The Nation Newspaper

Category: Online Special

  • Ten Nigerian musicians with international record deals

    Ten Nigerian musicians with international record deals

    There are several Nigerian musicians gaining from signing with an international record label.

    The trend is fast turning ‘normal’ in the industry as these talented artists seek better representation on international scales in the packaging and distribution of their works. 

    Below are Nigerian musicians who have made a mark with international labels:

    1. Burna Boy:

    Burna was formerly signed to Nigerian Label, Aristokrat Records but left in 2014.

    Burna Boy signed with Bad Habit/Atlantic Records in the United States and Warner Music Group internationally in 2017.

    He also released his studio album in 2017 “Outside” to celebrate his major-label debut. He also signed a publishing deal with Universal Records in 2018.

    In 2019, Burna Boy spoke on the dangers of jumping into an international deal without proper guidelines.

    2. Wizkid:

    Wizkid signed a multi-album deal with RCA Records, a subsidiary of Sony Music in 2017. 

    The deal came a few years after his exit from EME Records and the establishment of Starboy Entertainment.

    Immediately after his deal with Sony Records, he released his third studio album, “Sounds from the Other Side.

    3. Patoranking:

    Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie is a reggae dancehall singer. 

    Identified by his stage name Patoranking, the Ebonyi-state-born songwriter started with Igberaga Records in 2010.

    He went on to Foston Musik in 2014 and in 2015 he signed with an independent Caribbean-owned record label in New York, VP Records.

    The record label is known for releasing music similar to Patoranking’s reggae-dancehall genre.

    4. Davido:

    Davido is signed to Sony Music through RCA Records.

    He was the first of Nigerian artists to be signed to an international label.

    He joined the label in 2016 and then went on to establish his own record label, Davido Music Worldwide which houses artists like Peruzzi, Mayorkun, Dremo, Yonda amongst others.

    In the same year as his new deal, Davido released an EP, Son of Mercy but the EP didn’t fare well in the market due to the change of sound and music style.

    5. Tiwa Savage:

    Her entrance into an International Label was in 2019.

    The “Malo” singer had been with Mavin Records for seven years but later joined Motown Records a subsidiary of Universal Music where she signed a seven-year publishing and distribution deal.

    After joining Universal Music, she released “49-99”, then “Attention” and “Owo mi da” to keep entertaining her fans.

    6. Seyi Shay:

    Deborah Oluwaseyi Joshua is a British-Nigerian singer and songwriter.

    The musical style of Seyi Shay as professionally called is a combination of Afropop and R&B though she has been exploring other genres based on what inspires her.

    After signing a global recording contract with Island Record, a multinational record label owned by Universal Music Group, in 2015, she released the debut album Seyi or Shay.

    She has been doing well in the industry with several endorsement deals and also as a music talent show judge.

    7. Asa:

    Bukola Elemide is reputed to be one of Nigeria’s most exposed musicians.

    Known as Asa, the Nigerian-French singer, songwriter and recording artist is under international tutelage and signed to Paris-based Naïve Records.

    Asa is also signed to Sony BMG. Asa’s deal is a very positive one as her music is not, particularly for Nigerian consumption. 

    Her second album, Beautiful Imperfection released in 2010 in collaboration with French composer Nicolas Mollard went platinum in 2011.

    Her latest album was released on the 25th of February 2022.

    Read Also: Fela established platform for Nigerian musicians to thrive on – 9ice

    8. Brymo:

    Olawale Ibrahim Ashimi is a singer, songwriter and author.

    Brymo popularly called signed a record deal with Chocolate City in 2010 but left and signed a new recording and distribution deal with a US-based music company, Tate Music Group in 2015.

    His music is a mixture of Fuji, R&B, Rock and Pop.

    9. Olamide:

    Olamide is one of the few Nigerian artists to boast of owning a successful record label.

    Olamide established his record label, YBNL in 2012.

    The Label groomed artists like Lil Kesh, Adekunle Gold, Viktoh, Chinko Ekun, and Fireboy DML.

    He recently signed a joint venture deal with International Label and Distribution Company, Empire.

    The deal sees any other artists signed to YBNL enjoy their music distributed internationally.

    10. Pheelz:

    Phillip Kayode Moses or Pheelz as popularly known is a record producer, songwriter, and singer and the latest artist to be signed by a United States label, Warner Records.

  • Landmarks of 10 major countries

    Landmarks of 10 major countries

    Landmarks are prominent and distinctive structures that can be natural edifices, historical sites or architectural works.

    They often serve as symbols of a country and most of them are important tourist attractions in the country.

    These countries possess numerous Landmarks but they also have Iconic and major ones that make them stand out in the world.

