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“Tourism And Talent Shine As Ekiti Prepares For Grand Theatre Festival”

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Ekiti State Government has announced that the Ekiti International Theatre Festival, set to take place this week, aims to identify emerging talents and enhance the state’s global image.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to the Festival Director, Prof. Rasaki Bakare, the event is organized as a public-private partnership between the Duke of Somolu Foundation and the state Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, with the goal of using theatre to boost tourism. Speaking at a sensitization program in Ado Ekiti on Monday, Bakare stated that the festival is expected to attract over 50,000 tourists during its inaugural edition, scheduled for August 20 to 25, featuring theatrical performances alongside visits to the state’s tourist sites.

Bakare, a former Commissioner for Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, called on residents to support the festival by attending events and offering warm hospitality. “Bringing this festival to Ekiti is part of our effort to mainstream creative arts into the state’s economy,” he noted.

He added that the festival aims to establish a lasting franchise in Ekiti over the next five years and that all activities and performances are free to the public. The festival’s content has been structured to showcase each of the state’s 16 local government areas, with each LGA presenting theatrical performances. The top four acts will receive prizes, as part of a broader initiative by the Duke of Somolu Foundation to nurture young talents for future opportunities in the creative arts sector.

Bakare explained that the festival will feature three “command performances” celebrating prominent historical figures, including Ladi Kwali, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Chief Moshood Abiola. The plays—Ladi Kwali, Sardauna, and Kashimawo—are written and directed by Prof. Bakare and Prof. Hammed Yerimah, designed to educate young people about Nigerian history and instill moral lessons.

The festival is expected to draw notable traditional rulers, business leaders, artists, and other eminent Nigerians, highlighting Ekiti State as a hub for cultural exchange, economic growth, and tourism.

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AMVCA 2026 Shock: Funke Akindele Misses Out Despite Massive Online Hype

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Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele missed out on the Best Supporting Actress award at the 12th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), losing to her colleague Linda Ejiofor for her performance in The Herd.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that Akindele, despite widespread expectations, left the ceremony without a win even though her film Behind the Scenes received four nominations across major categories.

The movie, which grossed over ₦2 billion at the box office, was nominated for Best Movie, Best Lead Actress, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Supporting Actress.

However, Ejiofor clinched the Best Supporting Actress award in a highly competitive category that included top stars, with Akindele also among the favourites due to strong online buzz surrounding her performance.

Other nominees in the category included Bisola Aiyeola (Gingerrr), Sola Sobowale (The Covenant), Nadia Dutch (Aljana), Amal Umar (The Herd), Juliebrenda Nyambura (MTV Shuga Mashariki), and Olamide Kidbaby (Oversabi Aunty).

Ejiofor’s winning role in The Herd saw her portray the wife of a kidnapped man played by Daniel Etim-Effiong in a socially driven satirical drama focused on insecurity and societal challenges in Nigeria.

Although The Herd had a modest box office performance compared to Behind the Scenes, it gained stronger traction on streaming platforms and secured multiple AMVCA nominations.

Ahead of the awards, Akindele had topped several online prediction polls, but the final decision rested with the AMVCA jury chaired by veteran actress Joke Silva.

In the Best Supporting Actor category, Bucci Franklin emerged winner for his role in To Kill A Monkey, beating nominees including Lateef Adedimeji, Gabriel Afolayan, Femi Adebayo, Femi Branch, Uzor Arukwe, and Simileoluwa Hassan.

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“It Is A Lie” — Lere Olayinka Debunks Claims Of Supreme Court Ruling Against Wike-Backed PDP Faction.

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Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has dismissed reports claiming that the Supreme Court nullified the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) convention held in Abuja on March 29–30, 2026.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports suggest that Olayinka’s reaction follows claims tied to a Certified True Copy (CTC) of a recent Supreme Court judgment in the PDP leadership dispute, which allegedly favoured one faction over the other.

There were also claims that the apex court declared the Abuja convention invalid and upheld the suspension of key figures in the Wike-backed faction, including Senator Samuel Anyanwu and Kamaldeen Ajibade.

However, speaking in an interview with ARISE Television on Saturday, Olayinka insisted that such claims were false, stating that the issue of the March 29 convention was never before the Supreme Court.

He argued that the Supreme Court only dealt with matters that originated from the Court of Appeal, stressing that the apex court cannot rule on issues not presented before it.

Olayinka explained that the case in question concerned the suspension of Samuel Anyanwu, which he said was addressed at the appellate level and affirmed by the Supreme Court.

He further maintained that if a matter or individual was not referenced at the Court of Appeal, it could not suddenly become part of the Supreme Court’s judgment, insisting that claims about the convention being nullified were misleading.

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2027: Seriake Dickson Declares “Everyone Is Free To Contest Any Position” In NDC

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The National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, has stated that all aspirants in the party are free to contest any position in the 2027 elections without restrictions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that Dickson made the remark on Saturday during the party’s first national convention held in Abuja.

He explained that the NDC does not have internal factions like other political parties in the country and is not facing any legal disputes or internal conflicts.

According to him, there is currently no court case or appeal against the party, and all members are at liberty to contest for any leadership position in the 2027 elections.

Dickson also emphasized that the party remains united, stressing that no group or bloc exists within its structure that could create division.

He further maintained that any actions taken in the past that appeared to challenge freedom of association were violations of constitutional rights.

Reaffirming confidence in the party’s future, Dickson said the NDC, despite early opposition, has come to stay and has gained unprecedented public acceptance within a short period.

He claimed that no political party in Nigeria’s history has enjoyed the level of trust and enthusiasm currently being shown toward the NDC.

The former Bayelsa State Governor also stressed the importance of sustaining multiparty democracy in Nigeria, noting that the NDC was formed after concerns that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had been weakened.

He recalled the legal and administrative challenges faced during the party’s registration, which was eventually approved by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) following a court ruling.

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