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Bolanle Austen-Peters Wins MIT’s Prestigious Foundry Fellowship 

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Lawyer turned entertainment entrepreneur,  film and theatre director, Bolanle Austen-Peters, has been selected for a prestigious fellowship programme of the Legatum Centre for Development and Entrepreneurship of the  Massachussetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston, USA.
Mrs. Austen-Peters who is also the Founder & CEO of educational and recreational organisation, Terra Kulture, will join 11 other fellows for the Legatum Foundry Fellowship, which is a transformative experience for accomplished entrepreneurs.
She is one of the four women selected for this highly-competitive fellowship, a hybrid training that will take fellows across select African cities for study tours and coursework in Boston.
In its announcement on Thursday, October 20, 2022,  the Legatum Centre said “the 2022-2023 Foundry Fellows are here. Join us as we welcome our incoming cohorts. From Egypt to South Africa to Botswana and Nigeria, our incoming fellows are working on enterprises to improve their communities in various sectors,”
Adding that they will “highlight each #foundryfellow over the next week as they get ready to begin an incredible year of networking, innovation and building community here at Legatum.”
The Foundry Fellowship is a transformative experience for accomplished entrepreneurs “who are at an inflection point between scaling an innovation-driven company and transitioning into a role as an entrepreneurial leader catalysing systems change and inclusive economic growth across the African continent.”

Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters of BAP Productions

The statement from the Legatum Centre said that during the fellowship journey, Fellows will learn new frameworks in leadership development and acolytes building with expert faculty and practitioners, be exposed to ecosystems through visits with key stakeholders, and explore  new ways to accelerate innovation-driven Entrepreneurship in Africa.”
In her response, Austen-Peters said: “I’m honoured to be selected as a fellow of the Legatum Centre for Development & Entrepreneurship at MIT. The recognition comes through over 20 years of creating pathways to global prosperity through innovation and entrepreneurship.
“It demonstrates that you should just keep at what you do without allowing distractions. It affirms that in spite of all, hardworking and diligence are recompensed. It encourages one to want to do more.”
Austen-Peters, 53, graduated with a BA in Law from the University of Lagos and earned a Masters from the London School of Economics.
After working as a lawyer in the 1990s, first in her father’s chambers, Afe Babalola & Co and later at the United Nations High Commissions for Refugees in Switzerland, she founded Terra Kulture.
According to her, since 2003, Terra Kulture has been at the forefront of promoting Nigeria’s art and culture through exhibitions, indigenous restaurant and storytelling through its award-winning plays and movies.
“Over these years, we have developed an in-depth understanding of arts, culture and languages to impact the next generation most effectively,” she added.
In recent times, the organisation, through the Terra Academy for the Arts, received funding support from both Mastercard Foundation’s Africa Works Initiative and Netflix.
Through Bolanle Austen-Peters (BAP) Productions, she has produced stage musicals like Saro, Waka, Fela & The Kalakuta Queens and Death and the King’s Horseman, among others.
She has also directed feature films such as The Bling Lagosians, Man Of God, Collision Course and Funmilayo: The lioness of Lisabi.
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Entertainment

I Love Her, I Want to Marry Her, Tuface Confirms Romantic Relationship with Natasha

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Amid the announcement of a breakup with his wife, Annie Macualay, Nigerian Music star Innocent Idibia popularly known as Tuface or 2baba, has confirmed relationship with the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Natasha Osawaru.

With rumours of their relationship flying around, Tuface caused a stir on Monday when he appeared at the Edo State House of Assembly during plenary.

While many on social media wondered what his appearance at the House was for, others viewed that as a confirmation of the rumoured romance with the Edo State lawmaker.

However, the legendary singer addressed the rumours in a video post on his Instagram handle early Wednesday morning.

Confirming his affection for the lawmaker, Tuface stated: “Yes, I love her. I want to marry her.”

He added: “I said what I said. All of us will be alright… Honourable Natasha, I see she has been dragged, she has been called all sorts of names. She has been labelled as a home breaker. She is a young, brilliant and amazing woman.”

The singer also said that his new love is not responsible for the marital tension between him and his wife, Annie.

“She has nothing to do with what’s happening between me and Annie. But I see everybody trying to allegedly want to rope her into everything.  Yes, I love her. She is amazing, she is cool, I want to marry her,” Tuface said.

In January, Tuface shocked the social media space when he announced that he and his wife Annie have been separated for a while and have filed for a divorce.

He had said: “Hello to my beautiful people of all federations. Well, this thing I have to say is short but also long. Annie Macaulay and I have been separated for a while and have filed for divorce.

“I would grant a press release soon to say my story—not because it is anyone’s right to know about my personal life, but because I love my people, and I need them to know my innocence or offence. Stay blessed, my people. I love you all.”

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My Pregnancy Not for Gov Diri, Former BBN Housemate, Nengi Clarifies

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Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) housemate, Nengi Rebecca Hampson, has dismissed claims of being pregnant for Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri.

An Instagram blog – Gistlover – alleged on Monday that the 27-year-old reality tv star is expecting her first child with the governor.

Reacting to the development, the reality star via the microblogging platform, X formerly Twitter, denied the reports, clarifying that she is pregnant but not for a Nigerian governor.

The BBNaija star said she decided to clarify the issue because the allegation is not just an attack on her but involves people she holds in the highest regard.

She wrote: “As much as I believe social media lies aren’t worth my time, I’ve come to accept that we live in a world where people are quick to spread lies without limits so let me be clear, I’m not pregnant for any Governor.

“I’ve chosen to speak coz this isn’t just an attack on me, it involves people I hold in the highest regard, and I won’t allow a beautiful, personal part of my life be turned into something ugly.

“While I continue to mind my own business and enjoy my pregnancy in PEACE, I wish y’all Love and a happy Valentine’s weekend

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Nollywood Actress, Pat Ugwu, Dies at 35

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Stars in the Nigeria’s film industry have mourned Nollywood actress, Pat Ugwu, who passed away at the age of 35.

Emeka Okoye on his Instagram post on Wednesday, announced her death with a poster detailing her funeral arrangements.

“Rest in peace sis. Pat Ugwu. @patpat_ugwu so we no get to work again? Death whyooo? God please. Rest in peace PAT. May your soul rest in the bosom of the Lord,” Emeka wrote, expressing his grief.

He also voiced his fears over the recent spate of losses in the industry, saying, “God please protect all my colleagues especially those am close to. This unusual Death is frightening. I proclaim life to everyone close to me this 2025 in the precious blood of Jesus. Amen.”

The cause of her death was not immediately clear.

Pat, who lost her father in 2021, will be buried on February 7, 2025.

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