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LAGOS MARATHON: EAST AFRICANS RETAIN STAR PRIZES AS AMBODE PROMISES BIGGER 2019 EDITION

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…We’ll Employ Top Class Coaches To Train Nigerian Runners, Says Gov, Dalung

Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode on Saturday unveiled plans to invest in training of Nigerian athletes to compete with elite athletes all over the world for the grand prize of the annual Access Bank Lagos City Marathon.

Speaking at this year’s edition of the tournament held at Eko Atlantic City (EAC), Victoria Island, Governor Ambode said he was tired of handing over the star prizes of the marathon to athletes from East Africa, assuring that concerted efforts would be made to reverse the trend and prepare Nigerians to compete favourably for the prizes.


“My promise to Nigeria is this; I’m tired of giving this award to the East Africans and so Lagos State is going to commit professional coaches and then we will go to Jos and then come back in two years’ time to give them (East Africans) fight for their money,” the Governor said.

He commended all the athletes and organizers who contributed to the successful hosting of the third edition of the tournament, assuring that efforts would be made to make the fourth edition which will take place on February 9, 2019 bigger and better.

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“I just want to say a big thank you to all the participants and also the organizers. We have done Lagos proud again and we have done Nigeria proud again. This is the third edition and we are getting bigger, we are getting finer and this is what this is all about. We have had over a hundred thousand participants and we have broken all the records of last year and we are very excited about this.

“Yes, this is the bronze level; the intention is to take it to the gold level in the next two years and I know we can do it. This is more about the energy of Lagos. Beyond the fact that we are able to show the aesthetics and the improvement we have done in the last two and a half years, Lagos is getting better and then Lagos is getting more enjoyable.


“I know we are going to do this again next year and so come Saturday 9th February, 2019, we are going to have a bigger marathon and bigger prizes,” Governor Ambode said.

Besides, the Governor expressed excitement at the introduction of a 10km race dedicated solely for Nigerians, assuring that prizes in the category would be made to be at par with the main marathon in subsequent editions.

Also speaking, Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung commended the State Government, organisers and sponsors of the Marathon, assuring that the Federal Government would partner with the State to prepare Nigerian athletes to compete at the top level with their foreign counterparts.

He also announced additional cash reward for Nigerian athletes who finished top in the male and female categories as well as young athletes.

Kenyan born French athlete, Kiprotich Abraham breast the tape in two hours, 13 minutes, four seconds to emerge winner of the third edition of Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, carting away the grand prize of $50,000.

Abraham’s time set a new Lagos Marathon record, three minutes better than the record set by his fellow compatriot, Abraham Kiptum in the second edition of the 42km annual tourney held last year.

Kenyan duo of Ronny Kipkoech Kiboss and Benjamin Bitok came second and third finishing in two hours, 13 minutes and 26 seconds and two hours, 13 minutes and 29 seconds, winning $40,000 and $30,000 USD respectively.

In the female category, it was a clean sweep by Ethiopia as the trio of Alemenesh Herpha Guta, Tigst Girma Getayechew and Ayelu Abebe Hordofa came first, second and third to win $50,000, $40,000 and $30,000 USD respectively.

Iliya Pam was the first Nigerian to finish the 42km race in two hours, 40 minutes, 16 seconds to win N3million, while Sharubutu Philbus came second in two hours, 54 minutes and 16 seconds to win N2million and Kefas Williams also got on the medals table finishing third in a time of two hours, 58 minutes, 16 seconds to win the third prize of N1million.

There were also prizes for Nigerians in the newly introduced 10km race, which saw Sajo Ismaila (male) and Ona Salay (female) drive home a brand new saloon car each and other mouth watering prizes.

The 42km race started at the National Stadium, Surulere by 6:30am and ended at the Eko Atlantic City in Victoria Island, while the 10km race also began from Osborne and terminated also at the Eko Atlantic City with over 100,000 athletes battling for the various prize monies.

Dignitaries who graced the marathon include Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung;, his counterpart in Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; representative of Chief of Army Staff, Major General David Amadu; General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Major General, Enobong Okon Udoh; President of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Amaju Pinnick; ex-Super Eagles International, Austin Jay Jay Okocha;British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright,
 among others.

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Top celebrities,, movie enthusiasts, entertainment dons attend ‘Reflections’ premiere at Silverbird Abuja

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Top celebrities,, movie enthusiasts, entertainment dons attend 'Reflections' premiere at Silverbird Abuja

Top celebrities,, movie enthusiasts, entertainment dons attend ‘Reflections’ premiere at Silverbird Abuja

 

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It was an influx of topnotch investors and practitioners of the Nigerian entertainment sector that attended the premiere of a record breaking thriller titled ‘Reflections’.