    Here is a list of some countries with their major landmarks: 

    Nigeria: 

    Nigeria, which is often referred to as the Giant of Africa due to its large population and economy, is situated in the West African region. The country’s capital is Abuja and English serves as the official language.

    The major landmarks are Zuma Rock(Niger); Olumo rock in (Ogun) Aso Rock in (Abuja) and Yankari National Park (Bauchi).

    The United States of America 

    The USA, a highly developed country in North America, has its capital in Washington, D.C., and English as its official language.

    The major landmarks are: the Statue of Liberty (New York); Golden Gate Bridge (California); Grand Canyon (Arizona) and

    Hollywood sign(California)

    Egypt

    Egypt, situated in the northeastern part of Africa, is often referred to as a transcontinental nation due to the presence of a small portion of its territory, the Sinai Peninsula in Asia. Its capital is Cairo and the official language is Arabic.

    The major landmarks in Egypt: The Great Pyramid of Giza(Northern Egypt); The Pyramid of Kaphre (Giza Necropolis) and The Great Sphinx of Giza(Giza, Egypt)

    China

    China is situated in East Asia with Beijing as its capital and ranks as the world’s second most populous country. 

    China is renowned for its notable technological progress and its official language is Mandarin Chinese.

    Major landmarks in China are: Great Wall of China(Northern China); The Forbidden City(Beijing);The Terracotta Army(Xi’an) and Picturesque Li River (Guilin)

    South Africa 

    South Africa is the southernmost country on the African continent.

    It has a unique structure compared with other countries. This distinction arises from the country’s division of government into legislative, executive, and judicial, each of which is headquartered in a separate capital city.

    These capitals include Pretoria, Cape Town and Bloemfontein.

    The South Africans speak Zulu, Xhosa, Afrikaans and English.

    The country’s major landmarks are: Table Mountain(Cape Town); Robben Island(Western Cape Province) and Kruger National Park(north-east of South Africa). 

    France

    France is located in Western Europe, has its capital in Paris and its official language is French.

    Major landmarks in France are: Eiffel tower(Paris); Notre dame(Paris); Louvre Museum(Paris); Versailles Palace(Versailles) and

    Mont Saint-Michel(Normandy)

    Read Also: 15 major landmarks in Tinubu’s first 100 days as President

    Spain 

    Spain is situated in Southwestern Europe.  It extends its territory into the Atlantic Ocean, Mediterranean Sea, and Africa. The country’s capital is Madrid, and the official language spoken is Spanish. The major landmarks are: Sagrada Familia(Barcelona) and Alhambra(Granada)

    Italy

    Italy, situated at the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, is a European country known for its extensive Mediterranean coastline. Rome serves as its capital, and the official language is Italian. Major landmarks are:The colosseum(Rome); Trevi fountain(Rome) and Leaning tower(Pisa)

    The United Kingdom

    The United Kingdom (UK), also known as Great Britain, is a sovereign nation located off the northwestern coast of mainland Europe. It consists of four constituent countries: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, with London as its capital and English as the official language, The major landmarks are: Big Ben and the Houses of Parliament(London); Tower of London(London) and Buckingham Palace(London)

    Canada

    Canada, situated in North America, has Ottawa as its capital city and both English and French are the predominant languages.

    Major landmarks are: The CN Tower(Toronto); Notre-Dame Basilica(Montreal) and Niagara Falls(Ontario)

  • Eight African countries that changed names after independence

    Eight African countries that changed names after independence

    Countries change their names for a variety of reasons. Sometimes, it’s for political purposes or to encourage a sense of national pride.

    The switch might be motivated by marketing considerations and occasionally it could be the result of a royal decree.

    A rebranding exercise also provides a clean start after independence, an attempt to eliminate negative incidents or memory from the past.

    Here is a list of African countries that changed their names:

    Dahomey to Benin

    Dahomey was a great pre-colonial monarchy that existed in what is now the Benin Republic in West Africa.

    The kingdom also included areas of modern-day Togo and southern Nigeria. The talented female warriors who served as royal bodyguards were well-known in the Dahomey Kingdom.

    Under the leadership of Mathieu Kerekou, the nation changed its name from Dahomey to the Benin Republic fifteen years after gaining independence in 1975.

    The name change was compared to Kerekou’s belief in Marxist-Leninist ideology.

    Zaire to the Democratic Republic of Congo

    The Democratic Republic of the Congo, for almost three decades, was known as Zaire, derived from the former name of the Congo River.

    Congo Free State, Belgium Congo, and Congo-Leopoldville were all official titles for the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Congo gained independence from Belgium in 1960. From 1971 to 1997 the country was officially the Republic of Zaire, a change made by then ruler Gen. Mobutu Sese Seko to give the country what he thought was a more authentic African name.

