INSTANT NEWS

The Audrey Silva firm (TASC), a renowned production company co-owned by actress Rita Dominic and film director Mildred Okwo, is set to take the reins of the Miss Nigeria pageant, ending Folio Communications' 16-year management of the competition. Rita Dominic expressed her enthusiasm, stating that the Miss Nigeria Pageant stands as a true embodiment of the unity within Nigeria, empowering young women from diverse socioeconomic, racial, and religious backgrounds. Her husband, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, has led the brand impressively for the past 16 years and is now collaborating with TASC, enabling Rita to spearhead the pageant with her extensive 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry.

Rita Dominic emphasized her readiness to lead the Miss Nigeria pageant after years of learning from her husband and others. As someone deeply immersed in the entertainment sector as a film producer, she believes she possesses the requisite skills and knowledge. Fidelis Anosike, in recognition of the remarkable history of Miss Nigeria and the impending 93rd birthday of Chief Atinuke Oyelude, the first Miss Nigeria, expressed his conviction that Rita Dominic will raise the bar for the pageant, making Nigeria proud. With an inspiring vision of transforming the Miss Nigeria platform into a trust dedicated to empowering young Nigerian women, the Audrey Silva firm joins the Miss Nigeria 1957 alliance, poised to elevate the legendary pageant's status alongside Rita Dominic and Mildred Okwo.

In a recent development, Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has called upon the state's Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries to embrace an inclusive approach when it comes to the workforce. During the swearing-in ceremony of nine newly-appointed Permanent Secretaries into the state's civil service, Governor Buni stressed the importance of providing each employee with a clear schedule of responsibilities that justifies their employment.

Governor Buni highlighted the administration's recent recruitment effort, which brought over 2,600 degree graduates, diploma holders, and NCE holders into the state civil service. This influx of talent was aimed at enhancing productivity within the workforce.

"I charge the office of the Head of Service and the Permanent Secretaries to promote a schedule of responsibilities, giving every worker a specific duty to validate their employment and the resources allocated as wages to civil servants," Governor Buni asserted.

This directive, he explained, serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it ensures that every member of the workforce feels a sense of belonging and involvement, reducing instances of idleness and absenteeism, thereby boosting vibrancy and productivity. Secondly, it safeguards the prudent use of resources.

Governor Buni extended his advice to the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries, urging them to be collaborative team players. He emphasized the need for harmonious working relationships with their respective commissioners, directors, and other staff members across ministries and departments. The aim is to collectively achieve set targets and deliver maximum results.

In his concluding remarks, Governor Buni called upon the newly sworn-in Permanent Secretaries to demonstrate unwavering loyalty, dedication, and diligence in their roles to serve the state of Yobe effectively.

The individuals who were sworn in as Permanent Secretaries are Alhaji Modu, Umar Aji Suleiman, Abdulmumin Mamman, Tsoho Rabiu Garba, and Sani Mohammed Sama’ila. Additionally, Zainab Mohammed Ago, Yusuf Hassan Yusuf, Bukar Aji Bukar, and Baba Kachallah Geidam have also assumed their roles in various ministries, departments, and agencies across the state. This move reflects the commitment of the Yobe State government to strengthening its civil service for the benefit of its citizens.

It is with deep sadness and profound gratitude that we inform you about the passing of Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun, the Patriarch and Founder of FCMB (First City Monument Bank). Otunba Balogun, also known as The Olori Omo Oba Akile Ijebu and Asiwaju of Ijebu Christians, peacefully departed from this world on Thursday, May 18, 2023, at the age of 89. He passed away in London, United Kingdom, surrounded by his loving family, after a brief illness.

While we grieve the loss of this remarkable individual, we are immensely grateful for the rich and purposeful life he led. Otunba Balogun leaves behind a legacy of hard work, entrepreneurship, excellence, resilience, courage, faith, style, discipline, and unwavering commitment to God, church, family, community, philanthropy, and Nigeria. His life serves as an inspiration for us all to follow.

During this difficult time, we have found solace in the overwhelming outpouring of love, sympathy, and kind words we have received. We appreciate your heartfelt expressions of warmth and condolences. To provide an opportunity for those who wish to pay their respects, condolence registers will be available from Monday, May 22, 2023, starting at 11 am. You can find these registers at his residences in Lagos and Ijebu Ode, as well as the following offices:

FCMB:

FCMB Group Headquarters, 44 Marina, Lagos.

Primrose Tower, 17A Tinubu Street, Lagos.

Founders Place, 2 Sanusi Fafunwa Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

First City Plaza, 252 Herbert Macaulay Way, Central Business District, Abuja.

Chapel Hill Denham:

10 Bankole Oki Street, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Additionally, an online condolence register is available at www.olasubomibalogun.com.

We will share further details regarding the Celebration of his Life in due course. In the meantime, we humbly ask for your prayers and support. May God grant Otunba Michael Olasubomi Balogun eternal rest.

Bolaji & Jide Balogun

On behalf of the family. 

In a recent interview with ABC News, Nigerian singer Ahmed Oloade, popularly known as Asake, revealed that poverty led him to consider a career in music. Although he originally started as a dancer, he found that dancing couldn't provide him with enough money to support himself. As a result, he turned to singing, which ultimately led him to his successful music career.

Asake, who is 24 years old, explained that his parents played classical music when he was growing up, which helped him develop an interest in singing. His father was particularly passionate about music, often starting his day with a cigarette and loud music. Asake said that his exposure to music, combined with his dancing skills, led him to explore a career in music.

Initially, Asake only wanted to be a dancer. He loved the feeling of dancing and everything that came with it. However, as he began to think about his financial future, he realized that dancing alone might not provide him with the money he needed to support himself. This realization led him to add singing to his repertoire, which ultimately led to his success as a musician.

Asake's story is a testament to the power of following your passions, even when it may not seem like the most practical choice. By combining his love of dancing with singing and music, he was able to create a career that not only fulfilled him creatively but also provided him with the financial stability he needed.