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  • Yemi Edun: Why I’m sponsoring table tennis tournament

    Yemi Edun: Why I’m sponsoring table tennis tournament

    United Kingdom-based Nigeria-born property expert and Managing Director and Founder of Daniel Ford International, Yemi Edun is venturing into table tennis and not as a player but as a financier of the first Daniel Ford International Elite Youth Championships taking place in Lagos on December 21 to 22.

    The property magnate’s interest in table tennis was borne out of his experience while growing up in the Surulere area of Lagos where the sport was popular among the residents particularly having watched the legendary exploits of former African and Commonwealth champion Atanda Musa in the early 1980s, OLALEKAN OKUSAN writes

    Yemi Edun is synonymous with the property business in London and his firm – Daniel Ford International is one of the leading firms in UK but Edun is also passionate about philanthropy and giving back and this has inspired his decision to bankroll the maiden Daniel Ford International Elite Youth Championships – a two-day table tennis tournament for youngsters across Nigeria.

    Explaining his rationale behind the tournament, Edun said: “Table tennis was widely played at homes and on the streets growing up, but I also lived in Surulere, which was and still is, to some extent, the sports capital of Nigeria. In fact, the National Stadium is also known as Sports City, and my growth in this section of the country made me acutely aware of all things sport, including table tennis. Aside from that, I grew up during a period when table tennis legends like Atanda Musa were routinely featured on the front pages of national newspapers.

    “To expand on my initial comment, table tennis was an enormously accessible sport. A disused door and broken bits of wood were suitable entry points, with the balls fondly referred to as eggs by us back then due to their appearance and mild fragility.

    However, the sport’s accessibility and non-aggressive nature made it a family cantered sport, which meant that most Nigerian households, regardless of class, had a tennis table in some form or another.

    Read Also; NDLEA arrets five persons impersonating operatives in Edo

    So, with that said, there is a nostalgic look back to the glory days of table tennis, as well as an undying love and passion for the sport. We believe that the missing link or void is competition, and that is what we are attempting to bridge by introducing competition into the equation, which we believe will fan the flames that are still present and make it even better.

    On whether he hopes to make it a long-haul, he said: “If the anticipated passion and interest remains, we will consider making it even bigger and for a much longer period of time. In this scenario, the assistance would be long-term.

    “To enrich the existing talent pool and provide opportunities for talent to shine. We also believe it would be something that is suitable for the festive season, a good way to round up the year.

    “In the long run, we hope it will be something that opens annually 4 – 5 days before Christmas, and what better way to end the year than with a well-attended and well-organized competition that can only benefit the game, players and community at large. It may also be able to keep some kids off the streets

    “Our objective is to elevate table tennis’s place in Nigeria’s sporting hierarchy and, ideally, bring it back to the times when it was frequently featured in the media.

    “A Nigerian is currently ranked among the top 20 in the world, and I think we can do much better if we show more support for the game,” added Edun.

  • Willian: At 300 EPL games, I still feel strong

    Willian: At 300 EPL games, I still feel strong

    Willian this month achieved a unique milestone on to become the first Brazilian in history to make 300 Premier League appearances.

    He marked the occasion in style, too, setting up Alex Iwobi for the opener with a beautiful in-swinging cross in the 5-0 whitewashing of Nottingham Forest.

    “It means a lot,” Willian said. “It was not easy to achieve this number, but I’m proud of it. I just want to continue doing the things that I normally do.

    “I think we played very well, it was an amazing performance by the whole team, and we deserve the three points.

    “This is the best league in the world. I don’t know if I’m going to reach another 300 games because I’m 35 now, but I’m enjoying a lot – every game, every training session, and I just want to carry on in the same way.”

    Read Also; Stakeholder calls for amendment of National Commission for Persons with Disability

    It’s apt that he marked the milestone with an assist, as his goal contributions in the Premier League have been sensational over the last 10 years.

    He achieved most of the numbers in Chelsea with 234 appearances and 39 assists. Then, at arsenal he made 25 appearances, netting one goal and making five assists. In his present based Fulham, Willian has notched eight goals and seven assists in 41 appearances.

    To put Willian’s achievement into context, the closest a Brazilian had previously got to hitting 300 Premier League appearances was his former Shakhtar Donetsk teammate Fernandinho, who represented Manchester City 264 times in the competition.

    In terms of current players who could surpass Willian’s record, City goalkeeper Ederson is best placed on 231 appearances, with Richarlison (211) and Gabriel Jesus (195) next on the list.

