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Last Sunday’s Nigerian Idol was incredible. With a legendary guest judge, double performances, a surprise proposal, and a shocking goodbye, Nigerian Idol gave it all.
MI Abaga brings the heat!
Renowned rapper MI Abaga joined the judges’ panel, adding his iconic Mr. Incredible energy to the judge’s corner as the contestants upped the stake, giving us two performances each. A soulful R&B number, and Naija Gbedu.
The journey ends for Maio.
In the show’s usual fashion, you know that once IK gets serious and requests that the lights go dim, it is time for a contestant to go home, and sadly, it was the end of the road for Maio as he amassed the lowest number of votes.
Naija Gbedu takes centre stage.
The show kicked off properly, with the remaining four contestants showcasing their favourite Naija Gbedu tracks. Chima took the stage first, serenading the audience with Wizkid and Tems’ hit “Essence.” Lammy took us on a trip down memory lane with a performance of the timeless love song “Olufunmi” by Stylplus. Mira Clear kept the vibes flowing with a smooth performance of Fave’s infectious tune, “Baby Riddim,” and Chioma closed out the segment with a show-stopping performance of Chike’s “Hard to Find,” leaving everyone breathless.
Love takes the spotlight.
While the contestants prepped for their next round, host IK surprised everyone by bringing audience member Joseph on stage to perform. However As his girlfriend, Rose, joined him on stage for supposed moral support, Joseph stole the spotlight. He dropped down on one knee, pouring his heart out to Rose in a surprise proposal. And yes, she said yes!
The R&B Round
Contestants returned for the second round, performing their preferred R&B number. Chima, riding on his impressive performance streak, gave an impressive performance of Chaka Khan’s powerful ballad “Through the Fire,” earning high praise from the judges. Lammy poured his soul into John Legend’s “Ordinary People.” Channelling her inner diva, Mira Claire delivered a show-stopping performance of Beyoncé’s “Broken-Hearted Girl.” According to Omawumi, Chioma maintained her steeze and composure with her performance of Rhianna’s “Man Down.”.
If you missed the last episode or any previous ones, you can download the DStv or GOtv Stream app to catch up on all missed episodes. You can also tune in to Africa Magic Showcase (DStv ch 151 & GOtv ch 12) and Africa Magic Family (DStv ch 154 & GOtv ch 7) at 7 pm every Sunday to enjoy the live show. To subscribe, reconnect, or upgrade your package, dial *288# and stay connected to not miss any moment.
July is a special month for Infinix Nigeria, as it’s their anniversary, and the smartphone and accessories brand has decided to celebrate with their awesome customers by giving whooping discounts, amazing prizes, and fun activities.
Running from July 1st to 31st 2024, Infinix Brand Month will provide customers with opportunities to win amazing prizes when they purchase Infinix devices in-store and partake in weekly live sales on social media hosted by celebrities like Bisola Aiyeola, Timini, Stan Nze, Neo Energy and Daniel Etim-Effiong.
Here’s All You Need To Know And Do:
Instant Gifts: Throughout July, customers who buy ANY Infinix device from authorized retail stores will receive instant gift items.
The excitement doesn’t stop there!
Special Raffle for Infinix GT 20 Pro, Note 40 Series and Hot 40 Series Buyers: Customers who buy the Note 40 series, Hot 40 series, or GT 20 Pro smartphones will also get a raffle ticket that qualifies them to win amazing home electronic appliances, like Smart TV, Generators, Microwave, Refrigerators, Air Fryers, Washing Machine, Vacuum Cleaners, etc. Raffle draws will be conducted weekly on Infinix’s social media pages to select winners across regions.
Special Gift for GT 20 Pro: Customers who purchase the Infinix GT 20 Pro from Infinix authorized retail stores will also get the Infinix XE30 Earbuds for free.
There’s still more:
There will be weekly live sales every Friday in July hosted by your favourite celebrities on Infinix’s Instagram and TikTok accounts (@infinixnigeria) where customers will get discount codes of N40,000 to shop select Infinix smartphones from Slot, 3CHub, Xpark and Pointek.
So start shopping for your Infinix devices at authorized retail stores across Nigeria this July, and stay tuned for the weekly draws and live sales on social media.
For updates, announcements, and more opportunities to engage with the Infinix community, follow Infinix Nigeria onInstagram, Facebook, X, andTikTok.
