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News_Naija
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News_Naija
Peter Obi, Abaribe, Others In Attendance As Obi Cubana Celebrates 50th Birthday
~1.7 mins read
The city of Abuja was awash with glamour, music, and high society sparkle as popular socialite and businessman, Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, marked his 50th birthday in an unforgettable and spectacular celebration. The event, which took place at the prestigious Transcorp Hilton Hotel, on Saturday night, was nothing short of historic. Streets around the venue were packed as guests poured in from all corners of the country and abroad to honor one of Africa’s most celebrated businessmen and cultural icons. From political heavyweights to entertainment megastars, the guest list was a who’s who of Nigerian excellence. Leading the dignitaries was the 2023 Labour Party Presidential Candidate and a former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, who shared warm words about Obi Cubana’s inspirational journey and enduring legacy. He was joined by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Senator Chris Ngige, a former Deputy Speaker Emeka Ihedioha, Senator Dino Melaye, and other key figures in politics, governance, and business. The entertainment world also came out in full force. Global Afrobeats sensation flavour delivered an electrifying performance that had guests on their feet. He was joined by other acts highlife performances, and music mogul, Paul Okoye PAUL O, who all lit up the night with electrifying sets and heartfelt tributes to the celebrant. On the celebrity front, the red carpet dazzled with appearances from award-winning actress Ini Edo, style icon Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Nollywood royalty Kanayo O. Kanayo, reality TV stars Mercy Eke and Tacha Akide, as well as comedian Okey Bakkassi and skit maker Broda Shaggi. The atmosphere was buzzed with excitement as fashion, music, business, and tradition blended seamlessly under one roof. Obi Cubana, a man whose journey from modest beginnings to the pinnacle of African entrepreneurship has captivated millions, was visibly moved by the outpouring of love. In his heartfelt address, Obi Cubana expressed gratitude to his family, friends, and loyal supporters for walking the journey with him, while reaffirming his commitment to youth empowerment, cultural promotion, and national development. Widely regarded as a symbol of the Nigerian dream, Chief Iyiegbu has built an empire spanning hospitality, nightlife, real estate, technology, and investment. Through his Cubana Group, he has empowered countless youths, redefined nightlife in Africa, and become a respected voice in business and philanthropy. The 50th birthday celebration was not just an event—it was a national spectacle, a gathering of greatness, and a testament to a legacy that continues to grow.
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GambiaUpdates
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GambiaUpdates
National Research Bill, Research Regulatory Framework Draft Reviewed
~3.0 mins read
The Event Was Held On Saturday At The Recent Retreat Held At Tendaba Camp In The Lower River Region, Brought Together Members Of The Ministry’s Senior Management Team And The Research Technical Working Group From Various Relevant Institutions.
The Event Accord Participants The Opportunity To Critically Review And Refine The Draft National Research Bill And Aforementioned Frameworks So As To Foster Greater Coordination, Regulation, And Synergy Within The Gambia’s National Research Landscape.
Addressing The Opening Ceremony, Prof. Pierre Gomez, Minister For Higher Education, Research, Science And Technology, Described The Initiative As Timely And Significance.
He Revealed That 60 Years Since The Gambia Gained Independence, This Is The First Time The Country Is Having An Existing Unified National Research Bill And A Comprehensive National Research Regulatory And Ethical Frameworks.
These Two-documents, Prof. Gomez Added, Are Essential For The Development Of A Robust And Well-regulated Research Environment In The Country.
Highlighting On The Innovative Prospects For The Gambia, Minister Gomez Pointed Out That The Instruments Have The Potential To Place The Gambia Among The Leading Nations In West Africa With Established Research Governance Structures.
“The Research Instruments Will Provide Governance Oversight, Regulation, And Guidelines In The Conduct Of All Types Of Research Including Medical, Social, And Scientific Researches, While Enhancing And Complementing Existing Institutional Research Frameworks In The Gambia.”
He Said That The Draft National Research Bill, For Instance, Will Promote A Coordinated Approach To Research Governance And Ensures That All Institutional Research Practices Align With National Standards, Thereby Creating A Harmonized And Efficient Research Ecosystem Across The Country.
He Thus Applauded The Stakeholders For Their Continued Support In The Development Of These Vital Documents, Which He Said, Mark A Significant Step In Strengthening Research Governance, Providing Regulation, And Enhancing Research Excellence In The Gambia.
