hini underscored the significance of spreading awareness about available solutions and services, enabling people to make informed decisions regarding their financial options.

Hini also explained how MoMo PSB is contributing to financial inclusion in rural areas.

Leveraging its parent company MTN’s retail networks, MoMo PSB has effectively reached every corner of Nigeria.

The company collaborates with small businesses to provide agent services, extending financial solutions to communities engaged in various forms of economic activity.

In conclusion, Hini’s insights highlight the potential for Nigeria to excel in financial and digital inclusion by addressing these critical areas of improvement.