Notice: Function _load_textdomain_just_in_time was called incorrectly. Translation loading for the wordpress-seo domain was triggered too early. This is usually an indicator for some code in the plugin or theme running too early. Translations should be loaded at the init action or later. Please see Debugging in WordPress for more information. (This message was added in version 6.7.0.) in /home/bcm/src/dev/www/wp-includes/functions.php on line 6121 Olayoyin Olorunmota, Author at Zikoko!
Curious about what went down at Biggie’s house last Saturday? Well, get ready for a thrilling update on how it all went down! The Big Brother Naija stage turned into a battleground of clever thinking, creativity, and exciting surprises that had everyone hooked. Whether you saw it live or missed out, here’s a quick rundown that’ll make you feel like you were part of the action.
So picture this: it’s a regular day in the house, and the contestants are going about their business. Little do they know, a surprise is in store. TECNO, one of the show’s sponsors, drops a bombshell – they’re unleashing a challenge bound to blow their minds. Can you feel the suspense building?
Boom! The doors to the Arena swing open, and what greets the housemates is like something out of a blockbuster. The setup is an explosion of creativity and chaos, setting the stage for a crazy adventure. The contestants get split into four teams: CAMON 20 Premier, CAMON 20 Pro 5G, CAMON 20 Pro, and CAMON 20. Get ready for the ride of your life!
Hold on to your hats – the first challenge is a total mind-bender. Two members from each team need to crack open a chest, but here’s the twist: it’s locked up tight with not one, not two, but seven locks! The keys? Well, they’re hidden among a jumble of cubes. The clock starts ticking – they have fifteen minutes to solve this puzzle. It’s a race against time, a frenzy of hands rummaging through cubes, trying to find those elusive keys. It’s like a scene from a movie!
A fierce competition unfolded as the sands of time slipped through their fingers. In the end, it was the CAMON 20 Premier team—Soma, Cross, Ike, and CeeC—that emerged victorious. Their skillful coordination and nimble fingers secured their lead, thrusting them ahead in this high-stakes contest.
But the challenge was far from over. TECNO had another trick up their sleeve, demanding determination and the very essence of creativity. This time, housemates are tasked with creating music videos for Tiwa Savage’s songs: Pick Up, Somebody’s Son, Loaded, and Stamina. Housemates were given outfits matching each song’s vibe and it was game on!!!
Seeing the housemates brainstorming, choreographing, and filming these videos within a limited time was fun. It was a whirlwind of artistry and passion. And you know what? The CAMON 20 Premier team weren’t just good at cracking locks but proved themselves as wizards at creating stunning videos. Their video stood out, blending creativity with determination, earning them the title of the creative champs. And to cap the night was an electrifying Saturday night party,
On a night of mouthwatering display of creativity, it so happened that the housemates were not the only winners. Twenty viewers participating in the online poll and trivia walked away with N5,000 each. If you were not a part of them, don’t fret or think that you have lost out. More chances are on the horizon. You only need to join the conversation on BBNaija All-Stars and TECNO using #BBNaijaxTECNO on Twitter and other social media platforms to win amazing prizes such as airtime and cash prizes.
For more updates on how it went down on Saturday, follow TECNO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Wingmanning doesn’t start and end with introducing your friend to potential partners. Is an art that involves planning, strategy and proper execution. We’ll teach you just how it works.
The client, in this case, is your friend. It’s difficult to draft a good strategy if you don’t know his strengths and weaknesses. Draft a list so you can plan how best to highlight his good traits and sell your friend. It’s basically a marketing gig, and you’re the head of sales, but for free.
You’re about to venture into uncharted waters that, depending on the results, could soil your reputation. If you believe in a supreme being, ask for their help.
I know you’re a spec, but please, let the brother shine. A rule of thumb is to never out dress your friend. You can’t be a wingman and look like a king who’s just been crowned.
If you can add “working in your mum’s shop” to your marketing executive CV, then you should have no problem doing this. Don’t lie; just be economical with the truth.
You’re John the Baptist. Preparing them for the coming of the messiah your friend. Your role is not to sweep them off their feet but to prepare the mattress for when he does the sweeping. Once you can see things going well, excuse them and celebrate a job well done.
On the other hand, everything could be going badly, but because your friend is so infatuated, he doesn’t even notice. Take the initiative and drag him out of there. You need to regroup to rethink the strategy.
A wise man — me — once said, you can’t appreciate money until you understand it. Don’t overthink the quote please; pretend it’s from Socrates.
This is Zikoko’s guide to what the Naira notes are worth.
₦1000
The dollar makes a mockery of its value but we’ll take what we can get. It’s also the only note with 2 people on it. Two heads are still better than one.
₦500
It closely follows ₦1000 in value. Okay, maybe not so closely, because this is the biggest value difference among all the notes. It used to be able to buy bread comfortably, but a big loaf is now ₦550. Depending on how good you are at pricing things, you can still get akube shirts with it.
₦200
Legend has it that whenever you want to squeeze money into someone’s hand, this is what you go for. It’s also the most common note to spray at owambes.
₦100
It’s probably the most useful note. It ‘s often the dirtiest too. It can buy garri, pay for okada, and can even come through as offering in church. I stan a versatile note.
₦50
Popularly known as Waso, short for Wazobia. It used to be enough to buy one wrap of fufu but that can only work these days if you carry a gun with you.
₦20
Groundnut, sweets, chewing gum and pure water. The four horsemen of twenty naira.
₦10
This is closer to a relic than it is to being a naira note. It used to be enough for pure water but even that is now beyond its reach.
₦5
You’re more likely to find suya in the afternoon than to see a ₦5 note these days. Despite its scarcity, it’s still the most financially deficient note. If I were to give you one ₦5 note every hour, in one month, you would earn ₦3,650.
Now that you know what the naira notes can and can’t do for you, what about what the naira can do with you? Zedcrest Wealth is equipping its customers with a chance to work with money as opposed to money slaving away in a bank without any valuable interest. Click here to begin.
AXA, global leader in insurance and asset management, has launched the first in its series of medical centre plans for Nigeria. The hospital, “OneHealth by AXA”, located at 25 Mobolaji Bank Anthony Road, Ikeja, houses a range of medical solutions that AXA seeks to introduce into the Nigerian market in its bid to provide exceptional healthcare solutions in emerging markets; and make healthcare an affordable, accessible, and above all, a convenient experience that everyone can enjoy.
The OneHealth hospital is a state-of-the-art multispecialty, primary and secondary care hospital with more than 30 specialties and sub-specialties range of services in family medicine, cardiology, obstetrics, paediatrics, general surgery, ophthalmology, physiotherapy, and Internal medicine.
According to Dr Misbah Oleolo, Country Manager and Medical Director of OneHealth in Nigeria, the goal of AXA in Nigeria is to revolutionize the healthcare industry through seamless client experiences across its physical branches and digital channels.
“You may ask how we intend to do this. We will be rolling out more centres like this; characterized by very high quality, affordability, and easy-to-access services. It is the fusion of these high-quality medical services and premium hospitality with a pocket-friendly disposition that we seek to deliver to Nigerians”.