The highly anticipated seventh edition of the Lagos Leather Fair kicked off in grand style, setting the tone for an exciting and insightful two-day experience. Starting out this Saturday, June 29 at The Balmoral, Federal Palace, Victoria Island. The first day was a perfect blend of creativity, innovation and connection across leather and fashion enthusiasts. The fair’s 2024 edition was packed with elegant designs that set a strong tone for the future of the African leather industry. High points of the event featured a VIP cocktail with leading creative minds and thought leaders such as Waridi Wardah, Ugo Monye, Femi Olayebi, Hon. Akinyemi Ajigbotafe, Commissioner Ministry of Wealth Creation and Employment, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Honorable Commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and others, as well as a stunning runway showcase from leading brands like Femi Handbags, HankerandReech, Nene Yaya Sarl, Mhose, Blarkmate, and Aaboux.
Prior to the artful display, the day began with an informative workshop titled “From Inspiration to Execution: Leveraging the Power of AI From Design to Production, Marketing and Customer Engagement”. The session was moderated by Dara Olayebi and shared insights from the industry leaders, Scott Eneje and Malik Afegbua, on how AI can revolutionalize every business journey. This session was a significant opportunity for leather designers and entrepreneurs to gain valuable insights and practical tools to improve their craft and scale their businesses.
Following the workshop, the first conversation of the day delved into the intricacies of the leather supply chain. Industry leaders addressed the challenges and opportunities within the supply chain, emphasizing the need for efficiency and sustainability within sourcing, manufacturing and market access solutions. The second conversation of the day held between Waridi Wardah, and Tokunboh George-Taylor, CEO/Founder of SKOT Communications who focused on brand positioning and visibility. This session was particularly beneficial for emerging designers looking to make a mark in the leather industry. The insights provided were invaluable, offering practical advice on how to stand out in a crowded marketplace despite economic variables.
Overall, day one of the Lagos Leather Fair 2024 was a resounding success. The workshop, cocktail event and runway showcase highlighted the fair’s commitment to promoting excellence and innovation in the leather industry. Attendees left with a renewed sense of inspiration and anticipation for what the rest of the event will bring.
As we look forward to the second day of the Lagos Leather Fair 2024 on Sunday June 30, excitement for the creativity and innovation continue to build. A high standard has been set, and we can’t wait to see what the rest of the fair has in store.
Dr Teal’s, a leading personal care brand focused on bringing everyday wellness to consumers through bath and other skincare products, hosted guests to an exclusive relaunch event and immersive wellness experience. The brand leveraged this event as an opportunity to affirm its consumers in Nigeria of its commitment to the country and dedication to continuous customer satisfaction. It was also an avenue to introduce two new product ranges.
The event which brought the brand’s stakeholders together, including local exclusive product distributors, legal partners, International and local brand representatives, female and male content creators, influencers, retailers, and media, was themed, Dr Teal’s Wellness Experience, and held at EbonyLife place, Victoria Island on Friday, June 21, 2024.
Guests of the brand were treated to interesting conversations about wellness, delicious canapes, meals, and drinks during food breaks, live product demonstrations, and a product unveiling of the newly introduced Dr Teal’s Prebiotic Lemon Balm Range and Avocado Ceramide Range.
Kicking off the evening with an interesting panel session featuring popular creators – Ify Okoye, Ayoyinka Abolarin, and holistic wellness expert Damilola Adedeji, with Nicole Chikwe as the host; the audience’s favorite moms and millennial content creators discussed the creators’ lives and the effect of trends/algorithm, navigating real life versus social media, and most importantly, discussed how Dr Teal’s help to enhance the quality of their sleep as creators and moms.
The second-panel session featured GenZ female creators – Kamsi, Angel Obasi ‘Style Connoisseur’, and Nonye Udeogu ‘This Thing Called Fashion’. They were also joined by Damilola Adedeji and event host, Nicole Chikwe. These ladies discussed managing anxiety and disappointment when content underperforms, and how Dr Teal’s bathing ritual helps in destressing and unplugging as a creative.
To round off panel sessions for the evening, popular male creators – Akah Anani, JayOnAir, Frank Itom, and Dami Dave, joined Nicole Chikwe and Damilola Adedeji, in a conversation centered on men and wellness. They also spoke on maintaining calm in the presence of social media negativity, and how Dr Teal’s products boost their wellness journey as content creators.
Holistic wellness expert, Damilola Adedeji who co-hosted the event, led a live product demonstration of the new range and other Dr Teal’s products; helping guests understand what happens in the body, soul, and mind when Dr Teal’s products and expert detox, unplug, and destress techniques are infused into their daily wellness ritual.
Vivienne Odofin-Daniel, Strategic Manager for Dr Teal’s Nigeria thanked guests and mentioned that the brand had now rebranded and now spots a new look, with a subtle but clear difference to help consumers avoid the consumption of counterfeited products.
