Category: Entertainment, Fashion and Lifestyle

Taiye Olayemi

The Immediate past Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo, and Sen. Orji Kalu on Friday got awarded for their contributions to sports development in Nigeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the awardees were honoured at the fourth Sportsville Special Recognition Awards, at the Eko Club, Surulere, Lagos.

Chief Olusegun Runsewe, Director-General, Nigeria Golf Federation also bagged the recognition award.

Mr Frank Ilaboya, Convener of the award said Runsewe was honoured for his immense contributions to sports in Nigeria and most specifically the sport of golf.

Ilaboya said Runsewe in 1999, led women to the women under 20 Worldcup in Germany, where he used the opportunity to leverage business opportunities for Nigeria.

He said Runsewe’s keen interest in sports was followed by the establishment of Sports Weekly in 1994.

“Today, Chief Runsewe is the President of the Nigeria Golf Federation and under his watch, the game of golf has witnessed a new level of development.

“Runsewe, in 2021 hosted the first ever national conference of stakeholders in the golf,” he said.

In his response, Runsewe said “Thank you for this. I feel very proud as a Nigerian being celebrated in my lifetime.

“This is one honour I will cherish for life. I dedicate this award to all Nigerian that lost their lives in Ivory coast during the All Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

“I want to thank the former Minister for Sports, Dr Sunday Dare for the support he has given to golf during his tenure.

“I like to challenge all sports lover, Nigeria must take the right position in sport. Our Nigerian referees need to be educated, right now, they hardly invite our referees to multi-national matches, we need to change our attitude.”

Other eminent sports personalities were also rewarded for their various contributions to the growth of sports in the country.

Dare got awarded as ‘Sports Administrator of the Year’, while Gov Godwin Obaseki of Edo was honoured for providing a state-of-the-art sporting complex, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, in Benin City.

Others are Chairman of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye; Victor Ochei, former Delta commissioner for sports; Chief Solomon Ogba, and Igoche Mark.

Also on the award list is Eddington Kuejubola, a one time coordinator of the Super Eagles; as well as ace sports journalist and FIFA recognised World Cup attendee, Mr Kunle Solaja, who both got special recognition awards.

Sam Ochebo, President of Handball Federation, got an award for his landmark achievements in development of handball in Nigeria.

The long list of awardees also has Hajiya Zainab Saleh, for pioneering the promotion of women in Karate in Nigeria, while Mrs Hauwa-Kulu Akinyemi, a retired director, got recognised for her prowess in sports administration at the Federal Ministry of Sports.

Uyi Akpata, President of Nigeria Cricket Federation, got an award for championing the growth of Cricket in Nigeria, while Francis Orbih, President of Badminton Federation of Nigeria, Jenkins Alumona and Chikelue Iloenyosi also got rewarded for efforts in their various fields.

Oladimeji Oshode was awarded ‘Media Officer of the Year’.

A post humous award was given to Late Sebastian Brodricks.

Speaking on the event, it’s Chairman and Head of Local Organising Committee, Segun Odegbami, said that the award has made significant development in recognising those that have made sports great in Nigeria.

“This is an opportunity today to recall bits and pieces of our history, particularly the most successful sides.

“Those that received the honours are the ones who have made significant contributions to sports development in Nigeria either in corporate organisations or individual.

“This is a good opportunity for us to recall that history, those who have performed excellently, so I am delighted to be part of this history.

“The award that I also received was a big surprise for me, though not as a footballer, or journalist, but as a chairman of the event,” he said.

In his response, Dare said that he foresees a great future for Nigerian sports given the foundation he had laid while he was the minister.

Also, Akpata said that he would continue to lay solid foundation for cricket in Nigeria.

Flowerbudnews

A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, fixed March 19 for ruling on the bail application filed by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Justice Binta Nyako will, also on the same date, rule on a notice of preliminary objection filed by Kanu praying the court not to allow his trial until certain conditions were met by the Federal Government.

Justice Nyako fixed the date after the new counsel for the Federal Government, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, and Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor, adopted their processes and presented their arguments for and against the motions.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IPOB leader was initially standing trial on a 15-count charge bordering on terrorism offences before eight of the counts were quashed by the trial judge leaving seven counts, and the Supreme Court, on Dec. 15, 2023, affirmed the lower court decision.

When the matter was called on Monday, Awomolo told Justice Nyako that the case was coming up for hearing after the decision of the Supreme Court on Dec. 15, 2023.

