Author: Val Kosi

Reps Seek Creation of Bola Tinubu University

The House of Representatives has taken the first step towards creating the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Federal University of Nigerian Languages, with the bill passing its first reading, Okay.ng reports.

The bill, sponsored by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, and eight others, aims to create a university for the promotion of learning of Nigerian languages and cultures, offering academic and professional programs to produce socially mature persons who can communicate, understand, and use Nigerian languages for national development.

Additionally, the President, as the visitor to the university, will have the power to conduct visits and remove council members, except for the pro-chancellor and vice-chancellor, on grounds of misconduct or inability to perform their duties.

This new university bill is expected to undergo a second reading and public hearing in the coming weeks to gather stakeholders’ input.

October 30, 2024
FirstBank, JAN Crown Winners of 2024 National Company of the Year Competition

FirstBank, in collaboration with Junior Achievement Nigeria (JAN), has announced the winners of the 2024 National Company of the Year (NCOY) competition.

The event, which took place on Friday in Lekki, Lagos, brought together 12 schools representing various states, who were finalists from an earlier round of competition.

FirstBank Managing Director, Olusegun Alebiosu, speaking at the event celebrated a significant milestone, revealing that with the announcement of the 2024 winners, the initiative has produced 1.5 million student entrepreneurs.

Alebiosu, represented by the General Counsel of the bank, Raymond Mgbeokwere, noted that this year’s edition also marked the 25th anniversary of the competition, which began in 1999.

He highlighted the purpose of the program as a means to inculcate entrepreneurship knowledge and practice among senior secondary school students.

The competition, he explained, would help participants understand business organisation and operations, as well as how to apply innovative solutions to real-world challenges.

“This is why FirstBank, for the past 10 years, has been fully committed in its partnership with JAN and sponsorship of the National Company of the Year competition,” Alebiosu stated.

The FirstBank boss also emphasized how the initiative aligns with the bank’s FutureFirst Initiative, a programme designed to promote financial literacy and career counselling among Nigerian youth.

Through this initiative, over 1.5 million students from 2,500 schools have been positively impacted.

Alebiosu praised the innovations presented at the competition, noting that the theme for the 2024 edition, “Greenovation,” encouraged students to develop innovative solutions for environmental challenges.

He stressed the importance of sustainability and urged for collaboration in tackling environmental issues such as pollution and waste disposal through recycling and upcycling.

“The various innovations showcased today reveal that there is hope for Africa,” Alebiosu added.

Darun Noor Intercontinental School, Kano, emerged as the overall winner of the 2024 competition with their company, Smart Sprout Solutions, which invented a Smart Sprinkler for farmers.

The school received a cash prize of N500,000 from FirstBank and will represent Nigeria at an upcoming African competition in Mauritius.

In second place, Innovative Heritage School, Nasarawa, earned recognition for their company, De-Amazons, which created organic marker ink from coconut shells, charcoal, and used engine oil.

Ibesikpo Secondary Commercial School, Akwa Ibom, placed third with their company, Green Cycle, which produced fashionable bags from recycled plantain stems.

The event also featured several special awards, including Best Female Leadership, CEO of the Year, Best Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), and the Public Choice Award.

Olaolu Akogun, Senior Programmes Manager at JAN, explained that the businesses presented by the students were carefully assessed based on their ideas, financial reports, presentations, and exhibitions before winners were selected.

He also noted the long-term impact of the programme, which has equipped over 1.5 million young Nigerians with entrepreneurial skills.

“We’ve raised 1.5 million young people that have what it takes to own their economic future,” Akogun added.

October 30, 2024
Kebbi Closes Health College over Violent Students Protest

The Kebbi State Government has closed the College of Health Technology in Jega due to a violent students protest, Okay.ng reports.

The students were upset about several issues, including the college’s lack of federal accreditation, which means their diplomas wouldn’t be recognized nationally. This was the main reason for the unrest, but other grievances included inadequate facilities, such as no toilets or potable water, poor sanitation, and ineffective leadership.

The protest turned violent, with the students targeting the provost, burning his house and vandalizing his car.

The Divisional Police Office had to intervene to rescue the provost, who would have been lynched otherwise.

The college will remain closed for three to four weeks, and when it reopens, students will be required to return with their parents and sign an undertaking.

October 30, 2024
WAEC Announces Start Date for Computer-Based WASSCE for Private Candidates

The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has announced that the Computer-Based West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) for Private Candidates is scheduled to commence on Friday, October 25, 2024.

The Second Series of the examination will run from October 25 to December 20, 2024.

In a statement released on Tuesday, WAEC also revealed an extension of the registration period, giving candidates until Tuesday, October 29, 2024, to complete their registration.

