The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Hakeem Alobo-Bakare celebrates differently

    Hakeem Alobo-Bakare celebrates differently

    Making recourse to the popular parlance that kindness is like snow that beautifies and brings to life everything it covers.

     For construction giant, politician and socialite, Otunba Hakeem Alobo-Bakare, he seems to be an embodiment of meekness and kindness. 

    His gentle mien belies his remarkable strides in life. This is obviously evident in his graceful gait which is copiously devoid of any form of arrogance, despite his status and impeccable achievement in life. Many whose paths have crossed his have continued to appreciate his gesture and have received thunderous accolades many times.

     The Lagos State-born businessman also typifies a soul who enjoys abundant luck and the grace of God. It is no exaggeration to say that his life epitomizes tenacity of purpose, particularly when you consider his intimidating profile in his chosen profession.

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     To many of his friends and admirers, the maverick construction giant is known as a chronic goal-getter who has always been driven, even as a young man, to better the systemic structures, standards and styles of living in his society. As he grows older, the tall and hunk politician has never lost steam in his quest through his dynamic focus on the construction profession, humanitarianism and philanthropy.

    For this and many more, the Otunba- Bobajiro of Jogaland is being admired and loved by his friends, admirers and close associates. It is, therefore not surprising that whenever his birthday approaches, many see this as an opportunity to extend their appreciation towards his love and magnanimity. Last week was another opportunity for such encomiums, applause and compliments, expected from far and wide as he celebrated his 65th birthday with no fanfare.

     So on Sunday, June 11, instead of calling praise singers and hosting a big birthday soiree with enough to eat and drink, Alobo-Bakare celebrated it with the downtrodden and the poor.

     Those close to him said his heart is full of compassion and he is a sympathetic listener who shows extreme concern for the plight of the downtrodden.

  • No record label can exploit artists, music executive

    No record label can exploit artists, music executive

    The narrative that record labels are designed to exploit artists does not sit well with music executive and Steve’s Entertainment boss, Kpuwhara Egba-Oghene Steve.

     Steve firmly believes that the artists hold the key to their destiny but maintains that the contract signed by both parties is sacrosanct and binding on all parties concerned.

     “I feel no label can exploit any artist, because you guys have a contract before actually working together. Anything done outside the contract will be called to attention and resolutely resolved. This is not to invalidate the experiences of some artists who have signed crazy contracts because some contracts I have seen are almost like a prison sentence. For me, it’s all about fairness from both parties,” he began.

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     Stating that there are different types of contracts, Steve said “Now there are several types of contracts between artists and labels- there’s the standard royalty contract where a label gives the talent major funding in cash while the artist is recording a project or an album whose sales and streaming rights will be owned by the label and in most cases, a percentage of it will still go back to the artist. I also know of the 360 contract where the label has a percentage of everything the artist does in their career within the period they are signed with that label both music and non-music e.g endorsements. And note also, the fine prints of these are usually different.

     “So when a label structures a contract where the artist doesn’t seem like they are in prison or being exploited or being ripped off, I think everyone would be happy. They really just need to get their fair share. Artists also need to understand that the label is investing a lot and if their career never takes off, all that money goes down the drain. They are pretty much sacrificing and taking a huge risk on you which could result in a loss for them too.”

  • Douye Ajeh expresses love for God in Dwelling in your Presence

    Douye Ajeh expresses love for God in Dwelling in your Presence

    A talented singer and EeZee Conceptz’s signee, Duoye Ajeh, has expressed his love for God in his latest single entitled, ‘Dwelling in your Presence.’

     Ajeh, who describes himself as a ‘true worshipper,’ delivered a melody that has both harmony and depth which puts the listener in a heightened mood of reverence and worship to God in the new single.

     Recalling how he got inspiration for the song, Ajeh said, “I had an opportunity to talk to other musicians at a seminar/training, and after the session, we just started worshipping and ministering to God. Then the lyrics of the song dropped in my heart, and I started singing them instantly. The whole song practically came to me instantly.”