Awomolo said the apex court affirmed Nyako’s decision of April 8, 2022, by preserving counts one, two, three, four, five, eight and 15 of the charge which Kanu pleaded not guilty of.

The senior lawyer said that the Supreme Court ordered the continuation of trial of Kanu on the remaining seven counts.

“So we are ready to proceed with the hearing of this matter and it is in the defendant’s interest and everybody’s interest in this country to see to the end of the trial” he said.

But Counsel to Kanu, Ejimakor, told the court that he had two motions; an application for bail and a preliminary objection.

He said though he agreed that the Supreme Court directed the continuation of Kanu’s trial, they were not ready to continue the proceedings.

He urged the court to take his client’s bail application and preliminary objection for court to decide whichever way, and the prosecution did not object.

While given grounds why the bail plea should be granted, Ejimakor said Kanu currently suffered from life-threatening and serious health conditions.

According to the lawyer, Kanu has heart disease, hypertension and dangerous potassium levels that pose daily risks to his life while in detention.

He argued that the DSS had no standard medical facility that could treat the defendant but was only subjected to cell-grade medical treatment, which did not abate his conduction but instead worsened it.

He urged the court to grant the bail request on most liberal terms to enable the IPOB leader seek better medical care he urgently requires.

He said though Section 161 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, raised three conditions for bail to be satisfied, Kanu had met those terms, including ill-health, delayed proceedings and not being given adequate time and facilities to prepare for his defence.

Ejimakor alleged that the prosecution, since Kanu’s arrest and arraignment, had delayed the proceedings for several months through amendment of charges and adjournments

He also argued that he might not be able to put up a good defence unless Kanu was admitted to bail to have unfettered access to his lawyers.

Contrary to the prosecution’s counter affidavit that Kanu jumped bail, the lawyer argued that Kanu only fled for his dear life when his residence was attacked by security agents and that as far back as October 2018, he deposed to an affidavit to explain the circumstances.

But Awomolo disagreed with Ejimakor, insisting that the defendant violated the bail conditions, jumped bail and fled the country,.

He said there was no evidence before the court that if granted another bail, he would not jumped bail, urging the court to dismiss the application.

The senior lawyer said Kanu’s failure to prove that there was no standard medical facility in Department of State Service (DSS)’ detention contradicted Section 161(2a) of ACJA.

“So he has not been able to satisfied Section 161(2a),”:he said.

He argued that the IPOB leader had not tendered anything tangible or extraordinary to show he was entitled to bail.

On the delayed proceedings, Awomolo said the court itself observed that both parties were responsible.

The lawyer, who argued that the Supreme Court had settled issues about Kanu’s rendition, said other judgments in favour of the IPOB leader were only persuasive, and not binding on Justice Nyako.

On the preliminary objection, Ejimakor said the application prayed for an order that before any proceeding could commence in the trial, the Federal Government must cease and desist from certain conducts.

He said these include seizure of documents of his lawyers, stopping his lawyers from taking notes during visitation, and eavesdropping on Kanu’s consultation with lawyers on matters pertaining to his defence,

He also sought an alternative order that before commencement of trial, a non-custodial arrangement be made so as to afford Kanu adequate time and facilities to prepare for his defence.

But Awomolo, who opposed the application, described it as an abuse of court process.

He argued that a party cannot dictate to court how to conduct its proceedings.

He said it was an insult to the court for a party to dictate that unless the detaining authority acts in certain ways, trial should not commence.

The lawyer, who said that the prosecution had never breached the fundamental rights of the IPOB leader, urged the court to dismiss the application.

Justice Nyako adjourned the matter until March 19 for ruling and trial commencement for March 20.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

By Taiye Olayemi

Some women and hairstylists on Tuesday lamented the high cost of hair attachments as the price has continued to soar from 2023.

They expressed their concern in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

NAN reports that hair attachment is one of the most important part of a woman’s fashion and the price in Nigeria depends on the quality and brand.

There are various types of hair attachments based on the company of production like: X-pression, Darling and Lush.

These attachments could be used to make styles like ghana weaving, bob marley, twisting, shuku, knotless braid, pick and drop, and more.

Average hair attachments initially sold for N1,700 now cost N3,600, and those sold for N1,200 now go for N2,500.

Hair cream and relaxers are not also left out as the biggest jar of hair cream that was sold for N800 now costs N3,000 as well as other smaller ones.

Faith Omije, a hairstylist at Crystal Beauty Salon said, “the situation must be urgently addressed, else the increment would continue without control”.

Omijie said the development now warranted a reduction in her normal service charge for hairdo when customers purchased hair attachments from her, as a way of encouraging them.