“The examination will adopt the hybrid mode of delivering the examination, which implies that the objective questions would be answered on screen, while on-screen essay and practical questions would be answered on the booklets provided,” the statement explained.

“On this note, the Council wishes to inform all candidates that the registration period has been extended to October 29, 2024.

“The final timetable for the examination is available for download on the WAEC Nigeria website.”

October 30, 2024
“The most genius thing I have done in my life was being able to spot the passion and resilience in him” – Don Jazzy appoints new President and COO of Mavin

Music executive Don Jazzy has made a huge announcement as he appoints Tega Oghenejobo as President and COO of his record label, Mavin.

In a post on his Instagram page, the highly respected music mogul noted how he is always praised for being able to spot and raise superstars, but he can proudly say the most genius thing he has done in his life was being able to spit the passion and resilience in Tega.

He said that from the early days, he has watched Tega be curious about the business, build teams, develop executives, and ensure their talents have sustainable careers from the start. According to Don Jazzy, Tega’s commitment to growing Mavin and shaping the future of African music has been relentless, and he is confident that with him in this new role, they will continue to break new ground and achieve even bigger milestones for their artists and company.

“I’m proud to announce Tega’s expanded role as President and COO of Mavin. I am often praised for being able to spot and raise superstars, but I can proudly say the most genius thing I have done in my life was being able to spot the passion and resilience in Tega. From the early days, I’ve watched him be curious about the business, build teams, develop executives, and ensure our talents have sustainable careers from the start. His commitment to growing Mavin and shaping the future of African music has been relentless, and I’m confident that with him in this role, we’ll continue to break new ground and achieve even bigger milestones for our artists and company. Congratulations @tegamavin”.

Don Jazzy started the MAVIN record label on his own after he left Mo’Hits Records, which he co-founded with D’banj. The music executive has grown to become highly respected in the music industry, and entertainment as a whole. He has received several awards owing to his work as a record label boss and a producer.

Over the past few years, Don Jazzy has promoted a lot of upcoming artists on social media. He has made himself quite accessible online, and this has created a huge platform for budding artists to showcase their talents. Not forgetting his signees, Don Jazzy constantly promotes their music on social media, and this has helped boost their individual careers.

In February, Don Jazzy revealed that Mavin Records had partnered with Universal Music Group to bring more innovation and opportunities, allowing them to showcase their African talent worldwide. He said that this partnership was a milestone that recognizes their collective talent, and hard work while aiming to elevate African music on the global stage. Expressing excitement at the partnership, he added that this step forward was a testament to the dedication of his artists, staff, and, importantly, their fans.

In May, the record label boss celebrated the twelfth anniversary of MAVIN. He shared clips of his past and present signees, alongside their achievements on streaming platforms, as he thanked everyone for supporting them for twelve years.

Last year, Mavin Records celebrated its 11th year of establishment and Don Jazzy penned an emotional note. He recalled the lovely moments created by Mavin, and how it kept growing from strength to strength, breaking boundaries, and impacting positively.

The proud Mavin CEO appreciated his fans, brand partners, and well-wishers who supported the record label with love and made it one of the best. He also appreciated his signees who are doing well to represent the brand across the globe.

In a past interview, Don Jazzy revealed how he uses controversial singer, Portable and not Buju to train his artists. The Mavins founder noted how Portable’s controversial lifestyle has kept him in the spotlight, unlike, Buju, who despite his talent doesn’t receive publicity like Portable. He used the artists’ different Instagram followers to further prove his point, as he added that he continues to ring it into his artists’ heads, to follow Portable’s strategy.

October 30, 2024
”A man will only stay if he wants to” – Uriel Oputa with some relationship advise

Uriel Oputa is dishing out relationship advise, with regards to women who put a lot of effort into relationships that have no headway.

The reality star spoke extensively about what men think about in relationships, and what motivates them to choose a lover in the first place.

In her post, Uriel wrote;

“”Sometimes, I really pity some women. I had to learn the hard way. Look at all the effort some girls put in just to prove they’re good girlfriends.

Here’s the truth: a man knows from day one if he sees a future with you. If he’s serious, you
don’t need to break your back washing, cooking, or running errands to prove your worth.

Go clean his entire house, even his grandparents’ house, it won’t make him stay if he doesn’t want to. As for me, don’t meet me expecting me to cook or play house. I know my
worth.

Men know I can cook, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to start doing wifey duties for free. It’s a lesson many learn too late – all the washing and bending over backward won’t
change a thing if he’s not serious. Take note, ladies!. I have four brothers, I hear inside gist”

Going forward, Uriel went into an in-depth explanation of what will keep a man, and what drives their decisions.

‘”A man will only stay if he wants to stay. No amount of nagging, pleading, or intimacy will change that.