“Dr Teal’s has rebranded with a new look, and you’ll be seeing the new packaging all around. There’s a subtle difference but it’s very clear. Another major way through which we are helping our audience differentiate between counterfeit and original Dr Teal’s products is our new line of distribution. We are distributing exclusively with Perfect Trust Cosmetics and Jumia, and we are partnering with certain key stores to ensure that you are getting the original products and you get your money’s worth.”
Also speaking about the new product range from the brand, Vivienne expressed her excitement at the unveiling of the new Dr Teal’s Prebiotic Lemon Balm Range and Avocado Ceramide Range.
“I am super excited about the two products that we are launching and announcing officially today. We have the Prebiotic Lemon Balm Range which is so refreshing, so beautiful, and great for the skin. It’s such a beautiful blend of citrus that has never been before. Another one that blows my mind is the Ceramide and Avocado oil range because it is so mindful of a brand to merge ceramide and such an amazing superfood fruit like Avocado oil, and having it in not just oil but lotion, wash, and salt. It is such an all-round amazing experience for Dr Teal’s and its consumers.”
Vivienne completed her statement by assuring consumers that with these new products, they would be spending longer hours washing and soaking in and practicing better self-care routines in their bathroom.
The brand’s need to relaunch and introduce new product lines comes after the brand struggles with the devastating effect of counterfeiting in the Nigerian market. In the past months, Dr Teal’s has joined forces with the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and the Nigerian Police Force to combat the counterfeiting menace that plagues the consumer goods industry.
This move from Dr Teal’s is a strong statement to the country and its citizens, an affirmation of the brand’s commitment to growing with the country and its people and investing in their wellness and safety by making only quality standard products remain available to the brand’s consumers.
Dr Teal’s lovers can now shop directly from the brand’s authorized distributors – at any of the Perfect Trust Cosmetics outlets, on Dr Teal’s store on Jumia, or from key retail stores like Prince Ebeano supermarket and H Medix.
For more information, visit the Dr Teal’s Instagram at @DrTealsOfficialNigeria
Global Citizen, the world’s leading international advocacy organisation on a mission to end extreme poverty, today announced the lineup of the 2024 Global Citizen Festival, set to take place on Central Park’s Great Lawn on September 28. Post Malone, Doja Cat, Jelly Roll and Rauw Alejandro will headline this year’s festival, with additional performers to be announced in the coming weeks. Global Citizen Ambassador Hugh Jackman will host the event, which will also feature appearances by Dr. Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder, the Jane Goodall Institute & UN Messenger of Peace, and Global Citizen Festival Curator, Chris Martin of Coldplay.
The hunger crisis continues to grow, infectious diseases are still spreading, debt is on the rise, and last year was the hottest on record. Meanwhile, governments everywhere are reducing their contributions to foreign aid, with more than half of G7 countries having proposed cuts this year. Despite the emerging gap between what the world needs and what seems politically possible, the plight of the world’s most vulnerable communities is more urgent than ever. This is a critical year for the global community to support frontline organisations, invest in lifesaving solutions, and act today, to save tomorrow.
The 2024 Global Citizen Festival takes aim at these major issues perpetuating extreme poverty around the world. Global Citizen Festival is presented by Citi and Cisco. Major Partners are Bridgewater Associates, Delta Air Lines, Motsepe Foundation, P&G, Verizon and World Wide Technology; Production Partner Live Nation; Exclusive US Audio Partner iHeartMedia; and Location Partner New York City Parks. Take Action on the Global Citizen App to Earn Free Global Citizen Festival Tickets. Tickets to the Global Citizen Festival are free and can be earned by taking action on the Global Citizen app or at globalcitizenfestival.com to demand change from governments and private sector leaders. This year, global citizens everywhere will unite to call for urgent action to:
Defeat Poverty
Global Citizen is calling on the G7 countries – Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, the UK and the US – to increase their support for anti-poverty programs worldwide, including increasing their contributions by at least 25 percent to the International Development Association (IDA), the World Bank’s fund dedicated to defeating poverty in the world’s 75 lowest-income countries. Achieving an IDA replenishment of at least $100 billion will support the social and economic development of more than 1.5 billion people, including providing 250 million people with access to electricity by 2030, addressing malnutrition for over 40 million women and children per year, and driving domestic investment in healthcare, agriculture and education.
Global Citizen’s campaigning for the IDA replenishment will include hosting the Economic Development Assembly just days after the festival on October 9-10 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, in partnership with Bridgewater Associates, Harith General Partners, and the Government of Côte d’Ivoire. Additionally, Japan, the UK, Australia, UAE, Qatar, Canada, Norway and Korea need to reallocate their remaining Special Drawing Rights – a special type of currency from the IMF – to Multilateral Development Banks, which will mobilise $80 billion for the green transition and pandemic preparedness for countries in need.