  • Alex Iwobi: I’ve experienced love and hate from fans

    Alex Iwobi: I’ve experienced love and hate from fans

    Since arriving at Craven Cottage in September, the Nigerian Fulham star has raked up interesting statistics.  Last week the Super Eagles midfielder shone like a million stars when Fulham hammered West Ham. Iwobi played a key role in Fulham’s 5-0 demolition of West Ham United, helping Marco Silva’s side to their second five-goal victory in five days.

    Iwobi, who didn’t score on the day, provided an assist for one of the goals at Craven Cottage.

    The win was Fulham’s fourth consecutive league game with 3+ goals, the first time they’ve achieved this feat in 62 years.

    Raul Jimenez continued his impressive return to form, scoring the opening goal with a header from Joao Palhinha’s cross. The Mexican forward, who suffered a life-threatening skull fracture three years ago, has now scored four goals in his last five league games.

    Fulham were in complete control by half-time, with Willian adding a second before Tosin Adarabioyo headed in the third from a corner.

    Substitute Harry Wilson scored a stunning left-footed curler from the edge of the penalty area before Carlos Vinicius sealed the win late on after being teed up by Wilson.

    Read Also; NDLEA arrets five persons impersonating operatives in Edo

    The victory lifted Fulham into the top half of the table, three points behind ninth-placed West Ham.

    Penultimate Wednesday, Fulham had produced a stunning performance to dispatch Nottingham Forest 5-0 with two goals from the creative midfielder.

    Iwobi and Raúl Jiménez put Fulham in control of proceedings with two first-half goals before a  gorgeous Raúl back heel made it three, and Iwobi claimed a brace with a composed finish.

    And there was still time for Captain Tom Cairney to cap his 299th appearance for the Whites with number five, which he celebrated in style with his adoring public behind the goal.

    MAN OF THE MATCH

    A sign of good things to come was experienced back in September when Iwobi played his full debut match for Fulham.

    He scored a goal and made an assist in the 2-1 win over Norwich City and was handsomely rewarded with the Man of the Match.

    After the game, 47.5% of supporters opted for Iwobi as their standout performer. Fodé Ballo-Touré impressed on his first appearance at left-back, duly coming in second with 13.7%, ahead of Marek Rodák who claimed 11.9%.

    FPL POINTS FOR IWOBI

    Iwobi further got the attention of Fantasy Premier League as he racked up valuable points to become one of Fulham’s big assets.

    The Nigerian was the third player to get into double figures against Forest, with his tally of 14 the best he’s ever registered in Fantasy.

    His two goals were the first time he had ever scored a brace in the top flight, and while he was only allocated one bonus point, he did claim an extra point courtesy of Fulham’s clean sheet.

    Iwobi has been a valuable FPL asset over the years, with 679 points to his name since his debut for Arsenal back in 2015.

    Now, Iwobi is enjoying fans and EPL ratings. Fans love and root for him. He said it hasn’t always been like that. He has seen the other side of life also.

    “When you’re coming onto the scene and doing well, you see fans on social media and in the comments, and you want to see people hyping you up, I’ve also had the hate—that you’re not good enough. When I moved to Everton, there was a high fee (around €40 million or $42 million). Everyone said he costs so much and hasn’t done much. His value is way too high. I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen both sides. Now, I’m at an age where I don’t look at it anymore.

    “At the same time, you want your fans to know what you’re like personally. And at the end of the day, I’m human—just like my fans. I post a bit (on social networks) to show I’m just a normal person.”

    Relaxed and thoughtful in manner, he is. When statistics enter the frame, Iwobi—who joined Arsenal’s ranks aged eight—isn’t.

    Of those who enter soccer academies aged nine in England and Wales, 99% don’t become professionals, according to The Professional Footballers’ Association, leaving some stranded and needing support. Fellow player Trent Alexander-Arnold is addressing the issue.

    OF SAUDI LEAGUE

    So long the pinnacle, top players and leagues across Europe are also coming to terms with the Saudi Arabian soccer boom in top-level soccer, having seen dozens of stars leave the continent for cash-rich teams in the Gulf state over the summer.

    From the inside looking out, the change has been equally significant, not least in West London; had star striker Aleksandr not departed for Pro League powerhouse Al-Hilal, he would have been one of Iwobi’s teammates.

    “There’s much more money,” Iwobi remarks. “I mean, there are more countries involved in the sport. With Saudi Arabia, if you wanted to go there before, it would be like, ‘What are you going there for?’ But many professionals are going there, so the league is probably getting more competitive now.”