“To guarantee OneHealth Medical Centers as places of safety, we have careful curated the size, made it multi-speciality, and fine-tuned our one-stop shop offering. You will be able to find the services you require here when you are well and just need a health check; or when you are ill and need medical treatment”.
“What the data shows us that 80% of most clinical interactions can probably be solved over a digital portal. What that means is that with the introduction of our telemedicine and other digital solutions, we can help our patients and their loved one save time, money and take care of their health while they do other things. With telemedicine, you can have your follow up appointments from your office, gym or even from outside the country. Our plan is to help you stay healthy without missing out on what you have to do”, Oleolo promised.
Enjoy photos from the Opening Ceremony
L-R: Head, Operations, Leadway Health, Gideon Anumba; General Manager, Vitality Health International, Mdu Nene; Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer, Vitality Health International, Jessica Chivinge; CEO, Leadway Health, Dr Tokunbo Alli, and CEO, Vitality Health International, Emma Knox, at the media briefing on the partnership of Vitality Health International and Leadway Health in Lagos on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Vitality Health International, an innovative health insurer from South Africa, today boosted its ground-breaking insurance product offering specifically customised for Nigeria’s leading employers. The health insurance offering is unique because it focuses on wellbeing, aimed at positively impacting people’s health outcomes while improving and protecting their lives.
Vitality Health International is owned by multi-award winning South African insurer, Discovery, which changed the insurance landscape with their Vitality Shared-value Insurance model that rewards people for healthy living. Today, Discovery has a global presence, operating in 40 markets (including the USA, UK and China), impacting the lives of more than 40 million people worldwide. Since its launch in January 2022, Vitality Health International has been gaining impetus in bringing health insurance that rewards healthy living to employer groups in the rest of Africa. Vitality Health International is live in five African markets, including the DRC, Mozambique, Kenya, Nigeria and Zambia.
L-R: General Manager, Vitality Health International, Mdu Nene; Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer, Jessica Chivinge; CEO, Leadway Health, Dr Tokunbo Alli; CEO, Vitality Health International, Emma Knox, and Head, Sales, Leadway Health, Toyin Ogunmoyole, at the media briefing on the partnership of Vitality Health International and Leadway Health in Lagos on Tuesday, July 18, 2023.
Leadway helps to provide deep in-market intelligence so Vitality Health International can provide the Health Insurance and wellness offering which the Nigerian population needs. By using quality health insurance offerings and technology, Leadway Health aims to achieve universal and quality health coverall for all Nigerians. Together, Vitality Health International and Leadway Health are committed to improving the quality of lives of the African people – making the partnership mutually beneficial for both entities.
Dr Tokunbo Alli, CEO of Leadway Health, says: “With our unique use of technology to provide ground-breaking health insurance, we are able to provide our customers with a better, smarter and more rewarding experience. Through this partnership with Vitality Health International, we want to play an important role in the efforts towards universal health care (UHC) in Nigeria. Our goal is to help improve the provision of care and the quality of life for Vitality Health International members and their families, in order to accelerate the achievement of our collective vision.”
Emma Knox, CEO of Vitality Health International says: “Vitality Health International has a core purpose running through everything we do: To make people healthier and to enhance and protect their lives. The foundation of the Vitality Shared-value model is to reward people for healthier behaviours, which also improves their physical and mental well-being, while improving productivity and decreasing the employer’s insurance or ‘health risk’. Through this model Vitality Health International is contributing towards a healthier society by making businesses and their employees healthier.”
Knox says: “As a data-driven organisation, Discovery tracks data worldwide, and in South Africa, a recent study shows that that very engaged members on Vitality who have achieved Diamond and Gold status on the rewards programme, are estimated to have reduced mortality risk as a result of healthier lifestyles, increasing their life expectancy to 87 years’ old, compared to 67 for the insured population in South Africa.”
After each wellness day, comprehensive reports with metrics and unique insights are shared with employers (data anonymised) to help them improve health outcomes for their employees. Knox adds: “The wellness days that we have conducted in other African markets have been extremely impactful in helping employees understand their health.”
All members of Vitality Health Insurance are offered an on-site wellness experience, fully funded by the health insurance product. Vitality Health Checks, conducted by experienced and healthcare wellness specialists, are an essential aspect of the Vitality programme enabling an individual to better understand their health and how to improve it. risks.
Vitality is a globally recognised programme which rewards people for engaging in healthy behaviours. Members are encouraged to ‘know their health’, take steps to improve their health and get rewarded for meeting their goals.
Employers are rewarded with a cashback of up to 10% for encouraging their employees to get healthy and the Vitality Health Fund that can be unlocked when members complete their Vitality Health Review extends the employees’ outpatient benefits by up to $100, based on completion of Vitality health assessments and positive engagement with the Vitality programme.
By engaging in healthy behaviours, employees can earn exciting weekly rewards with Vitality Health International’s rewards partners Jumia and Uber, as well as from leading mobile network in Nigeria, MTN, where vouchers can be redeemed for achieving their goals. Alternatively, employees can choose to donate towards a life-changing vaccine.
By completing their weekly goals members close their ‘fuel bar’ and successfully earn rewards. They can choose to redeem vouchers from MTN or other alternative partners such as Uber and Jumia, through the Vitality Africa app.
These days, couples go on dates according to the letters of the alphabet. Before you start screaming “God, when?” down our ears, we’ve taken the initiative to help you with ideas that will leave you enough cash for fuel in this economy.
A — Alone
No matter how many tips I give you, you’ll still remain alone. Now, to the 25 other date ideas.
B — Beer parlour date
Nothing brings a couple together more than downing bottles of big stout accompanied with fresh fish.
C — Church date
Listening to the pastor preach about the merits of spreading the gospel while you’re holding the hands of the person whose legs you want to spread.
D — Danfo ride
A couple that argues with the conductor for change together, stays together.
E — Exercise date
Who needs a gym subscription when you can do sit-ups with your lover in your room.
F — Filling station date
With the current fuel price, buying fuel is on the same level as jewelry shopping. If jewelry shopping is romantic, then tell me why going to the filling station together isn’t.
G — Garri eating
Whether it’s white, yellow or ijebu garri, evidence shows that eating garri together works. Just like the garri, you can be sure the relationship will slap.
H — House hunting date
You can marvel at the exorbitant prices then return to your parents’ houses where rent is free.
I — In the rain
Nothing beats channeling your inner child under fluids from heaven with the person you share fluids with under the sheets.
J — Job hunting date
This especially slaps when you both go for the same job interview. When they ask about your weakness, you’ll reply, “Applicant Sola, she was the second person you interviewed.”
K — Kite flying
Another opportunity to channel your inner child together.
L — Lagos traffic
You talk about random things, get snacks too, you can even buy a puppy for each other in traffic, all without breaking the bank.
M — Mama Put
Eating out has never been better. Who needs fancy restaurant pictures when the cute image of your partner struggling to tear shaki is forever etched in your memory?
N — Newspaper stand
You get to form a formidable debate tag team with your lover as you argue with other strangers over what Tinubu’s first meal in 1998 was.
O — Owambe date
Free food, good music, and if you dance well, you might even get sprayed by those big uncles.