Defend the Planet
Global Citizen is calling for businesses, philanthropic foundations and governments to protect and restore the Amazon rainforest by investing $1 billion, including supporting indigenous communities, who are guardians of 80 percent of the world’s biodiversity. The Amazon is one of the world’s largest carbon sinks, storing 150 billion tons of carbon – equivalent to 15-20 years of global greenhouse gas emissions – making it vital to slowing climate change. The EU and G20 countries should also set specific timelines by which they will phase out coal, oil and gas, in line with the historic decision made at COP last year, to ensure a swift and equitable green transition and avoid more human suffering due to climate change.
Demand Equity
Global Citizen is calling for equitable access to nutritious food, stronger health systems, and quality education. Governments such as Australia, Canada, European Commission, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US must commit at least $5 billion collectively to organisations working to provide equitable access to meet peoples’ basic needs. Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, must also be fully funded through 2030, significantly to help reach the more than 14 million “zero-dose” children who have never received a life-saving vaccine.
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Organizations Global Citizen is campaigning for this year include CGIAR, Education Cannot Wait, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Gavi, The Vaccine Alliance, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, The International Fund for Agricultural Development, International Labor Organization, United Nations Population Fund Supply Partnership, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the World Health Organization, and for domestic resource mobilisation for women, health, food, and education. Global Citizen is also calling for a world where everyone’s human rights are respected and protected, including the rights of advocates and activists worldwide, particularly defenders risking their lives to take action on extreme poverty and protect the planet.
As part of the Global Citizen Festival and campaign, Global Citizen is proud to support and partner with a variety of nonprofit organisations that are aligned in mission and cause across New York’s five boroughs, including: Black Surfing Rockaway, The Bowery Mission, Breaking Ground, Citymeals on Wheels, Covenant House International, Elevate New York, Expecting Relief, Girl Be Heard, Good Shepherd Services, Outright International, South Asian Youth Action (SAYA), South Bronx Unite, Win (Women in Need), and YMCA of Greater New York – Bed Stuy. Global Citizen will once again partner with Everland to make a positive contribution to nature and cover the estimated carbon emissions of the festival by supporting community-centred forest conservation.
“It’s been a few years since I was last on the Global Citizen Festival stage in Paris, and I’m excited to join forces with Global Citizen once again in Central Park this September to drive as much action as we can to make the world a better place,” said Doja Cat. “We all have a part we can play to help end extreme poverty and stand up for equity. I’m looking forward to being part of this major evening of positive change.”
“As a longtime supporter of Global Citizen and its mission, I am thrilled to be returning as host of the Global Citizen Festival this fall,” said Hugh Jackman, Global Citizen Ambassador. “For over a decade, Global Citizen has driven life-saving impact for nearly 1.3 billion people around the world, and we’ll gather once again on September 28 to help end extreme poverty, defend the planet, and demand equity. I can’t wait to see you all on Central Park’s Great Lawn to collectively call for change on behalf of the world’s most vulnerable communities.”
“The Amazon rainforest is movement, spirituality, and vital energy. It plays an essential role in combating the climate emergency, and restoring the Amazon and protecting its people is our responsibility,” said Janja Lula da Silva, First Lady of Brazil. “Fighting to overcome poverty among the most vulnerable populations living there, who are protecting the forest, must also be a priority, and we welcome Global Citizen’s immense support. This campaign is important for us to mobilise different actors and care for this fundamental ecosystem for our collective future. And Brazil is ready to lead by example.”
Global Citizen Festival is presented by Citi and Cisco. Major Partners are Bridgewater Associates, Delta Air Lines, Motsepe Foundation, P&G, Verizon and World Wide Technology; Production Partner Live Nation; Exclusive US Audio Partner iHeartMedia; and Location Partner New York City Parks. The 2024 Global Citizen Festival is produced by Diversified Production Services.