    “Zaire” is a variation of a term meaning “great river” in local African languages; like the country’s current name, it refers to the Congo River, which drains a large basin that lies mostly in the republic.

    Unlike Zaire, however, the name Congo has origins in the colonial period, when Europeans identified the river with the kingdom of the Kongo people, who live near its mouth.

    Following the overthrow of Mobutu in 1997, the country’s name prior to 1971, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, was reinstated.

    Bechuanaland to Botswana

    Botswana was once known as Bechuanaland, a British colony. The British gave the nation the name Bechuanaland on March 31, 1885, when it became one of their possessions.

    Read Also: Countries European powers did not colonise

    Until September 30, 1966, the area was governed by the Bechuanaland Protectorate. After independence, the country changed its name to Botswana.

    Botswana is named after the country’s major ethnic group, the “Tswana,” which is also known as “Bechuana” in an earlier variant spelling.

    Gold Coast to Ghana

    Ghana was known as the Gold Coast until March 1957.

    When the Portuguese arrived in Ghana in the 15th century, they discovered so much gold between the rivers Ankobra and Volta that they dubbed the area Mina, which means “mine”. The English colonists subsequently recognized the Gold Coast as their own.

    Because it substituted a reference based on European exploitation with the name of a great, former West African kingdom, Kwame Nkrumah offered ‘Ghana’ as the name for an independent Gold Coast.

    Nkrumah advocated for a resurrection of Pan-Africanism, in which autonomous African countries would embrace their own local traditions to create a variety of nationalist, socialist, and even communist forms of life free of European colonialism’s taint. ‘Ghana’ was a fantastic match for that perspective.

    Upper Volta to Burkina Faso

    Burkina Faso is a landlocked nation in West Africa. It is surrounded by six countries: Mali to the north, Niger to the east, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Côte d’Ivoire to the southwest.

    Formerly Haute-Volta it was a colony of French West Africa, before becoming the Republic of Upper Volta after it gained independence in 1960.

    But the nation ecperienced a new beginning in 1984 when it was renamed by then President Thomas Sankara using native words meaning “the land of upright and honest people.” The inhabitants are known as Burkinabé.

    Swaziland to Eswatini

    When Swaziland celebrated the 50th anniversary of its independence from the British, its king decided to change its name to Eswatini.

    The 2018 decision of King Mswati III follows the tradition in Africa of reverting to the traditional names of countries before the colonisers arrived.

    The name Swaziland was derived from the name of the local people, the Swazi, who in turn had named themselves after King Mswati II, who unified the kingdom during his reign in the mid-19th Century.

    Upon achieving independence, some African nations, such as Lesotho or Botswana, chose to immediately rename themselves in their local languages. Others, such as Swaziland and Kenya, did not.

    In English, the name ‘eSwatini’ means ‘Land of the Swazis’, so it is not a particularly dramatic change. But for many citizens, it is a point of key cultural significance, as they see keeping half their country’s name in English as an affront to their culture and independence.

    The king also gave another, more surprising reason for the name change: he claimed people around the world kept calling the country ‘Switzerland’. So, he wanted to avoid the recurrent confusion between the countries’ names.

    Nyasaland to Malawi

    In 1889, a British protectorate was created in this African country. By 1907, it had adopted the official name “Nyasaland,” which was used until 1964, when the protectorate was abolished, and Malawi gained independence becoming a republic two years later.

    The country’s name was changed from Nyasaland, which meant “wide waters,” to Malawi, which means “flaming waters,” to signify the transition from the colonial past.

    The name comes from a native phrase that means “sunbeams glinting off Lake Nyasa.”

    Rhodesia to Zimbabwe

    Rhodesia was a colonial name after the renowned coloniser Cecil John Rhodes.

    Between 1953 and 1963, Southern Rhodesia was joined with Northern Rhodesia and Nyasaland in the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

    The country achieved international recognition after its independence in April 1980 as the Republic of Zimbabwe and was renamed Zimbabwe.

    In one of the Zimbabwean languages, Shona, Zimbabwe is derived from the word Dzimba-Dza-Mabwe, translated from the Karanga dialect as “large houses of stone” (Dzimba = plural of imba, “house”; Mabwe = plural of Bwe, “stone”).

  • 10 things you should know about Apple’s latest iPhone

    10 things you should know about Apple’s latest iPhone

    Tech Corporation, Apple, is set to launch its next iPhone product, the iPhone 15 today, September 12.

    This model will be unveiled at the company’s “Wanderlust” event in Cupertino, California, United States Of America, and is expected to come in four variants: iPhone 15, iPhone 15 Plus, iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, a Forbes report stated.

    Here are ten things you should know about the new iPhone 15:

    1. The new model is made of titanium, not stainless steel as some other Apple smartphone models, senior research analyst at DIGITIMES, Luke Lin reports.

