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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.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Flora and Aikou Are BBNaija Season 11’s Gambits as Biggie Shakes Up the Game

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BBNaija Flora and Aikou

After days of anticipation, Flora and Aikou have been confirmed as this season’s Gambits after receiving the highest number of votes from viewers. This was revealed during Sunday’s live show, where host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the pair as the viewers’ choices.

Introduced as a brand-new twist for Season 11, The Gambit guarantees two selected housemates a place in the House until the final day. Although they will participate in tasks and House activities throughout the season, they will not be eligible to compete for the grand prize.

Sunday’s live show also marked the end of the Ladies-versus-Gentlemen format that defined the opening weeks of the competition. With the teams officially dissolved, the housemates will now compete as individuals.

Biggie also unveiled this week’s wager task, Game On, challenging the housemates to define the identity of Season 11. Through a creative presentation incorporating elements such as a logo, slogan, song, artwork and props, the housemates have been tasked with capturing what they believe this edition of Big Brother Naija should stand for and how they want it to be remembered.

The excitement continues today with the second Head of House Challenge at 2:00 p.m., where housemates will once again battle for power in the House. This will be followed by this week’s nomination show at 7:00 p.m., when viewers will find out who will become the first set of housemates to face possible eviction.

With Flora and Aikou’s fate in the House secured till the last day and the housemates now playing as individuals, the stakes have never been higher as the battle for the grand prize gathers momentum.

Viewers can enjoy the 24/7 BBNaija Season 11 experience on DStv and GOtv, or stream every episode live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.

For more updates, visit Africa Magic’s Big Brother Naija page and follow #BBNaija on X (@bbnaija), Instagram (@bigbronaija) and Facebook (Big Brother Naija).

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Jude Okoye Rejects Mr P’s Claims on Royalties, Catalogue Sale

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Jude Okoye EFCC

By Adedapo Adesanya

Former P-Square manager, Mr Jude Okoye, has dismissed fresh allegations by his younger brother, Peter Okoye, professionally known as Mr P, insisting he never diverted the group’s earnings.

His response comes after Mr P claimed that the proposed sale of the defunct group’s multi-billion Naira music catalogue collapsed due to financial irregularities, including disputes over royalty payments, backend records and access to the group’s digital assets.

The music executive described the allegations as “blatant lies” and “manipulative tactics,” arguing that the issues raised by Mr P had already been investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and are currently before the Federal High Court in Lagos.

“So, what is he doing, coming out again now, if not to spill emotional blackmail, manipulate, and make me look like a bad person by dragging Paul into this?” he said.

Responding to allegations that he diverted royalty payments, Mr Okoye said the disputed funds were distributed based on instructions contained in a June 1, 2016, email from Arrow Kings and IROKO.

According to him, the correspondence directed that Mr P receive $12,891, while $25,782 meant for Jude and Paul be paid into the Nosa Entertainment account.

He argued that Mr P presented only part of the transaction publicly, creating the impression that he and Paul had appropriated funds belonging to the entire group.

Jude also rejected claims that his younger brother was excluded from the group’s bank accounts.

Displaying what he said were account mandate documents from FCMB, he maintained that Peter, Paul and himself were all authorised signatories to P-Square’s accounts, disputing claims made by Peter.

He further claimed the matter was addressed during court proceedings, where Peter allegedly acknowledged being a signatory after documentary evidence was presented.

Addressing the controversy surrounding the proposed catalogue sale, Jude denied withholding backend records or streaming data from potential investors.

He said Peter requested royalty statements and catalogue documents on October 16, 2022, after which he immediately contacted Lex Records.

According to him, the financial statements were forwarded the same day, while the backend logs were received six days later and sent to Peter without delay.

He therefore dismissed claims that it took more than three months to provide the documents, describing the allegation as false.

Jude maintained that the disputed royalty payments, email correspondence and supporting documents had already been reviewed during the EFCC investigation.

He claimed Peter and his legal representatives were shown the records during the probe and raised no objections at the time.

Accusing his younger brother of attempting to retry the matter on social media while the case remains before the court, Jude said the videos were intended to manipulate public opinion and drag Paul Okoye into the dispute.

Jude said he would leave the issues to be determined by the court, adding that Peter had failed to attend some recent court sittings, resulting in the matter being adjourned until September. He also claimed his bank accounts, passport and travel documents remain restricted because of the ongoing proceedings.

“If I’m found guilty, if they prove I took even one Kobo that wasn’t mine, let them send me to jail. I’m ready for that,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, Peter had not publicly responded to Jude’s latest claims. The criminal proceedings remain pending before the Federal High Court in Lagos, where Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

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The Ade-Williams Are Back, But They Are Not The Only Ones Bringing Drama This August

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The Ade-Williams Tinsel DStv

There aren’t many TV shows that can make you remember characters more than a decade after you first met them.

Mention Sheila Gardia or  Freddy Ade-Williams and anyone who has followed Tinsel instantly remembers the boardroom battles, unexpected betrayals, complicated romances and family feuds that made it impossible to stop at just one episode. Through every season, viewers have watched alliances shift, businesses rise and fall, and relationships survive or crumble under pressure.

Now, the story continues.

Season 19 of Tinsel premieres on Monday, August 3, taking viewers back into the world of the Ade-Williams family, where the drama is far from over. This season, the Reel Group is looking to grow bigger than ever, but that growth comes with new enemies determined to bring the company down. As business rivalries heat up and people begin plotting against each other, familiar faces will also have to deal with personal challenges and unexpected investigations that could change everything. If there’s one thing Tinsel has always proven, it’s that just when you think things are finally settling down, another twist is around the corner.

The new season welcomes back familiar faces including Ireti Doyle as Sheila Gardia, Dozie Onyiriuka as Freddy Ade-Williams, Linda Ejiofor as Bimpe, Ibrahim Suleiman as Damini, Iyke Okechukwu as Chuks and Florence Uwaleke Okechukwu as Ene, alongside the gripping storytelling that has kept audiences invested for nearly two decades.

Catch new episodes of Tinsel every weekday from Monday, August 3, at 7:30 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv Channel 8).

And just when you think the drama is over…

Africa Magic is also introducing a brand-new story that asks one simple question: What happens when the truth you’ve been protected from is finally revealed? Premiering on the same day is Secret Lives, a brand-new drama that explores what happens when hidden truths finally come to light.

The series follows Zee, whose life takes an unexpected turn after a shocking discovery puts her relationship and future in doubt. As she begins to uncover secrets that have been hidden from her for years, she is forced to deal with heartbreak, betrayal and difficult choices while trying to protect the people she loves.

Blending romance, family drama and suspense, Secret Lives stars Oluchi Amajuoyi, Keppy Ekpeyong, Nonso Odogwu, Eyiyemi Olivia Rogbinyin, Ejiro Badare, Floyd Igbo and Favour Etim in a story where every episode promises fresh twists and emotional turns.

The series, produced by FEEMO and helmed by AMVCA-nominated showrunner James Omokwe, explores themes of love, identity and generational secrets, making it the perfect follow-up for viewers who enjoy emotionally layered dramas.

Secret Lives premieres on Monday, August 3, with new episodes airing weekdays at 8:30 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv Channel 8), with episodes also available on DStv Stream.

Whether you’re returning to the familiar world of Tinsel or diving into the mysteries of Secret Lives, one thing is certain: August is bringing the kind of stories that will keep you counting down to the next episode.

To upgrade, subscribe or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.

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