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     The singer also noted that he still has a lot of ground to cover in his promising career.

     He said, “I just barely started (my career). And, there is a lot more ground to cover. I strongly believe that this is the least I will ever be, and there is greater to come. Starting off my solo career featuring American singer, Todd Dulaney, on my first song titled, ‘Awamaridi’, was a big opportunity I do not take for granted. My pastors, Biodun and Modele Fatoyinbo of the Commonwealth of Zion Assembly (COZA) church made that happen.”

     Acknowledging the impact of EeZee Conceptz, Ajeh said, “The record lable has had a massive impact. They are the biggest gospel music conglomerate in Africa, and that boost and platform have given me a massive takeoff velocity that no ordinary starter in the gospel scene can easily have. Their name and pedigree is a sure door-opener.”

  • Niger Delta youths get N41m start-up grants

    Niger Delta youths get N41m start-up grants

    Sixty-six youths who participated in a technical and soft skill training organised by the Foundation for Partnership Initiatives in the Niger Delta (PIND) have been awarded start-up grants worth over N41.4 million.

    The beneficiaries, drawn from across Delta State, are the second set of winners of PIND’s Start-Up Business Challenge Fund who took part in the NGO’s Youth Employment Pathways (YEP) project in 2021.

    The grant is part of PIND’s commitment to reducing poverty and youth unemployment in the Niger Delta, by supporting micro/small business to create income and jobs for young entrepreneurs.

    At the grant signing held in Warri, PIND’s Executive Director, Tunji Idowu, urged state governments to embrace the foundation’s model of creating wealth, called the ‘market system development approach’, which means ‘you go in there and help people to do better what they were doing’.

    He explained that it focuses on market demands, such that there are opportunities to sustain the businesses.

    “We are just one entity so we keep looking for multiple partners. That is why we keep making an appeal to the states, they don’t need to stop what they are doing or cede control to us, but let them look at our model, and we will freely give it out, and adapt the good things in there that can advance what they do.

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    “So people don’t just get trained, but have no means of livelihood because the competition is too much in the marketplace, or they have excess supply but not enough demand. Ours matches demand and supply, so if they can put in some of those components, there is the opportunity for them. And the more states that can do that across the Niger Delta and beyond, the more you have more people being pulled out of poverty and unemployment,” Idowu said.

    YEP Manager, Patrick Ekpe, explained that though there were 66 beneficiaries, 60 grants were awarded to individuals, while two groups of three persons each got two, making a total of 62 grants.

     He hinted that the 66 beneficiaries underwent screening and pitching sessions, before becoming winners out of 178 initial applicants.

    Delta State Government, represented by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Ben Agamah and Dr. Felix Okonti, hailed PIND for being a consistent partner in the struggle to take youths off the streets.

    The elated beneficiaries were trained in technical, vocational and soft skills, including agriculture, building construction, and information communication technology (ICT). They thanked PIND for the grants, and promised to make good use of them.

  • Abiodun Disciples congratulates Rep Adegbesan,

    Abiodun Disciples congratulates Rep Adegbesan,

    Dapo Abiodun Disciples, a progressive political organization in Ijebu East LG of Ogun State, has felicitated the House Representatives Member, for Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Water Federal Constituency, Hon. Joseph Adegbesan, on the inauguration of the 10th Assembly.

    The Coordinator of the group, Hon. Faseyi Akindele, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Wednesday remarked that: “We want you to know that we are happy having you as our Federal Constituency Representative as your victory and inauguration today gives us hope for the future and a better Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency”

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    “Your ability to bring good and basic dividends of democracy through legislation has been proven beyond reasonable doubt as a former two-term lawmaker at the State House of Assembly, where your exceptional performance has adhered you to the people”

    “Hon. JF Adegbesan, You are the perfect candidate for this post. All your hard work has paid off. The zeal to do something positively to impact your Constituency has made your winning the elections realistic”.