    2. The Pro Max model will feature double the optical zoom on the iPhone 14 as it comes with a newly-introduced ‘periscope lens upgrade, performing 5-6x optical zoom.’

    3. The Pro models will carry an A17 bionic chip expected to make it perform faster.

    4. The iPhone 15 model will feature a USB-C charging port, the same port featured on some Android phone models.

    5. Four models are expected to be included this year in the iPhone 15 lineup: two standard models, the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus, and two higher-end models, the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max

    6. The iPhone 15 is expected to feature up to a 15% boost to its battery capacity

    7. Though the release date is at Apple’s event on September 12, you’d only be able to purchase one 10 days after the product launch.

    Read Also: iOS 17: Apple adds host of new features to iPhone with new software update

    7. The iPhone 15 colours are tipped to be Black, White, Yellow and Blue, and there could be an Orange/Coral Pink option.

    8. The iPhone 15 models could feature a frosted glass back, which was previously a design detail limited to the Pro models.

    9. The iPhone 15 models are not expected to include Touch ID and will continue to use the Face ID unlock feature.

    10. The new model is expected to be sold at a higher price due to its titanium cover. According to Forbes, below is the rumoured price list: iPhone 15, starting from $799, iPhone 15 Plus: starting from $899, iPhone 15 Pro: starting from $1,099 ($100 increase), iPhone 15 Pro Max: starting from $1,299 ($200 increase).

  • Five prominent Nigerian Kings who are Christians

    Five prominent Nigerian Kings who are Christians

    Kingmakers on Friday enthroned Pastor Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso.

    Oba Olaoye was installed with a crowd of ecstatic indigenes welcoming the new monarch to the palace.

    Here are five Monarchs who are Christians.

    1. Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso

    Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso

    Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso Karunwi 111, Oranmiyan is the Osile of Oke-Ona Egbaland in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    He is the father of Senator Lanre Tejuoso.

    Oba Tejuoso was born to Joseph Somoye Tejuoso and Esther Bisoye Tejuoso, who was the granddaughter of Oba Karunwi I of Oke Ona.

    Oba Adedapo Adewale Tejuoso is described as an unshakable believer in Christ.

    He hosts an annual worship program “The Kings’ Day of Praise”, a day set aside for kings to meet and worship God.

    It usually takes place on the second Thursday of every October after the independence celebrations just to thank God.

    2. HRM Jacob Gyang Buba 

    HRM Jacob Gyang Buba 

    Da Jacob Gyang Buba CFR was born on October 10, 1951. On April 1, 2009, he was sworn in as the Gbong Gwom, the paramount traditional ruler of the Berom Kingdom, becoming the 5th Gbong Gwom after the demise of Da Victor Dung Pam.

    He practises Christianity and was made National Vice President of the Association of Christian Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (AOCTRON) representing the Northern parts of Nigeria.

    He is the Chairman, Jos Traditional Council of Chiefs and president of the Plateau State Traditional Council.

     He serves as the 3rd Chancellor of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University since March 2016 at the 10th convocation of the institution.

    3. Oba Ayodele Adejuwon

    Oba Ayodele Adejuwon
    Oba Ayodele Adejuwon

    Oba Ayodele Adejuwon was born on November 15, 1970.Oba Ayodele Adejuwon

    He became the king of Isan-Ekiti in 2017.

    He is the Onisan of Isan Ekiti and Chairman of Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Ghandi Olaoye enthroned as new Soun of Ogbomoso

    Before ascending the throne, he was a pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG).

    He hasn’t left his faith as he still practises Christianity.

    During an interview with Daily Sun in 2018, he described himself as ‘a king and a representative of God on earth’.

    4. Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi

    Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi

    Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, (Ọjájá II) CFR was born on October 17, 1974.

    He ascended to the throne of his forebearers in 2015, succeeding the deceased Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who was the 50th Ooni of Ife.

    Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II) is the 51st and current Ooni of Ife.

    The traditional ruler also practices Christianity.

    Ooni during the grand finale of New Year Prayers organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) at Afewonro Park, Enuwa Square, on Saturday, January 7, 2023, in Ile-Ife, confessed Jesus Christ as Lord of lords, adding that He turns shame into celebration, According to a report by Daily Trust.

    5. Oba Ghandi Olaoye

    Oba Ghandi Olaoye

    Oba Ghandi Olaoye is the new Soun of Ogbomoso.

    He was born on August 23, 1961, to the royal family of Olaoye, one of the 5 royal families alongside the Oyewunmis and Ajagunlades in Ogbomoso.

    Ghandi  also called “Pastor G” has been pastoring for over 30 years; starting from 1992 when he began his pastoral duties at the RCCG.

    He is the Senior Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Jesus House Washington DC Parish.

