The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Excitement

  • Excitement as GCGT 7 premieres

    Excitement as GCGT 7 premieres

    AMIDST excitement and a display of rare talent, the seventh season of God’s Children Great Talent (GCGT) hit TV screens last Sunday.

    Hosted by Olive Emodi, the premiere showcased talents between the ages of five and 20 in music, comedy, dance and spoken word.

    The pilot episode featured highlights of auditions from three regions with the first stop in Abuja.

    Master Onyechukwu, a spoken word artiste, who got a blue congratulatory card, is hopeful about winning this year’s grand prize after wowing the city scouts with his oratory skills.

    In Port Harcourt, the GCGT auditions also recorded an impressive turnout of contestants.

    19 years old Esther, who came all the way from Delta State, blew the scouts away with her fruity voice as she sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by Chris Rice. Esther said she is confident and knows what it takes because God has given her a talent that she must not bury.

    One of the highlights of Port Harcourt audition was the discovery of multi-talented artiste, Immaculate Benibo who dances, sings and raps.

    The GCGT audition then berthed in Lagos, which is regarded as Nigeria’s entertainment hub, recording the highest number of contestants.

    The struggle among spoken word artistes at the audition was real, but only a small number were able to delight the Lagos scouts.

    A dance group called “Jesus freak” impressed the scouts greatly when they infused dance with playing the violin.

    19-year-old Joshua brought a different flavour to the competition with his beat boxing skills. Joshua believes his talent is very unique, especially in Nigeria. He definitely left audience in awe with his performance, which got him a blue card from the scouts.

    GCGT 7 which premiered last Sunday offered viewers an entertaining experience.

    The next episode, according to the producers, will be focused on the regional finals.

  • Excitement in Sagamu over Joshua’s victory

    Excitement in Sagamu over Joshua’s victory

    •Fed Govt to invite boxer

    The euphoria that greeted the victory of Anthony Olufemi Olaseni Joshua over Wladimir Klitschko in the world heavyweight title fight at Wembley Stadium, England continued yesterday in Sagamu, his Ogun State ancestral home.
    Large banners adorned the house of his great-grandfather, Prince Daniel Adebambo Joshua, at Ijoku in the heart of the city.
    There is a big picture of the boxer. Besides it are the British flag and the green-white-green Nigerian flag.
    There were banners also at the Ita Oba  Park where a viewing centre, which had over 2000 fans, was put up for the Saturday night fight.
    Some residents, who saw one of our reporters taking photographs of the banner, were excited. They shouted: “World champion!”.
    Anthony’s uncle, Adebambo Joshua, who spoke on behalf of the family at the Baba Josh Memorial Hall, said he was a bit nervous before the fight started because victory could have gone either way.
    He said: “My heart was in my mouth throughout the fight, especially when he suffered a knock down in the sixth round. I was afraid he would not recover and we all prayed for his victory and when he eventually won, we were all excited.”
    Adebambo recalled how the family and the fans at the viewing centre went wild in jubilation and partied all-night because a “son of the soil” had achieved a great feat.
    “It was celebration galore after Anthony’s victory. We were in front of the king’s palace and celebrated the hard-earned victory over a worthy opponent, who had been a famous face in the world of boxing,” he said.
    Victory, as they say, has many fathers, which may account for many trying to identify with the pugilist. However, Adebambo noted that they were not just identifying with the champion but have been backing him since he started his career as an amateur rank.
    Adebambo said: “We have been supporting him and we will continue to do that. We have prepared for the fight and that is why the youth in conjunction with Yinka Mafe, a member of the Ogun State House Assembly put up the viewing centre.
    To the Elepe of Epe, Oba Adewale Osiberu, who is superintending over Sagamu since the demise of the Akarigbo of Remo, Oba Michael Sonariwo, the victory is for all. He called on youths to emulate the feat.
    “He is young and we pray that he will stay on top for a long time,” he said.
    Oba Osiberu, who is related to Anthony’s mum, Yeta (Yetunde), promised that a facility would be converted into a gym where youths could practise the sport.
    The Federal Government plans to invite Joshua to Nigeria.
    Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed in a statement, said the government had congratulated the British professional boxer of Nigerian descent, for defeating Ukranian Wladimir Klitschko to become the unified World Heavyweight Champion.
    Mohammed said Nigeria was proud to be associated with the champion.
    “My heart is in Nigeria, my heart is in Britain. I am a Nigerian man by blood, yes,” the minister quoted Joshua as saying in a recent interview.
    He added that the boxer, in the interview, also listed the secret of his success as pounded yam, eba and egusi – all Nigerian cuisines.
    The minister hailed Joshua for his humility, despite his success.
    He also extolled his “undying spirit, coming off the canvas after he was knocked down by Klitschko in the sixth round to win by a technical knockout in the 11th round of their pulsating fight”.
    Joshua, who made his professional debut in 2013, was born in Watford to a Nigerian mother and a British father of Nigerian and Irish descent.
    Some of the early years of the 27-year-old champion were spent in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, before he returned to the UK halfway through year seven to join Kings Langley Secondary School.
    Growing up on the Meriden Estate in Garston, Hertfordshire, Anthony was called ‘Femi’ by his friends and former teachers.