    What he does know is the difference soccer makes to lives. Learning his trade in the capital, Iwobi played with people from various ethnicities, cultures, and backgrounds. Through his charity, Project 17, Iwobi aims to integrate individuals—such as those in minority groups—into society through sport. In many ways, it reflects his attitudes and sense of identity.

    “I’ve realized that it’s powerful and brings communities together,” he muses out loud. “Growing up, I didn’t have many people coming to my area to organize matches. If they did, I’m sure everyone would have attended—the same as they did for me. I want them to know I’m the same as them,” added Iwobi.

  • SNAPSONG 202

    SNAPSONG 202

    The Whisper which surprises the Shout

    Soki l’obe oge

    Our message this day is

         So long because it is so short

    It is that smoked-dry meat

         In the mouth of the eloquent sage

    That old, old proverb

         Which has seasoned countless words

    Into wisdom nuggets whose grip and glow

         Traverse the ages

    Make it short

         Make it long

    Poem it into an eternity

         Of seamless meanings

    A drop of water

         Is larger than the ocean

    A penny newspaper

         Is a library of words

    A spoonful of rice

         May feed a nation

    One short wink

         Is a lengthy slumber

    One humble step

         is longer than a marathon

    A minute spent in fancy

         Is Time-without-End

    *Dainty is the soup of the elegant

  • NDLEA arrets five persons impersonating operatives in Edo

    NDLEA arrets five persons impersonating operatives in Edo

    The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has arrested five persons impersonating its operatives in Edo state.

    Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA Headquarters Abuja, Femi Babafemi, on Sunday said the suspects, that were putting on the agency’s operational jackets, were arrested with a fabricated gun and pistol carved from wood.

    “In Edo state, five persons dressed in NDLEA operational jackets were arrested with a fabricated gun and pistol carved from wood following intelligence that they were impersonating as officers of the Agency and conducting illegal operations.

    “The suspects include: Sebastine Asekiamhe, 22; Raymond Otaru, 28; Emmanuel Wisdom, 23; Solomon Edogamhe, 27; and Bonaventure Oghibui, 22. While some others in NDLEA jackets escaped, a bottle of codeine-based syrup was found with those arrested,” Babafemi said in a statement.

    He said the Agency intercepted millions of tramadol 225mg pills, thousands of codeine syrup bottles and bags of Canadian Loud in consignments arriving the country ahead of the Christmas celebration.

    According to him, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA, Ikeja Lagos, all tricks employed by the drug syndicates to smuggle into the country 7.5 milion pills of tramadol 225mg through the NAHCO import shed of the airport were frustrated by NDLEA officers with the cooperation of men of the Nigeria Customs and other stakeholders.

    He said the consignment which was taken into custody on Friday 22nd December came onboard a Turkish airline with no country of manufacture or origin. 

    “Apart from being the first time such shipment would be seized on the airline’s flight, it was equally the first of such coming from Hamburg, Germany. The 7.5million tramadol 225mg pills were also specially designed and packaged as tamol-x concealed in 100 big cartons weighing 7,150kg, which arrived the country on 11th December and placed under surveillance until last Friday. Preliminary test of the tablets proved positive to tramadol hydrochloride,” the statement reads.

    He said in the same vein, operatives of the Lagos Command of the Agency on Wednesday 20th December conducted a search operation on two shops marked Chex Mat Global Link Limited at Trade Fair complex in Ojo area of Lagos where 258 cartons of codeine-based cough syrup and eight cartons of codeine tablets were recovered. 

    The cartons, he said, contained 49, 200 bottles of codeine syrup and 46, 200 tablets of same opioid.

    Babafemi said the following day Thursday 21st December, NDLEA operatives raided a house in Mushin area of Lagos where a 70-year-old grandma, Selifat Funke Cole and her son, Babajide Ayorinde Cole were arrested with 117.900kg of cannabis sativa.

    The statement read: “A consignment of spare parts that originated from Asaba, Delta state and going to Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, India was intercepted at the cargo terminal of the Lagos airport on Wednesday 20th December. NDLEA sniffer dogs were deployed to examine the spare parts. The dogs were able to identify the particular shipment containing illicit drug concealment, which a physical examination later confirmed to be cocaine measuring 200grams.