    Oba Ghandi had pastored three RCCG churches in Nigeria before migrating to Germany where he oversaw another RCCG Parish in Bonn.

  • Meet Nigeria’s Female Deputy Govs

    Meet Nigeria’s Female Deputy Govs

    The number of women in politics continues to increase over time unlike when women were excluded.

    Here are the current female Deputy Governors in Nigeria:

    Noimot Salako-Oyedele (Ogun)

    She has been the Deputy Governor in Ogun State since 2019 under the All Progressive Congress (APC).

    She was born on January 8, 1966 into the family of Prof. Lateef Akinola Salako and Mrs Rahmat Adebisi Salako.

    Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele, is from Ota in the Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area of the state.

    She is married to a former Permanent Secretary in Lagos State.

    Her position as a Deputy Governor is the first political position she held since she ventured into politics in 2015. Before this she was a practicing consultant, contractor and real estate manager. She served as a Graduate Engineer and Project Manager at Ove Arup & Partners between 1989 and 1995 in the United Kingdom.

    Engineer Salako-Oyedele also was the Managing Director, NOS Nigeria Limited between 1995 and 2014. She became the Chief Executive Officer between 2014 and 2015 at Glenwood Property Development Company Limited where she served as General Manager Business Development. She became the Acting Managing Director, Grenadines Homes Limited in 2015.

    Akon Eyakenyi (Akwa Ibom)

    Eyakenyi was born on November 28, 1965 in Numan, Numan Local Government Area of Adamawa state and she is happily married with children.

    She started her political career in 1991 when she was appointed as Supervisor for Education, Youth, Sports and Culture and Executive Chapter President of the Better Life Programme in Oron Local Government Area. From there she was appointed as Board Member 1, Akwa Ibom State Secondary Education Board in 1999, Commissioner for Industry, Commerce and Tourism, From 2000 to 2005, she was the Chairman Akwa Ibom State Technical Schools Board from 2013 to 2014, Minister of Lands, Housing and Urban Development in the same year. 

    Then she became Chairman Governing Council, Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic between 2016 and 2018. 

    She was the Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Representing Akwa Ibom South Senatorial District from 2019 to May 2023 before she got elected into her current position as the first First Female Elected Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State under the political umbrella of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Kaletapwa George Farauta (Adamawa)

    Kaletapwa Farauta is a renowned academic and politician, currently serving as the deputy governor-elect of Adamawa State.

    Farauta was born on the 28th of November, She comes from the Numan Local Government Area in Adamawa state and she is married with children.

    She was the chairman of Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ADSUBEB) in 2014.

    Farauta also served as the Commissioner of the Adamawa Ministry of Higher Education from 2015 to 2017. She was then appointed as the acting vice-chancellor of Adamawa State University, Mubi by former Governor Muhammad Jibrilla Bindow in 2017. She thereafter assumed the position of Vice Chancellor at the same university from 2017 to 2022.

    This was the last position she occupied before she was elected Deputy Governor of Anambra state under the Umbrella of The People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe (Kaduna)

    Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe is a medical practitioner and Deputy Governor of Kaduna State since 2019. She is the first elected female Deputy Governor and in the entire northwestern geopolitical zone. She was elected during the 2019 Governorship Election under the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Balarabe was born on 26 August 1966 into the family of Alhaji Abubakar Balarabe in Sanga Local Government Area. She served as the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency before becoming the Deputy Governor to Nasir El-Rufai in 2019.

    In March 2023, she was re-elected Deputy Governor.

    Monisade Christiana Afuye (Ekiti)

    She assumed office in 2022 under the political platform of the Action People’s Congress (APC). She was born into a royal family of Late Prince Noah Afeni Adegboye and Queen Esther Adegboye on September 28, 1958 and a native of Ikere Ekiti in Ekiti State She was Women Leader within the Ekiti APC State Executive Council. She is married with children and grandchildren.

    Read Also: Tinubu’s electoral victory never in doubt – Deputy Speaker Kalu

    Josephine Chundung Piyo (Plateau)

    She assumed office in 2023 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Piyo was a former member of the Plateau Assembly in 1999. She was also a Special Advisor to the Governor of Plateau State from 2008 to 2012.

    She served as the chairperson of Riyom Local Government Area in 2014.

    Ngozi Nma Odu (Rivers)

    She was elected during the 2023 Rivers election under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

    The Deputy Governor was born on October 23, 1952 in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local government area of Rivers State.

    Odu climbed the ranks within the Rivers State Ministry of Health until she became the Permanent Secretary from 1999 to 2006.

    She was appointed Commissioner of Education in 2006.

    Patricia Obila (Ebonyi)

    Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila, B.Ed, GCEHF, born on 23rd November, 1968 is a Nigerian female politician who is the current Deputy Governor of Ebonyi State since May 29, 2023 under the leadership of Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru. She is humble, easy going, responsible and very intelligent.