  • Excitement as football fans watch free live matches

    Nigerian football lovers are in for a threat as the organisers of the 2017 Lagos International Food and Drinks Festival have concluded plans host football fans at the upcoming international event.

    At a press conference announcing the hosting of the festival in Lagos over the weekend, Mr. Ike Steve, the Festival Director stated that arrangements have been concluded to beam live premier league and FA Cup Semi-final matches on Saturday 22 April and Sunday April 23 on giant screens at the Festival.

    The Lagos International Food and Drinks Festival is Nigeria’s largest celebration of indigenous food, drinks, music and culture and would take place at the National Stadium, Surulere-Lagos.

    Enlightening the media on the festival, Mr. Ike explained that football fans will be treated to multiple state-of-the arts giant LED screens showing the weekend’s live matches. These matches will include the premier league’s Bournemouth Vs Middleborough, Hull Vs Watford, Swansea Vs Stoke and West Ham Vs Everton fixtures on Saturday April 22. Furthermore, the blockbuster FA Cup Semi-final fixture of between Chelsea and Tottenham would similarly be shown.

    On Sunday April 23, another enthralling encounter between Arsenal and Manchester City as well as live matches involving Burnley Vs Manchester United and between Liverpool Vs Crystal Palace will be beamed live and free to fans. Ike stated that entry to the festival is free and the first 500 fans will be entitled to free food and drinks courtesy of sponsors.

    Explaining the reason behind these gestures, Ike explained that there is an age-long link between sports and refreshment as sport lovers all over the world are known to enjoy watching sports while being reinvigorated by drinks and munching on snacks.

  • Ojukokoro promises excitement

    Ojukokoro promises excitement

    A new comedy-crime thriller, Ojukokoro is set to excite cinema lovers across Nigeria.
    The award-winning cast of Ojukokoro include Wale Ojo, Ali Nuhu, Tope Tedela, Somkele Idalama, Linda Ejiofor, Zainab Balogun, Hafiz Oyetoro (Saka) and Seun Ajayi. Others are Emmanuel Ikubese, Kayode Olaiya, Gbolahan Olatunde, Kunle Remi, Sammi Eddi, Lord Frank and Shawn Faqua.
    Written and directed by Dare Olaitan, the movie was created by Singularity Media in collaboration with House Gabriel Studios and BCI Studios.
    The movie follows the actions of a money-strapped manager of a shady Petrol Station who decides to rob his employers but along the line finds out in a sudden twist that he is not alone in his ambition and that a good reason isn’t always a right one.
    “Ojukokoro was inspired by the events in Nigeria during 2015 general elections with the general state of greed in the nation due to the upcoming elections,” said Olaitan.
    “It is an ensemble cast movie that deals primarily with a heist which is an avenue that is rarely explored in Nollywood Cinema.
    “From the conception to execution, the movie took me three years to produce. I wrote the script when I was fresh from film school with little knowledge of how the Nigerian Film industry operates. It’s nice to finally have an end product after many years of dreaming and scheming.”
    Promising viewers a good measure of excitement, producer of the flick, Olufemi D. Ogunsanwo, said that it will be premiered at different locations very soon before it proceeds on a cinema run across over 30 theatres in Nigeria.
    The movie was screened at the recently held African International Film Festival (AFRIFF) last November to a standing ovation.

