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Fanfare, Razzmatazz As NAFEST 2021 Kicks Off in Ado Ekiti with Command Performance

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By Eric Elezuo

Erelu Bisi Fayemi, the Wife of the Ekiti State government, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, was the special guest of honour Sunday night as the 34th National festival of Arts and Culture tagged NAFEST 21 gets underway in the state capital, Ado Ekiti, with a grand COMMAND PERFORMANCE.

Ekiti Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Prof Ojo Bakare, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe

Filled with colours, class, razzmatazz and vigour, the superbly orchestrated performances spearheaded by the EKITI State Performing Arts Group, was an exercise in delight as the crowd of audience continually asked for more.

Held at the newly constructed Arts Theatre of the Ekiti State Civic and Convention Centre, the event showcased the deep culture of the Ekiti people, using energetic dance steps choreographed to perfection.

Erelu Fayemi presenting her welcome speech

Kick-starting the fanfare was the dance of welcome, which ushered participants and guests to the mind-blowing and fun-filled extravaganza.

The dance was followed by a rib cracking session as with a two man show by  Parisco and Baba Chinedu, who formed the team of Arakenge Comedy art.

Performance after a performance, the hall was electrified with the guests absorbing the thrills and frills of the superlative culture of the Ekiti people, all rooted in dance and drama.

In quick succession, the state theatre group performed dances depicting one session of the culture afteranother ranging from occupation, gender strive, religion and more.

Battle of the Sexes

The group, which came prepared, in a lampoon, showcased the Nigeria of the moment through a drama titled Free Readers Association. The highly hilarious drama presented the ills of the society  through newspaper reading, and made sporadic attempts at providing solutions.

Thereafter, The Battle of the Sexes was presented, which tend to decide between the male and female folks, who is the superior. It was followed by the Iwure Dance and Ido Dance, rightly described as magical as a result of the high octane acrobatic displays.

The Iwure Performance

It was then the turn of the Students of Theatre and Arts of Ekitii State University, who showed vigour and strength as they performed The Drums of Rubble. The Fisherman Dance followed thereafter to conclude the Dances.

In her welcome address, Erelu Fayemi, who was the Special Guest of Honour, asked participants from across the states to make themselves at home and enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the Ekiti people rooted in tourism, hospitality, food and more.

The drama group performing

“We are immensely humbled and proud to have been considered eligible to host the 2021 NAFEST. What we lack in resources, we have in passion, kindness and integrity,” Mrs Fayemi said.

The Ido ‘Magical’ Dance

Among the array of dignitaries present at the event were the Director General, National Council of Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe; Ekiti State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Prof Rasaki Ojo Bakare, Rivers State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Mr Charles Ejima; Mrs Tonye Briggs, Delta State Commissioner for Arts and Culture, Mr Lawrence Ejiofor and many more.

The Fisherman Dance

 

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Entertainment

BBNaija Unveils Season 11 Auditions, Sets Registration Dates

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Organisers of Big Brother Naija have announced the opening of auditions for the show’s 11th season, unveiling registration details and requirements for prospective housemates.

In a statement on Saturday, the organisers said, “It’s time! #BBNaija Season 11 auditions registration is here,” noting that registration will run from May 16 to 20 for candidates seeking to qualify for the physical audition stage.

They explained that applicants must register via africamagic.tv/bigbrother, fill in personal details, and select preferred audition dates, locations and times, with physical auditions scheduled to hold between May 22 and 24 in Lagos, Abuja and Enugu.

According to the organisers, “AUDITION IS FREE”, and only persons aged 21 and above with valid identification documents are eligible to participate. They also warned that the registration portal will close once capacity is reached.

The statement further cautioned applicants on data usage and participation rules, noting that by submitting entries, participants grant the organisers permission to use audition materials in perpetuity and across global platforms. It also warned that multiple registrations could lead to disqualification.

