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5 tips for those planning to travel to the East this Christmas by road

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igbos-travelling

Natives of Eastern Nigeria who live outside their region are always keen about the Christmas season as it is the one time they travel back home to observe several ceremonies and reconnect with their extended families. They almost always embark on their journey home by road via luxurious buses and shuttles, and due to increase in the number of vehicles heading east, travellers almost always have to deal with traffic jams and gridlocks.

Usually, travelers heading in the south-east direction from the Asaba end get the first taste of the traffic at the Onitsha head bridge before the main course within town where commercial activities add to make the traffic even more frustrating. Seeing as Christmas is here again, and almost every Igbo indigene has plans to visit home, there is bound to be serious traffic gridlock. But not to worry, Jumia Travel, Africa’s No.1 online hotel booking site has a few tips and ideas to help alleviate the stress.

Set out early

The early bird gets the fattest worms. If you are determined to beat the Onitsha traffic or at least cut out a lot of it during your journey. You should make plans to wake up super early so as to leave in time. If you are travelling from Lagos and commuting via public transport companies such as God is Good Motors or Chisco, endeavor to catch up with the first bus which leaves at about 6am. However, if you are setting out on your own, you can actually set out as early as 5am, depending on where you are setting out from. You however need to be vigilant so as not to fall victim to robbery or mugging.

Fill your stomach.

Hunger has a way of intensifying stress and making you angry even in situations where you would be angry on a normal day.  Keeping your stomach filled helps you stay focused on the traffic ahead, keeps you alert, and less stressed; and makes the traffic much more bearable. Luckily there are hawkers who parade the aisles of the traffic with tasty delights, you can patronize them or you can pack your own food before you set out for the journey. For those who have tiny stomachs and cannot afford to indulge in food, popcorn is a life saver. Eating one kernel at a time occupies your mind while the carbs calm you down.

Listen to soothing Music

Music is food for the soul and everyone has their kind of music, the one that calms and soothes their nerves in times of stress of difficulties. Before you set out on your journey, ensure you stock up on CDs and MP3s. Make sure you diversify the genre as there is no telling what mood you will be in when the gridlock sets in. You might find out that singing along to loud banging music might work better for the stress than slow music. Singing does not only get your mind off the traffic, it also changes your breathing pattern, which in turn lowers stress levels by slowing the heart rate and calming the nervous system. If you are however not a fan of any kind of music, you  can simple go for an audio book or a podcast.

Go with Public Transport

Most people prefer to travel in their own private cars, however, it may not be the best option to deal with Onitsha traffic, especially if you intend to get to your destination as soon as feasible. The public transport systems have options that offer maximum comfort similar to that which you get from your own car. Sitting in the car and having someone else struggle through the traffic give you the opportunity to leverage your time focusing on tasks that provide utility or pleasure to your life as a whole. Again, these public transport drivers are aware of certain short cuts and routes (unknown to regular commuters) that help them escape some areas of traffic.

Relax

Saying that the Onitsha traffic is exasperating and infuriating is an understatement. However, if you try to force your way through traffic and carry an aggressive style you will end up stressing yourself even more. When you find yourself at the point of frustration and anger, rather than banging on the wheel, making faces, muttering hateful curses under your breath, try to take a deep breath, as deep inhalation has a way of lowering stress levels, making it easier to deal with the gridlock.

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Buratai Lauded by Top African Literature Scholar for Honouring Ekwensi

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Buratai Lauded by Top African Literature Scholar for Honouring Ekwensi

 

The posthumous conferment of the inaugural T.Y. Buratai Literary Initiative (TYBLI) Young Adult Literature Award on legendary Nigerian author Cyprian O.D. Ekwensi has drawn international acclaim. One of Africa’s most renowned literary scholars, Prof. Ernest N. Emenyonu, described it as a “historic honour” and a vindication of Ekwensi’s enduring legacy. In a personal letter to Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (Rtd), Chairman of the TYBLI and the Tukur & Tukur Foundation, Prof. Emenyonu, emeritus Professor of Africana Studies at the University of Michigan-Flint and Editor of the globally recognised African Literature Today, expressed profound gratitude for the initiative. He praised the recognition of Ekwensi as a timely intervention that will inspire a renewed appreciation of Young Adult Literature (YAL) in Nigeria.

If Cyprian Ekwensi were alive today, he would cherish this award as his most indisputably merited recognition as a Nigerian writer,” Emenyonu stated. “This award is a clear and firm vindication of his pioneering contributions to Young Adult Literature in Nigeria.”

The professor, who has written two seminal books on Ekwensi—Cyprian Ekwensi (1974) and The Essential Ekwensi (1987)—revealed that he is currently editing the late author’s unpublished autobiography, which Ekwensi had entrusted to him shortly before his death in 2007.

