Showbiz
Poets Hail Nigerian Breweries for Lagos International Poetry Festival
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By Dipo Olowookere
Poets from around the world have commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for its sponsorship of the Lagos International Poetry Festival (LIPFEST 2017).
The commendation was made on Saturday, November 4, 2017, during the closing ceremony of the festival, which held at Freedom Park, Lagos where various poets wrapped up the festival with amazing performances.
A renowned Nigerian poet, Dike Chukwumerije, said that Nigerian Breweries has done well by promoting the arts, especially poetry as it integrated Lagos with the rest of the world through the Lagos International Poetry Festival.
“It is a commendable act for Nigerian Breweries to support this initiative. The company has helped to build bridges and links between Lagos – the city of culture – and other cities around the world through literature and poetry,” he said. He further stated that the company has enabled a platform that would expose Nigerian poets to various styles and art forms in the country and around the world.
Yomi Sode, a British-Nigerian poet, said that because poetry is an art form that needs expression in diverse ways to be able to mirror society, poets should be encouraged and platforms that would help discover more poets should be created. “The Lagos International Poetry Festival is a giant stride in this direction and thanks to Nigerian Breweries for making this happen,” he said.
Corporate Affairs Adviser of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Kufre Ekanem, explained that the company sponsored the poetry festival because it is in line with its commitment to youth empowerment and talent development in the country. He further stated that it is a strand in the fabric of the company’s philosophy of “Winning with Nigeria.”
“We recognise that the arts play an important role in strengthening the cultural values of our society, and we believe that we can help to contribute to the breeding of young, emerging talents and create a shared performance space for poets from Nigeria and across the world,” he disclosed.
The closing event on Saturday saw various poets from around the world render verses and spoken word performances that inspired, educated and intrigued lovers of poetry who graced the occasion.
The 2017 LIPFEST, the third in the series, included panel discussions, workshops, performances, events and school visits in its line-up of events.
Efe Paul Azino, Founder/Director, Lagos International Poetry Festival, said that Nigerian Breweries’ support reflects the character of the company in its huge investment in the intellectual life of Nigeria and Nigerians. “Nigerian Breweries should be lauded for its immense support of initiatives that add value to people,” he said.
Nigerian Breweries Plc is a significant sponsor of a broad spectrum of initiatives which cover diverse areas in health, water, education, talent development and youth empowerment across the country. The company has sponsored the Lagos International Poetry Festival since its inception in 2015.
Showbiz
Legends, Music & TV Icons – Unmissable Stories to Stream on Showmax
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Some stories make us laugh, some inspire us, and some remind us why we fell in love with music, TV and comedy in the first place. This time, Showmax is bringing a mix of all three, packed with some of entertainment’s biggest names and even bigger stories. Whether you’re in the mood for a powerful music documentary, a hilarious comedy special, or a nostalgic deep dive into television history, there’s always something new to discover.
Here are five unmissable stories to add to your list.
Alex Edelman: Just For Us | Streaming from Wednesday, 19 February
Best for when you need a laugh
Ever found yourself in an unexpected situation that made you question everything? That’s exactly what happened to Alex Edelman, and the result is one of the funniest comedy specials of the year.
Just For Us is based on Edelman’s Broadway show, where he tells the story of infiltrating a white nationalist meeting after being targeted with anti-Semitic threats online. What unfolds is a sharp, witty, and sometimes shocking journey into the world of extremism, identity, and human connection.
With an Emmy for Outstanding Writing and praise from The Washington Post, this is the kind of stand-up special that makes you laugh while making you think.
Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple | Streaming from Wednesday, 26 February
Best for fans of Bruce Springsteen and The Sopranos
Stevie Van Zandt: Disciple explores the fascinating life of a man who has lived multiple careers,from rockstar to activist to actor. With appearances from legends like Paul McCartney, Bono, and Eddie Vedder, this Grammy-nominated documentary paints an inspiring portrait of a musician who used his fame for good, most notably in the fight against apartheid.