The announcement comes months after the conclusion of Season 10, which returned to screens on July 26, 2025, featuring 29 housemates competing for a N150 million grand prize.

Imisi Ayanwale emerged as the winner of the season after securing 42.8 per cent of the total votes, ahead of finalists including Dede, Koyin, Sultana, Kola, Jason Jae, Mensan, Isabella and Kaybobo.

Past winners of the reality show include Mercy Eke, Laycon, Whitemoney, Kellyrae, Phyna and Ilebaye, with anticipation now building for Season 11 as viewers await possible new twists and format changes.

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EFCC Arraigns Blessing CEO over Alleged N36m Fraud

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The Lagos Zonal Directorate 1 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned social media personality and self-acclaimed relationship adviser, Okoro Blessing Nkiruka, before the Federal High Court in Lagos over an alleged N36 million fraud.

Blessing CEO was arraigned on Friday before Justice D.I. Dipeolu on a two-count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretence and alleged theft involving N36 million

According to the EFCC, the defendant allegedly obtained the money from one Mrs. Ifeyinwa Nonye Okoye under the pretext of securing a six-bedroom duplex in Lekki, Lagos — a claim prosecutors said she knew to be false.

During proceedings, defence counsel P.I. Nwafor informed the court that the defendant had refunded N24 million to the complainant and requested a short adjournment to allow discussions over the outstanding balance.

“We have an application to make. The defendant approached the nominal complainant and refunded N24 million out of the N36 million.

“We are asking for a short adjournment to resolve the outstanding balance. The nominal complainant agreed that if the balance is paid, they can prevail on the EFCC to drop the case,” the lawyer said.
However, prosecution counsel S.I. Suleiman opposed the request, insisting that the commiss

“The complainant here is the Federal Government of Nigeria, and we are here for the arraignment. We urge that the defendant take her plea, as that is the business of the day,” he argued.
Ruling on the matter, Justice Dipeolu held that settlement talks could continue independently but would not stop the arraignment process.

“The defence and the nominal complainant can have discussions even during the pendency of the charge. It does not affect the proceedings before the court. The defendant will take her plea,” the judge ruled.

One of the charges alleged that between July 14 and 17, 2024, Blessing CEO fraudulently obtained N36 million from the complainant over a purported property lease in Lekki.
Another count accused her of unlawfully converting the money to personal use, contrary to provisions of the Criminal Code Act.

She pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following her plea, the prosecution asked the court to commence trial and remand her in a correctional facility, while the defence requested that she remain in EFCC custody pending bail arrangements.

Justice Dipeolu subsequently ordered that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody and adjourned the matter to June 5, 2026, for commencement of trial.

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Okechi Releases “Iga Eme” (Journey Man)

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Fast-rising Nigerian artist, Chijioke Ifeanyi Nnanna, popularly known as Okechi, has officially released his new single, “Iga Eme (Journey Man),” now available on all major streaming platforms.

The release marks a significant milestone in Okechi’s musical journey, as he continues to gain recognition for his originality and artistic depth. With a growing fan base and increasing industry attention, the new single further cements his presence in Nigeria’s vibrant music scene.

Known for his distinctive “Tradsound” a rich fusion of cultural heritage and contemporary musical influences Okechi is steadily carving a unique niche for himself. His sound reflects a deep appreciation for tradition while embracing modern creativity, setting him apart from his peers.

Hailing from Abiriba in Abia State, Okechi began his musical journey during his secondary school years. Over time, he has drawn inspiration from legendary artists who paved the way, shaping his style and artistic direction.

Describing the track as deeply personal, Okechi revealed that “Iga Eme” embodies his life experiences, struggles, and creative evolution. He noted that he invested significant time and effort into perfecting both the sound and message of the song.

With anticipation building among fans and music enthusiasts, “Iga Eme (Journey Man)” is expected to further position Okechi as one of the emerging voices to watch in Nigeria’s music industry.

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