Connect with us

Entertainment

Grand Winners Emerge in the Shalina Young Talents Awards Season 3

Published

on

 

National grand winners have emerged in this year’s Shalina Young Talents Awards (SYTA) organized by Shalina Healthcare, a leading pharmaceutical company in Nigeria.

 

They emerged after a keenly contested competition amongst the final year pharmacy students in universities across Nigeria.

The grand event took place in Lagos recently at the Radisson Hotel, where Ms Zakariya Farida of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Kaduna State, Oyenyi Adedoyin Emmanuel of University of Lagos, Idi- Araba, Lagos State and Ms Okafor Cynthia Chidera of University of Ibadan, Oyo State emerged the Grand Winner, 1st Runner up and 2nd Runner Up respectively.

 

According to the Vice President & Head – West Africa Shalina Healthcare, Arun Raj, the Shalina Young Talents Awards (SYTA) “is a Value-Added Initiative designed to bring the best out of pharmacy students in Nigeria”.

 

“This pharmacy contest tagged ‘The Quest for the Best Pharmacy Brains in Nigeria’ began in August with Zonal Championship Contests. The zonal winners who emerged from the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria competed for the coveted crown at the grand final where the national winners emerged. In this process, we had put in place, the right resources and appropriate structure to ensure that the best brains in the Nigerian universities emerged in the exercise”, Arun said.

 

Speaking in the same regard, Folorunso Alaran, the Head of Corporate Marketing said, “the contest had indeed lived up to its aim and objectives”.

 

He stated, “this is the 3rd edition of the academic contest and had been an improvement from the past editions. From zonal levels where great numbers of students participated to the grand final where the zonal champions slugged it out among themselves, it had been a battle of wits, excellence, and ideas. Eventually the national winner had emerged, endorsed by our respected panel of judges made up of Deans of the Faculties of Pharmacy, thus by many standards is the current best pharmacy student in Nigeria”.

 

Speaking about her experience in the competition, the grand winner, who was visibly elated at the event, Ms Zakariya Farida of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria said the contest had given her the opportunity to study more and had also spurred her to double her efforts to ensure that she remained focus.

 

Thanking the organizers of the academic contest, Farida said “Shalina Healthcare must be well acknowledged for their contribution to the development of the pharmaceutical industry in Nigeria and most especially in creating competitive platform for pharmacy students to drive best standards in pharmacy study through the Shalina Young Talents Award (SYTA)”.

The event witnessed a roll call of top Pharmacy professionals and personalities led by the Special Guest of Honour and the #1 Pharmacist and President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Prof Cyril Odianose Usifo, and the National Secretary – Pharm Gbenga Falabi. The rollcall also includes Pharm Ken Onuegbu, National Chairman of the NAIP; Pharm. Adewale Oladigbolu, National Chairman of the ACPN; Pharm. Olabode Ajayi Ogunjemiyo, National Chairman of the AHAPN; Dr Ezekiel Olugbenga Akinkunmi, National Chairman of the NAPA; Pharm Folasade Lawal, the MD/CEO Victory Drugs representing the National Chairman of CPAN; Pharm (Chief) Yetunde Moroundiya, Vice Chairman Board of Fellows representing the National Chairman of the ALPS.

In attendance were also Pharm Gbolagade Iyiola, Chairman of Lagos State PSN, and his Vice Pharm Babayemi Oyekunle; Pharm Shakirat Adeosun, DPS Primary Healthcare Board Lagos State; Pharm Paul Owolabi, Vice Chairman ACPN Lagos; Dr Arinola Joda, Chairman NAPA Lagos; Pharm Hafusat Adesina, Chairman ALPS Lagos. Pharm Layi Ogidan, representing the Registrar of the PCN; Pharm Mrs Olufunke Awopegba, MD/CEO Funket Pharmacy Ltd; Pharm Mrs Olaide Soetan, MD/CEO NHC Pharmacy Ltd; Pharm Tunde Oyeniran, President of SocPharmSMN, and many more who had graced the occasion with their presence.