The 2024 Global Citizen Festival campaign and its policy goals are supported by a global coalition of over 90 organisations including: Africa Forward by Catalyst 2030, African Climate Reality Project, African Renaissance Trust, Aspire Artemis Foundation, Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, Black Professionals in International Affairs, Blended Finance Taskforce, Bread for the World, Buyambo, Center for Global Alchemy and Cross-Cultural Leadership, Center for Music Ecosystems, CIVICUS, Climate and Health Foundation, Climate Action Platform – Africa, Climate Cardinals, Common Good Marketplace, Connected Development, dev.tv, Don’t Gas Africa, e^2=equitable energy, Education Cannot Wait – UN Global Fund for Education in Emergencies, Equitable Earth, European Center for Not-for-Profit Law, Farmer on Fire Ltd, Foreign Policy Community of Indonesia (FPCI), FOCUS 2030, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Gender and Economy Research Center NPGE, Global Health Advocates, Global Leading Light Initiatives, Global Nation, Global Witness, Go Global Enterprises – Educate, Lead, Advocate, Hope for Her International, Hungry for Action, iDE (International Development Enterprises), IEC Global Impact Fund, International Labor Organization, Indigenous Peoples Rights International (IPRI), Integrity Initiatives International, International Fund for Public Interest Media, Jacob’s Ladder Africa, Jara, Junior Achievement (JA) Africa, LEAP Africa, Loss and Damage Youth Coalition, Malaria No More UK, Marafiki United Green Youths Initiative, mothers2mothers, Norwegian Human Rights Fund (NHRF), OHCHR, ONE, OurCause, Outright International, OWIT Brussels, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, PA, Phakamani Young Minds Academy, Plastic Punch, Power Shift Africa, Power to Girls Fdn, Project Vote SA, Re:wild, Rotary International, SDG2 Advocacy Hub, Sharing Strategies, Shule Foundation, Inc, Stark NKD, Sungulo Comm NPC, Sustainability and Climate Show, Teen Aid international organisation, The Access Challenge, The Asian Network, The Erline Bradshaw Foundation, The Global Education & Leadership Foundation (tGELF), The Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria, The Global Sunrise Project & 1.5 Degrees of Peace, The Green Protector, The Village Youth Fund, UNESCO Center for Peace, United Nations Association of the National Capital Area, United Nations Global Compact Brazil, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), United Nations Joint Sustainable Development Goals Fund, United Young Farmers Forum, WA Bat Network, Walkers Reserve, Women At Risk International Foundation, World Health Organization (WHO), Yamba Malawi, and Young Climate Collaborative.
Additionally, to ensure a fair, fast and funded phase out of fossil fuels, Global Citizen joins 13 Nations, hundreds of businesses including 17 banks, over a 100 cities, thousands of civil society groups and scientists calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty to compliment the Paris Agreement and ensure international cooperation.
Global Citizen is grateful for the support of leading media companies including: AIM Group, Altermark, Atmosphere TV, Bella Naija, Branded Cities, Captivate, Digital Mobile Media, EIB Network, Grocery TV, GSTV, iHeartMedia, Interstate Outdoor, OkayAfrica, MX Location, New Tradition, Orange Barrel Media, MX Location, OUTFRONT Media, Penske Media, Rolling Stone, Seen Media, Six Flags Theme Parks, TimesLIVE, TouchTunes, Trooh Media, Vanguard, Vox Media, and The Wall Street Journal, Zikoko.
Global Citizen is the world’s leading international advocacy organisation on a mission to end extreme poverty NOW. Powered by a worldwide community of everyday activists raising their voices and taking action, the movement is amplified by campaigns and events that convene leaders in music, entertainment, public policy, media, philanthropy and the corporate sector. Over the past 10 years, $43.6 billion in commitments announced on Global Citizen platforms has been deployed, impacting nearly 1.3 billion lives. Established in Australia in 2008, Global Citizen’s team operates from New York, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Melbourne, Toronto, Johannesburg, Lagos and beyond. Join the movement at globalcitizen.org, download the Global Citizen app, and follow Global Citizen on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.
Media Credentials
Applications are now open for media credentials to attend and cover the 2024 Global Citizen Festival. Please complete the media credentials application form here.
“For countries like Zambia, Global Citizen’s support of the World Bank’s IDA replenishment could not have come at a more critical time,” said Hakainde Hichilema, President of Zambia. “As our worst agricultural season in over 40 years takes hold, our nation and our neighbours are facing dire food shortages and severe instability in our power supply. The participation of the world’s wealthy nations in this replenishment is not just generosity — it is life or death for millions experiencing the worst impacts of climate change.”
“There’s undoubtedly a divide between what the world needs to end extreme poverty and what currently feels possible. Our mission has never been more critical,” said Hugh Evans, Co-Founder & CEO, Global Citizen. “Together, we must hold our governments to account, and demand that businesses and foundations use their power for good. We must call for ambitious action to defeat poverty and defend the planet — there are 700 million people depending on it.”
“Earlier this year, Bridgewater Associates announced our collaboration with Global Citizen in support of the World Bank’s IDA21 replenishment efforts as we believe that everyone has a role to play in addressing global development. The actions we can take to help the most underserved and vulnerable will impact all of us,” said Nir Bar Dea, CEO, Bridgewater Associates. “Bridgewater is sharing our world-class research by laying out the importance and anticipated impact of development across Africa with global decision-makers in an effort to help the World Bank reach its replenishment goals and help lift 250 million people out of energy poverty by 2030. I know that Bridgewater and all global citizens are ready to meet the moment with urgency.”
