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I started writing stories since age 7 – Nollywood actress, Chineye Okwudili

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Nollywood actress and achiever, Chinenye Okwudili Balogun may not be known to many but her accomplishments speak volume as a lady with the Midas touch and an individual blessed to make a difference in her world. Imagine at a tender age in 2005, she emerged as the Teenager of the Year with her novel titled, LONELY HEART. While in the High School she was adjudged the best actress in all drama competitions and at that time she had established a drama club, the STARS.

Not too long after her secondary education, she began to feature in big television dramas and soap operas. Even as a married woman, Neye, as she is fondly called has continued to do what she knows how to do best. She sits atop a production company called TFC Productions based in Orlando, Florida, USA. The company is now set to storm the Nollywood with a world-class movie, ‘All the Right Reasons’ in April. According to the budding actress cum producer, ‘My journey into the creative industry started from my early years in life when I was seven years old. Then, I would gather my siblings and tell them folklores, most of which I created. Soon, it grew to including other children in the neighbourhood to hear my stories. As I got into the high school, from my JSS 1, I began to write and compile my stories and distribute them to classmates and friends who cared to read. I wrote numerous poems while in school and won several awards. I was a very active member in the drama department and ultimately represented the school in various competitions. I graduated from the high school winning awards as the best actress.

While in SSS2, I wrote a novel titled ‘Lonely Hearts,’ the novel got me the ’Teenager of The Year 2005’ award, organized by the Teens Resource Centre in Lagos state. I can recall that was published in major Nigerian newspapers. Later, I moved from school and club dramas to my first TV soap, ‘Arrested Intelligence.’” Chinenye, who hails from of Ideato North local Government in Imo state was born in Jos but spent the better part of her childhood in Lagos with her parent said while in the University of Jos studying Law, she featured in her first big screen film, SITANDA sponsored by Amstel Box Office. ‘’ Combining all I was doing with my academics wasn’t easy, I remember shooting the Soap Opera Tinsel while I was writing my 400 Level Law exams. I would write a paper in the morning, catch the next bus to Lagos in the afternoon, do my scenes for the day, and get on the next bus back to Ibadan while reading for my examinations. I was fulfilling my dreams, making a living for myself and ultimately keeping up a high GPA’ she enthused.

While in school I met my husband when he came to visit one of the students he assisted, he tried to give me a ride with his flashy Mercedes-Benz G55 AMG, but I refused his allures, he parked his jeep and started walking with me from the school gate all the way to my department which is quite a long distance. Little did I know he was soon to become the father of my beautiful princess. After my tertiary education, I relocated to join my husband in the US, where I decided to further my studies in Keiser University Florida and then went ahead to open a film production company, TFC PRODUCTIONS LIMITED, which was incorporated in July 2015 in Orlando, Florida, and recently completed the production of my first film “All the Right Reasons,” which would be hitting the cinemas soon.

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

*PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

 

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

 

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

 

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

 

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

 

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

 

Thank you.

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

 

 

 

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

 

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

 

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

 

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

 

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

 

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

 

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

 

 

About Laffmattazz

 

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

 

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

 

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.

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MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

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FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers  

MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

 

 

 

Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million.

 

 

 

Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive.

 

 

 

FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum, with a loan amount of up to ₦100 million and a repayment period of up to 20 years. This is perfect for salaried individuals, including Nigerians in the diaspora, looking to purchase homes in approved locations.

 

The MREIF loan stands out with its lower interest rate, higher loan amount, and flexible equity contribution as low as 10%. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable homeownership.

 

 

 

You are one quick decision away from being a landlord.

 

 

 

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home, FirstBank’s MREIF Home Loan is the smartest route to owning property in Nigeria today. Visit the FirstBank website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ to get started.

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