Entertainment
NEC 10th Edition: UBA Foundation Calls for Entries, Introduces Digital Submission Portal for Students
…Increases prize money by over 33%
UBA Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has today commenced the 2020 edition of its annual National Essay Competition in Nigeria with a call for entries.
Now in its tenth year, the National Essay Competition (NEC) is part of UBA Foundation’s education initiative which is aimed at promoting the reading culture and encouraging healthy and intellectual competition amongst secondary school students in Nigeria and across Africa.
This year’s edition, which is the 10th since inception, has been modified to ensure ease of access and increased participation of senior secondary school students from the comfort of their homes through the introduction of a digital submission portal.
Taking into consideration the effects the Covid-19 pandemic has had on lives and incomes across board, the UBA Foundation has also increased the prize money for the 2020 edition of the NEC by 33 per cent as the first prize winner will get an educational grant of N2.5m, up from N2m in 2019. The second and third prize winners will now receive N2m and N1.5m educational grants respectively, from N1.5m and N1m which were awarded in the previous year’s competition.
The Chief Executive Officer, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta stated that with the newly introduced digital submission portal, more students in secondary schools across the country will have the opportunity to scan and send in their entries and compete to win educational grants for study at any university of their choice on the African continent.
She said, “As a Foundation, which is the CSR arm of the United Bank for Africa – a fully digitalised bank, we are driven by the mantra to always innovate and adapt to our constantly changing environment. This year, we thought hard about how to ease the pains that everyone is feeling. Students have not been able to go to school and there has been a lot of anxiety in families trying to ensure that educational gaps do not emerge. It is imperative for us at the UBA Foundation that our impact programmes do not wane. We also need to design them to be as inclusive as possible so that those students who don’t have easy access to computers can still participate in the competition with a chance to win grants towards their tertiary edification.’
Atta explained that the choice of topic for this year’s edition is one that helps promote creative and analytical thinking in students whilst helping them become problem solvers. The essay topic selected is “Do you think that the lock – down during the Covid-19 pandemic was an essential measure in spite of the hardship it has brought economically? What would you have done differently and why?”
All entrants are to hand write their essays and upload scanned copies of their handwritten entries as well as ID on the digital portal at www.ubagroup.com/national-essay-competitionbefore October 2,2020. They may also drop off the handwritten essays at their nearest UBA business office for onward submission to the UBA Foundation.
The judges who are made up of esteemed professors from reputable Nigerian Universitieswill receive all the essays on a digital drive, evaluate them and select the top 12 finalists all of who will take home consolation prizes including personal computers.
The finale of the NEC this year will be conducted virtually as the initiative rolls out across 19 more countries in Africa.
UBA Foundation embodies the UBA Group’s CSR objectives and seeks to impact positively on societies through several laudable projects and initiatives. The Foundation has donated hundreds of thousands of books to students across Africa under the ‘Read Africa’ initiative aimed at encouraging and promoting the reading culture in African youths.
Students can apply for the National Essay Competition 2020 at: www.ubagroup.com/national-essay-competition;
Comedian IGOSAVE lavishes over £10,000 pounds Popping Bottles Of Champagne in London
Legendary comedian Igosave who has been on a European tour since last month, was recently spotted on a spending spree in London.
According to an eyewitness, the entertainer spent over £10,000 popping premium bottles of champagne, which has got everyone talking.
Entertainment
Africa’s Largest Comedy Show, Laffmattazz, Announces 2025 UK Tour Featuring Gbenga Adeyinka and a Star-Studded Lineup
Africa’s Largest Comedy Show, Laffmattazz, Announces 2025 UK Tour Featuring Gbenga Adeyinka and a Star-Studded Lineup
Nigeria’s premier entertainment brand, Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends, is delighted to unveil its highly anticipated 2025 UK tour as Gbenga Adeyinka lands in London for the shows scheduled to run across six major cities in August.
Headlined by the legendary African comedian Gbenga Adeyinka, the tour promises a spectacular display of comedy, music, and cultural celebration, featuring some of Africa’s most celebrated performers and entertainers.
Gbenga Adeyinka: A Legend of African Comedy:
Hailed as one of the most influential comedians on the continent, Gbenga Adeyinka’s wit, charisma, and comedic mastery have earned him a revered status in African entertainment. His presence ensures an extraordinary experience for all attendees.
A star-studded lineup of performers:
The tour will showcase an impressive lineup of entertainers, including:
- King of Comedy Alibaba
- MC Abbey Da Prof
- MC Larry J
- MC OJB
- Arkbishop
- Aridunnu
- MC Obete 1 of Manchester
- Toastmaster
- Cris Da Enteratainer
- Okikiade
- Bidemi Alaran
- MC Questionnaire
This diverse ensemble guarantees a night filled with side-splitting comedy, captivating performances, and lively music.
The tour is supported by industry leaders, including FIRS, Air Peace, and TMS UK Properties Ltd. The tour underscores their ongoing support of African entertainment and cultural diplomacy.
Tour Schedule & Venues
- Cambridge – August 22, 2025
Venue: Arbury Hall, The Centre, Campkin Road, Cambridge, CB4 2LD
Tickets & Info: 07787427862 | @moneevents
- Nottingham – August 23, 2025
Venue: St Jude Hall, Mapperley, 405 Woodborough Rd, Nottingham, NG3 5HE
Tickets & Info: +44 7706 655327 | @olubadanoneproductions
Oxford – August 24, 2025
Venue: Comies Caribbean Grill, 202A Garsinton Road, Oxford, OX4 6NQ
Tickets & Info: +44 7300 205911 | @dncmusicgroup
- London – August 25, 2025
Venue: Unit 3-4, Blenheim Business Centre, 18-20 Locks Lane, Mitcham, CR4 2JX
Tickets & Info: 07787427862 | @moneevents
-Manchester – August 29, 2025
Venue: 137 Cheetham Road, Manchester, M8 8LY
Tickets & Info: +44 7877 587857 | @kinshowproductions
-Northampton – August 31, 2025
Venue: The Black Diamond, Lower Harding Street, Northampton, NN1 2JL
Tickets & Info: +44 7534 212192 | @SilhouettePromotions, @DACPromotions, @ChristianMent, @IvoryTopazEvents
Entertainment
Fuji Music Star, Abass Obesere Allegedly In Secret Romance With UK-Based Relationship Expert, Yinka TNT
Fuji Music Star, Abass Obesere Allegedly In Secret Romance With UK Based Relationship Expert, Yinka TNT
There’s a hot gossip in town involving an alleged secret romance between star Fuji musician, Abass Akande Obesere and UK based popular talkshow host, Oluyinka Ayanda a.k.a. Yinka TNT.
According to insiders, friends of Obesere are worried about the potential consequences of the alleged secret affair for his marriage; the associated scandal, heartbreak and the impact on his reputation as his wife was already in the know and reportedly spoiling for a showdown.
Sources said the clandestine nature of the saga makes it difficult to know how long their affair has been going on and how often the lovebirds meet or interact.
Speaking on the rumour, an ally of Yinka who didn’t want to be named for confidential reasons, said “it is not impossible”, adding that though it wasn’t a public topic yet.
“A single lady romancing a married man is part of socializing, especially if both of them have always known and supportive of each other,” the source quipped.
Yinka is a single, career woman with kids while Obesere is married. Thus, a close relationship between such high-profile celebrities who interestingly are also showbiz aficionados, is bound to attract intense media attention and public speculation.
Calls made to both Yinka and Obesere to confirm the authenticity of this information went unanswered while text messages sent to their known mobile telephone numbers were not replied as at press time.
_More details in due course…_
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