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Heritage Bank Backs Miss Nigeria 60th Anniversary

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

One of the events held in Nigeria that has remained on the lips of many was the 60th anniversary of Miss Nigeria and the 2017 edition of the beauty pageant.

Many have continued to talk about the top class event, which held few days ago at the Eko Convention Centre in Lagos and produced Miss Ehiguese Mildred Peace from Adamawa State as the new Miss Nigeria.

The beauty contest was largely successful due to the partnership entered into by Heritage Bank Plc, Nigeria’s most innovative banking service provider, and Folio Media Group, publishers of the Daily Times, organisers of the Miss Nigeria pageant.

Other winners of the night were Miss Rita Chinedu, representing Delta State and Miss Benjamin Anne Ufuomanefe, representing Ondo State, who were the first and second runner-ups respectively.

Miss Cross River, Ana Victoria Lawrence emerged as Miss Emerald Queen, after winning the task organised by Heritage Bank, which centred on assessing the contestants on their knowledge, complement, fluency, articulation, appearance based on ingenuity and creativity of the Nigerian contemporary hairstyles. Whilst, Miss Ifidon Sarah representing Edo State Miss Onyeabo Amarachi representing Abia State, emerged first and second runner ups, respectively.

The award given to her, which was an artefact (African queen bronze head in a moulded box), speaks of African culture and symbolic of the Bank’s pride of its heritage.

Miss Nigeria focuses on issues that affect Nigerian women; she is an ambassador of culture, of purpose, of the environment.

The ambition of the new beauty queen is to provide medical and psychological help for women who are victims of rape as well as empower them.

Speaking with journalists immediately after the crowning of the new pageant queen, Mr Fela Ibidapo, Head of Corporate Communications of Heritage Bank said, “We are partnering with Folio Group to empower women”, adding that this is what the Daily Times used to be known for and we wants to help them to revive it.

“Our involvement in this is not because of beauty per se, it’s primarily to empower ladies and women generally; to encourage them to always put in their best in whatever they do to make a living.”

Mr Ibidapo agreed that the impact of the initiative might not be so visible in the short-term period, but he was so optimistic that it would impact positively on their contributions to the nation-building process in the long run.

Also speaking, Chairman of Folio Media Group, Mr Fidelis Anosike said the group would use the Miss Nigeria pageant to create a strong female platform, remarking that the group has signed a partnership deal with the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) over the next five years to tackle the scourge of human trafficking.

He said as part of strategy to empower contestants in the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant, the group has resolved to give five percent of its toplined revenue to be shared among them, adding that this year about N4.1million will be given to them.

Former Governor of Ogun State who also doubles as former Managing Director of the Daily Times, Mr Segun Osoba, noted that the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant was part of the history of Nigeria and commended Anosike for keeping the history alive.

In her contribution, Mrs Helen Prest, a former Miss Nigeria in 1979, observed that Miss Nigeria was a platform for empowering women, noting that before the advent of social media, Miss Nigeria was the social platform for young women to dream and make their dreams realities.

She said she was happy that the pageant was being revived by the new management of the Daily Times because it provides opportunities for young girls who are polished, good mannered, well- spoken and poised to attain national recognition by drawing attention to causes and empowerment for women.

The Miss Nigeria Beauty Pageant which came into being in 1957 is the only national pageant in Nigeria and it represents the highest ideals of a combination of beauty, grace and intelligence; artistic and refined.

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Zyler Unveils AI-Powered Virtual Christmas Jumper

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digital christmas jumper

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A UK-based fashion technology company, Zyler, on Thursday, December 12, 2024, released a digital Christmas Jumper which can be worn for free for free using its fun AI-powered virtual try-on tool.

The alternative sweater was digitally designed by Zenaida Ossana, a talented 3D Artist and Fashion Designer with a rapidly growing following on Instagram.

Zenaida created the magical design using the new AI platform Neural Fashion and was inspired by seascapes and mermaids in her creative process.

“It was fun to work on this design knowing that many people might be able to see it and experience the potential of digital fashion for themselves,” the designer said.

“We think this is a fun use of AI tech, combining VTO and digital fashion to offer consumers an alternative way to participate in this phenomenon.