 

Top celebrities,, movie enthusiasts, entertainment dons attend 'Reflections' premiere at Silverbird Abuja

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The block buster movie was premiered on Saturday, the 16th of March at the highly octane Silverbird Cinemas. From the stable of Deep End Entertainment, ‘Reflections’ is a true life story reflecting the life of a man in his fifties facing his life’s ultimate accountability. He has a split personality that chastise him for his numerous atrocities in his last hours as he reflected on his alter egos and past evil deeds, that are haunt him into self condemnation. ‘Reflections’ is full of suspense, a super thriller, an enthralling block buster well conceptualized and thoroughly directed for optimum excitement and dynamically creative entertainment stakeholders such as Paul Obazele, prominent Nollywood stars like Kelly Ogbeide the lead actress in the movie and also Nollywood veteran Iyobosa Legema including the director of ‘Reflections’ Osaretin Festus Isibor. The event was also graced by top comedians like Pikolo, Youngest Oldman and Fidel Castro among others. Senator Ned Nwoko who sent a representative, APC Deputy National Treasurer Hon. Omorede Osifo were also in attendance.

‘Reflections’ was first premiered on the 30th of December 2023 at the Deep End Cinemas Benin City, at the Vivas Cinemas Saturday feb 24th this year before hitting the Silverbird’s Cinemas last Saturday. The successful premiere of ‘Reflections’ is a testimony to the long years of research on innovatively creative movie production of the director Osaretin Festus Isibor and and Deep End Entertainment. Quite a lot of energy, creativity and innovation were unleashed on the production of ‘Reflections’ and it’s a movie that is very well set to emerge as market leader, and indomitable chart topper and an epic.
Deep End Entertainment premieres Block buster “Reflection”

 

REFLECTION is about a man in his mid fifties facing his ultimate accountability in his darkest mind. His split personalities would taunt and chastise him for his atrocities in his last hours as he mirrors himself against his alter ego. All his bad deeds would hunt him to self condemnation. It’s a crazy movie, full of suspense and it’s also a thriller.

On the concept of the Movie, the director Mr. Osaretin Festus Isibor said “ I just thought about a crazy idea one cool evening and remembered this guy Paul Obazele whom I’ve worked with before and every time he takes Coca Cola Coke, he gets high and he can behave certain ways and I said to myself I’m gonna write a script that will depict this guy’s character. So, I grabbed my iPad immediately. I sat up all night and wrote the script, Reflections and I am glad I did and it turned out to be a really interesting movie”.

The film recently hit the Cinemas as many fans who watched the most thrilling film gave kudos to all the actors and actress that took a role in the film, Particularly the Actors and actress that took a duo role.

One of the eye witness that Graced the Premiere of “Reflection” said a lot of energy and Ability were pushed into making the film a Blockbuster, therefore describing the work as International standard and the one that will stand the test of time.

Osaretin Festus Isibor who is the founder of Deep End Group of Companies has mostly and heavily delved into the Nigerian entertainment and hospitality industries. He is the CEO Deep End Farms, Deep End Studios, Deep End Records, Deep End Cinemas, Deep End Hotels, Deep End Fun House, Deep End Haunted House, Deep End Villa Obagie.
Osaretin Festus Isibor is a devoted businessman who is so much passionate about people’s happiness and that is why he invested majorly in the fun value chain. He is a film producer, a music expert and an overall entertainment guru.

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Sisterhood Saga: “E’tanu” Movie by Ayonimofe Badejoko Set For Release

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Sisterhood Saga: “E’tanu” Movie by Ayonimofe Badejoko Set For Release

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Ayonimofe Badejoko, popularly known as Aolat, is once again set to captivate audiences with her latest movie creation, “E’tanu”. Following the success of her previous work, fans have eagerly awaited her next cinematic masterpiece, and their anticipation is about to be rewarded.

 

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“E’tanu” delves into the intricate dynamics of sisterhood, portraying the compelling story of two siblings. The younger sister’s jealousy spirals out of control, leading her down a path of betrayal and treachery, as she schemes to usurp her elder sister’s life to claim her husband. Blame is placed on their father, whose favoritism towards the elder sister exacerbates the younger one’s insecurities.

However, the plot takes a dramatic turn when an unforeseen event unfolds, promising twists and revelations that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Ayonimofe Badejoko not only pens the script but also takes on the role of producer, ensuring her creative vision is fully realized on screen.

