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What Nigerians must do to defeat COVID-19 By Ezrel Tabiowo

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6 years ago

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World Bank debtors’ list

Barely days to the end of a four-week lockdown declared by President Muhammadu Buhari to stem the spread of the coronavirus disease in Nigeria, I’ve seen a few number of “pots and pan protests” on various social media platforms. 


This left me with some questions, amongst which is why a few Nigerians would choose to protest in the face of a pandemic that has shaken the very foundations of advanced healthcare systems in developed countries of the world. 


I also wondered why some other desperate few felt the need to trend online by politicising the COVID-19 situation through unwarranted criticisms of government initiatives and directives. Could this be due to lack of patriotism from a preference to feed the ego over putting the country first? 


My observation from the videos I’ve seen so far is that those championing this protest are not even hungry and poor. 
The reality on ground is that the poor ones still go about making their daily earnings. Just yesterday morning, my electrician came all the way from the Lugbe axis – a satellite town not far away from the Abuja metropolis – to fix an electrical problem I had in my house. Three days ago, my plumber also came to attend to a plumbing problem in my kitchen. 


Somehow, the poor have been able to find their way around despite the lockdown. At least, I can say this with all certainty about those I know personally with a source of income, but not the unemployed. It, therefore, becomes imperative for the Federal Government and citizens to identify the unemployed so as to ensure that government’s palliative trickles down rightly.  


Where this has not been done properly, those superintending over the local government councils must immediately engage their representatives at the State Houses of Assembly and the National Assembly to ensure that the poor are beneficiaries of the scheme. 


Reverting to my assessment on the impact of the lockdown, it is common knowledge that markets are open to the public, and I can tell you that some businesses have found a way of rendering online services that deliver goods, ranging from electronics supply to furniture at your doorstep. So, what is the protest for, really? 


We are at a time when we need to contain the spread of a disease. So far, those behind this protest are just calling out the government without even coming up with suggestions and proposals needed to address the fear of community spread of the dreaded virus should the lockdown be lifted. To be candid, this reeks of hypocrisy and puts to question the motive behind the protest. 


In any case, I think on another count that this swings both ways. If President Buhari decides to lift the lockdown and we see a significant increase in number of infections and deaths, I can guarantee you that these same persons would be handy to advance another anti-government scheme to discredit the administration. Who knows, they would most probably come up with a ‘head-pan and cement’ protest to denigrate the government over the insufficient number of isolation centres and ventilators in the country. And the condemnation goes on in a vicious cycle that helps no one. 


In my view, this moment of emergency calls for collective cooperation and mutual understanding on the part of citizens and the Federal Government, and not attempts to disrupt the activities or sabotage the efforts of the latter. 


Nobody is finding it easy at this time, including myself, but we must continue to harbour optimism that the decision of the Federal Government to be conveyed in a nationwide broadcast by the President on Monday, would again grant us some weeks of reprieve in the face of the grave danger the world currently faces. 


As it stands, the only available and efficient option in the fight against the pandemic for now is the introduction of a partial lockdown to reduce the rapid spread of the disease, while allowing government time to identify infected persons and isolate them from the population.


To compliment government’s initiatives, let us get on board to propose ways in which the fight against COVID-19 can be made more effective. The Presidential Task Force is there to take note of concerns and observations made by Nigerians, and the National Centre for Disease Control helplines are equally available for this purpose. 


It is my hope that we all make it out of this pandemic without recording high number of deaths, whilst at the same time noting the need to develop our health institutions to sufficiently deal with a reoccurrence in the future.

Ezrel Tabiowo, MBSC, Fsca, wrote this piece from Abuja
April 26, 2020

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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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

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3 days ago

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April 24, 2026

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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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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

Published

4 days ago

on

April 23, 2026

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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

 

 

The current threading in *entertainment* world of speculated society marriage between oganla Fuji, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma with Nollywood icon, and widely acclaimed Queen of the tube jaiyeola Kuti has brought out different opinions amongst the fans and entertainment personnel.

 

What started as a rumour and mirage is gradually turning to reality and some fans are saying it’s not possible for Jaiye Kuti who is one of the scandal free Nollywood actress to be involved in such an unholy union with Pasuma

Most people who spoke with our correspondence, are of opinion that such a marriage can only happen in a mirage sessions and in Nollywood movies that apart Jaiye Kuti been responsible and married with children, Pasuma is someone who have vowed not to married and have a woman under his roof.

But to some also, it’s not impossible as artistes are known to be engaging and married to each other after denied and counter claims, which made and at the end they will go ahead and married . With this most people believe that truly there’s marriage in offspring for both celebrities While both parties refused to comment on the trend controversial issues about the whole issue , the world is anxiously waiting if this well circulated story of Pasuma getting married to Jaiye Kuti will come to pass or it will turn out to be a mirage.

Either way the die is cast as all eyes will be on Jaiye Kuti and Pasuma with searchlight on Nigeria entertainment industry once again

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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6 days ago

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April 21, 2026

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).

 

The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.

 

He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.

 

Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.

 

The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.

 

President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.

 

The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.

 

“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.

 

President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.

 

Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.

 

Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.

 

 

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