“This award has added enormous inspiration and momentum to my work on his autobiography,” Emenyonu noted. Responding with appreciation, Lt. Gen. Buratai (Rtd) expressed humility and joy at the commendation, reiterating his commitment to celebrating icons of Nigerian literature. He said the TYBLI Award aims to highlight and reward authors who have shaped the nation’s literary landscape, particularly in the realm of youth literature. In his letter, Buratai affirmed: “Your words of praise and acknowledgment of the significance of the award in the global literary community encourage the efforts of the Initiative… I look forward to the publication of Ekwensi’s autobiography.” The TYBLI Award, created to honour authors of Young Adult Literature in Nigeria, was launched to elevate the genre’s status and promote literacy among younger generations. Cyprian Ekwensi was recognized as the inaugural recipient in November 2024, cementing his place in Nigeria’s literary hall of fame and energized ongoing efforts to immortalize his work for future generations. Prof. Emenyonu concluded his letter with heartfelt thanks, writing: “Personally, too, the award has added enormous inspiration and momentum to my work now on his autobiography. Thank you, thank you, thank you!” This transatlantic literary exchange marks a historic moment in Nigerian cultural recognition, uniting past and present champions of literature through honour, memory, and continued scholarship.

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Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends: The About Time Tour Coming to the UK in August 2025

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Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends: The About Time Tour Coming to the UK in August 2025

Laffmattazz, the electrifying comedy experience that has captured the hearts of audiences across Nigeria, is excited to announce its upcoming UK tour, “The About Time Tour,” featuring the renowned Gbenga Adeyinka and a lineup of four heavyweight comedians. This highly anticipated tour will take place in August 2025, bringing laughter and entertainment to cities across the UK.

Laffmattazz has become a household name in Nigeria, known for its unique blend of comedy, music, and performance. The live shows have consistently sold out, enchanting audiences with their captivating humor and vibrant atmosphere. The About Time Tour promises to deliver an unforgettable experience to UK audiences, showcasing the best of Nigerian comedy.

The tour will kick off in:

– Cambridge: August 22, 2025
– Nottingham: August 23, 2025
– London: August 25, 2025
– Manchester: August 29, 2025

In addition, we are thrilled to announce that SB Live Band will be joining us for two of the cities, adding an extra layer of excitement to the performances.

We are currently in discussions with additional promoters to expand our reach to more cities throughout the UK, ensuring that as many fans as possible can enjoy this spectacular show.

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this incredible tour! Tickets will be available soon, and we encourage everyone to stay tuned for further announcements.

For media inquiries, please contact:

– M-One Events: +44 7787 427862
– DNC Promotions: +44 7412 368190
– First Events: +234 7030011111
– Kinshow Promotions: +44 7877 587857
– oluBADAN: +44 7706 655327

 

About Laffmattazz:
Laffmattazz is a premier comedy platform in Nigeria that brings together top comedians for an extraordinary entertainment experience. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka, Laffmattazz has consistently provided laughter and joy to audiences through its innovative shows and events.

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“#NatashaLied: Senator Akpoti’s Defenders Accidentally Confirm Ties With Sandra Duru Despite Public Denial”

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"#NatashaLied: Senator Akpoti's Defenders Accidentally Confirm Ties With Sandra Duru Despite Public Denial”

#NatashaLied: Senator Akpoti’s Defenders Accidentally Confirm Ties With Sandra Duru Despite Public Denial”

ABUJA, NIGERIA — A spiraling scandal is engulfing Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan as her own media allies appear to have unintentionally exposed the truth she publicly denied — that she indeed held private conversations with US-based activist Dr. Sandra Duru.

The controversy erupted after Onyekachi Francis, a vocal online supporter of the senator, admitted during a live session with journalist Adeola Fayehun that she had received voice recordings and scripts from Natasha’s camp — materials that detail private conversations between the senator and Dr. Duru.

This comes in direct contradiction to Senator Natasha’s earlier categorical denial of ever knowing or speaking with Dr. Duru. In a Facebook post last week, the senator dismissed the activist as an “attention-seeker” who fabricated claims, including allegations of a falsified sexual harassment narrative involving Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

However, Onyekachi’s remarks have now unraveled that version of events.

“She [Natasha] said she was happy Sandra was supporting her,” the influencer disclosed during the live broadcast. “She never mentioned bringing down any Yoruba government or attacking Oby Ezekwesili in the audios I was sent.”

The comments, meant to deflect accusations against the senator, have instead triggered a political firestorm — confirming to critics that Natasha did indeed communicate with Sandra, despite her public denials.

Even more damaging, the influencer revealed she had been asked to voice over a script from Natasha’s team to discredit Sandra but chose to edit out defamatory sections and avoided using her own voice to avoid legal consequences.

This public relations misstep has set social media ablaze. Within hours, hashtags like #NatashaLied and #Lietasha began trending on X (formerly Twitter), with users accusing the senator of lying to the Nigerian public and attempting to manipulate the narrative through media proxies.

“If Natasha said she never knew Sandra, how come her defenders are confirming that her team sent them personal audios and political scripts?” asked one outraged analyst. “This goes beyond PR damage — this is a serious credibility crisis.”

Meanwhile, Dr. Sandra Duru has maintained her stance, claiming to possess original recordings, call logs, and text messages that support her story. According to her, the senator shared sensitive political plans and personal trauma, including alleged harassment by high-ranking officials.

With the situation spiraling, pressure is mounting on the National Assembly and relevant agencies to launch an independent forensic investigation into the recordings and claims of perjury or misrepresentation.

As of press time, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and her media team have refused to respond to multiple inquiries seeking clarification.

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