    “Not less than 70 parcels of Canadian Loud, a strong strain of cannabis, with a gross weight of 35kg were seized by operatives of the Tincan Command of NDLEA from a container, marked BEAU 4993525 coming from Toronto via Montreal, Canada. The container contained four used vehicles, including a Honda CRV 2006 model, where bags of the psychoactive substance were concealed.

    “In the FCT Abuja, NDLEA operatives on Monday 18th December intercepted a waybill consignment of 25,000 pills of tramadol, while their counterparts in Anambra arrested two suspects at Onitsha head bridge. Ejiro Emmanuel was driving a bus marked EFR 31 XB conveying 61,100 tramadol capsules; 1, 025 bottles of codeine; 1,350 tablets of rohypnol and 46grams of designer drug, while Daniel Ogbiyoyo was caught in a bus marked SAP 540 YK conveying 55,950 tramadol capsules; 3,117 bottles of codeine; 1,530 tablets of swinol and 1,350 tablets of rohypnol.

    “Operatives in Delta state on Monday 18th December in a joint operation with the military raided the home of a drug kingpin, Chukwuma Steven Eneriku at Okanaro street, Abbi town, where bags of cannabis weighing 353kg were recovered. Same day, NDLEA operatives in Enugu recovered bags of cannabis sativa weighing 435.1kg in a warehouse located at Trans Ekulu, Enugu East LGA.

    “The Commands across the country balanced their drug supply reduction operations with War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaigns to schools, markets, worship centres and communities. Some of these include: WADA sensitisation lecture at Ikuduru LGA, Imo; WADA advocacy visit to Fuji music maestro, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, Ogun state; WADA advocacy visit to Kwara First Lady and Chairperson Nigeria Governors Wives Forum, Prof. Olufolake Abdulrazak, Ilorin; WADA sensitisation lecture to members of Jama’atu Fitayanul Islam at Aliyu Mustafa College, Yola and WADA advocacy visit to the Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Babatunde Aremu Akiolu.

    “While commending the efforts of the officers and men of MMIA, Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Enugu, Delta, FCT and Tincan Commands of the Agency as well as the K-9 Unit for jobs well done in the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) urged them and their compatriots across the country to remain vigilant and get ready for the next phase of operations in the new year.”

  • Kano guber: Sheik Dahiru denies writing CJN

    Kano guber: Sheik Dahiru denies writing CJN

    Prominent Islamic scholar in Bauchi State, Sheikh Dahiru Usman-Bauchi, has denied any involvement in a letter circulating on social media regarding the Kano state gubernatorial legal battle. 

    In the letter, titled: “Request for Prompt Intervention of Justice” and purportedly addressed to Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Olukayode Ariwoola, the cleric called on the Justice to ensure that the governorship election petition of the state is treated by the apex court with caution, justice and fairness.

    Nation reports that the Supreme Court had reserved its judgment in the Kano governorship appeal last Thursday.

    The apex court reserved its judgment after hearing parties in the appeal.

    This is coming after the Court of Appeal affirmed the election petition tribunal’s judgement removing Governor Abba Yusuf of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and declaring Dr. Nasiru Gawuna of the All Progressive Congress, APC as the winner.

    But in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, the Vice Chairman of Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi Foundation, Sayyadi Tijjani, who is also one of the sons of the Islamic cleric, dismissed the letter.

    Speaking on behalf of his father, he said the letter was forged  and did not emanate from him.

    He said: “Our attention was drawn to the purported letter sent to the Chief Justice of Nigeria. People from all walks of life are calling to verify and to confirm the authenticity and the truth about the letter, 

    “The truth of the matter is that the letter did not emanate from Maulana Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi. The letterhead is not the type used by Sheikh Dahiru Bauchi.

    “The writers forged Sheikh Dahiru Foundation’s letterhead and the Sheikh is not a signatory in foundation letterhead, and today Sheikh is not signing any letter, but he used a special seal and stamp in all the letters that emanate from him”

  • BREAKING: Lagos govt seals Quilox for causing traffic congestion

    BREAKING: Lagos govt seals Quilox for causing traffic congestion

    The Lagos state government has shut down the popular nightclub, Quilox.

    The Nation learnt it was closed down for causing severe traffic congestion in the vicinity.

    Lagos State Environment Update – @enviupdatelasg via ‘X’ on Sunday had tweeted: “This is Quilox Club as of today, the 24th of December, 2023. At 7.30 am….

    “When the government takes a FINAL decision on the traffic and environmental nuisances caused by this club, nobody should cry a witch-hunt.”