P — Political rally
You get to see your favourite politicians and might even get free merch. Shouting ELLU P with the LOYL is the stuff of dreams.
Q — Quarelling
This might raise some eyebrows but adding a little tension to your relationship is one of the best ways to bring you closer together.
Sit on the road and gossip about passers-by like your 70-year-old conservative grandparents.
S — Shoplifting
Committing a crime together gives Bonnie and Clyde vibes. They’ll probably break your heads if you get caught, but the memories will be worth it.
T — TikTok videos
You may or may not end up looking like an idiot, but who cares? You’re in love.
U — University tour
If you like, you can join some lectures for the fun of it. Listening to an elderly man teaching dy/dx while looking into her eyes and cursing your ex >>>
V — Viewing centre date
If you support different teams and your partner’s team losses, it’ll spoil the mood for the night. It works best when you support the same team.
W — Window shopping
This is best enjoyed when you have less than ₦650 in both your accounts.
X – eXam Date
It doesn’t matter if you’re both at middle management level, both of you will register for JAMB. Whoever scores lower will wash plates for the next three months.
Y — Yahoo
It’s not so much about the act but how romantic it’ll look when the EFCC finally nabs you guys and make you take a joint mugshot. Goalsss.
Z — Zikoko Love Life
It’s the perfect way to document your love story. The best part? Even if they end up serving you breakfast, you can look back and remind yourself of what an idiot you were.
If you want to share your own Love Life story, fill out this form.
Choose the right options.
Questions
This is a question
Name All Premier League Teams For The 2023/2024 Season
Since Elon Musk bought Twitter in October 2022, he’s made changes like Twitter Blue, paying creators and tweets showing the number of views. The only thing he hasn’t changed is the logo. Oh wait, even the logo didn’t survive his revamp. While I can’t match his wealth, I can definitely match his ability to shrink entire brands into one letter. Here we go.
Palmpay = B
Bridgerton. Why? They will stand with you between the heavens and the earth. They will tell you where you are. When will you repay your loan?
G stands for gun because there’s no difference between those charges and armed robbery.
Instagram = M
IG is now one big marketplace. You’ll be scrolling through, looking for pictures of your peng people, but the wig and clothes ads won’t let you rest.
Bigi = F
I’m sure there’s no flavour that Bigi hasn’t experimented with. The only one that’s left is N’abania.
Minimie = W
Apart from being a snack, it can also double as a weapon. The only thing that’s harder than minimie is convincing your mum that pressing your phone is not the reason for your sickness.
Apple = I
Virtually all Apple products begin with an “I.” Well, apart from the one I can actually afford — apple juice.
Access Bank = M
Money? Mobile banking? No amigo, it’s Marathon. Why be just a bank when you can be one that organises the biggest marathon in Nigeria?
In the weeks leading up to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, there was a lot of unrest in the Super Falcons Camp. Clashes between the NFF and the coaching staff and players about owed salaries and bonuses meant many Nigerian fans expected very little when the tournament began. All these distractions coupled with the fact that they were the lowest-ranked team (40) in the star-studded group that had Canada (7), Australia (10) — the co-hosts alongside New Zealand — and the Republic of Ireland (22) meant many pundits predicted that these teams would take turns to give Nigeria a proper beating.
After a hard-fought 0-0 draw against Canada, the confidence in the team began to rise. A penalty save from Chiamaka Nnadozie was the highlight of a very solid defensive display from Nigeria. Their second game, however, is where the team truly shone. Coming from a goal down to defeat the co-hosts Australia, was as big as underdog stories could get. After 45 minutes of the Nigerian goal being peppered with Australian shots, they finally broke the deadlock in the first minute of first-half stoppage time. But their lead lasted only as long as it takes the average person who relocates to Canada, to start a Youtube channel. About five minutes later, Uchenna Kalu slotted in the equalizer.
This was the second-ever first-half goal scored by Nigeria at the Women’s World Cup, despite playing in 18 matches across previous editions.
Nigeria now leads group B heading into the final game and while a draw against already knocked out Republic of Ireland will confirm qualification, a win will put Nigeria on top of the group.
The Australian team, backed by the over 40,000 fans in the stadium, fought to regain their lead but like my people say, no matter how lizard do press-up reach, he no fit get muscle reach alligator. Two goals from Osinachi Ohale (66) and Asisat Oshoala (72) put the game beyond reach for the Australians. They huffed and puffed and managed to snatch a consolatory goal in the 10th minute of added time as the Falcons defended their lead with their lives
What this means for Nigeria
Nigeria now leads group B heading into the final game and while a draw against already knocked out Republic of Ireland will confirm qualification, a win will put Nigeria on top of the group.
The only thing Nigerians love more than a big win is bragging about the win. Nigerians, in expected fashion, took to twitter to “pepper the haters.”
Australians, we played well, we controlled the game, we dominated the super falcons, we, we.
This win has also drawn some media attention to the salaries the players are being owed as the Arsenal legend Ian Wright tweeted at the NFF to pay them.
This started the hashtag #paythem. Although the NFF hasn’t said anything about this, Nigerians have chosen to celebrate this iconic win. There were also some records broken as the Super Falcons captain Onome Ebi became the oldest African and second-oldest player to play in the world cup at 40 years old.
Asisat Oshoala also became the first African player to score in three different world cups (2015, 2019 and now 2023). Agba Baller herself. Asisat Oshoala’s celebration is one that will surely be talked about for ages to come as women removing their shirts when celebrating is not as common as seen on the men’s side.
Now that qualification from the group is very likely, the Nigerian team will focus on going as far in the competition as possible.
Chop chop, we have a world cup to win.
Attention all thrill-seekers, foodies, and motorbike enthusiasts! Get ready for the most epic event of the year – Jollof and Palmie 5, brought to you by the extraordinary Bikers with Attitude and Determination. It’s time to mark your calendars for this adrenaline-pumping extravaganza, as we gear up for the biggest Motorbikes and food festival in all of West Africa!
Jollof and Palmie is a celebration of all things African, from the delicious food to the world of beautiful motorcycles. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or simply appreciate the artistry of these marvelous machines, this event is a dream come true! The event will feature exotic superbike displays, food tasting, music, history and interactive activities for all to enjoy.
This year’s festival will be held on Sunday, August 6th at the Muri Okunola Park in Victoria Island, Lagos. Gates open at 12:00 PM, so be sure to get there early to avoid the crowds. Tickets are free, but you must register in advance. To register, simply click here.
What to expect at Jollof and Palmie
Exotic superbike displays: See some of the most beautiful and powerful motorcycles in Africa up close.
Food tasting: Sample delicious food from all over Africa, including jollof rice, palm wine, and more.
Music: Enjoy live music from some of the best African artists.
History and interactive activities: Learn about the history of motorcycles in Africa and participate in interactive activities.
Zedi Studio, the sound/visual arm of the dynamic Zedi Inc marketing/advertisement services, is proud to be a sponsor of the Jollof and Palmie festival and they will be in charge of the media coverage and production, including, videos, photography, and live streaming.
Remember, Jollof and Palmie is a FREE event, so there’s no excuse not to come! Share the news with your friends, family, and fellow enthusiasts. Let’s make this year’s festival the most talked-about and unforgettable one yet!