“We do also acknowledge that these technologies have an environmental footprint, however, we believe that responsible use of AI and digital design considerably outweighs the negative impact of overproduction and discarding of physical clothing,” Zyler’s innovation consultant and digital fashion expert, Karinna Grant, who led this project, explained.

The origin of the Christmas Jumper tradition can be traced back to 19th century Scandinavia where thick warm and brightly coloured jumpers were worn to escape from the cold.

More recently, Statista reported that on average 47 per cent of consumers worldwide enjoy ugly Christmas jumpers. However, that is not what motivated this project.

Zyler collaborated with Zenaida after being made aware of the shocking stats on the overconsumption of Christmas jumpers. True Origin reports that 12 million jumpers are purchased each year in the UK alone and 25 per cent of those are only worn once.

Research by environmental charity Hubbub found that 95 per cent of jumpers are made completely or considerably from synthetic materials. Generally, they are acrylic, and this means that they take over 200 years to decompose.

Consumers can try the jumper experience by visiting Zyler’s flagship Digital Dressing Room and in less than 90 seconds, they can see themselves wearing the distinct design.

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Movie Classics You’ll Love to Watch This Holiday Season on GOtv

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Movie Classics GOtv

The holidays have a way of bringing out our inner child, don’t they? The twinkling lights, the aroma of jollof rice, and the irresistible pull of family traditions—all wrapped up in a comforting cocoon of nostalgia. GOtv is turning back the clock this festive season with a lineup of timeless classics that will take you down memory lane while providing bellyfuls of laughter, adventure, and joy. Here’s your guide to the throwback magic airing on GOtv Channel 3, M-Net Movies 4.

The Road to El Dorado

“Gold, glory, and endless laughs!”

Embark on an animated adventure that’s as gold-filled as it is hilarious. The Road to El Dorado follows two loveable rogues, Tulio and Miguel, as they stumble upon the legendary city of gold. With its vibrant visuals, catchy tunes, and laugh-out-loud moments, this film is a treasure trove of holiday fun. Perfect for anyone who wants a mix of humour, mischief, and heart. Don’t miss it on Monday, December 23rd, at 10:15 am.

Yogi Bear

“Who stole the picnic basket this time?”

Grab your picnic baskets and prepare for some “beary” funny antics with everyone’s favourite bear and his sidekick, Boo-Boo. Yogi Bear is the embodiment of cosy, family-friendly entertainment. Watch as the duo tries to save their beloved Jellystone Park in a story filled with clever schemes, laugh-out-loud moments, and warm holiday vibes. Tune in on Wednesday, December 25th, at 10:25 am.

Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me

“Groovy, baby!”

Yeah, baby, yeah! Kick up the festive fun with Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me. This groovy comedy brings the laughs with its over-the-top characters, outrageous one-liners, and a dash of 60s flair. It’s not your traditional holiday movie, but it’s a wild ride that’s sure to inject some unexpected spice into your festive viewing schedule. Catch it on Monday, December 23rd, at 4:15 pm.

Shark Tale

“Underwater fun with a splash of laughs!”

What happens when you mix a talking fish, underwater mobsters, and Will Smith’s undeniable charm? You get Shark Tale—an underwater comedy adventure like no other. This late-night delight is packed with vibrant animation, catchy tunes, and an unforgettable message about staying true to yourself. Watch it on Monday, December 23rd, at 11:55 pm.

Daddy Day Care & Daddy Day Camp

“When dads take the reins, chaos follows!”

Who says dads can’t do it all? Eddie Murphy takes on the hilarious challenge of running a daycare in Daddy Day Care, while Daddy Day Camp sees the chaos ramp up in the great outdoors. These back-to-back comedies are brimming with laughable parenting mishaps, heartwarming moments, and plenty of holiday cheer. Back-to-back fun airs on Wednesday, December 11th, at 3:15 pm and 4:50 pm.

Relive the Joy Only on GOtv

Whether you’re looking to laugh, reminisce, or simply escape into a world of fun, GOtv’s festive lineup of throwbacks is your ticket to holiday bliss. Don’t miss the chance to make new memories with these classic gems.

Subscribe now to unlock a world of exciting entertainment! Take advantage of the GOtv Supa Plus Golden Window and pay just N13,900 instead of N15,700. Upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect via the MyGOtv app or dial *288#. For on-the-go viewing, don’t forget to download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite classics anytime, anywhere.

Let the nostalgia flow and the laughter echo this festive season—it’s all happening on GOtv!

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Holiday Preview: Festive Season Programmes to Watch Out for on GOtv

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Imagine it’s Christmas. The aroma of jollof rice wafts through the air, kids run around in matching outfits, and the TV is tuned to GOtv Channel 3, M-Net Movies 4. But this isn’t just any Christmas morning—this one’s about to go wild. A mischievous cat wreaking havoc,  Matilda bending spoons with her mind, and Babe, the pig, proving why kindness trumps all.

This year, GOtv is turning your festive lineup into a whirlwind of unforgettable stories that will leave you laughing, crying, and cheering—all in one sitting. Here’s a guide to some of the festive season movies that will make your holiday season not just merry but downright legendary.

Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Hat

“Chaos has never been this entertaining!”

What happens when a family’s holiday preparations meet a six-foot-tall cat with a penchant for mischief? Absolute pandemonium! From balancing teetering stacks of furniture to unleashing his Thing 1 and Thing 2 accomplices, the Cat pushes the boundaries of holiday cheer. Did you know this whimsical character has sparked debates about his “anarchic” influence for decades?

This Christmas, let the Cat in the Hat remind you that sometimes, a little chaos is needed to bring families together. Catch this iconic film on Thursday, December 19th, at 12:15 pm.

Matilda

“Who says kids can’t save Christmas?”

Matilda Wormwood may be small, but her courage and wit are larger than life. Remember the scene where she finally takes a stand against Miss Trunchbull? That’s not just a victory—it’s a moment that defines resilience. This heartwarming classic proves that even the tiniest among us can create the biggest miracles.

Gather the family and let Matilda inspire a holiday spirit filled with courage, imagination, and just a touch of telekinesis. This family favourite airs on Wednesday, December 25th, at 3:00 pm.

Babe & Babe: Pig in the City

“From farmyard hero to city superstar!”

What could be more festive than the tale of a pig who defies the odds? Babe’s journey to prove his worth is a story that echoes the true spirit of the holidays: kindness, determination, and belief in oneself. In Babe: Pig in the City, the stakes are raised as our lovable hero ventures into an urban jungle.

These tales are more than entertaining—they’re a gentle reminder to embrace every family member, even the most unlikely ones. Catch Babe on Monday, December 23rd, at 8:35 am, and don’t miss the sequel, Babe: Pig in the City, airing the next day, Tuesday, December 24th, at 9:00 am.

️ Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

“Let it rain… cheeseburgers?”

What if your holiday feast literally fell from the sky? This imaginative adventure takes festive indulgence to a whole new level. Whether it’s giant pancakes or spaghetti tornadoes, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs brings a colourful twist to the festive spirit. But beyond the fun, it’s a heartfelt story about family, innovation, and the courage to dream big. Join the adventure on Sunday, December 22nd, at 2:25 pm

Problem Child & Problem Child 2

“When holiday chaos meets Junior…”

Imagine this: one kid, two parents, and endless mayhem. Problem Child introduces us to Junior, the walking definition of “holiday surprises.” In the sequel, the laughs double as Junior’s antics escalate to new heights. It’s hilarious, nostalgic, and a perfect reminder that no family gathering is complete without a little drama. Watch the chaos unfold on Tuesday, December 24th, at 1:55 pm, followed by even more antics in Problem Child 2 at 3:25

Your Holiday Starts Here

This Christmas, GOtv isn’t just delivering entertainment; it’s creating moments you’ll treasure forever. From whimsical chaos to heartwarming tales, M-Net Movies 4 on Channel 3 has it all.

So grab a plate of Christmas jollof, huddle up with your loved ones, and let the holiday magic unfold on screen. And don’t forget to tune in to GOtv Channel 3 to catch these festive classics.

Don’t miss the chance to make your holiday season unforgettable. Subscribe, upgrade, or reconnect now through the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. This Christmas is not just about the presents—it’s about the stories that bring us together.

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