    She was born into the family of Mr & Mrs Johnson Isu Egwu in Amaelu Amankwo, Nkpoghoro, Afikpo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and she is academically tested with sound degrees.

    Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila has vast experience in different fields of administrations and has been consistently active in politics.

    She has been a leader in different organizations, such as;
    President – Afikpo Town Welfare Association.
    President – Ebonyi State Development Association, Lagos Branch.
    National Director Women Mobilization (Yar’Adua/Jonathan President, worldwide Network) South East.
    National Public Relations Officer/Coordinator – Door to Door support for Jonathan Sambo.
    Chairperson/Founder – Grassroots Development Initiative.
    Chief Executive Officer, CEO – Classic Group of Companies Ltd.

    Others include:

    Member – Divine Mandate Organization, professional women committee.
    Member – Ebonyi State Elders Council, among others.

    Princess Patricia Obila has served as Supervisor for Special Duties in the then Afikpo North Local Government Council in 2004 and she was also appointed vice chairman caretaker committee of the council in 2015.

    In 2020, she was elected as the vice Chairman of Afikpo Local Government Council for two tenures, a position she held till September, 2022.

    And in 2022, Rt Hon Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru selected her as his running mate for the 2023 Governorship election in Ebonyi State and they emerged victorious on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC to the glory of God.

    Princess Patricia Onyemaechi Obila is a practicing and devoted Christian who is married to Surv. Titus N. Obila and the marriage is blessed with 4 great promising children.

  • Movie stars who are big business owners

    Movie stars who are big business owners

    There are quite a number of actors and actresses who don’t just make their earnings from acting but also have other businesses or even businesses.

    Here are some of the actors and actresses that have ventured into other businesses: 

    Omotola Jalade Ekeinde

    Omotola is not just an award-winning actress but also in the real estate business in the United States.

    She owns an entertainment studio named Double Doors Studios, Located in Lekki Lagos, this Studio is an all-inclusive studio that comprises an eight-room boutique hotel, ample studio space for any set build, a bar and a large terrace.

    Toyin Abraham

    The A-list actress, director and content creator is the owner of TAJ Dress Boutique which is based in Lagos.

    She also has a company that produces herbal medicine called Toyin Herbal. The company produces different herbal products and soaps.

    Mercy Aigbe

    She is the owner of three different businesses; she owns a fashion store known as “Mag Dive and a skincare line called “Flawless” and she’s the owner of an AsoEbi Store. She calls the store”Asoebi Mercy”

    Iyabo Ojo

    Iyabo Ojo is not just a versatile actress but also a successful business owner. She is the CEO of Fespris Limited. Fespris is a group of businesses that include Fespris Production, Fespris World, Fespris Academy, Fespris Beauty Academy and Fespris Spa Skincare Product, a restaurant and lounge.

    Read Also: Four single celebrities who became parents in 2023

    She is into real estate business and she also owns an event catering company in Nigeria.

    Ayo Makun

    Ayodeji Richard Makun Popularly known as A.Y Nigeria is an actor, comedian, radio and TV presenter, writer, producer and film director. But aside from all these portfolios, he is also a businessman. Chief Executive Officer of Corporate World Entertainment specialises in organising live events and also providing live radio and television events and content.

    He also owns a clubhouse. He owns a luxurious and exclusive clubhouse with a bar, restaurant, game room, karaoke room, gold and diamond room with a lounge. It is located in Lagos.

    Bisola Aiyeola

    Bisola Aiyeola is a celebrated actress, singer and TV host who also recently launched her cosmetic skincare brand called, Brown Girls Magic, as well as a new store.

    Ruth Kadiri 

    Aside from being a well-known actress and a scriptwriter. Ruth Kadiri is the CEO of “RuthKolors Hair ”a human hair brand that deals with the sale of luxurious and sophisticated hair items, wigs, braids, and weave-on.

    She owns RuthKadiri Film_RuthKadiri247 a movie production company.

    Regina Daniels

    Regina Daniels is also a prominent actress who has successfully ventured into the business.

    She owns a fashion store called “Regina Daniels Fashion”.

  • Four celebrity marriages that crashed in 2023

    Four celebrity marriages that crashed in 2023

    Celebrity marriages in Nigeria have always been a popular issue among many.

    This is owing to the rate at which these marriages have continued to fail.

    Although many have thrived, others have regrettably ended, leaving their fans in disbelief.

    Here are four celebrity marriages that have sadly ended in 2023.

    Bolanle Ninalowo:

    Fans were stunned to learn that the 17-year marriage of popular Nollywood actor, Bolanle Ninalowo and his wife, Bunmi, had ended.

