Business

Meet the 21-year old beauty Queen who gave free funfair, free education aid to over 300 children (PHOTOS)

Published

10 years ago

June 23, 2016

Queen Oluwabunmi Juliet Falaye (Miss Ambassador for Peace South West 2015/2016) had a free funfair for about 300 children at LTV8, Agidingbi, Lagos on 28th of May; 2016.

Read her interview below with one of our correspondents.

**Interviewer**: Hello Queen!!! Let’s meet you.

Queen Juliet: I’m Queen Oluwabunmi Juliet Falaye; Miss Ambassador for Peace South West 2015/2016. I’m a graduate of Redeemer’s University. I studied Economics. I’m into modelling and events management.

**Interviewer**: Interesting!!! You are pretty young. I mean you are just 21 years, and you are done with school and I understand you served last year. How did you do it?

**Queen Juliet**: (smiles) My education was quite fast. I gained admission into the university at age 15 and graduated at age 19.

**Interviewer**: Wow!!! While contesting during the pageant, what were your fears? Did you see yourself as a winner already?

**Queen Juliet**: I really had no fears. Infact, our youth pastor told me it wasn’t possible for 8 winners to emerge without me being among them. I also trusted God so much.

**Interviewer**: Tell me. Who is your role model?
**Queen Juliet**: I have several role models. My mum comes first. My second role model is Iyabo Ojo. She inspires me a lot. She’s a very wonderful and humble lady.

**Interviewer**: I understand you hosted about 300 children for the funfair. How did you come up with the funds? From the pictures I’m seeing, it looked really big.

**Queen Juliet**: By God’s grace, I had sponsors. I had people that wanted to encourage me. My church pastor, Rev Tony Akinyemi supported me with some money. I also got financial support from Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, Otunba Henry Ajomale (Lagos state APC Chairman), Mr Gerald Azonobo, Senator Anthony Adefuye, Dr. Eyimofe Atake (SAN), and even His Excellency, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos state governor). LTV General Manager (Dr. Deji Balogun) gave me The Blueroof to use for free. Honeywell supported me with some of their products. Pearson Nigeria also supported me with some educative materials.

**Interviewer**: Wow! Wow!! Wow!!! That’s amazing. You are really going places. Glad our leaders are encouraging vibrant youths like you. I’m really impressed. Do you have any other project to execute before the end of your reign?

**Queen Juliet**: Sure, I do. I have a peace education campaign to carry out. I also have an entrepreneurship programme coming up in August. The final project is a secret.

**Interviewer**: Hmmmm.. I see. Interesting! So what’s next after your reign?

**Queen Juliet**: After my reign, I’ll focus on my career (events management). I’m working on it now, so that once I hand over, I’ll kick off.

**Interviewer**: Nice. Let me get personal with you. What’s your boyfriend/ fiancé’s reaction to you being a beauty queen? Because I’m sure you will have a lot of guys crushing on you and stuffs like that. Also, how do you handle advances from all these men you write to for sponsorship?

**Queen Juliet**: First of all, I don’t have a boyfriend. Secondly, everything is just God’s grace. And most times, I go with my elder brother.

**Interviewer**: Wow! You mean you don’t have a boyfriend. Let me quickly tell my brother I have found a bride for him (both laughs). So why don’t you have a boyfriend?

**Queen Juliet**: (laughs). Nothing really.
**Interviewer**: Hmmm. Okay. What are the challenges you have been facing since you emerged as Miss Ambassador for Peace South West?

**Queen Juliet**: My major challenge is the issue of mobility. I don’t have a car. Sometimes, I have to enter cabs and buses for my appointments. I even had a minor accident in a napep few months ago, while going for an appointment (shows the scar). I have tried writing to some automobile company owners, but no response. Another issue is funding. Initially, I had about ten projects in mind. But as a result of inadequate funds, I had to rule out some. But challenges actually make me stronger.

**Interviewer**: Aww www. Really sorry about that.
**Queen Juliet**: Thanks.
**Interviewer**: So tell me, what support has the Peace Ambassador Agency given to you?

**Queen Juliet**: The platform the agency has given to me is more than enough. The CEO of the agency, Ambassador Kingsley Amafibe has been of great help. He encourages me and keeps me going. His wife, Mrs Mimi Amafibe is also a mother to me.

**Interviewer**: I believe there are some people you want to appreciate. Can you do that here?

**Queen Juliet**: Sure!!! I want to say a very big thank you to God Almighty for seeing me through, for His mercies and grace. I also want to appreciate my parents (Mrs Tina Falaye and Mr Rotimi Ibitoye) for their support and encouragement. Big big thank you to my siblings (Feranmi, Femi, Seyi, Victoria and mercy) and my wonderful aunties (Aunty Dupe Ibitoye, Aunty Folusho Joseph, Aunty Ebele Ukegbu and Aunty Chioma Obiefuna). Thanks for your encouragement all through. My sincere appreciation goes to Mrs Ugochi Nwankwo, for bringing the pupils of her school for the funfair. God bless you ma.