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

Continue Reading
Advertisement

Entertainment

May 11th : Fuji Star, Adekunle Marckenson Stages An All White London Welcome Back Party

Published

on

May 11th : Fuji Star, Adekunle Marckenson Stages An All White London Welcome Back Party

The most epic celebration of the year is coming as Dr. Kunle Marckenson returns to Nigeria after a successful Tours in London! De Crown Music International And Yommyright Entertainment International, in conjunction with Arems Entertainment, are thrilled to present his homecoming party and a vibrant welcome dance party.

 

Dr. Kunle Marckenson spent over two months in London, from January 23rd to March 29th, 2025, and he is now back in Nigeria, ready to share his experiences and announce his forthcoming album.

 

Join us on Sunday, May 11th, 2025, at 2pm prompt, at The City Pulse Lounge, beside Blue Roof Television in Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos State, for an unforgettable experience. The all-white dress code party will feature an incredible lineup of artistes, including K-Shanana, Okiki Bright, Queen Tosin Eniba, Harmony Opee Gaji, Alhaji Sikiru Lemon, Amb. Abiodun Ejire Patira and Shola Melody, all sharing the stage with the guest of honor, Dr. Kunle Marckenson. The party will go all night, with great music and dancing.

 

This welcome dance party is a celebration of Dr. Kunle Marckenson’s successful UK tours and a chance for him to connect with his fans and share his experiences. With their combined talents, this party promises to be an electric celebration of music and good times. You’ll be surrounded by friends, family, and fellow music lovers, all united in their love for great music and good times. So mark your calendars for May 11th and get ready to party like never before. Don’t miss out on the ultimate welcome dance party of the year. See you there!

 

This event is proudly supported by FUMAN & top media partners like ARIYA 24/7 TV, City Pulse TV, Ghaj-Bash, OJUTOLE TV, Aroye TV, Owutu TV, Event Diaries & Lifestyle, Alore TV, Sahara Weekly & Others.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher’s Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Published

on

ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher's Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher’s Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

LAGOS, Nigeria — The 17th edition of the prestigious Headies Awards held on Sunday, April 27, 2025, may have celebrated Nigeria’s biggest music stars, but the night also marked a special turning point for a fast-rising name in the industry: Harcher.

ENTERTAINMENT: A Star is Born: Harcher's Stunning 2025 Headies Appearance Leaves Fans Amazed

By Ibrahim Kegbegbe

Although he was not among this year’s official nominees, Harcher, signed under Bullion Records, stole a significant slice of the spotlight with his charismatic red carpet appearance — thrilling fans both at the venue and those watching from home.

The Headies, hosted by Nollywood’s darling Nancy Isime, delivered a night packed with electrifying performances, emotional tributes, and major wins for stars like Chike, Rema, and the late Mohbad. However, when Harcher stepped onto the red carpet and caught the attention of popular media personality Enioluwa Adeoluwa, it ignited a wave of excitement that would ripple beyond the event hall.

Dressed sharply and exuding confidence, Harcher spoke passionately about his dreams during a heartfelt interview with Enioluwa.

“I’ve always dreamed of collaborating with legends like Wizkid, Davido, Olamide, and Burna Boy,” Harcher said, flashing a humble yet hopeful smile as cameras clicked and fans cheered.

He also took a moment to praise the Headies organizers for their role in promoting Nigerian music globally.
“The Headies have done so much for Nigerian entertainment,” Harcher said. “It’s amazing to see how our music is now celebrated all over the world because of platforms like this.”

In that moment, fans at home couldn’t contain their excitement — many took quick screenshots of Harcher’s TV appearance, proudly sharing the images across social media with captions like, “Our star is next!” Those present at the venue also seized the opportunity, swarming around Harcher for photographs after his interview, capturing memories with an artist they believe is destined for greatness.

Bullion Records’ Brightest Prospect

Harcher’s journey with Bullion Records has been marked by steady growth, blending Afrobeat rhythms with the grit of Hip-hop to craft relatable, energetic anthems that resonate with Nigeria’s youth. With every release, he has gained momentum — and Sunday night proved that the industry is beginning to take notice too.