    This is not the first time the state government will be shutting down the club.

    Last year, December 26, the popular nightclub was closed down over non-compliance to LASEPA’s directive and organising events without obtaining a sound control permit.

    In November 2023, it was also sealed for noise pollution and other environmental infractions.

    Read Also: FCT safe, secure, says Commissioner of Police 

    LASEPA officials then stated that the club was sealed due to multiple concerns, including severe traffic congestion in the vicinity and a flagrant disregard for the agency’s directives infraction

    However, the government later opened the club following a commitment by its operators to adhere to safety rules.

    Officials of the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC) on their official X handle on Sunday, confirmed the latest shutdown. 

    According to LASEPA, both agencies have warned social centres to ensure that their operations do not affect the safety and wellbeing of other citizens and vowed to sanction any of such erring. 

    LASEPA added that Quilox Restaurant Bar Night Club had been found in non-compliance with essential environmental regulations set by the agency.

    The agencies also warned Sol Beach, The Good Beach and Landmark Beach over environmental violations and safety measures. 

    LASEPA tweeted: “Lagos State Government Seals Quilox, strongly warns Sol Beach, The Good Beach and Landmark Beach over Environmental and Safety infractions.

    “A joint enforcement operation between the Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) and the Lagos State Safety Commission (LSC) sealed Quilox nightclub over environmental and safety infractions. 

    “Recall an earlier press release, where both agencies have warned social centres to ensure that their operations do not affect the safety and wellbeing of other citizens and vowed to sanction any of such erring. 

    “The agencies also warned the operators of Sol beach, the good beaches, landmark beach and other social centres across the State to ensure that adequate considerations are made towards the safety and wellbeing of their neighbours and citizens of the State during the Yuletide.”

  • Niger Delta youths hail Tinubu for resolving Rivers crisis

    Niger Delta youths hail Tinubu for resolving Rivers crisis

    Youths of the Niger Delta have commended President Bola Tinubu for resolving the political crisis that engulfed Rivers state.

    The youths under the aegis of the Niger Delta Youth Movement(NDYM) said that Tinubu’s role in brokering peace in Rivers state was an indication that he is indeed a ‘father’ to all.

    In a press release signed by the NDYM national president, Prince Boboye Peretu at the weekend, the group noted that peace was a necessity for the development of the region.

    The group stated: “We appreciate Mr President, HE Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating and midwifing the necessary peace in Rivers State, the headquarters of our region.

    “The youths of the region under my watch shall strive to reciprocate your fatherly disposition towards us. We pledge our unalloyed loyalty to your administration”, the group said.

    Read Also; Scarcity in abundance: The pain of Nigerian pulp, paper mills

    While pledging to mobilise the support and loyalty of youths of the region for current administration, the NDYM assured that it would work for the success of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

    It also promised to work with agencies of governnment including security organizations to ensure that the programmes and policies of governnment are positively implemented.

    “It added: “The Board and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission NDDC is appreciated for their continuous support and encouragement.

    “And the Movement shall reciprocate by resuming our traditional role as the mouthpiece of the commission in all their project, programme and policies as it concerns the region.”

    The NDYM further appreciated the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio and governors of the Niger Delta states for engaging youths in governance as well as spreading democracy dividends to their people.

    The group noted: “NDYM appreciates the uncommon Senate President and Chairman of the National Assembly HE, Senator Godswill Akpabio – the story of your rise from grass to grace and from grace to grace is a study in perseverance, tenacity and steadfastness and it is an inspiration to us in the region. More so, we thank members of the National Assembly for their solidarity.

    “We sincerely thank Honourable (Prince) Eugene Dibiagwu, our National Patron and member representing the people of Ohaji/Egbema, Ogwuta and Oru West Federal Constituency of Imo State for the regular support and encouragement.

    “We thank our Royal National Patron The Amanyanabo of Okochiri kingdom, Okirika, HRM King Ateke Michael Tom (The Ambassador of Peace) for his fatherly support. We thank our Pillar, Oba Nanka Ifeanyi (our National BOT) for his steadfast support.

    “We thank the Elders Forum chairman Comrade Moses Omo-Ikirodah and Comrade Stephen Youyah, Comrade Felix Ogbonna, Allen Okiakpe, and others.”

  • Crochet-a-thon: Nigerian lady kicks off knitting of wedding gown for 72-hours in Lagos

    Crochet-a-thon: Nigerian lady kicks off knitting of wedding gown for 72-hours in Lagos

    Nigerian crochetist and social entrepreneur, Okafor Chidinma Modupe has kicked off her 72-hours crochet-a-thon to break Guinness World Record (GWR).