“In 2023, Gavi celebrated a monumental achievement, immunising over 1 billion children,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. “With continued investment and prioritisation of immunisation, we can make a significant contribution towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, strike a powerful blow against malaria, protect millions of young women and girls from HPV and respond to climate-driven diseases like dengue. If all global citizens take action now, we can turn this 2030 vision into reality.”
“Global Citizens, women and girls must be safe, both online and in real life,” said Dr. Natalia Kanem, Executive Director, UNFPA. “Join the #bodyright movement with UNFPA to help end technology facilitated gender-based violence — and use your power to defend everyone’s bodily autonomy and sexual and reproductive rights and choices! Let’s make the protection of sexual and reproductive rights a top priority for the decision-makers who hold the budget purse strings.”
“Education cannot wait for nearly a quarter of a billion children in crisis-affected countries,” said Yasmine Sherif, Executive Director, Education Cannot Wait. “Be a Global Citizen and let your voice echo and your actions change the world for the better.”
“Protecting and restoring the Amazon is critical for the future of global biodiversity and the climate,” said Rodrigo Medeiros, Senior Brazil Lead, Re:wild. “No other global initiative will contribute more to slowing and reversing the destruction of nature. It’s time to take action with Global Citizen’s campaign and secure the resources needed to protect the Amazon and support indigenous peoples and local communities, the forest’s true ancestral guardians.”
“Extreme weather, fires, lethal heat, droughts and flooding are threatening lives and livelihoods around the planet,” said Tzeporah Berman, Chair and Founder, Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative. “It is critical that countries cooperate to stop the expansion of oil, gas and coal projects and manage an equitable phase out of fossil fuels. We are thrilled to have Global Citizen supporting the growing movement calling for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty.”
It’s the season of events and opportunities among leaders in the financial sector. These visionaries are engaging with stakeholders and sharing with the public their various initiatives to make payments easier and safer.
In the past few weeks, there have been a couple of events, such as the Paris Blockchain Week, Money 20/20 in Amsterdam and the IFX Expo, which is currently happening in Cyprus.
Over the years, these events have provided an avenue for financial enthusiasts to learn from leading brands in different industries, including payments, blockchain, and technology. Similarly, they give new entrants an opportunity to sell their products and services on a global stage.
Quidax, Africa’s leading indigenous crypto exchange, has taken the bull by the horn this year by participating in these events and further shining the spotlight on the great things that are happening in the Nigerian finance space, especially in the crypto industry.
While in Paris, the exchange’s CEO, Buchi Okoro, sat on a panel with other global industry leaders to discuss “Next Gen Payments: The Blockchain Revolution.” In his speech, he explained the dynamics of the African market, the gaps, and what Quidax is doing to increase crypto adoption rate and boost ease of use.
Speaking opportunities are not the only advantage to attending global conferences and events. Exhibitions are the meat of such opportunities. Through exhibitions, brands and businesses can showcase their products and services, while directly engaging with potential customers, partners, and even investors.
Having a Nigerian crypto exchange attending and actively exhibiting its offerings at all of these events is a positive indication of the massive growth in the country’s blockchain and financial ecosystem. Quidax has indeed done well and is doing well by putting Africa on the map and leading the global recognition of the continent’s crypto exchanges.
Quidax is currently offering an opportunity for users who have never traded on the platform to win an iPhone, a PS5, and some free coins when they trade with at least $200 this month. To qualify, sign up on Quidax here and trade with $200 or more. You can learn more about the competition here.
About Quidax
Quidax is an African-founded cryptocurrency exchange that makes it easy for anyone to buy, sell, store and transfer cryptocurrencies. Quidax also enables fintech companies to provide cryptocurrency-related services to their customers.
TomTom Candy, Nigeria’s favourite black and white menthol brand under Cadbury Nigeria Plc. (a subsidiary of Mondelēz International), announced an exciting and innovative partnership with Nigeria’s sensational music artists, Fireboy DML and The Cavemen.
L-R: Kingsley Okorie of The Cavemen; Fireboy DML (Adedamola Adefolahan); Benjamin James of The Cavemen, at TomTom’s Brand Ambassador Unveil in Lagos
This strategic partnership merges TomTom’s commitment to excellence and innovation with Fireboy and The Cavemen’s unparalleled talent and influence in the music industry. As brand ambassadors, they will play a pivotal role in promoting and communicating TomTom’s initiatives to a diverse audience.