And be sure to check out Zedi Studio and all of their other brands, including Zedi Africa, Hirefoster, ZedFlo, ZedIntro, and Zedi.Ai, who are committed to promoting African culture and talent via the African tech and startup ecosystem, and they would love to have you as a part of their community.
Get ready to be dazzled as art comes to life on your smartphone! TECNO will be launching the CAMON 20 Doodle Edition in partnership with Mr Doodle – a mesmerizing blend of cutting-edge technology and captivating Doodle art. With captivating artwork adorning the device, it’s more than just a smartphone; it’s a canvas of creativity and imagination. The CAMON 20 Doodle Edition whispers secrets to the stars above, inviting users to explore a realm of innovation like never before.
Prepare to be wowed by the CAMON 20 Doodle Edition’s glowing Doodle art on its back cover. Picture yourself in dimly lit places, where the intricate designs come to life, infusing wonder into your smartphone experience. This unique feature transforms the CAMON 20 into a conversation starter wherever you go!
The CAMON 20 Doodle Edition comes with a classic camera that captures moments with unrivalled clarity. Bid farewell to blurry and shaky videos with the video recording anti-shake feature, ensuring every frame remains steady and focused. Even in challenging lighting conditions, the low-light camera feature delivers impressive results that will leave you awestruck.
Behold a visual delight with blazing-fast performance! The CAMON 20 Doodle Edition embodies the perfect fusion of design and technology. Its sleek and modern aesthetics exude elegance, while the 6.9-inch AMOLED display boasts a smooth 120 Hz refresh rate, delighting media, gaming, and browsing enthusiasts alike. Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 8050 SoC, the CAMON 20 Doodle Edition delivers unparalleled performance with up to 16GB of RAM and 256/512GB of storage. Experience this captivating device—a true work of art that surpasses all expectations, perfectly suited for your modern lifestyle.
Worried about battery life? Fear not! The CAMON 20’s massive 5000mAh battery ensures you conquer your day with ease, even with heavy usage. And when it’s time to recharge, the 45W fast charging gets you back to full power swiftly, keeping you connected and on the go.
Stay tuned for the grand reveal of the TECNO CAMON 20 Doodle Edition, redefining the art of technology. Embark on a journey that blends creativity and innovation in a device designed to impress. Follow TECNO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more details. Prepare to indulge your senses with the ultimate lifestyle companion!
As the curtains drew to a close on the enthralling Nigerian Idol Season 8, the seasons’s winner, Victory Gbakara and the 1st runner-up Precious Mac’s triumphant visit to the TECNO Store at Ikeja City Mall (ICM) illuminated a profound connection between the brand and the hearts of Nigerians. Beyond being a leading mobile technology company, TECNO has etched an indelible mark in the nation’s soul through strategic sponsorships like Nigerian Idol, where it passionately supports the dreams of young Nigerians.
TECNO’s strategic sponsorship of Nigerian Idol for the third-year running has paved the way for aspiring singers to showcase their talents on a grand stage, embarking on self-discovery and growth. With each season, the show unearths gems like the Season 8 winner, whose extraordinary vocal prowess captivated the nation and rekindled the magic of music in the hearts of millions. By providing a platform that elevates the dreams of young talents, TECNO has become a beacon of empowerment, inspiring young Nigerians to reach for the stars.
Coming from a trailblazing journey that took all by storm, the Nigerian Idol Season 8 winner was welcomed with heartwarming cheers as he stepped into the TECNO Store at Ikeja City. There, he interacted with fans and customers and also presented gifts to customers who bought CAMON 20 and the PHANTOM V FOLD. The exuberant atmosphere was a testament to the indelible mark he left during his time on the show.
Indeed, his soul-stirring performances, magnetic stage presence, and powerful vocal prowess had struck a chord with millions of viewers, who saw his story and journey as a beacon of light in dark times.
During his stint in the Nigerian Idol house, Victory proved to be a force to be reckoned with. His breathtaking renditions of popular hits and soulful originals set the stage on fire week after week, leaving the judges and audience in awe of his talent. He effortlessly conveyed raw emotions with each performance, deeply connecting nationwide viewers.
TECNO’s commitment to engaging with its customers shone through as the Nigerian Idol winner engaged in delightful activities, interacted with fans, signed autographs, and posed for pictures, thus stopping at nothing to provide a sense of camaraderie that transcends business boundaries. TECNO’s dedication to the growth and success of past winners remains unwavering.
L-R, Winner of Nigerian Idol Season 8, Victory Gbakara and Ist Runner-up, Precious Mac receiving their prizes
In the past, the brand has taken winners on exhilarating trips to places like Kenya, providing them with unforgettable experiences. For the latest winner, Victory, TECNO has planned an exciting trip to South Africa, a testament to the brand’s commitment to nurturing talent and broadening horizons.
Additionally, TECNO has always celebrated the accomplishments of its winners through cash gifts and engaging product experiences. The brand’s support doesn’t end with the show’s conclusion but continues as the winners embark on their musical journey. In an ever-evolving world, TECNO’s impact on the lives of young Nigerians goes beyond the realm of mobile technology. Through initiatives like Nigerian Idol, the brand becomes a driving force in shaping dreams and destinies, illuminating a path of limitless possibilities for the future.
With each season, TECNO reaffirms its position as a brand that provides innovative technology and serves as a catalyst for empowering dreams, elevating talents, and touching the hearts of millions of Nigerians. To learn more, follow TECNO on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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With a score like this, why are you not in the Big Brother house?
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It’s like you don’t know anything about the show. You just hear of it.
As the 2023-24 season approaches, football clubs around the world are collaborating with major sporting brands to create their team jerseys. Zikoko presents 10 of the hottest new jerseys released.
The simple white design is the trademark of all Real Madrid home jerseys, and the gold stripes on the collar, shoulder and sleeves give it an extra pop. You can wear this jersey on your wedding day.
Adidas went all out on this one. It’s clean, simple and easily identifiable. The three-stripe Adidas trademark makes an appearance on the v-neck, elevating the look even further.
You might ask, what can you do with just black and white? Juventus knows how to make these simple colours iconic every time. Now, they look like Zebra stripes. And the gold accent is everything.
The invincible team of 2004 jersey inspired this 20th anniversary version. It features vertical zigzag lines that make it stand out. But what’s with the gold stripes on everyone’s jersey this season? Anyway, Arsenal may have lost the league last season, but they can at least look good as they make another title charge.
Ajax’s Bob Marley-inspired jersey was a big online sensation in 2022, but this is the first time in over 30 years that they’ll have a white away jersey, and they made sure not to miss. The light pink and green pattern subtly plastered across the jersey is just too brilliant a touch.
This catchy design is the result of a contest organised to appreciate their fans across the world. The jersey features a silhouette of the home stadium across the front. Not many designs can make black and yellow look better than Lagos danfos, but Dortmund fans understood the assignment.
What makes this kit special is the absence of a sponsor name on the front, leaving the focus on the timeless design. It’s a nostalgic nod to the 90s, paying tribute to the club’s iconic 1997-98 season. The reflective gold logos add to that vintage feel.
