Category: Entertainment

Tinubu hails Ladoja’s coronation, declares Nigeria’s economy has turned the corner

Lukman Laleye Babalola

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday declared that Nigeria’s economy has “turned the corner” and assured citizens of brighter days ahead, as he joined dignitaries in Ibadan, Oyo State, for the historic coronation of His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Sen.) Abdul-Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.   Speaking at the colourful ceremony, President Tinubu said the reforms introduced by his administration over the last two years were beginning to yield results, stressed that the nation was on the path of recovery.   “Today, I am honoured to…

Rashidi Ladoja crowned 44th Olubadan in grand traditional rite

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a colourful ceremony steeped in Yoruba tradition, former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has ascended the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The coronation journey began at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, the cradle of Ibadan chieftaincy customs, where Ladoja received the Akoko leaf — a sacred emblem symbolizing longevity, authority, and continuity. From there, he proceeded to the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government, a revered site for spiritual rites, where ancestral blessings were invoked to guide his reign. The final stage of the…

Broadway Theatre Festival 2025: Ghana set to showcase Africa’s Heritage Through Dance, Drama, and Storytelling

Lukman Laleye Babalola

This October, the streets of Accra will burst into life with the rhythms of drums, the energy of dance, and the magic of storytelling as Ghana prepare to host the Broadway Theatre Festival 2025. The festival, scheduled for October 5 to 13 at the University of Ghana’s School of Performing Arts, will draw performers, cultural leaders, and delegates from across Africa and beyond.   Artists from Malawi, Kenya, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Nigeria, Togo, and the United States of America are expected to join Ghanaian talents in what has grown…

DNGTC endorses First Lady’s Green Nigeria Challenge, Backs Sustainable Development Drive

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Destination Nigeria Governors’ Tourism Conference (DNGTC) has expressed strong support for Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, over her Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI) Green Nigeria Challenge, aimed at fostering environmental cleanliness and sustainable development across the country.   At the official unveiling of the initiative at the Presidential Villa, Enugu State received the star prize of ₦100 million as the cleanest state in Nigeria. The Green Nigeria Challenge is a nationwide competition that encourages households, communities, and states to engage in tree planting and environmental sanitation.   With the…

ARCN Executive Secretary felicitates Etsu Nupe at 73rd Birthday, 22nd Coronation anniversary

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Executive Secretary of the Agricultural Research Council of Nigeria (ARCN), Dr. Abubakar Adamu Dabban, has congratulated the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, CFR, on the occasion of his 73rd birthday and 22nd anniversary on the throne. In a goodwill message signed by Khadijat O. Ameen, Public Relations Officer of ARCN, Dr. Dabban described the royal father as a mentor and a unifying figure who has provided exemplary leadership since ascending the throne in 2003. He noted that the Etsu Nupe’s reign has brought peace, progress, and cultural preservation to…

Dabiri-Erewa hails Ireke’s Record-Breaking feat as Nigerian local language film goes global

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Chairman/CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has applauded Nigerian international broadcaster and producer, Gbolahan Macjob, for the global success of his film Ireke, which has set new international records for a Nigerian local language production. In a statement by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described Ireke: Rise of the Maroons as a groundbreaking film that has projected African and Nigerian history to global audiences, from the diaspora community to Caribbean and British societies. The NiDCOM boss highlighted the film’s…

MURIC backs Isese Day holiday demand, insists Traditionalists must respect Others’ rights

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed support for calls by traditionalists in Yorubaland for the Federal Government to declare August 21st and 22nd as Isese Day public holidays.   MURIC, however, said its support comes with conditions, stressed that traditional religion adherents must also respect the fundamental rights of others.   The group’s position was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, August 21, 2025, by its Founder and Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola.   According to Akintola, freedom of religion is a fundamental human right that must be…

NiDCOM, African Cultural Festival to host African Diaspora Summit in USA

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) has announced a partnership with the African Cultural Festival (ACF2025) to host the African Diaspora Summit in September, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA.   According to a statement signed by Gabriel Odu of NiDCOM Media, the event is supported by the Government of Pennsylvania and the Dauphin County Commissioners and will bring together global leaders, creatives, entrepreneurs, and policymakers under the theme: “Africa to the World: Culture, Creativity, and Collaboration.”   NiDCOM Chairman/CEO, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, described the summit as a platform to harness diaspora…

Transcorp Hilton Abuja names Martin Zarybnicky as new General Manager

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Transcorp Hilton Abuja has appointed seasoned hospitality professional Martin Zarybnicky as its new General Manager, effective August 1, 2025.   With over 30 years of international experience, Zarybnicky has held leadership positions in top hotel brands across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, including roles in Thailand, Egypt, and Russia. He previously served as General Manager at Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort, marking this appointment as a return to the Hilton brand.   Managing Director/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mrs. Uzo Oshogwe, welcomed Zarybnicky’s arrival, noted that his wealth of…

AITEC-WORLD launches in Abuja, unveils bold vision to link Africa with Global Tourism and Economic Networks

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Africa-International Tourism and Economic Council (AITEC-WORLD) has announced the official launch of its global initiative in Abuja, Nigeria, as it set out to redefine Africa’s role in the global tourism and economic landscape. Speaking at a media briefing, Ambassador Kazeem Akinola Balogun, Vice President, Communications and International Relations of AITEC-WORLD, described the initiative as a strategic movement that will use tourism as a powerful tool for economic advancement, innovation, and sustainable development. Amb. Balogun conveyed warm greetings from the President of AITEC-WORLD, Ambassador Dine Bouraima, who, although unavoidably absent,…