“We are thrilled to announce the addition of Fireboy and The Cavemen to the Cadbury Nigeria Plc. family,” says Morolake Emokpaire, Marketing Lead, West Africa at Mondelēz International. Their genuine musical prowess and unwavering dedication perfectly align with our brand ethos, positioning them as ideal ambassadors to harmonise with our audience in resonant and meaningful ways.”
L-R: Kingsley Okorie; Fireboy DML; Managing Director of Cadbury West Africa, Oyeyimika Adeboye; Benjamin James, at TomTom’s Brand Ambassador Unveil in Lagos
Fireboy DML, renowned for his soulful vocals and chart-topping hits, is one of Nigeria’s most sought-after musical talents. Similarly, The Cavemen, known for their unique blend of highlife and contemporary sounds, have captivated audiences with their infectious energy and distinct creativity.
“We are excited to partner with TomTom and embark on this new journey as brand ambassadors,” stated Fireboy and The Cavemen in a joint statement. “Together, we anticipate creating memorable experiences and inspiring positive change through our collaboration.”
L-R: Benjamin James; Fireboy DML; Kingsley Okorie; Breathers (Members of Breathe Academy), at TomTom’s Brand Ambassador Unveil in Lagos
By teaming up with Fireboy DML and The Cavemen, Cadbury Nigeria PLC continues to strengthen its brand presence and to further distinguish itself as a frontrunner in the industry.
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About Cadbury Nigeria Plc
Cadbury Nigeria Plc. (CNP), a publicly quoted company, is the pioneer cocoa beverage manufacturer offering some of the most loved brands in the country. Cadbury Nigeria is a 74.99%-owned subsidiary of Mondelēz International, a global snacking powerhouse with an unrivalled portfolio of brands. The remaining 25.01% of shares are held by a diverse group of indigenous, individual and institutional investors. A front-runner in beverages, confectionery and gum, Cadbury Nigeria’s quality products, Bournvita, Hot Chocolate 3-in-1, TomTom, Buttermint, and Clorets, are market leaders in their respective consumer segments.
HBO’s “House of the Dragon,” the “Game of Thrones” spinoff, is back for a second season after a two-year break.
House of the Dragon is a captivating return to the complex and treacherous world of Westeros, a 200-year prequel to the acclaimed TV show, Game of Thrones. Adapted from George R.R. Martin’s “A Song of Ice and Fire” book series, this new installment dives deep into the history of House Targaryen, exploring the events that led to the infamous Targaryen civil war, known as the Dance of the Dragons.
Or simply put, this queen…
Queen Rhaenyra | Photograph by Theo Whitman/HBO
…versus this queen…
Dowager Queen Alicent | Photograph by Theo Whitman/HBO
…who, if you’ve watched the first season, is her ex-bestie turned late father, King Viserys’s second wife (long story).
It starts where season one left off, post-King Viserys’s death and Alicent’s mishearing of his final words to mean that her son, the overindulgent Aegon Targaryen, should rule after him instead of his first child and official heir, Rhaenyra.
But where season one was perhaps slow-paced, big on setting and character development up until after the king’s tragic death — ending with Rhaenyra’s second son’s untimely death at the hand of Alicent’s second son and his giant dragon — this season expectedly begins chaotically.
With mourning, reprisal attacks after reprisal attacks, intricate politics, familial betrayals and epic battles, fans of the Game of Thrones universe finally get a taste of what they’ve come to expect — brutality. Expect dragons, battles, crazy misunderstandings and a bunch of petty guys causing avoidable complications.
But also, expect a lot of waiting around for something… more to happen.
Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO
It opens in Winterfell, on a trip to the Night’s Watch and a mention of “Winter is coming”, immediately throwing us deep into nostalgia and a promise that everything good about the original show is about to come back to us?
While the show has finally found its balance, there are still scenes where logic flies out the window, random twists without feeling and too many side plots that make it hard to care about the main battle for the Iron Throne.
At some point, we have to join Aegon to ask what’s up with the game of thrones? Are they going to fight the fight or not? However, the bratty new king, who thinks like most that being king is about doing whatever you want, is hardly a worthy contender.
King Aegon | Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO
At least, not without support from his mum, granddad (and “hand to the king”) Otto Hightower, and crazy brother, Aemond. Even then, Aegon gives us nothing to particularly hate, fear, love or all of the above, like Joffrey, Cersei or Daenerys of the original.
On the other side is Rhaenyra, backed by her own crazy husband/uncle Daemon, her in-laws/cousins the Velaryons, and her kids who everyone knows are illegitimate. She, at least, gives us something akin to an uninspiring Daenerys-lite. Perhaps it is unfair then to even compare this spinoff to the OG show.
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It’s “green” versus “black”. Green for Aegon and Alicent; black for Rhaenyra and Daemon.