Why? Let me explain. Men are wired differently when it comes to commitment,psychologically, they tend to be more straightforward in how they make decisions about relationships.

While women often weigh emotions, shared
experiences, and long-term dreams, men generally take a more binary approach: they’re either in or out from the start.

Men are biologically predisposed to focus on solutions and outcomes, and this affects how they see relationships too.

Their commitment often comes down to what they’ve decided early on-no amount of bending over backward will change their mind if they’ve already made up their mind.

So, ladies, remember: you can’t ‘convince’ someone to love you or stay if it isn’t what they already feel or want.”

October 30, 2024
“Burna Boy will ask for my account number and send me N12 million as apology by the time I am through with him” – Speed Darlington vows (Video)

Nigeria rapper Speed Darlington seems not to have learned from his mistake as he has threatened to deal with Grammy singer Burna Boy.

Kemi Filani reported last week that Burna Boy filed a petition against Speed Darlington for alleged cyberstalking. The rapper was taken to Abuja where he was detained by the IRT team. Darlington’s mother alleged that Burna Boy and his team were responsible for her son’s arrest, and begged the Grammy singer to release her son.

After spending 3 days in detention, Speed Darlington was released on bail after meeting conditions stipulated by the police at the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team’s Department in the Guzape Area of Abuja.

Rather than tone down his madness, the rapper, via Instagram Live, vowed to deal with Burna. He stated that the Grammy singer would beg for his account number by the time he was through with him.

See some reactions below,

One Cinnamon_Rowlz wrote, “Who the gods want to kill, they first make mad

One Ochany4real wrote, “I thought his mum begged for him? He’s still talking

One Queen Glowray wrote, “Nobody is shouting oppression now. By the time Burna takes it up, everyone will be shouting the rich are oppressing the póor

One Teeto Olayeni wrote, “You people are finding all of these funny. I hope when Burna responds or takes action, it will still be funny.

One Magic Skins_ wrote, “Who be this guy advised sef?

One Precious Chiamaka wrote, “You want him to pay you 12 million after you defamed him. Akpi iwu onye ara

One Yanga Boii wrote, “Na him and Dammy Krane know wetin dem smoke

One Big Ujuposh wrote, “Where is ur mother? I hope she is seeing her son. Anyways, Akpi fights with her

One Aku Ceejay wrote, “Yen yen yen, they will soon pick you up again. Social media though!

One Daniel Collins wrote, “Later now, Nigeria go dey beg for you. U don start again”.

Recall that Speed Darlington raised brows due to his inquisition about Burnaboy’s relationship with American rapper and businessman P.Diddy.

Speed Darlington noted how he had taken a photo with P.Diddy some years back, and after that other Nigerian artists started flying out to meet P.Diddy and take pictures with him. Speed said that shortly after Burna Boy took photos with P.Diddy, he won a Grammy award. Quizzing him, he urged Burna to explain how he became more famous after meeting with P.Diddy.

October 30, 2024
Iyabo Ojo, Yinka Quadri, react as Nkechi Blessing tenders unreserved apology to TAMPAN

Some colleagues of Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing have reacted following her unreserved apology to the Theater Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners of Nigeria TAMPAN.

Kemi Filani reported that at an award ceremony in Canada to celebrate Yoruba actors and actresses, Nkechi Blessing knelt to acknowledge her errors to TAMPAN publicly. She sought the forgiveness of the leaders and pleaded that her ban in the industry be lifted.

Still on it, Nkechi, via her Instagram page, stated that she wished she knew the things she knows now, but she is thankful to God for direction and guidance. Tendering an unreserved apology to the members of the association, she hoped they find a place in their hearts to forgive her.

Nkechi, who is turning a new leaf, noted how change comes with a lot of soul searching, sober reflections, and, most importantly, peace within oneself.

Taking to her comment section, Iyabo Ojo, Mo Bimpe, Jamiu Azeez, Oge Okoye, Yewande Adekoya Abiodun, and Kemi Korede sent some love emojis.

Toyosi Adesanya wrote, “God will continue to order your stress

Georgina Ibeh wrote, “God bless you

Yinka Quadri wrote, “Well done”.

Refreshing your memory in 2021, Nkechi and Iyabo Ojo had openly condemned the conduct of Baba Ijesha for allegedly defiling the foster daughter of Nigerian comedienne Princess, which the association wasn’t pleased with. They had also clashed with some TAMPAN members, such as Yomi Fabiyi and Lege Maimi, who kicked against them for openly condemning Baba Ijesha.

Following this, Veteran actor Jide Kosoko took action against them as he barred directors in the association from working with them. Reacting to it, Nkechi mocked the association’s decision, stating they were threatening to frustrate people who could feed their entire generation till the end. She went on to call the association one of lawlessness.