    She commenced around 2:00pm on Sunday, December 24.

    The marathon crocheting will continue till 27th of December at GOGE Africa, Maryland Lagos.

    Crochet is a needlework made by looping thread with a hooked needle. It involves creating different stitches with different numbers of loops on the hook.

    For this crochet-a-thon, the 30-year-old crochetist plans to knit a wedding gown.

    Chidinma who is ecstatic over this record-breaking feat told The Nation she had made preparations to become a record-holder as this will fulfill her lifelong dream.

    Read Also; Scarcity in abundance: The pain of Nigerian pulp, paper mills

    Alessandra Hayden of Gig Harbor from Washington, USA, holds the longest marathon crocheting after an astounding 34 hours and 7 minutes in November 2023.

    Hayden knitted a blanket, the blanket made during her attempt was donated to her daughter’s school auction, where a friend bought it for $2,000 and gave it back to Hayden as a gift.

    Inspired by the Nigerian chef Hilda Baci’s world record for the longest cooking marathon, Many Nigerian youths have been making attempts at setting or breaking world records in different spheres of life.

    Chidinma noted that her family has been very encouraging and supportive of her record attempt.

    She further explained that she started crocheting at a very tender age and found it as a hobby and later grew a strong passion for crocheting different accessories and dresses.

  • MTV Base Roundtable returns with DJ Big N, Taymi B, VJ Adams, others

    MTV Base Roundtable returns with DJ Big N, Taymi B, VJ Adams, others

    MTV Base Roundtable, the spectacular annual entertainment show which brings the top media personalities to deliberate on the most noteworthy topics and trends in the music industry, will air on Thursday, 28 December, on MTV Base (DStv Channel 322, GOtv Channel 72) at 20:00 WAT. 

    The ninth edition of the Roundtable promises to be a stacked show with three engaging segments, the biggest music moments, the most controversial personality(-ies) in the entertainment space, and the top 10 best albums of 2023. 

    The exciting Roundtable features a star-studded lineup of six of the most prominent music voices in Nigeria that include VJ Adams, Award-winning Video Jockey, entertainment entrepreneur, artist cum executive producer; Taymi B, Award-winning On-Air Personality; DJ Big N, Award-winning Disc Jockey; Sunky O, Producer and Lifestyle Connoisseur; Tosin Akinbo, Head of Strategy, Glitch Africa; and Ejino Valentine, Head, Music & Programming, MTV Base.

    On what to expect from this Roundtable edition, Busola Komolafe, Senior Channels Manager for Paramount in Nigeria, said: “The stage is set once more to explore the trends in the music industry that made heads turn all year. It has indeed been an exceptional 2023 for Nigerian music with global recognition from the MTV VMAs, BET Awards, as well as BET Hip Hop Awards, some of the biggest music collaborations worldwide, and a fair share of controversy. 

    Read Also: FCT safe, secure, says Commissioner of Police 

    As a result, we are taking things up a notch this year and adding two more segments; most controversial personality(-ies) in the entertainment space, and the biggest music moments. 

    Media personalities familiar with the landscape will come together to offer their insightful critiques and rankings on the best music moments of the year. The Roundtable will also factor in the way music is marketed, distributed and consumed in the discourse. 

    It’s important to have some of the brightest music experts in the country reminisce on the collective progress we’ve had and we are proud to give the platform for that. This Roundtable is one to shape the narrative of the music industry and set the tone for what is to come in 2024.”

    The panel undoubtedly has a lot to weigh in from Davido’s gold-certified Unavailable on his record-breaking Timeless album to Asake’s continued mainstream dominance, Burna Boy’s multiple Grammy nods, Afrobeats sweetheart Ayra Starr’s Rush, break-out star Shallipopi taking over the airwaves, Odumodublvck’s Arsenal FC moment, Rema’s global success as well as the late MohBad’s street anthem Ask About Me. 

    Expect dissenting opinions and arguments on who did what best and what moments are worth remembering this year. 

    The criteria for selecting the year’s top songs include impact, streams, appeal, charts, social media influence/trends and longevity of airplay. 

    In addition, no song released after November 2023 will be considered for the rankings.

    The  MTV Base Roundtable 2023 for the ultimate year-end review of Nigerian music will hold on Thursday, 28 December. One can also join the conversation via MTV Base’s social media handles.