Directed by the dynamic duo of Afeez Owo and Afeez Balogun Adio, “E’tanu” boasts an ensemble cast of seasoned actors, including Eniola Afeez, Odunlade Adekola, Omoborty, Kemi Korede, Jamiu Azeez, Adekola Tijani, Mama Ereko, Titi Adeoye, Omolara Kasali, Omolara Dauda, Majek, and Kaymoney, among others.

As the Easter festival approaches, fans can anticipate the premiere of “E’tanu” on a YouTube channel, offering them an engaging and immersive cinematic experience. With its blend of drama, intrigue, and stellar performances, “E’tanu” promises to be a must-watch for movie enthusiasts seeking riveting storytelling and compelling characters.

 

 

Sisterhood Saga: "E’tanu" Movie by Ayonimofe Badejoko Set For Release

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AFRIMA President speaks on fostering collaboration within African music community as BridgeAfric launches in Malawi

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AFRIMA President speaks on fostering collaboration within African music community as BridgeAfric launches in Malawi

 

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In continuation of promoting and showcasing African artistes, providing them with platforms to reach a global audience beyond their home countries, the President/Executive Producer, All Africa Music Awards, AFRIMA, Mike Dada, would be sharing his thought at the BridgeAfric’s Southern Africa launch in Malawi on March 23, 2024.

BridgeAfric is a revolutionary initiative aimed at connecting African artistes and industry professionals across the continent led by the dynamic Victoria Nkong.

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With the theme; importance of fostering collaboration within the African music community, Dada would be speaking on the significance of working together in promoting African music on a global scale.

In his statement, the AFRIMA President noted that there are potentials for growth and success that come from uniting artistes, producers, and other stakeholders in the industry.

Dada, who lauded BridgAfric for its efforts in connecting Malawians artistes with industry professionals, helping them to build their careers and reach a wider audience, said he is committed to supporting initiatives like BridgAfric that empower African artists and promote the rich diversity of African music. He believes that by working together, they can create a more vibrant and inclusive music industry that celebrates the talent and creativity of artists from across the continent.

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“This is very significant for the growth, development and promotion of the arts and music industry in Africa, especially when you look at it from the point of view of collaborations, the Malawi music industry and connecting to the center of the journey of the ongoing movements and the development of the African industry to the global audience,” Dada submitted.

Speaking on its widely acknowledged Africa’s prestigious annual music awards, Dada noted, “AFRIMA is for Africans, and everybody is entitled to be part of it. Malawi is entitled to be part of it being an African country, if you are a Malawian, it’s your right to be part of it. I think from records, if I’m correct, only two or three artistes from Malawi have won the AFRIMA Awards in the past, so we encourage more Malawians to be part of it so that you can get the benefit of being part of the collective movement of the continent. They should come on board more when it’s time for the submission of works, they should be part of the people to submit their works because we believe they have good sound and music coming from Malawi, so they use the AFRIMA platform to showcase to the rest of the world.”

Expressing her excitement, The BridgeAfric President, Victoria Nkong noted that the AFRIMA President’s insights and expertise will undoubtedly provide valuable knowledge and inspiration to all those in attendance.

“The presence of the AFRIMA President at the launch signifies the importance of this initiative and the potential impact it can have on the music industry in Malawi. BridgeAfric aims to provide a platform for emerging artists in Malawi to showcase their talent and connect with industry professionals. We look forward to a successful launch event and the positive impact that BridgeAfric Malawi will have on the local music scene,” Nkong submitted.

The star-studded event slated to be held at the majestic Bingu International Convention Centre (BICC) Banquet Hall, in the Malawian capital, Lilongwe, is expected to attract several corporate executives, African artistes, entertainment stakeholders, celebrities, local and international media.

The BridgeAfric’s launch in Malawi will facilitate a talent workshop: Collaboration, Investments & Talent Development with seasoned African music giants in attendance. The workshop will provide a platform for local artists to interact and share their experiences with big names in the entertainment industry.

Some of the biggest acts from Malawi, such as the Nyau King Tay Grin, Phyzix, Che Kalonda, Lulu among others would be headlining the Southern African launch of BridgeAfric.

Other dignitaries expected to grace the event include Trace Representatives, representative of Live Nation in France, Ace Video Directors, 50 cents Producer and a lot more music business executives and international artists from around Africa.

Veteran music producer and entrepreneur Taps Bandawe will also be part of the speakers at the event while award-winning television personality Priscilla Kayira Nsane will be the moderator, as DJ Neptune will be on the decks.

 

 

AFRIMA President speaks on fostering collaboration within African music community as BridgeAfric launches in Malawi

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