“The manufacturers keep telling us their cost of production has increased which warranted the increase in the cost of hair attachments but for me, this is not tenable.

“It appears they are only being inconsiderate when we look at the rate of the increment.

“From 2023, the price keeps adding up with N100, N200 till it is now unbearable. My customers are always complaining.

“In a way to encourage them, I reduce my service charge which is also affecting me.

“Even the price of hair cream, hair relaxers and wool are on the increase too. Before now, I sell a bundle of single wool for N200 but it is now N300,” she said.

Another hairstylist, Grace Akpan, said the government must be able to ensure measures were put in place for general price control of items in the market.

Akpan said the most unfortunate thing about the development was “that nobody is currently addressing the problem, women now have to spend a fortune or engage in critical thinking before making their hair”.

“Many of my customers now run away from making hairstyles that will make them use hair attachments.

“They rather go for weave-on and wool because they are not as expensive as hair attachments, just few of them are using it now.

“This development has also impacted the cost of braided wigs,” she said

Similarly, Helen Arokoyo, an undergraduate student of University of Lagos said “Now, I hardly make my desired hairstyle, I go for what my money can make.

“I’m the type that likes my hair very full but I can’t afford to buy enough attachment to do that.

“The option of reusing my attachment is out of consideration for me because the hair won’t be as neat and beautiful as it should be when new attachment is used.

“It is indeed a frustrating one for me because I don’t like wools and weave-on. So, I’m only left with the option of using the hair attachments,” she said.

Aminat Usman, a pharmacy sales representative told NAN that she had temporarily resolved to weaving her hair in different styles pending when the price of hair attachments would be regulated.

“I don’t want to give myself problems, I will continue to weave my hair like this.

“And maybe when I am fortunate to get awoof money, I can consider buying attachments but not with the meagre sum I’m earning now,” she said.

Caroline Olatunji, a photographer said, “Each time I buy hair attachment to make my hair, I’m always pained due to the amount of money I will have to part with.

“Before now, I can make my hair with N5,000 but now I spend close to N10,000.

“I have considered barbing my hair but it is also expensive when I think of the the cost of maintenance and treatment. The situation is really frustrating,” (NAN) (nannews.ng)

By Joshua Oladipo

Osogbo: The late Nollywood actor, Adedeji Aderemi, popularly known as “Baba Olofa Ina” has been buried at his residence in Wakajaye area of Edeland in Osun on Friday .

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the burial of Nollywood actor began at 4:15 p.m. after the arrival of some prominent personalities such as politicians and traditional rulers including Islamic clerics with community sympathisers.

NAN further reports that the late Nollywood actor’s residence was filled with entertainers in the Nollywood industry across the country and abroad to grace the burial ceremony.

Present at the burial ceremony were representatives of Timi of Ede land, Oba Munirudeen Lawal and President of Theater and Motion pictures practitioners association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Mr Bolaji Amusan also known as Mr Latin,

In his tributes, Amusan, represented by TAMPAN’s Director of Finance, Mr Ayo Oladapo said the deceased would be missed by all the TAMPAN members and his supporters including family members.

TAMPAN’s president said the late Aderemi played significant role in the entertainment industry with many upcoming artists looking up to him as a role model.

Amusan urged TAMPAN members and those who knew the deceased to always reflect on their last days by living a life worthy of emulation with the fear of God.

He described late Aderemi as one of the pioneers of TAMPAN in the country, saying he was a good man during his life time but God loves in most.

He prayed to God to grant the soul of the departed eternal rest and also his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable lost.

Also speaking, Mr Amitolu Shittu , former Osun Amotekun Field Commander and a human right activist, described the deceased as someone who was humble and loved by everyone in Ede town and entertainment industry.

Shittu said late Aderemi was one of the personalities that placed Ede town on the global map because of his exceptional character and reputation.

Prof. Siyan Oyewesan, a friend to the deceased said the state and the entire Yorubaland lost an icon who had impacted a lot to many.

Oyewesan said the name ” Olofa Ina ” was taken by the deceased from the founding fathers of Edeland and that made him to make Ede town popular.

According to him, humans are mortal with a time to die. Once a man crosses the age of 60, the rest will be to God’s grace and mercy.

“The bible made it clear that we have three scores and 10 years to live on earth and once we crosses, the rest is Grace .

NAN reports that late Adedeji Aderemi, popularly known as ” Baba Olofa Ina” died at the age of 73 years after a prolonged illness. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng ) /Flowerbudnews