This jersey draws inspiration from the Monte Rosa mountain in Turin, Italy. Departing from their traditional black away kits of recent years, Juventus’s new jersey looks fresh and vibrant in white and Barbie pastel.
The jersey pays homage to the vibrant energy of the city of Milan, and the enduring legacy of the club, with mesmerising tonal graphics. The real showstopper lies in the black and red stripes that ingeniously form an ‘M’ at the center of the jersey, seamlessly blending with the tonal stripes.
There isn’t much going on here, but that’s exactly what this jersey has going for it. The white collar and sleeve cuffs highlight the cherry-red body of the jersey perfectly.
At 6.03 p.m. on July 3rd, 2023, the referee took one last look at his watch, and in three quick breaths, blew his whistle. Sporting Lagos, the team in the blue jersey, had won by 2 goals to nil against Abeokuta Stormers.
Sporting Lagos had gotten an important job done. Their win meant they’d successfully completed what they set out to do at the beginning of the season. In less than two years, they’d become a top-flight team with a social media following of over 35,000 and would play in the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) the next season.
How did they do it?
Sporting Lagos players celebrate as their promotion is confirmed
Let’s Go Sporting: The Beginning
On February 3, 2022, Sporting Lagos was introduced to the world and started its race to play first-division Nigerian football.
When a new football club is created in Nigeria, they start in the lower tiers of club football and work their way up to the first division. Sporting Lagos started their journey in the Nigerian National League (NNL), and like any ambitious club, wanted promotion into the Nigerian Premier Football League (NPFL) in their first season. But such a feat doesn’t come easily. For context, Remo Stars FC, also a privately-owned club, played in the NNL for six years before their promotion into the first division in 2016.
On February 13, 2022, The Sporting Lagos team filed out at Teslim Balogun Stadium for their debut match against Go Round FC of Rivers State. That match ended in a 1-1 draw. Sporting Lagos would endure a tough first season, winning only eight out of 24 matches played, and finishing in the bottom half of the table.
Although Sporting Lagos didn’t gain promotion, they were building something they could be proud of — a community of supporters.
Let’s Go Sporting: A Community of Young Football Fans
Sporting Fans
Every football club is made of directors, players, coaching and non-coaching staff, but the supporters bring it all together. Any team that has a strong fan base plays with an extra sense of confidence. The supporters are the driving force, the engine.
The most successful football clubs and tournaments are well known because of the effort they put into fan engagement. The clubs regarded as the biggest aren’t always the richest, but those with the most fans. Even the World Cup is driven by building a community of fans. With a global audience of over 1.5 billion viewers, it’s one of the most commercially viable ventures in the world.
Sporting Lagos’ understanding of the fan community is clear in the way it engaged them.
Rector, an event management consultant, has worked with Sporting Lagos since 2022 and helped the club build a fan base of match-goers in Lagos State tertiary institutions, especially the Lagos State University of Technology (LASUTECH). He’s part of the club’s strategy to attract fans to match venues and provide the best match-day experience.
“Many people aren’t interested in watching local live matches. We have to find a way to convince them. After enjoying themselves at one Sporting Lagos match, it’s a lot easier to convince them to come for another one,” he said.
“Sporting Lagos targets the student community in higher institutions in Lagos — University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Federal College of Education, Yaba College of Technology and Lagos State University of Technology (LASUTECH).”
Rector, a LASUTECH alumnus himself, had been organising parties in and around Ikorodu since 2021, which made him the ideal candidate to preach the gospel of Sporting Lagos to young people in the area.
To build a true football-loving community, Sporting Lagos understood that universities are hotspots for young passionate people, so they invested in consultants like Rector with networks in Lagos-based higher institutions.
Sporting Lagos provided the students with transportation to and from the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, the club’s current home stadium and this made the persuasion process easier. By their second season in the NNL, about 1,000 students attended Sporting Lagos games.
These days, a convincing indication of Sporting’s appeal to the public is the array of fans that come out to watch their games. A staggering number of Gen Zs and millennials troop in on every match day. The spectators are not short of older folks either, but a bulk of the fans are young people.
Sporting Fans
Matchdays at Sporting Lagos’ home stadium feature celebrity appearances and performances. There are also several halftime games. One that’s particularly attention-grabbing is a raffle draw to pick fans who are given a chance to play penalty kicks and win cash prizes of up to ₦100k if they score.
With ticket prices ranging from ₦50k for VIPs to as low as ₦1k, everyone is guaranteed their money’s worth.
Sporting Lagos’ commitment to creating the best matchday experience works so well that people who were passive football followers have been converted into passionate fans and now have an incentive to go to these matches.
“I don’t even like football like that, but I love going to these games. It’s like a party where you just come to have fun. You meet and vibe with other fans,” Aminat, a LASUTECH student and Sporting Lagos fan said.
Sporting Lagos’ Second Season and How Big Dreams Are Sponsored
While the Nigerian League isn’t on the same level as its European counterparts, there’s been a conscious effort to boost its reputation. A major problem the league faces is most of the clubs are government-owned, and most administrations see sports as a secondary venture, preferring to focus the budget on other sectors. Where medical doctors are often owed salaries, for example, the renovation of a football team’s training ground is an expense that can wait.
Private football clubs take the burden of sports administration off the government while giving the fans what they want — a strong, well-established team they can rally behind. Private clubs need money, and for Sporting Lagos, this meant they needed sponsors.
March 2023 was a turning point in Sporting Lagos’ NPFL ambitions, chronicled by two announcements. Sporting Lagos had bagged multiple partnerships with big brands, but none bigger than an e-commerce tech company, Klasha, its official sponsor. They also appointed a new coach, Paul Offor, to lead the team to first-division glory.
An animated Paul Offor on the touchline.
The NNL also had some news, announcing changes to the league structure. The league was divided into two conferences: Northern and Southern. There’d be four groups of six teams in each conference, and the teams that led their respective groups would qualify for the promotion round of games, called the playoffs.
NNL League Structure
Subsequently, the eight teams that made the playoffs would be split into two groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group would gain promotion to the top division — The Nigerian Professional Football League (NPFL).
Playoffs Structure
And the race started again.
Perhaps due to the world-class equipment accessed through the Klasha deal or the appointment of the new team coach — Sporting Lagos ended the new season with a spot in the NPFL playoff. By their final game for the season, Sporting only needed to top Ijebu United’s result as they were tied on points to advance to the playoffs. Their 4-0 victory over Smart City FC at home on June 13, 2023, was enough to do this. Although Ijebu United beat Joy Cometh FC 3-1, it wasn’t enough to guarantee a playoff spot for them.
Sporting Lagos advanced to the playoffs on goal difference.
In the three-game-long group stage of the playoff round, they won their first game, earning a hard-fought 1-0 win over FC One Rocket, before storming past Abeokuta Stormers Sports Club in a 2-0 victory. They lost the last game of the group 2-1 against Heartland — the eventual NNL champions. But they finished second in the group, and it was all they needed to book their spot in the NPFL next season.
Winning the NNL would’ve been great. However, if you had told them at the start of the season that they would gain promotion into the NPFL, they probably would’ve missed a heartbeat.
