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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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What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

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What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

 

Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade, born on January 1, 1989, in Ebute Metta, Lagos, is an accomplished Nigerian actor, producer, and filmmaker with a deep passion for Yoruba cinema. Originally from Abeokuta, Ogun State, he is the first child in his family. Sholagbade began his education at Kadara Primary School and continued at Sojomen Talabi High School, Akute, and Nawairudeen Secondary School, Ebute Metta. He later earned an Ordinary Narional Diploma in Business Administration from the Lagos State Polytechnic. Pursuing his passion for acting, he trained at Odunfa Caucus, where he graduated in 2010.

Sholagbade launched his acting career in 2005, making a name for himself in Yoruba-language films. His portfolio includes roles in popular films like Olowo Ghetto, Alaimo, Ebun Mi, Esi, Gold and Treasure, Liam, Emilomo Babaolowo, Oko Aunty Mi, Broken Bond (Tude), and Last Born. In addition to acting, he has also produced several films, further cementing his influence in the industry.

Beyond the entertainment world, Sholagbade is a versatile professional with experience in railway engineering, IT support, and site management in the UK. He is also a farmer and general merchant, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and diverse skill set.

Throughout his career, Sholagbade has collaborated with top figures in Yoruba cinema, such as Yinka Quadri, Taiwo “Ogogo” Hassan, Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, Odun Adekola, Oga Bello, Baba Wande, Jide Kosoko, Funsho Adeolu, Fathia William Balogun, Saidi Balogun, Wunmi Toriola, and Mide Martins.

Sholagbade’s hobbies include traveling, business, football, filmmaking, and meeting new people, reflecting his dynamic and outgoing personality.

Sholagbade’s talent and dedication to his craft have earned him numerous accolades, including: Best Actor Yoruba – BON Awards, 2024, Best Supporting Actor– Afro Nollywood Awards, UK, 2019, Best Supporting Actor– Heritage Awards, Atlanta, USA, Best Supporting Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards, Best New Actor of the Year (Yoruba) – City People Movie Awards.

With his achievements and versatility, Mustapha Ololade Sholagbade remains a notable force in the Nigerian film industry and a proud ambassador of Yoruba cinema worldwide.

What You Need To Know About Award-Winning Nigerian Actor, Mustapha Sholagbade

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World Famous to Sanwo-Olu: save upcoming artists from drug peddlers in promoter skin

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World Famous to Sanwo-Olu: save upcoming artists from drug peddlers in promoter skin

 

 

 

 

Sahara Weekly Reports That The fast-rising artiste in Nigeria entertainment world, Ayomide Olamide also known as World Famous, on Sunday hang out with friends and fans to further establish unity. The ‘Meh Meh Meh’ crooner who is making a great wave on his social media handles dropped a message for his music lovers explaining why he chose to hang out with them.

 

 

World Famous to Sanwo-Olu: save upcoming artists from drug peddlers in promoter skin

 

 

The event which took place at CareerMega Bar in Alagbado area of Lagos State had World Famous, captivate his audience with hit songs to further established friendship chain amongst his friends and lovers both home and abroad.

 

 

 

According to Famous, the show is more than just music but an idea to focus on setting an interactive session among his counterparts and also to play games as means of relaxation.

 

 

 

‘I have a dream that one day, the government will create room for upcoming artists so that they won’t cross the line of drug peddlers in promoter’s skin.

 

 

 

According to Prince Christopher Gold, C.E.O, Life compass travel & Tours, who had earlier facilitated famous tour to Ghana in 2022, made it his duty to draw a large crowd, personalities, socialites, celebrities and influencers to the event and also promised to make it annual event which will also showcase and further add to the vibrant ambiance of many upcoming artistes.

 

 

 

 

World Famous, who is also known as Akeweje Quibla , a famous Afro hippo artist is also promise to share the lyrics of his new hit with his lovers and new found admirers on his social media handles just to blend them in his upcoming video shoot in other to give a long lasting impression on his new admirers which will further establish their bond.

 

 

” Meh Meh Meh, his latest track is still making waves.

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Nollywood Actress Omolara Kasali Honored at Nigerian Canadian Celebrities Entertainment Awards

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Nollywood Actress Omolara Kasali Honored at Nigerian Canadian Celebrities Entertainment Awards

 

Mississauga-Centre Member of Provincial Parliament (MPP), Natalia Kusendova-Bashta, has extended her heartfelt congratulations to Nollywood actress Omolara Kasali Dada, who received a Special Recognition Award at the 7th edition of the Nigerian Canadian Celebrities Entertainment Awards. The prestigious event was held on Saturday, October 26, 2024, at the Royal King Event Center in Etobicoke, Canada.

In her congratulatory message, MPP Kusendova-Bashta expressed her admiration for Dada’s significant contributions to promoting Nigerian culture and entertainment in Canada and beyond. “It is my pleasure to congratulate Omolara Kasali Dada for being awarded the Special Recognition Award,” she wrote. “I am honored to recognize Omolara for her outstanding contributions to the preservation and enrichment of Nigerian cultural heritage.”

The annual awards ceremony celebrates individuals who have made a meaningful impact on the community by promoting and preserving Nigerian culture. Kusendova-Bashta praised Omolara’s role in strengthening cultural ties between Canada and Nigeria and enriching Canada’s multicultural landscape. She added, “Dedicated individuals like Omolara ensure that our rich heritage continues to thrive for generations to come.”

The event celebrated prominent figures who have played a vital role in preserving Nigerian traditions and enhancing cultural pride. The award to Omolara Kasali Dada stands as a testament to her dedication and influence within the Nigerian-Canadian community.

Natalia Kusendova-Bashta extended her best wishes for a memorable and inspiring celebration, highlighting the importance of cultural recognition events in building a diverse and unified community.

 

Nollywood Actress Omolara Kasali Honored at Nigerian Canadian Celebrities Entertainment Awards

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