With a 90% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, this is a must-watch for music lovers and history buffs alike.
Being Mary Tyler Moore | Streaming from Wednesday, 26 February
Best for when you’re feeling nostalgic
If you grew up watching The Mary Tyler Moore Show, then you already know the impact she had on television. But Being Mary Tyler Moore goes beyond her on-screen legacy, offering an intimate look at the life of a woman who redefined what it meant to be a leading lady.
Through stunning archival footage and interviews with icons like Betty White and Julie Andrews, this Emmy-nominated documentary celebrates Moore’s influence on feminism, television, and culture. It’s a powerful, emotional watch that reminds us just how much things have changed and how far we still have to go.
Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy | Stream now
Best for true-crime and hip hop fans
Diddy: The Making of a Bad Boy takes an unfiltered look at the man behind the music. This revealing documentary features exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and a deep dive into the highs and lows of his career—from his rise in the rap game to recent legal controversies. Whether you admire his genius or question his methods, this documentary will have you glued to the screen.
Combs’ trial is set for May 2025, making this the perfect time to watch and unpack his story.
Despicable Me 4 | Streaming from Thursday, 20 February 2025
Best for watching with kids over six
What’s better than more Minions? Even MORE Minions! Despicable Me 4 is back with more chaos, more laughs, and a new addition to the Gru family (Gru Jr.), who is determined to make his dad’s life a nightmare.
But it’s not all fun and games. When Gru faces off against a stylish new villain, Maxime Le Mal, and his femme fatale partner, Valentina, the family must go on the run. With a voice cast featuring Steve Carell, Kristen Wiig, Will Ferrell, and Sofia Vergara, this blockbuster hit is guaranteed to be a fun ride for the whole family.
Start streaming now and don’t miss out on these must-watch titles! Don’t have a Showmax account, Head to www.showmax.com/ng to sign up for Showmax mobile for as low as N1,600.
Showbiz
PHOTO: Ogun Police Arraigns Portable in Court
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By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Controversial singer, Habeeb Okikiola, otherwise known as Portable, has been arraigned by the police in court.
He was brought to the court on Thursday morning a day after he surrendered himself to the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba on Wednesday after transferred to the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
He went into hiding after he was accused of assaulting officials of the Ogun State Planning and Development Permit Authority (OGPDPA).
He was said to have committed the offence on the premises of one of his properties in the Iyana Ilogbo area of Ogun State. He was declared wanted after he refused to turn up for questioning.
Today, the police in Ogun State arraigned Portable before the Isabo High Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State on allegations bordering of assault.
Showbiz
Wanted Controversial Singer Portable in Police Custody
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By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos Command of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has confirmed that controversial Nigerian singer, Mr Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has turned himself in after he was declared wanted by the Ogun State Command of the security agency.
Portable, who had been at large after he allegedly assaulted officials of the Ogun State government some days ago, surrendered himself to the Lagos State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yaba on Wednesday.
This came after he released a video some hours ago, claiming he is a patient of the Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, calling on the government to forgive him as he is a federal government liability.
Some officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Ota Zonal Office had visited his property in the Iyana-Ologbo area of the state when the singer and his gang allegedly unleashed terror on the,
He was accused of violently attacking TPL Onabanjo Abidemi, TPL Raymond Lateef, and TPL Ridwan Oyero Akinlesi, who were on an enforcement mission in the area.
The other members of the group were arrested by the police, but Portable went into hiding, failing to honour invitations extended to him. This force the police to declare him wanted.
In a message today, the spokesman for the police in Lagos, Mr Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that the singer has turned himself in.
“Portable just turned himself in at the SCID Yaba. We have contacted Ogun State Police Command to come pick him up,” he disclosed.
Portable is not new to controversies, especially assault.
Some months ago, he assaulted a cleric who was within the premises of his bar for ‘evangelism.’ He was also accused of beating up one of his proteges known as DJ Chicken, as well as fighting with police officials in Ogun State, among others.
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