  • Excitement as Ugwuanyi appoints Zik’s son SA

    Excitement as Ugwuanyi appoints Zik’s son SA

    There was excitement yesterday in Enugu following the appointment of Uwakwe Ukuta Azikiwe, son of former Premier of the Eastern Region and Nigeria’s first President, the late Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, as special adviser on Special Duties by Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
    The governor announced the appointment when he introduced past leaders of the Eastern Region, East Central states, old Anambra, Enugu and the present Enugu states to the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, at the Government House in Enugu.
    Ugwuanyi said he recently appointed Zik’s son into the State Executive Council (Exco)as a special adviser, in recognition of the contributions of his father to the state, the Igbo nation and the country.
    The governor noted that the appointment of Zik’s son was based on merit and the conviction that his wealth of experience and contributions would add value to the efforts of his administration to impact the lives of the residents.

    Uwakwe is an American-trained lawyer, who was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2005.
    e attended Lincoln University, and University of Baltimore School of Law, both in the United States of America (U.S.A).
    Until his appointment, he was a pioneer worker at the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).
    The new adviser thanked Ugwuanyi “for the honour and privilege to serve my state of birth”.
    He pledged to work for the actualisation of the governor’s vision to take Enugu to a higher level.
    A cross section of Enugu residents hailed Ugwuanyi for the gesture.
    A resident of Ogui in Enugu, Alphonsus Ugwu, noted that Ugwuanyi was the first Southeast governor to appoint Zik’s child into a government position.
    He described it as a welcome development, which other political leaders should emulate.
    Another resident Mike Uzoigwe said the governor had demonstrated his belief in merit and reward for excellence.
    He added that Ugwuanyi was the only governor from the Southeast, since the return of democracy in 1999, to have officially visited the Nsukka home of the late Dr. Azikiwe as a gesture of to identify with his family, and equally informed them of the state government’s plan to rehabilitate and turn Zik’s official residence in Enugu (as the Premier of the Eastern Region) into a tourist centre.
    He added that Zik paid the ultimate price for the development and unity of the country, and his family deserves the recognition of our leaders.

  • Excitement as Rivers govt pays seven months’ pension arrears 

    Excitement as Rivers govt pays seven months’ pension arrears 

    There was excitement in Rivers State at the weekend as the government cleared over seven months’ pension arrears it owed retired workers.

    The pensioners said the development was rare, adding that they could foot their health and other bills.

    The senior citizens regretted the failure of the government to pay their pensions as at when due.

    They wrote Governor Nyesom Wike, who ordered A biometric verification of the pensioners.

    Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) State Chairman Edward Abibo said the governor saved the pensioners from avoidable deaths.

    Abibo, who thanked Wike for fulfilling his promise, added that the governor paid the arrears from April to October.

    The NUP chief urged pensioners to praise the governor for his action.

    He said the beneficiaries would support Wike’s administration with prayers.

    Abibo said: “The executives and members of the NUP in Rivers State most heartily thank Governor Wike for his sincerity of purpose and being a man of his word, especially for paying the backlog of the pension arrears from April to October.

    “Rivers State pensioners are, therefore, elated that their tears were wiped off as they can now meet up with their medical bills associated with old age and meet up with family needs as well as educational responsibilities for their children.”

  • Excitement as Nigeria’s military drama, ‘76 bags Hollywood deal

    Ahead of the world premiere of ’76 at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) tonight, the historic Nigerian film on the failed Nigeria military coup of 1976 has secured a landmark deal with Shoreline Entertainment; the first distribution deal for the American company in Africa.

    Directed by Jos, Plateau State-based Izu Ojukwu who is being described by a section of the foreign media as the Steven Spielberg of Africa, going by a wide range of popular and critically acclaimed films to his credit, promoters of ’76, including Executive Producer, Tonye Princewill were on hand early in the festival scouting for distribution which was announced even before the opening of the festival last Thursday.