October 30, 2024
“You really won my heart” – Dele Odule, Jide Kosoko react to Nkechi Blessing’s unreserved apology to TAMPAN

Veteran Nollywood actors Jide Kosoko, Dele Odule, and others have reacted to the unreserved apology from Nkechi Blessing to members of TAMPAN.

Kemi Filani reported that at an award ceremony in Canada to celebrate Yoruba actors and actresses, Nkechi Blessing knelt to acknowledge her errors to TAMPAN publicly. She sought the forgiveness of the leaders and pleaded that her ban in the industry be lifted.

Still on it, Nkechi, via her Instagram page, stated that she wished she knew the things she knows now, but she is thankful to God for direction and guidance. Tendering an unreserved apology to the members of the association, she hoped they find a place in their hearts to forgive her.

Taking to his Instagram page, Jide Kosoko accepted her apology as he let her know that there was never any action taken against her to keep her out of the industry. Jide stated that Nkechi remains a daughter and prayed that God continues to guide her.

“Nkechi @nkechiblessingsunday Honestly, you are forgiving, even before the President’s pronouncement. There was never any action to keep you out of practice, to the best of my knowledge. You remain a daughter, and Almighty God will continue to be your guide and guard. Amen”.

In his comment section, Dele Odule stated that Nkechi had won his heart with her apology. He noted how he hardly responds or comments on issues, especially on social media, but he is impressed at her mature behavior.

“Nkechi, you really won my heart with this, you know I hardly respond or comment on issues, especially on social media but I just be sincere, you’ve done greatly well, May Almighty Father continually bless your hustle, you’re loved”

Afeez Owo welcoming Nkechi wrote, “You’re welcome back

Yinka Quadri wrote, “You’re most welcome back”.

Mr Latin had also reacted to Nkechi Blessing’s first apology, commending her courage for going public with the apology. He also welcomed her to the TAMPAN group.

Also, Damola Olatunji expressed pride in Nkechi Blessing, acknowledging the actress’s humility and courage. Olatunji stated that it took courage for the actress to apologize for her wrongs, and he loves her for doing so. At the same time, he warmly welcomed Nkechi Blessing to the TAMPAN association.

Refreshing your memory, in 2021, Nkechi and Iyabo Ojo clashed with some TAMPAN members, who kicked against them for openly condemning Baba Ijesha. Following this, Veteran actor Jide Kosoko barred directors in the association from working with them. Reacting to it, Nkechi mocked the association’s decision, stating they were threatening to frustrate people who could feed their entire generation till the end.

October 30, 2024
Davido, 2baba, Tiwa Savãge others react as Don Jazzy appoints new President and COO of Mavin

Music stars Davido, 2baba, Tiwa Savãge, and others have reacted to music executive Don Jazzy’s appointment of a new President and COO of his record label, Mavin.

Kemi Filani reported on Tuesday night that the record label boss had appointed Tega Oghenejobo as President and COO of his record label, Mavin. He noted how he is always praised for being able to spot and raise superstars, but he can proudly say the most genius thing he has done in his life was being able to spit the passion and resilience in Tega.

He said that from the early days, he has watched Tega be curious about the business, build teams, develop executives, and ensure their talents have sustainable careers from the start. According to Don Jazzy, Tega’s commitment to growing Mavin and shaping the future of African music has been relentless, and he is confident that with him in this new role, they will continue to break new ground and achieve even bigger milestones for their artists and company.

Many celebrities flooded his comment section praising him over his decision.

Davido commented with 🙌🙌🙌

2baba wrote, “Wow. This is beautiful, this is music to my ears. This is the type of level young Nigerians and Africans should emulate. Kudos

Tiwa Savãge wrote, “The hand

Nosa Rex wrote, “Congratulations bro. U too much. D wahala know he say, we go fit call u so

Skales wrote, “Tega the genius

Ushbebe wrote, “Congratulations

Do2dtun wrote, “Very very well deserved

DJ Big N wrote, “Dedication, passion, resilience and hard work

Media personality Gbemi Oo wrote, “Growth! Love to see it”.

Don Jazzy started the MAVIN record label on his own after he left Mo’Hits Records, which he co-founded with D’banj. The music executive has grown to become highly respected in the music industry, and entertainment as a whole. He has received several awards owing to his work as a record label boss and a producer.

In February, Don Jazzy revealed that Mavin Records had partnered with Universal Music Group to bring more innovation and opportunities, allowing them to showcase their African talent worldwide. He said that this partnership was a milestone that recognizes their collective talent, and hard work while aiming to elevate African music on the global stage. Expressing excitement at the partnership, he added that this step forward was a testament to the dedication of his artists, staff, and, importantly, their fans.

October 30, 2024