₦airaland Forum

The first drone show in Nigeria and West Africa, which ushered the countdown to the New Year 2024 was not only historic but remarkable and has continued to dominate discourse in social events cycle.

Speaking on the inspiration behind the colourful New Year countdown show, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Social Event, Princess Atika Ajanah in an interview with AlexReports said the idea was drawn from her travels across major parts of the world.

According to her, "Drone show is something I'd always watched and admired. We've traveled to Singapore, Paris and other parts of the world, we have seen how they put up beautiful shows to countdown to a new year.

"Drone show is usually the side attraction and I said, why can't we have drone show in Nigeria. So when the opportunity came and I was made SSA to the President on Social Events, that gave me opportunity to come up with fresh ideas. We put up a proposal and it was approved, and it turned out to be more colourful than what we actually expected", she said.

While stating that she is committed to bringing new aura to government statutory events, including democracy day, independence anniversary and others, Princess Atika reiterated her commitment to record several firsts in social events, not just in Nigeria but Africa.

According to her, the countdown drone show was an opportunity to project the country alongside other developed and developing countries and exhibit the rich cultural heritage of the country, exhibited in colourful native attires and local dishes to the global community.

She expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his support which saw the country replicate what is generally seen as show that can only happen in the developed world.

Full video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbFHVXbxT-k?si=MFUTDSnbQ6VmB4Se

Kogi Ex-First Lady, Rashida Bello Marks 40th Birthday Amidst Fanfare

https://youtube.com/shorts/nqJFS6yDEf8?si=Ocjf1zy9KMHjlW49

May 2 was a day of fun and excitement as the former First Lady of Kogi, Rashida Bello marked her 40th birthday in the presence of family members, friends and numerous people whose lives she has touched.

The celebration in Abuja saw guests give beautiful testimonies and speak glowingly of the kindhearted nature of the celebrant.

They attested to how she has been a mother figure to several persons, touching their lives in many positive ways, and lifting them to actualize their full potential.

The celebrant who was full of thanks said it feels so wonderful to mark 40th birthday with amazing and incredible family and friend, adding that her heart overflows with joy and excitement.

"Today, with a grateful heart, I thank God for the journey of life, the lessons, the laughter, and even the tears.

"The love and support has been great treasures. Thank you all for being the vibrant hues in life’s journey. Here we are, marking four decades!", she said.

The former First Lady has been lauded for her efforts in initiating programmes that will impact the lives of less privileged persons in her community by offering them scholarships, opportunities to learn trade and engage in meaningful means of livelihood.

Often seen as humble, accommodating and caring, she is very people in the ranks of young people and women whose lives she has greatly impacted.

The colourful birthday was an opportunity to shower her with gifts and kind words which she said she so much cherishes.

Nigeria's Leading Furniture Brand, BMADU Group Unveils Renowned Entertainers Washington DC, Headmaxter As Ambassadors


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2YqCVezQ4G4?si=A60_NNr5rY-dG_Eg

In an effort to drive an expanded market reach, leveraging on their rich network and social media followership, one of the Nigeria's most reliable and trusted brands in furniture, BMADU Group has unveiled two notable entertainers as brands ambassadors.

Ernest Anyanwu popularly known as Washington DC and Stephen Emenike who goes by the stage name MC Headmaxter were unveiled at a brief but colourful ceremony in Abuja where they pledged their commitment to drive new frontiers for the marketing of the products and services of BMADU Group.

During their unveiling, the Managing Director/CEO BMADU Group, Dr. Victor Chibuike Onwuamawam said the company is proud to associate with the newly unveiled ambassadors, saying it admires their craft and creativity.

"As a corporate brand, we are happy to identify with these gentlemen who have for years demonstrated remarkable excellence in their craft, taking comedy and entertainment to new heights, bringing joy and laughter to families and giving them therapeutic treatments.

"I have no doubt this new business relationship with our organization will be the beginning of many mutually beneficial opportunities", he said.

In response, Washington DC who has over the years hosted several successful comedy shows in Abuja that attracted high and mighty expressed delight that he will use his rich network to open new business opportunities for the organization.

Also, Headmaxter a spontaneous Abuja comedian and outstanding Hypeman thanked the BMADU Group for the opportunity, pledging to justify the confidence reposed in him by the organization.

Among other notable individuals who witnessed the unveiling include, the General Manager BMADU Group, Ms Abisola Akanji, Emeka Nwugha the entertainers manager, Patricia Chisom an International Commodity broker and Abuja's famous PR consultant, Alex Nwankwo (AlexReports)

Abuja Gathers Massively At "Evolution Of Washington" Comedy Show, As Women Part With Expensive Gifts


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yOwzV6mA-9Q?si=tzXLiNOaHD6zY6Nv

One of the highly rated Abuja comedy shows, the "Evolution Of Washington" has successfully ended in Abuja with massive attendance, exceeding the expectations of the organisers.

The exhilarating Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja was the place to be on Sunday, March 9 as veteran comedians deployed their skills to lit up the environment with roaring laughter.

Titled, "Wetin Women Really Want", those who performes include, Ice Prince, Soundboi Bme, Destalker, Pencil Comedian, MC Monica, Abarie, MC Royal, Koboko Master, Amb. Wahala, Headmaxter, Shortcut and others.

The edition which leading real brands Seman Global Project and Wincorp Homes & Properties as headline sponsors was exclusively dedicated to celebrate women, a reason it was fixed to hold the same time the global community celebrated women at the 2025 International Women Day (IWD).

Despite not holding heavy pre-event publicity, the event attracted a massive organic crowd, which has been attributed to long-standing relationship between the comedian and lovers of good entertainment in Abuja..

In celebration of women, Washington a member of 36 Pals Development Initiative distributed loaves of Noinachi digestive bread, handbags courtesy of Blessed Elvis Foundation and feminine items.

Beneficiaries were so excited as the show was the very first time a comedian was distributing items worth several thousands of Naira as souvenir at a spot.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1Cyk_QQ-aM?si=l1DOVOwyl0L7bfDa

The event which also had the
Abuja moms organisation in attendance elicited what women wanted and they laughed to celebrate their day in most relaxed and serene atmosphere

14-Year-Old Joseph Majesty Ojochegbe Wins Nigeria Info's "I Beg to Differ" Season


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdbcZ6N2dpg

Fourteen-year-old Joseph Majesty Ojochegbe from Government Day Secondary School Karu has triumphed in the second season of Nigeria Info's "I Beg to Differ" competition! He walked away with the grand prize of one million naira after a nail-biting final against Helen Abu Francis, ABUJAPRESS reports.

The students tackled the contentious topic, "Nigeria is the Giant of Africa," and a new segment called "The Nigerian Dream." The debate sparked lively discussions across Nigeria Info's social media platforms, proving just how passionate listeners were about the issues.

A visibly excited Joseph told our correspondent the experience was "thrilling and adventurous." Despite initial doubts, he gained confidence throughout the competition. When asked about his prize money, he revealed a desire for a PS5 game console.

Chief Judge Mijid Dahiru praised the high standard of the competition, highlighting the students' confidence, knowledge, and composure. He noted the strong performance of FCT public school students, calling it a testament to the quality of public education in the region. Dahiru also encouraged schools to revive their debating clubs, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young public speakers.

Joseph, along with finalists Helen Abu Francis, Ruth Chikwere (third place), and Favour Anthony (fourth place), will now represent Abuja at the national competition in Lagos later this year. Dahiru predicts the "I Beg to Differ" competition will continue to grow, becoming a highly sought-after event for schools across the territory.

Seed Of Hope Foundation, Partner Distribute Educational Materials In Rivers School


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVVptV0tY-E?si=YahnU4CB4cKhmCz7


Pupils of Community Primary School Elelenwo, Port Harcourt Rivers state are beaming with smile of relief as two non-governmental organisations have remembered them for good, distributing materials to aid their learning.

Seed of Hope Foundation and Udo Family Foundation had embarked on a joint outreach in advancement of their core objectives of supporting the development of education in communities.

Materials distrubuted include 210 school bags, 50 exercise books and other writing items.

In her remarks, the founder of Seed of Hope Foundation, Okonkwo Millicent Chioma said the outreach is part of the fiu contributions to give leaders of tomorrow a solid foundation that will help them succeed and become useful members of the society in the future.

She appreciated the management of the school for its effort in inculcating good morals on the pupils as well as its concentration on science education which she said is a catalyst for technology, believed to be the driver of labour market.

Also in his remarks, the founder of Udo Family Foundation, Dr. Kevin Emeka Udo said the organisation will continue to champion efforts that will create a decent environment learning and teaching, emphasizing on the need to also promote the welfare of teachers even as due attention is paid to the pupils.

He said the collaboration between his foundation and Seed of Hope Foundation symbolises huge achievements organisations can make in making the society better through partnership.

The benefitting pupils were full of excitement for the kind gesture and promised to make good use of the donated items in a way that will be useful to their educational pursuit.

The two NGOs were accompanied by their team members.

Marine Engineers Elect New Leadership, Engr. Eferebo Sylvanus Emerges Chairman

The Nigerian Institution of Marine Engineers and Naval Architects (NIMENA) has elected a new leadership to pilot the affairs of the institution for the next one year with Engr. Eferebo I Sylvanus emerging as the chairman.

He was elected in Port Harcourt, Rivers state during an Extra Ordinary General meeting with other members of the exco in an election considered free and fair.

Addressing newsmen after his election, Engr. Eferebo said his priority is to lead NIMENA to attain international recognition by setting up a journal house where research and development activities will be published, helping to tackle Nigeria's and sub-regional maritime challenges to contribute to Africa's development.

The newly elected chairman of NIMENA, a division of The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) further lamented that poor regulatory standards and lack of enforcement mechanism in the maritime sector has caused the country huge losses in revenue, noting that Nigeria can earn over $40bn from the sector if properly regulated and activities of research and development given due priority.

While stating that NIMENA cannot exist in isolation, he expressed the readiness of the institution to engage with regulatory agencies, policymakers and other critical stakeholders to raise the status of the body.

He added that there will be a series of enlightenment, symposium, workshops, technical sessions and interaction with respective government agencies and sister institutions through effective collaboration for the benefit of the sector.

Engr. Sylvanus said his leadership will also give priority to membership drive, stating that a membership committee has been set up to engage and interface with undergraduate marine engineers, young practitioners and others outside the body to know their challenges and address them.

While promising an enhanced membership benefits, the chairman said he will carry on with the programmes and activities of past administration, including ensuring that opinions expressed in the last conference of the institution are quickly drafted in a communique and sent out to relevant agencies.

The immediate past chairman of NIMENA, Engr. Dr. Daniel Tamunodukobipi expressed satisfaction with the transparent manner in which the new executives emerged.

While urging the new leadership to continue in the existing initiatives to ensure that the waterways are safe, the immediate past chairman called for public enlightenment campaign to educate the Nigerian people on the activities of the body.

He also called for the development and maintenance of codes and standards to strengthen the safety framework in the sector, calling for partnership with relevant government agencies.

Other offices elected include, National Vice Chairman, Engr. Bhine Obom Amartari, National General Secretary, Engr. Dr. Azubuike John Chuku, National Publicity Secretary, Engr. King Wugha and ex-officio Engr. Henry Unuigbe

The 4th edition of the annual Motion Summit has held in Abuja amidst record participation as the theme organizer says the annual capacity building workshop is a divine directive to lift people out of poverty.

It had as the theme, "Building Capacity for Wealth Creation".

Speaking in Abuja while welcoming the over one thousand participants at the 2025 edition, the MD/CEO of Promiseland Estate, Amb (Dr.) Lawrence Oloche Emmanuel said the annual gathering is beyond an empowerment opportunity.

According to him, Motion Summit is also not about market the company but to build the youths, entrepreneurs, future leaders and anyone who wishes to have a paradigm shift in his or her chosen endeavours.

He said, "Four years ago the idea of building people was birthed and it is a divine mandate, it is not enough for you to succeed but what is most important is the impact you make in the life of people. That is why we came up with the Motion Summit by Promiseland, and for the past four years we have been consistent so it is worthy of an applause.

"This is amazing, I want to specially appreciate the effort of my beautiful wife Mrs Gift Oloche Emmanuel, the executive director and all the staff of Promiseland for putting up this event, it is better than what we did last year."

The Summit began in earnest with a teaching by Dr. David bello, One of the Speakers and the CEO of Lucas Jargo Group, while speaking on the topic, 'Social Capital Development' highlighted that the key features of social capital include trust, • Social Network, Reciprocity, Norms and values.

He summed up his teaching by saying, "Social capital is the ability to connect to people who are willing to help build your career and make you a better person. Your network determines your net worth".

Also speaking, the CEO Lend Wings Consulting, Dr. Best Green who spoke on Financial Literacy, quoting the words of Robert Kiyosaki said, "It's not how much money you make, but how much money you keep, how hard it works for you and how many generations you keep it for".

He urged participants to always maintain financial discipline at all times.

Apostle Dr. Michel Orokpo, (the president of Encounter Jesus ministers international), spoke on 'spiritual stamina in the place of building wealth'

He gave a detailed analysis on the dimensions of wealth creation and the place of spirituality and divinity in the context of creating and maintaining wealth

According to him "it's almost impossible to be very wealthy and not have regards for spiritual realities. We cannot separate spirituality from the subject of wealth." remember our Focus here is not money but what money can do. There are certain experiences you will never have until you have the power to get wealth, do not depend on inheritance but if you have it good for you but it's not enough you need to master the principles for wealth creation".

In his remarks, the CEO of GOTNI Leadership Centre, Dr. Linus Okorie urged participants to focus on strategy for creating wealth. "Strategy is the name of the game I have never seen anyone who accomplished greatness who did not master the act of strategy. The act of strategy is stimulated by Clear Vision".

He challenged attendees to read highly intellectual books on capacity building.

Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, in collaboration with African Hair Summit Photizo Life Foundation) Host 2025 Creativity Week


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GN-pTZ0u83Y?si=WjTkw5qt1J44oWlB

The Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy in collaboration with non-governmental organisation, Photizo Life Foundation (Organizers of African Hair Summit) hosted the 2025 edition of the annual Creativity Week, which had as the theme "Transforming World, Promoting Sustainable Development", ABUJAPRESS reports.

The ceremony which turned out to be a successful collaboration with the Ministry, was organized by Adanna Ifeoma Enwezor, founder of the African Hair Summit as part of their annual schools community training program to encourage creativity amongst the youth opening up opportunities for them in the natural hair industry in Africa. This ceremony took place at the main hall of Stella Maris College, Life camp Abuja with over 250 students, and also had in attendance dignitaries from the arts and creative sector and parents of the students who were also active guests.

In his opening remarks, the Director overseeing the office of the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Mr. Raphael Oremuno expressed delight with the success of this year's event, assuring that the ministry will continue to work for the promotion and propagation of Nigeria's culture and creative arts and digital economy.

According to the Acting Permanent Secretary, the National Creativity Week is aimed at celebrating the power of creativity and providing empowerment, especially for youths of the country.

"In the light of this, it gives me great joy that this particular occasion is directed towards discovering, nurturing and showcasing the inate creative potentials as well as talent of this beautiful, young children of Stella Maris schools life camp Abuja", he stated.

He acknowledged numerous efforts being made by critical stakeholders in the sector, in the person of Adanna Ifeoma Enwezor, the founder of the African Hair Summit, and also convener of the Afro-hair culture and Beauty Festival.

He said this year's theme resonates with the ability of creativity to transform both the people's mindset and the country's economy.

"The theme of this year's occasion is 'Transforming the World, and Promoting Sustainable Development'. It is a testament to the ability of creativity to transform not only economically but also the mind, as well as empower everyone to imagine new ideas, make new decisions and take new steps towards making the world a better place through creativity and innovation".

Also speaking, the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Dr. Shuaibu Useni said the Creativity Week is celebrated on 18th January annually around the globe, noting that it comes with huge potentials for Nigeria's young population in the area of empowerment and capacity building.

"This event is not just about becoming an entrepreneur but also teaching the young generation how to take care of themselves. Understanding natural hair is very important for our African culture and beauty entrepreneurship.

"I like the fact that we are partnering with the African Hair Summit to get this job done. We need to begin to train our young people on how to maintain natural hair so that they don't cause health hazards on themselves by using chemicals on their body, "he said.

Also, the Founder and CEO of the African hair summit and Afro-hair and Beauty Festival, Adanna Ifeoma Emwezo recalled her ugly experience with the use of inorganic relaxers and chemicals, a situation that became a turning point when she decided to venture into the business of advocating for the promotion and acceptance of natural hair not just in Nigeria but Africa in general.

She expressed delight in partnering with the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Digital Economy to teach and empower the young students.

"I'm passionate about this advocacy. I have been doing this for the past 8 years now, and the responses and results have been impeccably outstanding, "

"I urge the Students to make judicious use of what they have been taught today. I thank the minister of Arts, culture and digital economy, and her team for this auspicious collaboration. I'm delighted about this partnership, and I'm happy that this event helped achieve our objectives in propagating the opportunities in the natural hair industry, "she said.

We welcome more collaborations and partnerships in 2025. A lot of young people need to be empowered to be mentally and physically engaged and productive.