    The film which stars Ramsey Nouah, Rita Dominic and Chidi Mokeme is one of the Nigerian films selected for the City-to-City segment and one of the most anticipated from Nollywood since it was shot more than five years ago.

    Speaking on the distribution deal, Princewill said, “This is affirmation that African content is reaching further and further and is a sign of more things to come. As a team we are looking beyond one film to the next three projects. Today has made that dream more possible. I want to especially thank Lonzo Nzekwe who has been busy behind the scenes to make this possible and my fellow Nollywood family for all their support…”

    Shoreline Entertainment was founded in 1992 by CEO and film producer Morris Ruskin.

    Ruskin described ’76 as a well made, impassioned film. “76 has an important story to tell that has the potential to inform and entertain audiences around the world,” he said.

    Although, the details of the deal have not been confirmed, it is believed to be a two-year exclusive with a guarantee of a seven figure payout. This is a remarkable coup for Adonis Production considering the deal excludes Africa.

    Tackling a still-contested chapter in Nigeria’s history, Ojukwu weaves together themes of political and personal loyalty, telling the story from the dual perspectives of the betrayed soldier and his anguished wife. He beautifully captures nuanced performances from his superstar actors, including standout performances from Rita Dominic and Ramsey Nouah.

  • Excitement, disappointment as Oyo teachers end strike

    Excitement, disappointment as Oyo teachers end strike

    All over the country, students and pupils are currently enjoying the third term holiday after the promotion exams have been concluded. It is also the season when students in their final year have their valedictory party as part of graduation celebration.

    However, in Oyo state, the feud between the state government and the labour union has altered the academic Calendar.  For seven weeks , the entire public schools in the state were forced to shut down. Consequently, students in public schools could not prepare nor sit for the promotion  examinations.

    While announcing the peaceful resolution of the crisis between government and labour, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Joseph Adeniyi Olowofela, said government had, in view of the seven weeks strike, decided to review the academic calendar for public schools in the state to enable schools complete the third term academic session.

    Professor Olowofela, who lamented the cost of the review of the school Calender on the students, noted that it is in the interest of the student, some of whom took part  in a protest against the alleged privatisation of schools by government.

    He sympathized with the students  and said the seven weeks for which schools were shut would be regained as academic activities would be on between now and Friday, 9th September, this year. Rather than the  usual four weeks or there-about of vacation,the students in the state will have to spend just one week holiday in order to cover lost ground.

    For teachers , who also form part of the state sizeable workforce, the period will also call for sacrifice since they will also have to spend more time  teaching the students during the period which they too ought to have used to rest. According to the Oyo State President, All Nigeria conference of Principals of Public schools, Pastor Ranti Obafunsho, the idea by the state government is thoughtful.

    He enjoined all teachers in the state public schools to adhere strictly to the new schedule and ensure that students and pupils’ academics do not suffer any further set back.

    At the peak of the crisis that led to the disruption of the academic calendar in the state, the state government had spelt out terms for settlement, but these were not acceptable to the aggrieved labour. Many interest groups, including market women and traders associations, intervened and pleaded with the feuding parties to no avail.

    Then, following the student mayhelm of June 6, the government  demanded a written apology from the students and their teachers

    as a condition for settlement, while on the other hand, labour demanded for payment of six months salaries arrears owed the workers by the state government as a way out.

    Subsequently, the parties met last Tuesday to set aside their differences and allow industrial harmony in the state. The highlight of the agreement reached between the state government and labour leaders culminating in the suspension of the over seven-week-old strike by workers include the payment of January and February 2016 salary arrears and pensions within the next two weeks in a staggered arrangement.

    As the elated workers settle down to work, many were seen rejoicing and excited by the news of the planned payment of January and February salaries and pensions. Their excitement is understandable, given that they have endured non payment of salary since the beginning of the year.

    But for the many teachers and students who will have to forfeit almost all the long vacation to recoup the time wasted by the long strike action, while their counterparts in the private schools enjoy the summer break, the feeling is far from anything near excitement.