    “For whom you’re, we are optimistic that you will fulfill all your promises and shine brightly in at the House of Representatives. We are proud of you and know that you will justify your election.”

    “As a group of people who believe in your capacity to deliver, we look forward to great things from you for the good people of our Federal Constituency.”

  • MTN, TuneCore YouTube, others partner for music celebration

    MTN, TuneCore YouTube, others partner for music celebration

    MTN, TuneCore, YouTube and a host of other esteemed partners have partnered
    with the Make Music Lagos for its 2023 edition to celebrate the World Music Day. This unique initiative aims to unite the city through the power of music and celebrate the vibrant cultural diversity that defines Lagos and Nigeria as a whole.
    Make Music Lagos 2023 which commenced on Tuesday,June 13, is a global celebration
    of World Music Day. The event will showcase a diverse range of talented artists, both emerging and established, spanning various genres and cultures.

    TuneCore, a renowned digital music distribution service joins forces with MTN, Nigeria’s leading telecommunications provider, YouTube, the world’s largest online video-sharing platform, and Showgear Limited, the lead organising partner and other stakeholders to amplify the
    impact and reach of the event.

    This partnership is to promote the local music industry, fostering an environment that encourages artistic expression and empowers aspiring musicians.

    It kicked off with My Song is Your Song, a global song swap in which music creators all across the world swapped songs based on interest or genre. Artistes will then produce a
    cover of each other’s song and post the cover on the World Music Day, June 21 online.

    This initiative allows for international collaboration of artistes to try out new songs and new languages.

    On Thursday, Music Business Conference will hold, hosted by Jewel Aeida with the theme ‘Win-Win Partnerships: Exploring collaborative opportunities.’

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    Renowned experts will share insights and discuss how stakeholders in the industry and other related industries can collaborate and create mutual growth and benefits. Some of the panelists include Tega Ogehnejobo, COO- Mavin Records; Godwin Tom, MD-Sony Publishing; Ebose Augustine Osegha, Executive Director, Anchor Insurance, David Igbokwe, Founder/CEO, Soundhalla, Yemisi Falaye, Entertainment Lawyer, Jade Osiberu,
    Movie Director and Producer, Cobams Asuquo, Music Producer, Shola (Shullz) Mogaji, among others.

    The conference will serve as a platform for industry professionals, emerging artists, and music enthusiasts to engage in meaningful discussions about the ever-evolving music business landscape.

    On Friday, June 16th, Pop-Up-Worship, a gospel concert, will hold at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium. A rich line of artistes such as Spirit of Prophecy, Anendlessocean, Sinmidele, Neon Adejo, MagPsalm, Spirit of David, Gospel Force, among others are set to perform.

    The ShutDown concert which is the grand finale will hold on the 25th of June at Muson Centre with a line up of artistes set to electrify the atmosphere all evening long.

    Commenting on the event and partnership, Suzan Adinoyi (MD- Zannoza Entertainment) organising partner, Make Music Lagos said that partnerships foster innovation by bringing together diverse perspectives, knowledge and experiences.

    She said: “Make Music Lagos provides a platform to discover and witness the rising stars of Nigerian music and explore the vibrant and dynamic music scene. From traditional rhythms to contemporary beats, Make Music Lagos is helping to discover the next big thing in Nigerian music.

    ” It will promote inclusivity, bridge cultural divides, and strengthen the bond among Lagosians through the universal language of music.”

    The event will feature an array of exciting performances, collaborative jam sessions, workshops, and interactive music experiences across multiple locations throughout the city.

    In addition to the live performances, it will offer educational programmes and workshops designed to empower aspiring musicians, songwriters, and producers. These initiatives will equip participants with essential skills and knowledge needed to navigate the music industry successfully.

  • Prince Uzoo releases debut single

    Prince Uzoo releases debut single

    Fast-rising musician, Uzochigoziri Obiefule aka Prince Uzoo has released his debut single entitled Fall for You.