Bullion Records, known for nurturing new talents, has high hopes for Harcher, a sentiment echoed by fans who flooded the label’s hotline — the popular “Bullion Records Hot Number” — with congratulatory messages after the red carpet interview aired.

“This is just the beginning for Harcher,” a Bullion Records fan club member said during a live Twitter Space. “Today he’s being interviewed among legends, tomorrow he’ll be winning awards right on that same stage!”

The Power of the Headies Next Rated Dream

The Headies’ Next Rated category has historically been a launching pad for future megastars like Wizkid (2011), Davido (2012), Rema (2019), and Tems (2021). While the 2025 Next Rated Award went to Odumodublvck, fans are already tipping Harcher as a front-runner for future editions.

Winning Next Rated not only brings industry recognition but also car prizes, endorsements, and international exposure — a reward that many believe is within Harcher’s reach sooner than later.

A Night of Celebration for Music

The Headies 2025 celebrated outstanding talent across Africa. Chike’s ‘Egwu’ featuring the late Mohbad was a major winner, scooping the Viewers’ Choice Award and Best Music Video. Rema’s ‘Heis’ bagged Album of the Year, while Tems won Best Recording of the Year with “Burning.” Special recognition awards went to influential figures like Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Alex Okosi, and Amaju Pinnick.

Even with all these major wins, Harcher’s simple presence, filled with passion and gratitude, managed to capture hearts — a testimony to his growing influence.

Looking Ahead

As the lights dimmed at the Energy Centre where the Headies was held, and fans filed out into the Lagos night, one thing was clear: Harcher’s time is coming. His fans — the ones who screenshotted him from their living rooms and those who took selfies with him live at the event — will be the ones to proudly say, “We saw it first.”

The 2025 Headies may have officially crowned its winners, but for Harcher and his ever-growing fanbase, it was the night a new star officially stepped into the spotlight.

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Laffmattazz: The frills and thrills in Ibadan (Photos)

Published

on

Laffmattazz: The frills and thrills in Ibadan (Photos)

 

The Easter Sunday edition of Laffmattazz with Gbenga Adeyinka and Friends themed ‘About Time’ may have come and gone, but not without leaving an indelible experience in the minds of attendees at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan.

Laffmattazz once again lived up to expectations, not just with a repertoire of top-notch performances from comedians and musicians, it offered a lot of giveaways and fun-filled experiences that cannot be forgotten in a hurry.

Gbenga Adeyinka, the Grand Comedian of the Federal Republic (GCFR) opened the epoch-making event with an electrifying ‘Dorime’ dance in the company of Kiekie.

This was followed by back-to-back performances from Peter ‘Mr P’ Okoye, one half of the famous P-Square group, Terry Akpala, Babatunmise, Keanzo, Omobaba No.1, Kenny Blaq, Taichi, Rapin Dady, Kiekie, Baba Alariya, Kamo State and Mr Escom, the rave of the moment and ‘pitipiti’ master.

Others included Stylo, Creative Tobi, Gbenga Laughter Castle, General Olak, Dr. Spencer, Parkage, Dr. Arotele, Pretty Fola and Pretty Arike, while DJ Secxy and DJ Mass showed their dexterity with monster hit mixes.

Also adding spice and glamour to the event were Sola Sobowale, Kunle Afolayan, Seun Soyinka, Toyosi Adesanya, the Oyin Adejobis, Lalude, FIRS top staff and top staff of 14 radio stations in Ibadan to mention a few.

It was indeed a night of complete entertainment as attendees engaged in a lot of games, winning prizes worth millions of naira in the process.

The fans participated in the Ibadan Yoruba challenge, dance competition, and there was a haircut segment on stage sponsored by HAIRSENSE Salon, who also gave out 10 clippers, while Bonike Bakery gave out many loaves of bread.

The Alhaji Razak Okoya owned Eleganza was not left out, giving out a lot of coolers, as there was plenty to drink, courtesy of Bigi.

 

Laffmattazz: The frills and thrills in Ibadan (Photos)

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending