₦airaland Forum

Nigeria’s music industry witnessed a poignant moment as Bella Shmurda, a renowned artist, declined a portrait of himself and his late friend, Mohbad, during a live performance. The incident, captured in a viral video, has sparked a wave of reactions across social media platforms.

During the performance, an audience member presented Bella Shmurda with a portrait featuring him and the deceased singer, Mohbad. In a candid declaration, Bella Shmurda expressed his refusal to accept the gift, citing an inability to display it in his home. Speaking in Yoruba, he stated, “You that brought this picture will be the same person to take it back because I can’t put this in my house, but I will give you money.”

The rejection of the portrait has further intensified the outpouring of emotions following Mohbad’s untimely demise. Mohbad, who was formerly signed to the Marlian Record label, passed away on September 12, 2023, under controversial circumstances at the age of 27.

This incident has provided a poignant glimpse into the personal connection between Bella Shmurda and Mohbad, underscoring the depth of their bond and the impact of Mohbad’s tragic passing. The video of Bella Shmurda’s emotionally charged response has resonated deeply with fans and industry insiders, eliciting a spectrum of sentiments and reflections.

As the music community continues to mourn the loss of Mohbad, Bella Shmurda’s sincere and candid reaction has ignited conversations about the complexities of dealing with grief and honoring the memory of loved ones. The refusal of the portrait has become a poignant symbol of the unique ways individuals navigate their deeply personal experiences of loss and remembrance.

In the wake of this emotional episode, Bella Shmurda’s poignant gesture stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of his friendship with Mohbad and the profound impact of the latter’s musical contributions. The international audience too has been drawn into the emotional depth of this moment, with an outpouring of support and empathy for the artists and their fans.

Nollywood celebrates a groundbreaking achievement as Funke Akindele’s latest movie, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’, shatters records by becoming the first film to cross the N1 billion mark in box office revenue.

In just three weeks since its release, ‘A Tribe Called Judah’ has achieved the remarkable milestone of earning N1 billion, marking a historic moment in the Nigerian film industry.

Kene Okwuosa, CEO of FilmHouse Group, boldly heralded this triumph, emphasizing that Nigeria’s cinema is entering a new era of prosperity and global recognition. In an official statement, Okwuosa highlighted the significance of this achievement, framing it as a testament to the unwavering appeal and resilience of Nigerian cinema in the midst of intense competition from international streaming platforms such as Netflix and Prime Video.

‘A Tribe Called Judah’ made an electrifying debut, setting a new record as the first Nollywood movie to amass over N113 million during its opening weekend in cinemas. The movie, which premiered on December 15, 2023, immediately captured the hearts of moviegoers and propelled itself to unprecedented box office success.

This momentous accomplishment follows the previous triumph of Funke Akindele’s ‘Battle on Buka Street’, which raked in N650 million at the box office in 2022, further solidifying Akindele’s position as a powerhouse in the Nigerian film industry.

The Nigerian government has taken a decisive step against British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited and its affiliated entities, imposing a staggering penalty of $110 million for various infringements. This development comes after a prolonged probe initiated by the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the FCCPC disclosed the punitive measures against BAT and its affiliate entities. The Commission highlighted that in order to comply with the Consent Order, it dropped ongoing criminal charges against BATN and an individual employee related to attempts to obstruct the investigation.

The investigation, which commenced on August 28, 2020, was set in motion following the receipt of credible information regarding potential infringements by British American Tobacco Nigeria Limited and its affiliate companies.

Subsequently, the FCCPC obtained an Order and Warrant from the Federal High Court. This culminated in coordinated searches and seizures at multiple locations associated with BAT Parties and a service provider on January 25, 2021.

Significantly, the Commission meticulously gathered substantial evidence, including forensic analysis of electronic communications and other pertinent data obtained during the searches. Additional evidence from reputable sources was also secured, leading to the establishment of violations under the law.

Following a comprehensive review of the amassed evidence, BAT Parties’ representations, and their cooperation in accordance with the Commission’s demands, the investigation was concluded. This marked the mutual execution of a Consent Order and Notice, with both parties assenting to critical terms.

The key stipulations encompass BAT Parties’ agreement to remit a hefty penalty of $110,000,000, subject to Sections 155 of the FCCPA, Clause 11 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s Administrative Penalties Regulations, 2020, and Clause 4.2 of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission’s Investigative Cooperation/Assistance Rules and Procedures, 2021.

Moreover, BAT Parties are now obligated to undergo compliance monitoring under the Commission’s supervision for 24 months, ensuring a tangible shift in their behavioral and business practices to align with prevailing competition laws, regulations, and tobacco control efforts.

As a crucial mitigation measure, BAT Parties are required to engage in mandatory public health and tobacco control advocacy, in strict compliance with tobacco control legislation and regulations, deemed satisfactory by the Commission. Additionally, they must provide Written Assurances to the Commission as enforced by Section 153 of the FCCPA.

In a reciprocal gesture for BAT Parties’ fulfillment of their obligations under the Consent Order, the Commission withdrew ongoing criminal charges against BATN and at least one employee related to impeding the execution of the search warrant and initial non-cooperation with the investigation.

Worried by the bogus marriage and burial rites imported into their culture in the recent past, the Idoma Area Traditional Council (IATC) in Benue State has abolished costly burial rites for deceased persons and the imposition of costly requirements on the bereaved family.

The council has also crashed the cost of bride price in Idoma land and imposed a unified and fixed rate of N50,000.

The paramount ruler of the Idoma kingdom, Och’Idoma, Dr John Elaigwu Odogbo, made the announcement in Otukpo, the headquarters of Idoma land while delivering his New Year message to the people.

The Och’Idoma, disclosed that the decision was reached after wide consultations with rulers, political leaders, and other stakeholders in the kingdom.

He noted that after wide consultations, the council concluded that “Some self-imposed, barbaric, and harsh cultural practices be expunged from the practice of Idoma culture and tradition and would immediately take effect on all Idoma clans, tongues, and people under the Idoma area traditional council.

“The Imposition of costly prescriptions, stipulations, and requirements on the bereaved family for the burial rites of a deceased person is hereby prohibited, in Idoma land. Burial rites should be conducted within affordable means of the family and as much as possible, concluded within two to three weeks from the date of death.

“The Traditional bride price in Idoma land is hereby unified and fixed at N50,000 (Fifty thousand Naira, only). All forms of stringent conditions, stipulations, and expectations associated with traditional marriage are hereby removed and prohibited,” he ordered.

He said, “The practice whereby relatives deny and deprive the children and wive(s) of the deceased of their right to inheritance of the deceased’s property, is hereby prohibited.