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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.

“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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Ayra Starr’s Mother Sparks Buzz with Confession About Her Mystery Crush

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Ayra Starr’s Mother Sparks Buzz with Confession About Her Mystery Crush

Ayra Starr’s Mother Sparks Buzz with Confession About Her Mystery Crush

 

The mother of Nigerian Afrobeat sensation Ayra Starr has sent social media into a frenzy with a playful revelation about having a crush on someone who, humorously, calls her “mummy.” In a video that quickly went viral, she expressed her excitement about the possibility of meeting her crush at Ayra Starr’s upcoming show on Christmas Day.

Ayra Starr’s Mother Sparks Buzz with Confession About Her Mystery Crush

Captioning the video, Ayra Starr’s mother wrote: “Wahala, my crush is calling me mummy. Anyways, we will meet at Ayra’s show on the 25th.” Her candid and lighthearted confession immediately captivated fans, sparking a wave of speculation about the identity of her mystery crush.

Many have taken to social media to guess the individual who has captured Ayra Starr’s mother’s affections. A popular theory among fans is that the crush might be none other than Don Jazzy, the renowned Nigerian music mogul and the boss of Ayra Starr’s record label, Mavin Records. However, Ayra’s mother kept the identity of her crush under wraps, leaving fans to wonder and eagerly anticipate any clues that might surface.

As the excitement for Ayra Starr’s Christmas Day show builds, fans are eagerly awaiting the event, with many now watching closely to see if Ayra’s mother’s cheeky prediction about meeting her crush will indeed come true.

Stay tuned for updates and watch the video below as the mystery continues to unfold!

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A post shared by The Tattle Room 🇳🇬 🌎 (@thetattleroomng)

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Tiwa Savage Reveals Divorce Struggles: “It Made Me Depressed and Turned Me Into the ‘African Bad Girl'”

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Tiwa Savage Reveals Divorce Struggles: "It Made Me Depressed and Turned Me Into the 'African Bad Girl'"

Tiwa Savage Reveals Divorce Struggles: “It Made Me Depressed and Turned Me Into the ‘African Bad Girl'”

 

Nigerian music sensation Tiwa Savage has opened up about her turbulent divorce from Tunji “TeeBillz” Balogun, sharing deeply personal insights about the emotional toll it took on her life and career.

Tiwa Savage Reveals Divorce Struggles: "It Made Me Depressed and Turned Me Into the 'African Bad Girl'"

Speaking candidly on The Receipts Podcast, the 44-year-old Afrobeat star reflected on the heartbreak of her 2018 separation, which she revealed was exacerbated by her struggles with postpartum depression and public backlash.

“I Was Nigeria’s Sweetheart”
Tiwa described how her rise to fame was met with widespread admiration, as she followed what she called the “perfect path” of societal expectations.

“When I started, I was Nigeria’s sweetheart. I could do no wrong. I went to university, got married, had a baby — everything by the book. But then everything came crashing down, and I became the target of criticism,” she said.

The separation, which TeeBillz announced online, marked a turning point in Tiwa’s life. Despite not initiating the breakup, she recalled being vilified in the media and by the public.

“I Was Told I’d Never Win”

Tiwa revealed how the overwhelming criticism pushed her into a dark place. “At the time, my baby was just a few months old, and I was already dealing with postpartum depression. My body wasn’t the same, and I was depressed. But instead of support, people attacked me,” she shared.

After attempting to tell her side of the story in a public interview, she faced even more backlash.

“People said, ‘How dare you go and talk? You’re a woman, and you’re supposed to hold the home together.’ Famous people called to tell me I’d never win, and it was my fault because I was a woman. It was heartbreaking,” Tiwa recounted.

 

Reinvention as the “African Bad Girl”
The constant criticism and emotional pain led Tiwa to transform her image and embrace a bolder persona.

“It made me depressed for so long, but it also made me angry. I thought to myself, ‘If I did everything right and still got attacked, why should I bother?’ That’s when I became the ‘African Bad Girl,’” she said.

Tiwa explained how she began to rebel against societal norms, opting for tattoos, shorter skirts, and bikinis. “I was just wild. It was my way of coping and reclaiming control of my life after being judged for so long,” she added.

Despite the challenges, Tiwa’s resilience and reinvention have made her an enduring icon in the global music scene, solidifying her place as a trailblazer in African entertainment.

The revelations highlight not only the personal cost of fame but also the cultural pressures that women in the spotlight often endure. Through it all, Tiwa continues to inspire, proving that reinvention is a powerful tool for survival and success.

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Aliu Gafar delivers stellar performance as Esusu in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors

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*Aliu Gafar delivers stellar performance as Esusu in Femi Adebayo’s Seven Doors*

By Rtn. Victor Ojelabi

 

The much-anticipated movie series Seven Doors by Femi Adebayo has finally premiered, currently showing on Netflix, captivating audiences with its intricate storytelling and compelling characters.

The movie begins with a haunting scene of seven women under a mysterious spell leaping to their deaths from a waterfall, setting the tone for a gripping tale that unravels in Ilara Kingdom.

The series explores various societal issues, including corruption, greed, gluttony, family values, malicious conspiracies, and the delicate balance of law and order.

Central to its plot is the calamitous fate of Oba Adedunjoye, the Onilara of Ilara, whose failure to perform traditional rites—symbolised by knocking on seven doors—unleashes devastating consequences on his kingdom.

At the heart of this chaos is Esusu, a malevolent and exiled villain whose return wreaks havoc.

Esusu, a ni ohun t’Eledumare o ni.
Eledumare o ni ika, ika ni Esusu

The character of Esusu, pivotal to the story’s depth, is masterfully brought to life by Aliu Gafar.

Gafar’s first appearance, late in Episode 2, immediately shifts the narrative, introducing a chilling force that spares no one, not even the royal family. His commanding portrayal encapsulates the essence of Esusu, a man whose wickedness defies comprehension.

The backstory reveals Esusu’s sinister pact with Ọba Adejuwọn, an ancestor of Adedunjoye.

Desperation led Adejuwon to seek Esusu’s help to evade death—a move that came at an unthinkable cost, forgetting that bi alọ ba lọ, abọ nbọ (a pendulum that swings to is still coming to swing fro).

Esusu’s return demanded not only royal treatment but the freedom to live as he pleased, challenging the very fabric of the kingdom.

Gafar embodies this complex character with remarkable precision, delivering a performance that is both chilling and unforgettable.

With almost two decades in Nollywood, Aliu Gafar has solidified his reputation as a versatile and dedicated actor.

His extensive filmography includes acclaimed productions such as Jagun Jagun, Anikulapo, Iyalode, Eefin, and Omo Ajele.

His role in Seven Doors further cements his legacy as a master of his craft, showcasing his ability to seamlessly portray multifaceted characters.

The Yoruba actor has also garnered accolades for his work, including the Best Actor award at the Dallas International Yoruba Movies Awards for his role in Peregun.

His commitment to the industry and his talent for captivating performances continue to make him a force to be reckoned with in Nollywood.

In Seven Doors, Gafar’s nuanced performance as Esusu elevates the series, demonstrating his ability to command attention and bring depth to a complex narrative.

His contribution to the Nigerian film industry remains invaluable, and his portrayal of Esusu is a testament to his enduring excellence.

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