My sincere gratitude goes to my sponsors, Mr Deji Balogun (General Manager of LTV), Mr Muhtar Bakare and Mr Gbade Dawodu (Pearson Nigeria), Rev Tony Akinyemi (senior pastor of The Shepherd’s Flock International Church), Dr Biodun Shobanjo (CEO of Troyka Holdings), Otunba Henry Ajomale (Lagos state APC Chairman), Mr Gerald Azonobo (CEO of Billionaire Luxuria), Mr Francis Chilaka (Project Director of KUTH Foundation), Senator Anthony Adefuye of Shomolu LGA, Dr Eyimofe Atake (SAN) and Mr. Kamal Olowoshago.

I also want to say a very big thank you to the executive governor of Lagos state, His Excellency, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, for giving me listening ears and also for his moral and financial support.

My appreciation will be incomplete without mentioning my team members (Miss Adaeze Maduakolam and Mr Ikenna Igboanugo). Thanks a lot for your efforts and support towards making my project a success. Heartfelt gratitude to the members of TSF church, Mr Peter Ajakaiye, Mr Shola Karokatose and Mr Damola Oludara for their encouragement and support. A very big thank you to Saint Oshos for his moral support, Mr Layi Osoba and Miss Prisca Ohue, for all their efforts before, during and after the project.

Finally, I want to appreciate two icons in the Nigerian entertainment industry; Mrs Iyabo Ojo, for her moral support and encouragement. She inspires me so much. She’s truly a mother and a rare gem. Secondly, Mr Uti Nwachkwu, for encouraging me to contest in the pageant. I was almost giving up, and he told me his experience during the BBA show. Thanks a lot sir.

**Interviewer**: Wow! There are several people that put in a lot to make your project a success. Okay!!! Thank you very much Queen Juliet for your time. Nice meeting you.

**Queen Juliet**: (smiles) My pleasure!!!

Business

WFA APPOINTS GLOBAL BRAND EXECUTIVES TO EXPANDED LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

Published

2 days ago

April 21, 2026

Sahara Weekly

WFA APPOINTS GLOBAL BRAND EXECUTIVES TO EXPANDED LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

STOCKHOLM — The World Federation of Advertisers (WFA) has announced the appointment of senior executives from leading global brands to its Executive Committee, in a move aimed at strengthening its global influence and industry coordination.

The appointments were unveiled during the WFA Global Marketer Week held in Stockholm.

The new members, drawn from top multinational corporations, include executives from Driscoll’s, Haleon, IKEA and Nissan. They join an already influential body comprising marketing and corporate affairs leaders from major companies such as Best Buy, Danone, Diageo, Grab, Kenvue and Tata Group.

Also joining the Executive Committee are representatives of key advertiser bodies, including Josh Faulks, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Association of National Advertisers; Simon Michaelides, Director General of the Incorporated Society of British Advertisers; and O’tega Ogra, Vice President of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria and Senior Special Assistant to the President of Nigeria on Digital Communications, Engagement and New Media Strategy.

WFA President David Wheldon and Deputy President Philip Myers of Ferrero will continue in their roles, alongside all regional vice presidents.

The newly appointed members are:

Jiunn Shih, Global Chief Marketing Officer, Driscoll’s

Silas-Lewis Meilus, Global Head of Media Operations, Haleon

Joel Renkema, Global Head of Insights, IKEA

José Román, Corporate Executive, Global Sales and Marketing, Nissan

Josh Faulks, CEO, AANA

Simon Michaelides, Director General, ISBA

O’tega Ogra, Vice President, ADVAN

Industry observers say the expanded committee reflects WFA’s commitment to deeper global collaboration and stronger representation across regions and sectors within the marketing and advertising ecosystem.

Business

FORENSIC INVESTIGATION REVEALS FABRICATED X ACCOUNT TARGETING INEC CHAIRMAN – CPS

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

Sahara Weekly

FORENSIC INVESTIGATION REVEALS FABRICATED X ACCOUNT TARGETING INEC CHAIRMAN – CPS

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Adedayo Oketola, has said that a purported X (formerly Twitter) account attributed to the Commission’s Chairman, Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, is fake and part of a coordinated disinformation campaign.

In a public statement issued on Monday in Abuja, Mr. Oketola disclosed that a comprehensive, multi-layered forensic investigation conducted by independent cybersecurity experts has conclusively established that the INEC Chairman does not operate any personal X account.

He said, “The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) , committed to a full forensic investigation, commissioned an independent forensic cybersecurity expert, who conducted a multi-layered forensic and digital investigation using X platform data, internet archive records, OSINT tools, identity forensics and cross-platform analysis.”

Oketola stressed that all posts, replies, and screenshots linking him to the handle @joashamupitan are fraudulent, forensically unverifiable, and technically impossible.

The controversy began on April 10, 2026, when viral social media posts alleged that the Chairman made a partisan comment — “Victory is sure” — in response to another user, supported by screenshots and purported digital records.