     Prince Uzoo collaborated with his friend Reeky Willz on the Afrobeats single produced by Reward Beatz.

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     Speaking on the inspiration behind the new song, Prince Uzoo said “Reeky has been my guy for a while now. I discussed with him about getting started in the music industry from an artist standpoint. From there I told him to cook me up something nice on the beat that Reward Beatz produced, and everything else is history. I’m so proud of the feedback I’ve been getting from the song so far.”

     Sharing the messages he hopes to pass on in his music he said, “The message I hope to pass with my music is love, motivation, inspiration, and different ways to express change for the world” said Prince Uzoo.  

  • Pro-chancellors hail Tinubu on varsity autonomy

    Pro-chancellors hail Tinubu on varsity autonomy

    • .Wants negotiations with ASUU, other unions revisited

    The Committee of Pro-Chancellors (CPC) of Federal Universities has hailed President Bola Tinubu on his affirmation of what they described as the sanctity of university autonomy.

    The committee said Tinubu has created an enabling environment for teaching, learning, and research.

    The pro-chancellors also praised Tinubu for agreeing to increase funding of education, through the new Students Loan Act, which was signed into Law on June 11, to create broad access for more qualified Nigerians to benefit from tertiary education.

    The committee pledged to work with the new administration to discuss with the Federal Government to fine-tune the novel initiative.

    The Pro- chancellors said these in a communique issued by its Secretary General, Prof. Yakubu Ochefu, at the end of its 99th regular meeting of the committee held in Abuja yesterday.

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    The regular meeting of the committee brought together Pro-Chancellors from 50 federal universities.

    The committee urged the Federal Government to sustain its vision for the tertiary education sub-sector and ensure that existing laws in the direction are upheld firmly.

    They called on the President as the visitor to all federal universities to work out an early administrative position solution to the pending questions on outstanding obligations to university staff from Year 2022.

    The CPC also called on Tinubu to revisit the pending report of the federal government negotiation committee which the Pro- chancellors said it set up to address various issues raised by university unions.

    According to the communique, the pro-chancellors said they constituted two ad hoc committees to deal with some thematic issues such as alternative funding of universities and a committee on university autonomy.

    The CPC unanimously selected Ambassador Dr.Godknows Igali, the Pro-Chancellor, Federal University of Technology to serve as Alternate Chairman to its substantive Chairman, Bashir Dalhatu.

    The Committee however stated that it looked forward to working closely with the administration of Tinubu to realise its vision for the tertiary education sub-sector.

    The communique reads in part: ”The meeting discussed various issues pertaining to the state of affairs and wellbeing of the Nigerian university system and strategies for sustaining the proper conduct of academic activities in Nigerian universities.

    “Members of the CPC congratulate President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima on their inauguration as President and Vice President, respectively. CPC looks forward to working closely with the administration to realise its vision for the tertiary education sub-sector.

    “The Pro-Chancellors salute the affirmation of Mr. President to uphold the sanctity of university autonomy and create the right and enabling environment for teaching, learning and research.

    ”CPC looks forward to working closely with the government to sustain this vision and ensure that the existing laws in this direction are firmly upheld.”

  • EU-SDGN seeks govt appointment for persons with disabilities

    EU-SDGN seeks govt appointment for persons with disabilities

    The European Union Support to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN) programme has called for the appointment of persons with disabilities in government positions across the country.

    It noted that there cannot be strong, effective and legitimate democratic institutions without the inclusion and participation of persons with disabilities.

    It noted that while the majority of persons with disabilities were not elected in the just concluded general elections, there is still an opportunity for their inclusion in appointive positions in government at the National and State levels.

    The EU-SDGN, which is a European Union-funded programme, aims to reinforce democracy in Nigeria through six component areas, including support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); support to the National Assembly and Judiciary; support to Political Parties; support to Media; support to Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, and support to Civil Society Organizations (CSOs).