     

  • Executive excitement at Presidential Villa

    Executive excitement at Presidential Villa

    How do we describe the mood here? Executive excitement provoked by sheer hilarity? What sparked the hilarity? Or the “eh-good-to-see-you-again” feeling of two old buddies?

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal and his Rivers State counterpart Nyesom Wike are laughing boisterously. They hold hands like close friends seeing for the first time after a long break. In the background are Zamfara State Governor Abdulaziz Yari and Minister of Solid Minerals Dr. Kayode Fayemi –also laughing.

    Why are their Excellencies so excited? Is Tambuwal hailing Wike for surviving the legal battles to unseat him? Is he hailing him as ‘Wicked Wike’ like some colleagues of the Rivers Governor did in his days as a member of the Dr. Goodluck Jonathan government? Are they exchanging notes on what Wike had missed by staying away from the Presidential Villa after “Hurricane Buhari” swept off Jonathan?

    Is Tambuwal recalling those “inciting” speeches (“Write your Will if you’re coming to Rivers” and others) His Excellency made before the rerun? Or the spiritual battle (from one church to another and…) before Wike finally carried the day? Or the raw confidence Wike exhibited before the Supreme Court judgment that handed him the trophy?

    But whatever is the reason behind this executive excitement of a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor and an All Progressives Congress (APC) colleague, this executive luxury is not available to many Nigerians who are battling several pains: fuel scarcity, cash crunch, poor or no electricity supply and so on.

  • Campaign stirs excitement across Lagos

    Residents of Lagos who visited Ikeja City Mall last weekend went agog as leading IT firms, Intel, Lenovo and Microsoft, delighted passers-by with their recently launched “Best of Both Worlds” Campaign, using the riveting performance of contortionists who uniquely showcased the innovative and creative abilities of the Lenovo laptop with the flexible movement of their bodies.

    The event solidified Intel’s pact with innovation and creativity in the Nigerian information technology industry.

    The Best of Both Worlds Campaign, which was launched in Nigeria in November, highlights the practicability of using the 2-in-1 device that offers the flexibility of a convenient switch between PCs and tablets whenever and wherever. The Best of Both Worlds Campaign also highlights how consumers can get more productivity, creativity and self-expression out of 2-in-1 device, for the price of one.

    Speaking at the event, Marketing & PR Manager, Intel West Africa, AdimI siakpona, noted that Intel, in partnership with Lenovo and Microsoft, was proud to showcase the Lenovo Yoga series to Nigerians as a package that offers its users the best of both worlds in one unique and sleek device.

    According to Isiakpona, “The devices in the Lenovo Yoga Series are powered by Intel’s best processors and Microsoft Office and Windows capabilities. This affordable device gives innovation and flexibility a fresh meaning. The device is a laptop as well as a tablet, offering a dynamism for personal preferences of the user. We believe that the contortionists portray the uniqueness, flexibility, and exciting offerings of the device quite nicely.’’

    He added that ‘’Through the Best of Both Worlds Campaign, Intel remains committed to making sure that users are aware that the Lenovo Yoga series brings the flexibility of modern life to full view, and shows the exciting experiences offered by 2-in-1 devices.”

    As part of the activities for the mall activations, several lucky individuals, including Idowu Tamilore, Efuaye Uwaya, and Imoh Iniakpaniko won Lenovo smartphones during the raffle draw.

    The climax of the event was when Kiya Iyemfapwa won the grand prize of a brand new Lenovo Yoga Series laptop during the raffle draw.

    Overwhelmed, Iyemfapwa said she was extremely grateful to Intel, Lenovo, and Microsoft, for their generosity.

    In her words, “I never thought I would win it when I dropped my name for the raffle draw but I guess it goes to show that nothing is impossible. I just came to the mall to see my friends and now, I am going home with a brand new laptop. I am so excited. I’m grateful to Intel, Lenovo, and Microsoft for this laptop. This is definitely a great way to end the year for me.”

    Popular media personality, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, who was recently unveiled as the campaign ambassador of the Best of Both Worlds Campaign, will be visiting the cities of Abuja and Port Harcourt to talk about the campaign, using the dynamism of his career and the relatability of the campaign message to his person.