There are tons of other characters you might not remember, and the show doesn’t care to reintroduce them. In fact, fans may need a quick recap of the last season to even remember some plots and players, and why they matter. New silver-haired little children spring up, and no one really seems to know whose they are.
Everyone’s angry, constantly about to fight a dumb war.
Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO
The first four of eight episodes were made available to critics like us for review, and from what we can tell — without obviously spoiling anything — the mix of stunning cinematography, meticulous production design and grandeur of the Targaryen dynasty through magnificent sets and costumes gives way to a show that’s okay, and sometimes, good.
The lead actors’ talents feel wasted, left to do their best with often hair-pulling dialogue and threadbare plot.
Matt Smith’s Daemon still doesn’t know who he is. Is he blood hungrily soulless like the show tries hard to portray or is he devotedly loyal to Rhaenyra? While the constant dichotomy is familiar ground for this universe where two-faced (or no-faced?) characters are the order of the day, this time, it feels most like the show itself is altogether unsure.
Rhaenyra x Daemon standoff | Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO
Is Emma D’Arcy’s Rhaenyra to be a strong, capable queen or is she just going with the flow? Does Olivia Cooke’s Alicent actually know what the hell she’s doing? The only sure thing is Fabien Frankel as Ser Criston Cole with his faux-clueless look of steadfast hypocrisy as he righteous-indignantly blusters through the plot. Does he love being a fuck-boy for queens or not?
Also, the plot twists need too much disbelief to work. Some things are too easy and some things are too complicated. Too much potential is lost in boring decisions and lackluster performances that appear to have no end result.
Rhaenyra x Daemon standoff part two | Photograph by Ollie Upton/HBO
Except of course, if the end is to build our impatience for some real action to a fevered pitch that would be satisfied by the latter half of the season.
But don’t let that deter you — there’s still plenty to love. As the green versus black conflict heats up, it’s clear that the Targaryen civil war is just getting started. So, grab your popcorn and get ready for a wild ride. Because if there’s one thing this season guarantees, it’s that the dance of dragons is far from over, and the best (and most brutal) is yet to come.
Photograph by Courtesy of HBO
Soft plantain for anyone who can name the dragon above.
Season two of HOUSE OF THE DRAGON debuts today, June 16 (9:00 – 10:00 p.m. ET/PT) on HBO and will be available to stream on Max. The eight-episode season will continue with one new episode weekly through August 4.
Whether you’re a fan of fluffy slices or crispy crusts, bread is a staple that rises to the occasion at every meal. Let’s break bread with Nigeria’s most beloved bread types, according to those who knead it the most. We asked around and this is what Nigerians think of the most popular bread types, from mid to upper crust.
Raisin bread
Raisin bread is rich and filling, but not everyone likes the too-sweet raisins.
Wheat bread
Source: 31 Daily
Whole wheat bread might be a healthier alternative due to its higher fibre content, but let’s all just admit we find it less palatable compared to the sweeter and softer white bread.
Brioche bread
Is it bread or is it a pastry? Buttery and sweet, this one gives luxury or special-occasion bread because it simply always costs more — or maybe it just looks like it does? Either way, Nibbles Bread is about to introduce its version, and we guarantee it’ll be easy on the pocket.
Tea buns
Tea buns are enjoyed as a treat, especially with tea or coffee, but like brioche, they tend to be considered more of a snack than a staple.
Sliced bread
It’s convenient, good for sandwiches and widely available. But beyond being the perfect plain base for peanut butter and anything else you might like, it’s simply not that tasty on its own like the bread types above it.
Sardine bread
Great for when you want something savoury without having to spend on a spread or filling after buying your bread. The only reason why it’s not top of the list is because if it’s not fresh, it’s nasty.
Coconut bread
Source: Amy’s Delicious Mess
It’s like biting into a sweet, nutty hug from the one Grandma who always brings you Gurundi and Shuku Shuku when she visits. Whether you enjoy this soft, moist bread plain or slathered in your favourite spread, it’s always a win. Throw in the health benefits of the coconut’s fibre and healthy fats, and what’s not to love? The only downside is how scarce it is.
White loaf
Source: Conde Nast Traveler
Are you really surprised this is at the top of the ranking? Soft, fluffy and sweet, this is the go-to that defines what a “bread” should be. The OG, Agege bread, is low-yeast, and all other types and brands model themselves after it. But Nibbles family loaf is fluffy and sweet with a good price and longevity.
Nicknamed the “bread of life”, Nibbles is one of the best bread brands in Nigeria today. People, especially those who like their bread fluffy, love it for its quality and variety of options. Today, it has family loaves and tea buns, with many new variants on the way. Available on a quick stop at any Kilimanjaro restaurant or any store or supermarket nationwide.