    Members of the EU-SDGN cohort include DAI Global, Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), Yiaga Africa, Kukah Centre, International Press Centre (IPC), Institute for Media and Society (IMS), Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), ElectHER, and TAF Africa.

    Others included: The Kukah Centre, SOS Children’s Villages, Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA), Justice, Development and Peace Commission (JDPC), Justice Development and Peace Initiative, and Justice, Development & Peace Makers’ Centre (JDPMC).

    Speaking during the “Able to Serve” event, Chief Executive Officer TAF Africa, and implementing partner of the EU-SDGN, Jake Epelle said: “We want the whole nation, especially the current administration to hear their voice; to hear that they are qualified for any and every appointive office.

    “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should take the bull by the horns and appoint persons with disabilities as Ministers. Let him take pride in being the first President to do that. Elected Governors across the sub-national should also appoint persons with disabilities as Commissioners.

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    “We are grateful that in the past, we’ve been appointed Special Advisers and some other Heads of Establishments, especially establishments for persons with disabilities, but we need to go a notch higher. Who says we cannot be Ministers?

    “Let them appoint a person with a disability as a Minister, hold me responsible, and we will make sure that that person will perform. We may be disabled in our physical body, but we have the ability in our brain.

    “If you take us out of governance, then what you’re going to run is an exclusive government, and an exclusive government is not a government of national unity. If you truly want to run a government of national unity, then that government should be inclusive of all, irrespective of their gender, irrespective of their status, irrespective of their religion, and whatever needs to be done so that everyone will sit on the table is the way forward.

    “Persons with disabilities are very prepared. We have PhD holders and master’s degrees, but it’s not about the degree you have, it is your preparation for leadership. And we have the right people that will make us proud. Just give us the opportunity, that’s what we’re asking for. When you pursue true inclusion, it eliminates cultural stereotypes.

    “Service is not written on anybody’s face. Give everybody that is qualified the chance to serve. Don’t give us a Minister because we’re persons with disabilities. Give us a Minister because we have the ability to run that office, make a difference and be part of nation-building.”

    The Founder and President, Network of Women with Disabilities, Auta Lois, in her remarks, said: “We want to remind policymakers, decision-makers, traditional leaders, the clergy, student groups, civil society organizations, media institutions, and all the key actors and stakeholders that we have, that persons with disabilities have the right to be appointed and elected into a public office.”

    The Founder, the Center for Ability, Rehabilitation and Empowerment (CARE), Dr. Chike Okogwu added: “The impact of this kind of programme is that it’s going to increase inclusion of persons with disabilities in governance. Including persons with disabilities in governance should not be only because they are persons with disabilities. Beyond them being persons with disabilities, their capacity to deliver on the job given to them should play another important role.”

  • Social media influecer Amarachi plans big

    Social media influecer Amarachi plans big

    Popular social media influencer, Amarachi ReginaldKelechi has spoken of her plans to produce a top flight film.

     In a brief chat, ReginaldKelechi said: “I am currently working on producing my next blockbuster movie where I plan to feature some Nigerian A-list celebrities like Chidi Mokeme, Nancy Isime.”

     The social media influencer cum actress further expressed that she has collaborated with several big names like Davido, and Wizkid before launching her own product line like swimwear and beachwear.

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     Speaking on the media influencing sector, she said, “The influencer marketing industry in Nigeria is quite lucrative, and the earning potential for social media influencers largely depends on their level of influence and reach. According to reports, some Nigerian influencers earn between 500,000 to 1 million Naira per sponsored post, while others with larger followings can earn upwards of 5 million Naira per post. However, it’s important to note that not all influencers earn that much, as it largely depends on factors such as the industry, the influencer’s niche, and their level of engagement with their audience. Nonetheless, with the growing importance of social media in Nigeria, the influencer marketing industry is expected to continue to grow and become even more lucrative in the coming years.”