    Ninalowo announced the breakup on his Instagram page on September 1, saying the split was for the benefit of everyone involved.

    This won’t be the first time the couple would be making headlines for their relationship hitting the rocks.

    In 2017, the actor in an interview with Genevieve Magazine revealed that after 12 years together, he and his wife had decided to divorce. They did, however, reconcile in 2018.

    Yomi Gold:

    Yoruba actor and producer Yomi Alore aka Yomi Gold, announced the end of his second marriage to his wife, Meenah, in January 2023.

    While announcing the divorce, Gold took responsibility for the marriage crashing, calling his wife a ‘good person’.

    Read Also: Appeal Court restores Fed Govt’s power to register marriages

    BRed:

    Nigerian Musician, Adebayo Adeleke aka BRed’s marriage to Faith Johnson ended in a split in 2023 after charges of cruelty and adultery.

    The split couple, who shared a baby boy named Adetayo Oshioke Adeleke, who was born in 2019, have now unfollowed each other on Instagram and have continued to slight each other on social media.

    Faridah Sobowale:

    Sobowale and her husband Odulaja tied the knot in June, the marriage however crashed in August.

    The Lagos socialite attempted to end her life following the crash of her two-month-old marriage to her now-estranged husband, Demola Odulaja.

    Sobowale was rescued from jumping off the Third Mainland Bridge in Lagos.

    Odulaja, who confirmed the rumours, said his two-month-old marriage to Sobowale failed due to alleged infidelity.

  • Football clubs owned by famous players

    Football clubs owned by famous players

    They are not only football players but also owners. Here are football clubs owned by footballers: 

    1. Inter Miami – David Beckham

    Major League Soccer’s Inter Miami is owned by  David Beckham. The idea of Beckham owning a club was first proposed when he joined LA Galaxy from Real Madrid in 2007 and was offered the chance to buy an MLS expansion team for $ 25 million, however he turned down the opportunity.

    In March 2014, it was announced he had his option to buy an expansion team in Miami.

    England and United former captain Beckham bought the exclusive franchise of MLS for a whopping amount of $25 million. Currently, David Beckham is the president and co-owner of American Major League Soccer Inter Miami CF.

    2. Real Valladolid – Ronaldo Nazario

    Following Real Valladolid’s promotion in La Liga in 2017, the club announced its new owner.

    Two-time World cup winner is the proud owner of the club, the Brazilian ace and legend Ronaldo. In September 2018, Ronaldo became the first-ever former player to buy a club in one of the major European leagues after agreeing to invest €30 million to become the major shareholder of Laliga club Real Valladolid.

    According to reports gathered, the Brazilian bought the 51% controlling stake of the club for about 30 million euros.

    3. Miami FC – Paolo Maldini

    Former AC Milan legend, Paolo Maldini also ranks the list of footballers who owns football clubs.

    In 2015, Maldini co-founded Miami FC alongside Italian businessman Riccardo Silva.

    This came one year after former AC Milan team-mate David Beckham made the announcement he was looking to set up an MLS franchise. Maldini’s team joined the North American Soccer League – then America’s second tier.

    4. Hammarby IF – Zlatan Ibrahimovic

    Swedish superstar Ibrahimovic owns the Swedish top-flight side Hammarby IF.

    In November 2019 it was reported that Zlatan bought a 23.5% stake in the club.

    5. Andorra FC – Gerard Pique

    Former Barcelona center-back, Gerard Pique bought Andorra FC in December 2018. He purchased the club through his company Kosmos Holding Group. The football club is based in Encamp, Andorra.

    Andorra FC currently plays in Segunda División B, the third tier of Spanish football. The club was established in 1942 and was the first football club to be founded in Andorra.

    Ever since Pique took charge of the club, Andorra have climbed the ranks of Spanish football and this season play will in the second tier for the first time ever.

    Read Also: Behind the Scenes: Overcoming Industry Challenges in Football Streaming

    6. Pheonix Rising FC – Didier Drogba

    After his time in MLS, Drogba dropped down a division to USL Championship outfit Phoenix Rising FC in 2017, where he also became a minority owner by acquiring a stake in the club. With the deal, he became the first-ever player-owner in football history.

    Didier continues to oversee the club in an administrative capacity after his retirement from football.

    7. AFC Croydon Athletic – Wilfred Zaha

    Crystal Palace Wilfred Zaha alongside rapper Stormzy and Danny Young exchanged contracts with the existing ownership of AFC Croydon Athletic to acquire the assets of the club.

    Announcing the deal, AFC Croydon said: ‘A three person consortium comprised of Wilfried Zaha, Stormzy and Danny Young has exchanged contracts with the existing ownership of AFC Croydon Athletic to acquire the assets of the club.

