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I’m Thrilled To Put This Behind Me, Tobi Amusan Reacts To Being Cleared By Panel

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I’m Thrilled To Put This Behind Me, Tobi Amusan Reacts To Being Cleared By Panel

 

The world women’s 100m hurdles champion, Nigeria’s Tobi Amusan, has reacted to being cleared by the Athletics Integrity Unit for whereabouts failures.

 

This means that Amusan, 26, can now compete at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, set to begin Saturday in Budapest, Hungary.

 

Taking to her Facebook page on Thursday, an excited Amusan wrote: “This morning, I found out that the independent tribunal that heard my case has ruled that I did not violate the whereabouts rules and as a result I will not be sanctioned and none of my results will be precluded.

 

“I am thrilled to put this behind me, and I look forward to defending my title at next week’s World Championships.

 

” I generally have been and consistently will be an ally of clean sport.

 

“To my five fingers, God is the greatest and I genuinely appreciate y’all for the support.”

 

The 26-year-old athlete, in July, was suspended for missing three drug tests within 12 months and was facing a two-year ban if found wanting.

 

Amusan set the current world record of 12.12secs in the women’s 100m hurdles at last year’s championship in Oregon.

 

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Lagos royal leader imposes festival curfew, law enforcement on high alert.

The Lagos State Police Command has declared its readiness to address any security concerns in Ikorodu, responding to worries over a circulating flyer advising people, especially non-Yoruba residents, to avoid Ikorodu town between 10pm and 5:30am on August 19 and August 22, 2023.

The flyer, attributed to Chief Murisiku Oreagba, the Olumale Eluku of Ikorodu, and verified by him, reveals that Oba Abdul-Kabir Shototobi confirmed the upcoming Eluku Festival on these dates.

 

He urged various individuals, including non-Yoruba or non-indigenous residents of Ikorodu, to abstain from entering Ikorodu Township during those hours, primarily within the old town center like Ajina and Cele.

While some residents validated the directive, others questioned its necessity, highlighting concerns about discrimination and exclusion.

In response, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, assured the public of the police’s vigilance and commitment to maintaining order, even though no specific security threat had been identified.

Isese Day: The Oyo state government has officially declared Monday as a public holiday

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The Oyo State Government has officially designated Monday as a new public holiday to honor Isese Day, a traditional religious observance celebrated annually by adherents across the state.

The declaration was communicated through a circular titled “Declaration of Holiday to Commemorate Traditional Religious Festivity in Oyo State,” signed by Professor Olanike Adeyemo, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government. Governor Seyi Makinde has graciously endorsed the designation of August 20th each year as “Isese Day” in Oyo State, in recognition of the Traditional Religious festivity.

To mark this year’s festivity, Monday, August 21, 2023, has been formally proclaimed as the inaugural Public Holiday.

 

The Governor also encourages all citizens to utilize this occasion to offer prayers for the tranquility, cohesion, and steadiness of the State as well as the entire Nation.

The circular emphasizes the importance of spreading this approval widely.

This initiative stems from a resolution passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly, designating August 20th for the celebration of Isese Day.

Governor Makinde additionally appeals to traditional practitioners within the state to utilize this opportunity to pray earnestly for peace, harmony, and stability, not just within the state but across the nation as well.

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.*