However, the CPS said the forensic investigation uncovered clear evidence of fabrication and impersonation, highlighting the following key findings:

· No Digital Linkage: There is no connection between the disputed X account and Prof. Amupitan’s verified email addresses or phone numbers, as multiple recovery and verification attempts failed to establish any link.

· False BVN/OPay Claims: Data used to suggest ownership of the account only confirms identity and does not establish control of any social media handle, making such claims a logical fallacy.

· Timestamp Manipulation: The alleged reply “Victory is sure” was posted 13 minutes before the original tweet it responded to—an occurrence that is technically impossible and definitive proof of fabrication.

· No Historical Record: Searches on the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine showed zero evidence of the account or its alleged activity prior to April 2026.

· Non-Existence on X Platform: Live checks confirmed that the alleged reply does not exist and has never existed on the platform.

· Account Renaming Pattern: On the same day the screenshots went viral, the account was renamed @sundayvibe00, set to private, and labelled a “parody account,” indicating deliberate impersonation and damage control.

· Coordinated Multi-Platform Impersonation: At least seven fake accounts across Facebook and Instagram using the Chairman’s identity were identified, pointing to a sustained disinformation effort.

“The forensic evidence is comprehensive, multi-sourced, and unambiguous. The posts attributed to Prof. Joash Ojo Amupitan on X are fabricated. The account is a clear case of impersonation,” Mr. Oketola said.

Quoting one of the independent investigators, he described the development as “a coordinated digital impersonation and disinformation campaign,” warning that advances in artificial intelligence had made it easier to fabricate misleading content.

He urged the public to avoid sharing unverified information, noting that “the fact that content goes viral does not make it authentic,” and called on media organisations to prioritise accuracy over speed.

Mr. Oketola said the independent forensic report had been referred to the law enforcement agencies for necessary action. He also appealed to law enforcement agencies to investigate the origin of the fake account and prosecute those responsible under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act.

He said, “Media organisations, in particular, have a duty to apply strict forensic verification standards to social media posts and screenshots before publishing them, especially when such content implicates public officials or carries serious consequences for public trust and institutional credibility. Accuracy, not speed, must guide reporting in matters of this nature.”

He reiterated that all official communications from INEC are disseminated exclusively through its verified platforms, including its website (www.inecnigeria.org), verified X account (@inecnigeria), official Facebook page, online news portal (www.inecnews.com), formal press statements from its headquarters in Abuja, and official media briefings. Any account purporting to represent the INEC Chairman in a personal capacity, he said, should be treated as fraudulent unless formally verified by the Commission.

Business

How FirstBank is investing in Its People and Building Future Leaders

Published

3 days ago

April 20, 2026

Sahara Weekly

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

How FirstBank is investing in Its People and Building Future Leaders

For an average 9-5er, having a job isn’t enough. You want a career that grows with you, gives you stability, and opens doors to bigger opportunities. People everywhere are looking for workplaces that don’t just pay salaries but actually invest in their staff, helping them learn, lead, and succeed.

That’s exactly what FirstBank is doing. The Bank is building a future where every employee has the opportunity to grow, lead, and thrive. Through its human capital management and development agenda, FirstBank is creating numerous pathways for staff to transform their careers and become tomorrow’s leaders.

Conversion Programme: Turning Opportunities Into Careers

Needless to say that there is no desire for the 9-5er to remain in a temporary role when they can secure a full-time career. With FirstBank’s Conversion Programme, eligible non-core employees who have served for at least one year can transition into permanent positions. This initiative ensures that hardworking staff are rewarded with stability, growth, and the chance to contribute more meaningfully to the Bank’s success.

Leadership Programmes: Grooming the Next Generation

FirstBank has designed three flagship programmes to identify and nurture high-potential talents:

FirstBank Management Associate Programme (FMAP): A 24-month fast-track initiative that grooms future middle managers. Upon completion, participants are promoted to Assistant Manager grade, regardless of their previous grade.
Leadership Acceleration Programme (LAP): Focused on preparing internal middle-management talents for leadership responsibilities, ensuring the Bank’s succession pipeline remains strong.
Senior Management Development Programme (SMDP): A programme for senior managers who are proven leaders in their functions and critical to the Bank’s succession plan.

These programmes are not just training—they are career accelerators, designed to put staff on the fast lane to leadership.

FirstAcademy: Learning With Global Standards

Backing these initiatives is FirstAcademy, FirstBank’s corporate university, accredited by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN).

Staff also benefit from partnerships with institutions like Rome Business School and Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), gaining access to world-class training—often at discounted rates

A Workplace That Values People

FirstBank’s parent company, First HoldCo PLC, was named second in the Best Workplaces in Financial Services in Nigeria. The Bank remains firmly committed to responsible employment practices, ensuring that all colleagues are treated with dignity, fairness, and respect.

The Future Is Human

With these initiatives, FirstBank is showing that its greatest investment is its people. By empowering staff through various growth opportunities, the Bank is not just building a workforce, it is cultivating leaders who will shape the future of banking in Nigeria and beyond.