The Nation Newspaper

Tag: debuts

  • Serie A returns to DStv, debuts on GOtv

    The 2018/19 Serie A season kicks off this weekend, with 10 first round matches spread from today to Monday.

    Reigning champions Juventus begin the defence of their title with a potentially tricky game away to Chievo on today’s evening. The match will see the Serie A debut of Portuguese superstar Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Juventus for 100million euros in the off-season from Real Madrid.

    The 33-year-old’s arrival is more a statement of intent in regard to winning the UEFA Champions League, but it will still be fascinating to see how he performs in Italy’s top flight after nine prolific seasons in Spain’s La Liga.

    Chievo, who recently completed the signing of Nigerian international Joel Obi, will look to puncture Juve’s hopes of a fast start. Perhaps taking advantage of the absence of goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon – who has left for Paris Saint-Germain – will be their best avenue to upset Juve.

    Juventus’ main title challengers are likely to be Napoli, who pushed the ‘Old Lady’ hard for the Scudetto last term. The Naples side, who boast African superstars Faouzi Ghoulam and Kalidou Koulibaly in their defence, open their Serie A campaign with a tough match in Rome against Lazio, who finished just outside of the Champions League places last term.

    Tomorrow’s games start with the early kick-off between Mbaye Niang’s Torino and Roma, who may hand a debut to teenage Dutch striker Justin Kluivert. The 19-year-old, who is the son of former Netherlands attacker Patrick Kluivert, was a big-money acquisition from Ajax over the European summer.

    Northern giants, AC Milan and Internazionale, who have both been very active in the transfer market in a bid to boost their chances of competing for the title, open with Tomorrow night matches at home to Genoa and away to Sassuolo (who will look to Ghanaian maverick Kevin-Prince Boateng for inspiration) respectively.

    Tomorrow night also features Empoli at home to Cagliari, Parma (back in the top flight after going bankrupt just three years ago) welcoming Udinese to Stadio Ennio Tardini, and Fiorentina travelling to Sampdoria.

    The round wraps up with one match on Monday night, as Serie B playoff winners Frosinone head to Bergamo to take on hosts Atalanta.

  • New telenovela, Wildflower, debuts on StarTimes

    Wildflower, a new telenovela series, is set to hit the TV screens from Wednesday April 25, on StarTimes Novela E Plus, channel 128 and 057.

    According to Startimes’ Content Marketing Manager, Abosede Adewara; “The lead character, Lily is a wild flower in a field of roses. In a cruel twist of fate, Lily’s parents die at the ruthless hands of the Ardientes, a powerful political clan. Orphaned at a young age, she is left with no choice but to fend for herself.

    “While the Ardientes thought, she was long dead, she survives, and is taken under the wing of a fearless woman named Prianka, who molds her to be just the same. Lily takes on a new identity, assuming the name of Prianka’s daughter, Ivy.

    “Hungry for justice, Lily returns to her hometown and everything goes according to plan, until she crosses paths with her long-lost childhood friend, Diego Ardiente Torillo and then the twist begins.”

    Wildflower, a 2017 Philippine revenge drama television series which stars Maja Salvador and others, is scheduled to air Monday to Thursday from 5:50pm exclusively on StarTimes.

  • Makeigo.com debuts in Nigeria

    In its bid to phase out the current stressful experience of going to parks ahead for bus transport booking when travelling inter-state within Nigeria, Derive Efficiency Ltd, (DEL), in partnership with discerning corporate transporters and other key stakeholders are set to officially launch an online booking and payment product for all bus travels, Makeigo.com.

    Makeigo.com is a digital cashless booking and payment platform for all bus travels, from the stable of Derive Efficiency Ltd. The company operates from the same credible pedigree with BSMng Ltd, a company which has been into diverse value chain services in the Nigerian transportation sector for over five years.

    With this cashless booking travel platform, intending travelers have numerous options of corporate bus transporters to choose from, they prepay for their preferred seats from the comfort of their homes or offices, and be entitled to an insurance cover by simply booking their bus travel tickets on Makeigo.com. Furthermore, passengers that book on Makeigo.com enjoy discounts on tickets compared to the transport fares at the bus parks, and their online payments are secured because Makeigo.com is supported by the various systems offered by leading ICT firms and banks in Nigeria.

    Speaking to newsmen in Lagos ahead of the Makeigo.com formal product launch which is due in late February 2018, the Managing Director/CEO of Derive Efficiency Ltd, Mr. Olumide Solarin said, “It is time for travelers in Nigeria to start experiencing and preferring convenience to the stress of physically going through vehicular traffic to bus parks, days ahead to make payments. The world has moved forward from that stressful and time-wasting task. What is more, is that the world and indeed Nigeria is going cashless, so why won’t we have cashless be more popular in bus travel booking and payment in Nigeria? Makeigo.com has simply come to the rescue for travelers, and on its platform, travel tickets are even cheaper than the prices they get at the bus parks.”

    Solarin said further, “Since Makeigo.com is in partnership with credible transport companies, and the partnership is growing daily, an intending traveler only needs to log onto Makeigo.com. There, he or she will see the journey schedules of popular bus companies that are already registered on Makeigo.com. Intending travelers make their choice of the bus company and preferred time schedules, just click and pay. It’s that simple and smart, and that’s all without any stress.”

    The Makeigo.com helmsman further said that the Makeigo.com App can also be downloaded from playstore on android devices, while payment through USSD codes is also an option for those travelers without internet.

  • Morenike debuts with Ajebutter

    UK-based singer, Morenike Lasode, with the stage name Marenikae, is out with her EP titled Ajebutter, set for release this month.

    Marenikae who was in the country in late 2017 to promote her brand and new style of music, Afromerge, already has four singles receiving airplay.

    Ajebutter the debut EP from Nigerian singer/songwriter, described by the singer as an eclectic mix of rich African culture meshed with Western European subtexts and overtones is a project refreshing journey into the mind of a Nigerian millennial with womanist roots.

    “The pace is familiar, marked with African drumbeats and patterns, yet complemented with my signature sound which is rooted in a blend of neo soul and afropop with electronic and AC nuances throughout,” said Marenikae.

    “Besides its cultural influence, it’s evident that the EP is the product of the millennial mindset challenging age old beliefs and cultural norms. You will hear my musical influences in this mini album ranging all the way from OG Nigerians artist like 9ice & Styl-plus to 70’s rock god Freddie Mercury and 90’s girl group Spice Girls.”

    On the title, she stated, “The term Ajebutter is an American derivative of the slur Ajebota which seeks to devalue affluent Nigerians, pitting their privilege against their authenticity.  “I recall being taunted with the term throughout childhood.  After growing into her independence as an artist she jumped at the opportunity to reclaim the cultural label that creates a socioeconomic division that prohibits inclusion.”

    Tracks on the album include Rose high, Gidi, Smooth Operator, The Bad Bitch interludes, Luh u ryt, Vybz, Kraze/Krase, Kibinua/body, Cool Ajebutter and Remember.

  • Arewa 24: Hausa Language Channel debuts on StarTimes

    Desirous of meeting the growing demands of its Hausa subscribers across the country, Pay TV provider StarTimes Nigeria has announced the listing of Hausa language channel Arewa 24 to its bouquet without extra charges for subscribers.

    The new content offering available on Channel 138 on Digital Terrestrial Television (Antenna) and all StarTimes bouquets, is an all-Hausa lifestyle and entertainment television channel that showcases northern Nigerian life, culture, arts and entertainment that celebrates the potential of Northern Nigeria for Hausa speakers across Nigeria, Africa, the Middle East and around the world.

    According to a statement signed and issued on Monday by its Brand and Marketing Director, Qasim Elegbede, “The demand for more Hausa language channels among our subscribers especially in the North rose significantly last year and as a listening organization fulfilling its promise to customers through best possible access to great entertainment, we heard to their yearning’s with the launch of Arewa 24 on Channel 138.

    “We have added a quite number of local channels that our subscribers have found informative, engaging and all-round entertaining and we believe that the launch of Arewa 24 on our platforms, enriches our local content offering to our subscribers across Africa.”

    Also commenting on the development, the Head of Commercial Operations for AREWA24, Celestine Umeibe, noted that: “The partnership between AREWA24 and StarTimes is indeed a welcomed development. Now more Hausa speakers across Northern Nigeria and the rest of the country have access to a premium, locally relevant entertainment and lifestyle channel that reflects the diversity of the North and pride in culture.”

     

  • Buni Mba debuts with ‘Give Me Love’

    Buni Mba debuts with ‘Give Me Love’

    TALENTED singer cum voice-over artiste, Buni Mba offers a glimpse into an exciting music career with a new single entitled ‘Give Me Love.’

    Buni’s official debut single is a smooth track with Afrobeats flavour. The singer’s impressive vocal strength is perfectly complimented by producer, Joe James’ sonorous keys, giving the song a nice R&B tilt.

    Exuding confidence, Buni had this to say about his new song; “You will definitely want to listen to my song one more than once. This is just a shape of what is to come and I am definitely ready.”

    Buni started music in secondary school and eventually became a member of the short-lived music group, Rhymnzone. And he has collaborated with notable musicians including Omo Akin.

    With renewed enthusiasm and determination, he would end up working with Slick Mo and Shadow D’don before landing a feature on Omo Akin’s 2009 UK release, “Naija Rockstar.” More recently, he has collaborated with Timix & Tena Tenpo, featuring on the latter’s For the Ladies on the Runway EP.

    Presently working on his Afrodite EP, he is also the voice of many popular radio jingles including Indomie and Golden Morn.

  • A book on widows debuts

    A book on widows debuts

    Most Nigerian women still experience great hardship over the death of their husbands. For many of them, the loss of their husband is only the first trauma step in a long term ordeal that will see them lose status, income security, livelihood, a home personal safety and security. In Nigeria, the plight of widows is lamentable because majority of them are not empowered. Widows in Nigeria no doubt pass through hell after the death of their husbands.

    This resulted in the story of 31 widows who narrated their ordeal in a book titled “Through the Fire” which was launched today in Lagos.

     The event which was  a gathering of concerned Nigerians also attracted eminent Nigerians with passion for vulnerable groups that have suffer huge losses and are going through challenging situations in the family front.

     Speaking at the unveiling, Co-ordinator of the project, Mrs. Sandra Oyewole, disclosed that seed of Addo project was sown in 2010, following a personal experience when a friend passed away and his widow needed support.. It was at that period that Sandra, the widow and three other friends agreed to write an inspirational book for widows.  According to Oyewole, the purpose of the book was to inspire widows, alert the general public on the challenges faced by widows and ultimately make a difference in the society in general.

      The team agreed that it would focus on inspirational books to tackle various societal issues the first of which was the widows’ project. The team settled on the name ‘Addo’ which in Latin means ‘to inspire’ and added the word ‘project’ which would convey the mission – ‘Inspirational Projects’.

    Speaking on what Kebbi State government is doing to alleviate the plight of widows in the state, the Special Assistant to Kebbi State governor on New Media, Aisha Augie-Kuta said the state is empowering widows with skills, take-off grants as well as provision of adequate healthcare facilities so as to be able to take care of their children. Kuta therefore enjoined women generally to be empowered financially so that when the eventuality happens, they won’t be caught unawares.

    Through the Fire is an inspiring story of 31 widows who have gone through the fire and have overcome. One of the widows spoke about how despite the challenges she faced she was able to find strength to also sympathise with her mother-in-law

    After the mourning what next? asked Mrs Omorinsojo Desalu “You no doubt have to prepare for eventuality such as securing some important documents and also start considering opportunities for earning” she said.

     Mr Chris Ubosi who spoke from man’s perspective said  ”the book  no doubt spoke about the necessity for us as individuals especially men to put their house in order, even before the exit of one’s  husband , the woman should be financially independent, and the more self esteem she will have.”, she said.

    Dr. Pamela Ajayi, a member of the project also spoke about the goal of her group; “we are out to provide support for those who mourn and offer needed voice for the right and privileges of widows who are denied of their rights after their husband passing”.

    In conclusion, the book spoke about enforcement and implementation of laws that protects women. The book later unveiled to some widow organisation and civil societies, among others.

  • Asiodu lecture series debuts

    Some concerned technocrats and business executives have instituted the Philip Asiodu Lecture Series (PALS) in honour of Chief Philip Asiodu, renowned economist, technocrat, retired permanent secretary, ex-minister.

    In a statement by Chairman of the Organising Committee, Peter Osamgbi, said Chief Asiodu approved the institution of the Lecture Series because of the need to x-ray Nigeria’s economic challenges with a view to proffering solutions.

    This year’s theme is: The Proper Role of Oil in the Context of Accelerating Growth and Development

    The event will hold on February 22, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Vice President and Treasurer, World Bank, Arunma Oteh, will be the guest speaker. The  event will be chaired by foremost industrialist, Chief Chris Ogunbanjo.

    Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon will be the Special Guest of Honour.

  • ‘THE DIARY’ TALK SHOW DEBUTS

    ‘THE DIARY’ TALK SHOW DEBUTS

    WITH the aim of inspiring young people to pursue their dreams, a new show, The Diary, is set to hit the television screens soon.

    Set to make its debut on MNET Africa Magic and some other cable platforms from the next quarter, producers of the show say that it is targeted at creating a veritable platform for celebrities/guests to inspire the world by telling their stories, showcasing their works, interest and challenges in life and how they manage it.

    Producers say that the show seeks to, among other things, continually represent and bring to fore via the invited guests, what can be regarded as a safe, decent and good content that a lot of people can take inspiration from.

    The show is anchored by two versatile individuals; Kunle Pelemo (KP), a compere, TV presenter, singer and motivational speaker and Alayande Tosyne, a broadcaster, TV/Content enthusiast, fashion designer and make-over artist.

    According to Alayande Stephen Tolulope, the MD/CEO, Eagles House Global Resources, producers of the show, “the unique selling proposition of The Diary revolves around the untold stories and experiences of the guests which in itself makes the show very different and something to look forward to.”

    Producers also announced a successful completion of the first season which comprises of 15 episodes. Among celebrities who graced the show were Akin Lewis (A Veteran & multiple award winning Nollywood actor), Nomoreloss ( A Vocalist/Producer/Media personality), Baba De Baba (Comedian with the biggest Ear), Kiki Omeili (A Medical Doctor and Nollywood Actress), Joe El (An award winning Afro-Pop singer), Nikki Laoye (AFRIMA Award winning Inspirational singer), Simi (Jamb Question Crooner), Tim Godfrey (A multiple award Gospel artist), Kingsley Omoife (Producer/Director), Bimbo Ademoye (New Generation Nollywood Diva), AJ Dagga Tolar (A leading African renowned Poet, Author & Marxist), Tolulope Tolucci (A Media Entrepreneur/Youth Advocator), Tosin Ajirire (A Veteran Journalist/Author) and Deji Irawo (A Content/Media Person & Empowerment Trainer).

  • Batonga makes its debuts in Bariga

    A new play Batonga produced as a means of giving back and influencing positive change in the society will make its debut today at the Bishop Howells Memorial Grammar School, St. Finbars Road, Akoka, Bariga Lagos. The play, which will be directed by Gbenga Yussuf will be performed for one hour starting from 4pm. It is targeted at children as a form of education and employment opportunity for the youth. Batonga is set to offer viewers the child trafficking business lesson and is expected to hold in 3 locations in Lagos. It will draw its casts from mostly unknown young actors and actresses in the creative sector.

    It is a project initiated by Terra Kulture with the support of Ford Foundation to promote theatre in public spaces intended to show that theatre can thrive even when there is no purpose built infrastructure.

    According to the Chief Executive Officer of Terra Kulture Mrs. Bolanle Austen-Peters ‘we believe talent and creativity should not be limited or held back by want of proper facilities, but that we can make do with what is available and by being innovative and creative we can use what we have to get what we want. We believe that success with this initiative will inspire the growth and proliferation of neighbourhood theatres, help develop talents, create employment and help get kids off the streets.’

    She said the project would enable them to take theatre to public schools, parks, play grounds and open spaces easily accessible to children and the youth. She noted that the project would focus on plays with social messages that are educative, informative and capable of instigating change.

    “We will invite public schools in the neighbouhoods to arrange for their students to attend.  We will also reach out to community associations to help spread word about the play coming to their neighbourhood,” she added.

    Ford Foundation Representative Mr Innocent Chuwuma said that the foundation’s involvement is part of coming back to its legacy-art and culture in West Africa noting that though it was down played few years ago. “A new management at Ford is bringing that back. We are also exploring new ideas on other things that could be done in that area. Art and culture is a barrier breaker and everybody has a message to take away from it. This is what we want to do more. Let’s take over public spaces with arts. Until now, the elites have been offered lots of cultural shows as against the low appearances in the suburb areas,” Chukwuma said. He observed that Terra Kulture has revolutionized theatre growth in Lagos

    The aims of the project include to use the platform to propagate social messages, create awareness about the potentials of careers in the theatre, create employment and economic benefits and get children off the streets, encourage investment in theatre and heater infrastructure, create a source of recreation and entertainment to families who ordinarily will not engage in recreational activities by taking it to their neighbourhood.