Sporting Fans
Let’s Go Sporting, Let’s Go!
We’re witnessing the fastest organic growth a Nigerian football club has seen in decades. But regardless of how well Sporting Lagos does in the NPFL, the story of a club that prides itself in fan-focused entertainment is one that will interest people for a long time to come.
“Sporting’s mix of football and the Lagos fun culture is a glimpse into what is possible if grassroots football is taken seriously in Nigeria. Hopefully, many well-run football clubs in the NPFL will spring up from the Sporting example and make Nigerian football fun again,” Ayoola, a writer at Pulse Sports, told Zikoko.
Coach Paul Offor, barking orders at Ozaveshe Balogun.
Perhaps the culture of Sporting Lagos — one that builds a fanbase from the ground up, makes tough decisions like hiring a new coach, and closes deals that propel dreams — is efficiency. According to Rector, the event consultant, one of the reasons why he enjoys working with Sporting is the efficiency of salary payment.
“If it was one government club now, they’d say the head of financial affairs or something hasn’t signed off on our payment yet,” he said, laughing at the idea of carrying out the same job for a government-owned club.
Apart from the money, he stressed how organised the whole setup is. “This team will gain promotion soon. I can feel it,” he said.
He was right.
Rector is not the only believer in the Sporting Lagos project. Jidechi, a journalist, told Zikoko that he’s been impressed by Sporting Lagos’ growth in the past year.
“I’ve been at most of their home matches, and they understand how to run a football club like real professionals. When you’re fan-centric as a football business, the results will show. Not many clubs in Nigeria understand this, but Sporting — despite being just barely over a year old — are hacking it already,” he said.
The 2022/2023 season was an unprecedented fairytale campaign for Sporting Lagos, but two years of work, growth and courage from everyone involved with the football club got them here. The good thing is that the story isn’t over, and as this chapter of Sporting Lagos in the NNL ends, the one that tells the story of their journey in the NPFL is set to begin.
LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, the unscripted African Original on Prime Video, is not just a hilarious comedy competition but also a platform for making a positive impact on society. In addition to the fierce battle for laughter supremacy, the show highlights the philanthropic endeavours of its talented cast. Each comedian participating in this six-part series has the opportunity to donate a staggering 40 million NGN to a local charity of their choice. Join us as we delve into the charitable causes supported by the comedians of LOL: Last One Laughing Naija and discover how they are spreading smiles and giving back.
Mr. Funny aka Sabinus – Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice
Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice aspires to provide a safe haven filled with love and attention for special children. Mr. Funny’s support for this organization aims to enhance the quality service delivery and care provided to these children in a relaxed and serene environment. By championing this cause, Mr. Funny showcases the importance of creating a nurturing space for children with special needs.
I Go Save – The Irede Foundation
The Irede Foundation focuses on empowering children who live with congenital and/or acquired limb loss. Through his participation in LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, I Go Save aims to make every child amputee a champion who lives a life without the limitations of a missing limb. By supporting this foundation, I Go Save strives to end discrimination against amputees and provide equal opportunities for all.
Dat Warri Girl – The Royal Charity for Widows and Orphans
Dat Warri Girl’s involvement in LOL: Last One Laughing Naija extends beyond comedy as she sheds light on The Royal Charity for Widows and Orphans. Founded by Mrs. Elizabeth Ojuromu Dortie, this organisation collaborates with aligned NGOs, agencies, and the government to meet the needs of widows and their children. Dat Warri Girl’s support aims to uplift and provide for these vulnerable individuals and their families.
Senator – Child Love Advocacy and Protection Initiative
Senator’s comedic timing and satirical insights take on a deeper meaning as he supports the Child Love Advocacy and Protection Initiative (CLAPAI) orphanage. CLAPAI was created as an intervention tool to care for children orphaned by or infected with HIV/AIDS. Senator’s contribution helps provide quality education and care for vulnerable children affected by the scourge of poverty.
Buchi – Optimal Children’s Home
Buchi’s lively performances and witty punchlines extend beyond the stage as he supports Optimal Children’s Home. This establishment serves as a haven for abandoned children, orphans, and the homeless. Buchi’s involvement aims to provide these children with the benefits of a loving home, access to education, clothing, and a chance at a brighter future.
Kie Kie – The Purple Girl Foundation
The Purple Girl Foundation is dedicated to enhancing the education of underprivileged female children in Nigeria. Kie Kie’s support focuses on empowering girls at every level, from primary to tertiary education. By providing opportunities and support, Kie Kie aims to create a positive change in the lives of these girls and their communities.
McAcCapella – The Sickle Cell Foundation
The Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria is dedicated to proper care and control of sickle cell disorder in the country. Through his participation in LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, McAcCapella aims to evaluate the disorder and raise awareness, ultimately working towards finding possible cures. His support helps alleviate the pain and discomfort associated with sickle cell disorder.
Taaooma – Little Saints Orphanage
Taaooma’s involvement in LOL: Last One Laughing Naija aligns with her commitment to providing opportunities and support for orphans and abused children. Little Saints Orphanage offers rehabilitation, education, and activities to ensure a brighter future for these vulnerable children. Taaooma’s contribution emphasises the importance of investing in education and the holistic well-being of children.
Okey Bakassi – The Pacelli School for the Blind
Okey Bakassi’s support extends to The Pacelli School, Nigeria’s foremost institution for blind and partially sighted children. The school, established in 1962, provides education, facilities, and welfare support to visually impaired students. Okey Bakassi’s involvement helps create an inclusive environment and ensures that visually impaired individuals receive the necessary support to thrive.
Gandoki – The Centre for Destitute Empowerment
Gandoki’s participation in LOL: Last One Laughing Naija aligns with his commitment to empowering disabled children. The Centre for Destitute Empowerment uses education and support to unlock the abilities within every disabled child. Gandoki’s support helps create an inclusive space where disabled individuals can thrive and showcase their unique talents.
LOL: Last One Laughing Naija is not only a laughter-filled entertainment extravaganza but also a platform that highlights the charitable endeavours of its talented comedians. From Hearts of Gold Children’s Hospice to The Centre for Destitute Empowerment, each comedian has chosen a cause close to their heart. Through their participation in this show, they are using their humour and popularity to make a positive impact on society. The smiles they bring on the show are not just for laughs, but also for the lives they touch and the charitable organisations they support. Together, they are spreading smiles, giving back, and creating a brighter future for those in need.
Tick all the bus stops you know
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Don’t lie, you’ve worked as a conductor before abi?
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You spend your days touring Lagos?
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You hardly even leave our bed. You can’t survive as a conductor
You got #{score}/#{total}
Do you even live in Lagos at all or you’re pretending?
You got #{score}/#{total}
You dubbed, dubn’t you?
You got #{score}/#{total}
I knew I could count on you to deliver.
You got #{score}/#{total}
And I had high hopes for you.
You got #{score}/#{total}
Please, tell me this is a joke.
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You did very well.
Losing your hard-earned money is always a bitter pill to swallow. I had a chat with some Nigerians who’d either been scammed outrightly or had relationships breakdown because of money.