    ‘The consortium will own, operate and develop their childhood hometown football club.

    8. Rochester New York FC – Jamie Vardy

    Leicester City icon was unveiled as the new co-owner of Rochester New York FC (formerly Rochester Raging Rhinos) back in 2021.

    The club which went into hiatus in 2017 came back to life thanks to the funding of Jamie Vardy.

    However the club has been forced to withdraw from the 2023 MLS season due to lack of funds.

  • 10 most watched reality shows in Nigeria

    10 most watched reality shows in Nigeria

    Reality shows on TV are steadily increasing daily more than other programmes. 

    Most viewers find these shows more entertaining and relatable because of their originality. 

    Here are top 10 most watched reality shows in Nigeria:

    1. Big Brother Naija

    Big Brother Naija is undoubtedly the most popular reality show in Nigeria where contestants live in an isolated house under constant surveillance. 

    The show is full of drama, entertainment and strategies by each contestant who tries to avoid eviction till the last day. The show started its first season in 2006 and it is currently in its 8th season.

    2. The Real Housewives of Lagos

    The real Housewives of Lagos  is a reality television series with only one season yet but has garnered massive viewers since its inception in 2022. 

    This show follows the  dramatic lives of elite, powerful and influential women in Lagos.

    It’s slated to commence its next season before the end of this year.

    3. American Got Talent

    America’s Got Talent is another most watched reality TV show in Nigeria. Just as the name implies, it is a show based in the United States where contestants of all ages and nationality showcase their talents, such as singing, dancing, magic, comedy and a lot more.

    These performances are then judged by a panel of celebrities in front of a live audience to decide the winner at the end of the show.

    AGT is known for its entertaining, emotional and dramatic moments.

    It recently featured a Nigerian comedian known as Josh too funny.

    Read Also: 30 Nigerian celebrities made by reality shows

    4. Nigeria Idol

    Nigeria idol is a Nigerian television singing competition reality show with different contestants between age 16 to 30 years competing for the title of the country’s idol. Contestants display their vocal talents in front of different celebrity judges and a live audience, with the goal of winning the competition and most time receiving recording contracts and other prizes.

    It started its first season in 2010 and is now in its 8th season.

    5. The Voice

    The Voice” is a popular reality television singing competition show that  has been adapted in various countries around the world.

    Nigeria is one of the countries that now hosts this show and it has become one of the top watched reality shows in Nigeria.

    The show  features budding singers who audition for a panel of coaches, often celebrities in the music industry.The show is known for its focus on vocal talent and the blind audition process, where coaches initially choose contestants based solely on their singing abilities without seeing them.

     If a coach is impressed by a contestant’s voice, they hit a button to turn their chair around and express interest in that contestant.

    The show which started in Nigeria in year 2016 is now in it 4th season 

    6. The Voice (American) is also an adaptation of The Voice in the United States 

    Just like the Voice Nigeria contestants also audition by performing in blind auditions, where the celebrity coaches select singers for their teams based only on their voices.

    It is also popular in Nigeria

    The show has also discovered and produced many talented and successful artists in the music industry.

    It started in 2011 and is now in its 24th season.

    7. Knorr Taste Quest 

    Knorr Taste Quest Is a Nigerian reality cooking competition television show sponsored by a food seasoning brand known as knorr.

    The show focuses on discovering and nurturing culinary talent. Contestants compete in various cooking challenges, showcasing their skills and creativity.

    Contestants are judged by a panel of experienced chefs.

    Knorr Taste Quest started airing in 2013 and it’s now in its 5th season.

    8. Young Famous and Rich

    Young, Famous & African is a new African reality television series that started airing in 2022.

    The show follows the lives of young, famous and successful celebrities from South Africa, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Uganda and Tanzania, especially areas  of their life like their career, love relationship and other dramatic situations.

    The show has featured Nigerian model and actress Annie Macaulay-Idibia and her musician husband 2Baba.

    Young Famous and African is already in its second season.

    9. Keeping Up With The Kardashians

    Keeping up with the Kardashians is an American reality television series that focuses on the personal and professional lives of the Kardashians–Jenner’s Family.

    The show reveals various interesting and dramatic secrets concerning these families and their relationships. 

    KUWTK started in 2007 and ran for 20 seasons, that is it ended in 2021 but now continues in a spin off know as “The Kardashians” 

    10. The Survivor

    This is another popular American reality TV show. It places a group of strangers in an isolated location, where they must provide food, fire, and shelter for themselves. 

    Contestants who are stranded on a remote island try to survive various physical and mental challenges while forming alliances to outlast their fellow contestants to win the grand prize money.

    This show is quite dramatic, entertaining and adventurous and it keeps viewers glued to the edge of their seats.

    The show started airing in 2000 and it now in its 44th season.