“She said I was disturbing her because of ₦5k” — I.I., 27
A friend reached out to me in 2019 that she needed ₦5k, talking about how urgent it was. That was the only money I had at the time. I was just waiting for my salary to save me. But I decided to take her word for it and give it to her. She said she needed it in cash, so she sent someone to get it from me. I had to leave my house and trek to give the person she sent.
After a few days, I didn’t hear from her; a week after, still nothing. Almost a month after, I called her and was like, “Babe, you promised you were going to send this money back the next day. I’m still waiting o.” This girl switched up on me and started shouting that I was disturbing her because of ₦5k.
I was shocked. I just told her not to worry about it. It was a learning curve for me. Since that time, if it’s not money I can part with without suffering, I’m not lending.
“He had the audacity to tell us we’d been scammed” — Dipo, 18
When I was about 16, me and my guys were testing the waters of sports betting. Somehow, I linked up with this dude who said he sold fixed games. I can’t remember how much my classmates and I contributed to give him, but it must have been about ₦15k. We even begged him to pity us since we were secondary school students. We paid him, and he sent us the so-called fixed game scores. He promised a refund if the games didn’t end as he’d predicted. We placed our bets, and of course, we lost. This man had the audacity to tell us straight up that we’d been scammed. I’d never felt so stupid in my life.
“I may have been hypnotised” — Elizabeth, 24
After WAEC in 2015, my parents thought staying at home wouldn’t help me, so they enrolled me in a vocational training school to learn bead-making. On my way home one day, I met this brother who started speaking French to me. He showed me an address on a piece of paper, and it looked familiar. Then in broken English, he said that he came from Cameroon looking for his uncle, but people had been scamming him. Then some guy who claimed to be a police officer sprang out from nowhere and promised we would take him to the address. We got into a bus, and I paid for the three of us. The Cameroonian dude kept thanking me. He bragged about how rich his brother was and how he was sure he would repay me for my kindness. All I could think about was how much I was going to be compensated.
In the bus, aman who claimed to be a pastor said he’d seen a vision that we’d all made a covenant. He asked us to go home and bring whatever money we could find. He asked the policeman if he was living with his brother, and the officer confirmed it. I thought, “There’s no way he could’ve known that if he wasn’t a seer of some sort.” I didn’t know it was a ploy to get me to believe the whole thing.
I don’t know if I was under the influence of something or just scared, but I went home and sneaked into my mum’s room to take her cooperative money.
I went back to these men to give them the money. It was on my way home that I realised what had just happened. I nearly cried my eyes out. Thankfully, my parents were just happy I was safe.
“I thought I was paying for delivery” — Deborah, 31
It happened on Facebook in 2016. I was following this Funke Akindele account because I’m a big fan. And because of the large number of followers, I assumed it was an authentic account. One day, I participated in their giveaway, and they announced me as the winner. The prize was a laptop, phone and more, but they said I’d have to pay ₦10k for delivery from Abuja to Lagos. I was overjoyed, so I didn’t care. They sent me the delivery person’s number, I sent the delivery fee, but he called me to send an extra ₦1k for credit. After I sent that, I never heard from him again. It was then I realised the account wasn’t Funke Akindele’s real account. I was disappointed in myself. I didn’t know who to report to, or how to even go about it, so I decided to forget it and count my losses.
“I lost all the money in my account” — Ada 38
In 2019, I wanted to start a POS business, so I reached out to a person who claimed to be an Opay agent online. He said I’d have to credit my Opay account with at least ₦20k. I did that. He then said an OTP would be sent to me, and I had to send it to him so he can activate the POS for me. I did that, and he wiped all the money from my account. My baby sister’s school fees was in that account.
“I transferred ₦170k. This man said he didn’t see it” — Obinna, 30
I’m a travel agent who does visas for people. One day, one of my clients asked me to help pay visa fee for one of his customers. I’d normally make these payments with my dollar card, but it was down on that day, so I hopped on a Nairaland thread where you can meet vendors to assist with visa fee payments. I’d been using Nairaland for over six years, so I was confident in my ability to identify scammers. I found a cheap vendor, and in my haste and excitement, I didn’t run the necessary background checks on him.
I sent him ₦170k. This man said he didn’t see it. I called my sister who works at my bank, and she confirmed that he’d recieved it. Then, this dude blocked me. I decided to check the guy’s history on Nairaland and saw that many people had called him out for scamming them. Terrible experience.
“They spent far more than what they owed me” — Tobi, 21
In 2023, I was broke and unemployed. I had a friend who was working and living an expensive life. But when they asked me to lend them some money, I didn’t find it strange because they’d done that before. I gave it to them, and they promised to return it the next day.
The next day, I went to visit them, and they suggested we go to the salon. This person spent far more than what they owed me, right there, in front of me. When we got home, I asked for my money, and they claimed not to have it. I was stunned. I got the money a few days later, but seeing them do those things while still owing me, lives rent-free in my head.
Let’s talk about birthdays.
It’s tradition. People set one day aside to celebrate the day they were born. It sounds like absolutely normal practice, and we’ve become used to it.
But I don’t celebrate birthdays.
Alright, let me rephrase — I don’t celebrate my birthday.
This has nothing to do with religion — one of the most common reasons for not celebrating birthdays. I’ve just never been gingered to celebrate a day that marks my birth. I see people celebrate theirs — my friends plan whole hangouts and parties just to — and I absolutely support the dedication. It’s amazing to see, but I’m far too lazy for all that.
I don’t do birthday cakes either. Although I’ll finally buy myself one on my next birthday just to know what it’s like, I’ll still hole up in bed, wondering what I’ve made of my life. At least, I’ll be able to literally have my cake and eat it.
But this article isn’t about why I don’t celebrate birthdays, it’s about why you do, or shouldn’t.
The first issue is how can you celebrate the day when you have no way of knowing you were born on that specific day. You just have to take everyone’s word for it. You could’ve been born three months earlier for all you know. How do you know you’re not celebrating it on the wrong day?
You’re managing your back and still spend weeks planning a birthday. You’ll turn event decorator, MC — and in some cases, chef — and still be the birthday celebrant. It’s too much stress, in my not-so-humble opinion.
You’re simply one year closer to death. Why are you celebrating that?
To take a leaf out of my dead great-grandma’s playbook, witches and wizards abound, and celebrating your birthday simply reminds them you’re alive. The best way to avoid your village people is to go under the radar, yet you want to organise a concert for them to convene?
I’m not trying to be a party pooper. I just want to open your eyes to all possibilities. I still believe everyone should celebrate their birthdays anyway. If not for anything but because it’s another full year you’ve survived Nigeria.
In a world that thrives on diversity, it is unfortunate that society has imposed standards that marginalize certain individuals. Women, in particular, often bear the brunt of these societal expectations, being judged for their body size or appearance. However, TECNO CAMON 20 Premier’s thought-provoking short film, Hidden Figure, tackles these issues head-on, delivering a timely message that resonates in our polarized times.
This short film, directed by Kayode Kasum, beautifully captures the essence of individuality and the need for acceptance. The film revolves around the character of Iffy, a talented plus-sized fashion design student who faces prejudice, bullying, and self-doubt due to her body size. With determination and resilience, Iffy enters a prestigious fashion competition at House of Lola, challenging conventional beauty standards and redefining what it means to be fashionable.
What sets Hidden Figure apart is the innovative approach taken by the director to shoot the entire film using the TECNO CAMON 20 Premier’s advanced camera capabilities, proving that high-quality content can be created with accessible technology. This groundbreaking collaboration between TECNO and the filmmakers pushes the boundaries of mobile filmmaking, demonstrating that art and creativity are not limited by equipment but rather fueled by passion and talent.
Visually captivating, Hidden Figure features Jessica Orishane, Damilola Adegbite, Victoria ‘Vee” Adeleye, and beyond its visual appeal, it delves into the importance of self-love and acceptance. Iffy’s journey from self-doubt to self-confidence is an inspiring narrative that encourages viewers to embrace their uniqueness and challenge societal expectations. The film’s empowering message catalyses change, urging individuals to celebrate their bodies and reject the harmful notion that beauty should conform to narrow standards.
Hidden Figure is a remarkable collaboration between TECNO CAMON 20 Premier and visionary filmmakers. It sheds light on the marginalised, challenges societal norms, and celebrates the beauty of diversity. It is more than just a short film; it is a call to action. It encourages viewers to join the revolution and foster a more inclusive society. By watching and sharing this powerful short film, we can play a part in dismantling stereotypes, promoting inclusivity, and embracing the beauty within ourselves and others. Watch it here.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. The program was set up by the Nigerian government during the military regime in 1973, to involve Nigerian graduates in nation-building. The government dreamt of a Nigeria that was united and peaceful.
While it may have been a bright idea in 1973, the security situation in Nigeria these days makes it difficult to defend its relevance. The major problem I have with the scheme is that it forces young people to travel long distances, mostly by road, to states across the country. In a country where kidnappers abound, it’s not a risk most are happy take.
When it was my turn to serve Nigeria in 2019, I knew I had to ensure I was posted to Lagos. Or at worst, somewhere in the southwest region. I couldn’t risk getting posted to any state that involved travelling through the roads that were notorious for kidnappers. I knew there was no way my parents were going to pay a huge ransom for me. I can imagine a kidnapper calling my dad to send 15 million naira if he ever wants to see his son alive again.
I wanted to stay in Lagos and I’d do anything to make that happen. So I had to take matters into my own hands. I asked a few friends if they knew someone who could help “run this thing”. Someone introduced me to a guy named John Bosco*, and I begged this dude to help out.
He gave me an address to meet up with him. It turned out to be a cyber cafe, which I assumed he owned. He seemed like a fairly normal guy in his late 20s who spoke with a slight stutter and wore a gold necklace with a giant cross pendant. He boasted that he’d been helping corpers with NYSC posting and relocation for several years and had never failed, then proceeded to charge me ₦50k for his service. I reluctantly parted with the money and kept my faith in a guy I’d only spoken to once. When I was eventually posted. I found out it was to Taraba state. Taraba? How? I cast my mind back to how Bosco had promised the posting was foolproof.
I tried to reach out to him to, at least, get a refund. This man had blocked me everywhere. I counted my losses and decided to make the best out of my sorry situation.
After a journey that lasted almost two days, I arrived at the NYSC camp in Jalingo, Taraba’s capital and lined up to start my registration. As I glanced at people’s faces, one stood out. The dude looked familiar. He was tall, dark and John Bosco. The person who was supposed to be my sure plug for a Lagos posting was a corper who’d also been posted to Taraba.
What could I do? The damage was done. What’s the moral of the story? Nigeria is a crazy place.
On July 1, 2023, Portable posted a screenshot of Asake’s reply to his DM asking for a collab. It didn’t seem like Asake was keen on working with him at that moment.
Source: Portable’s IG Story
Source: Portable’s IG Story
His response reminded me of how guys back their guys up and encourage them when they’re down. From your close friends and “guyest guys”, these words give extra confidence. From acquaintances, however, they can just be fake assurances.
This is just a sorry attempt to make you feel calm and forget your predicament. When you stop thinking about it, they no longer need to help you find a solution.
Although this loosely translates to “fear not”, they’re just ticking boxes when they say. Sometimes, these guys actually mean it, but how can we know? We aren’t all-knowing. We’re nothing but pencils in the hands of President Tinubu’s policies.
How Many Words Can You Form From “Threads” In One Minute?
You got #{score}
I hope you put in more effort when you wrote JAMB sha.
You got #{score}
This is the best you can do?
You got #{score}
Confess. You used ChatGPT abi?
You got #{score}
You’re a boss. It’s obvious you and Zuckerberg built the Thread app together.
The problem of bank apps deducting exorbitant fees as “bank charges” is one that’s all too familiar to Nigerians.
Sometime in 2018, when I was an undergraduate, I galloped happily to an ATM to withdraw my last ₦1k. On getting there, I got the most disappointing message a broke man could ever get: “insufficient funds”. My bank had deducted the routine ₦50 back charges, leaving me with ₦950. So I walked back home in disappointment, feeling betrayed by my own bank.
But in 2023, the days of bank charges are a thing of the past, thanks to innovative digital banks offering revolutionary financial experiences. One of the banks leading this charge is Kredi, and they’re committed to simplifying banking for all their customers. What exactly differentiates this digital bank from the banking old guard?
Safety is supreme
The delicate nature of money makes banking a business that is highly dependent on trust. The average Nigerian is skeptical about money; where their money is going and if it’s safe where it is. The advent of digital banking and making bank transfers initially met a lot of resistance from older Nigerians. Safety is probably the biggest fear with keeping money in these banks but Kredi immediately quenches that before the spark is even able to catch fire. You open the Kredi website and you’re immediately ushered in by the promise of safety.
Kredi is also licensed by the Central Bank of Nigeria and insured by the NDIC.
Digital banks today
In the early parts of 2023, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s Naira redesign policy forced many people to adopt a different method of paying for goods and services. While it was by no means an easy period for anyone it highlights the importance of not completely relying on physical cash.
Kredi, in its characteristic customer-first approach, has been actively adjusting its processes to suit the everyday customer. Kredi offers a comprehensive range of banking services, such as savings accounts, investments, and loans, and carefully caters to both individuals and businesses. In recognition of the importance of keeping the customer at the centre of the product, every new feature results in a more convenient banking experience.
What makes Kredi different?
While most banks just help you save, Kredi helps you get richer while saving. The Kredi Savings Plan offers up to 20% interest per annum. Your money makes you money. This is a far cry from the trend with traditional banks. The charges are so many, it will leave you shocked. Now that’s where Kredi pot and Kredi vault come in.
Kredi Vault offers the option to lock away funds and resist the temptation to access those funds prematurely while Kredi Pot caters to specific financial goals. In saving for a goal, you also save faster as you accrue more interest. There’s never been a better win-win situation to exist.
Okay, there’s one more win. When you request a Kredi Mastercard, you also get a Kredi Merchandise Package with a custom tote bag, shirt, and pen. The only other time you receive a gift and card on the same day is on your birthday.
With the high-interest rate, freebies, and absolutely no maintenance fees, it feels too good to be true. It’s truly inKREDIble.