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GambiaUpdates
Health Ministry, Partners Validate Draft National Mental Health Policy
~5.2 mins read
It Would Be Recalled That The Last Mental Health Policy Was Validated In 2007 And Became Outdated. Since Then, Significant Strides Have Been Made In Understanding Mental Health Needs And This Updated Policy Reflects Current Challenges, Evidenced-based Practices And Commitment To Equitable And Integrated Mental Healthcare.
Welcoming The Gathering, Manjarra Marega, Programme Manager NMHP At The Ministry, Recalled That 17 Years Since The 2007 Policy, The Country Stands At A Cross Juncture, Armed With Lessons Learn And Determined To Do Better.
The 2007 Policy, She Said, Made An Important Ground Work But That Implementation Showed There Exists Some Critical Gaps.
These Gaps, She Went On, Includes Limited Mental Health Were Materialized, But That Mental Health Services Are Largely Centralized Leaving Regions Such As North Bank Region, East, West And Central River Region On The South.
She Also Talked About Chronic Under Funding With Less Than 2 Percent Of The Health Budget Allocated To Mental Health, Saying Engaging Communities To Reduce Stigma Lacks Sustained Community Engagement.
This New Policy, She Added, Aims To Implement Result That Would Have Positive Impact On Gambians, With Plans To Revitalize The Country’s Community Mental Health Services To Reach Wider Communities.
Giving An Insight Into The Development Of This New Draft Document, Gibril Jarjue, Director Of Planning And Information At The Ministry, Revealed That The Development Of This New Mental Health Draft Has Been Guided By A Structured And An Inclusive Process Ensuring That The Policy Is Both Evidenced-based And Responsive To The Needs Of The People Of The Gambia.
“Central To This Process Has Been The Mental Health Investment Case Which Will Be Launched Soon. This Investment Case Provides A Strong Foundation For Policy Decision By Outlining The Economy And Social Benefits Of Investing In Mental Health Services.”
This Case, He Added, DPL Director Added, Highlights The Long-term Value Of Strengthening Mental Health Infrastructure, Increasing Services Accessible And Promoting The Overall Wellbeing Of People And Communities.
Dr. Fatoumatta Dibba, Deputy Director Of Health Services, Acknowledged That Mental Health Issues Is A Collective Business Of All As The Disease Is Such That ‘we Are All Affected In One Way Or The Other.’
She Described The New Draft Policy As ‘timely And Consultative’ In View Of The Fact That This To Have A Policy That Will Guide As A Country At This Stage Is Crucial.
Dr. Dibba Expressed Delight That All The Stakeholders Are Consulted In The Drafting Of This New Document, Adding That Now The Policy Has Been Drafted And The Team And Stakeholders Gathered To Look At It Again Is Indeed Great.
She While Calling On Development Partners To Support Them So As To Make It A Reality Amid The Current Global Financial Shocks.
Amadou Camara, Chairman Of The National Assembly Select Committee On Health, Underscored The Importance Of The Event, Further Commending Officials For Making The Process Of Drafting This Draft Report A ‘consultative One.’
He Spoke Of The Committee’s Resolve To Continue Supporting The Ministry In Delivering Health Care To Gambians.
Armand Gnahore, Deputy Representative Of UNICEF In The Gambia, On Behalf Of UNICEF Expressed Gratitude To The Ministry For Their Unwavering Commitment To Improving Mental Health Care In The Country.
“As We All Know Mental Health Is A Cornerstone Of The Overall Wellbeing And Its Importance Cannot Be Overstated. Therefore, The Review And Validation Of This National Mental Health Policy Marks A Significant Milestone In Our Collective Efforts To Ensure That Every Individual Especially Children To Have Access To Mental Support They Need.”
He Disclosed That UNICEF Has Been Privilege To Provide Financial And Technical Support Through The Project, Acknowledging That This Is Possible Thanks To The Good And Strong Collaboration And Partnership With The Ministry.
Gnahore Observed That Children And Adolescent Are Particularly Vulnerable To Mental Health Challenges, Adding That They Are Faced With Unique Pressure That Could Impact Their Mental Wellbeing.
In His Opening Statement, Dr. Yusupha Touray, Permanent Secretary One At The Ministry, Reiterated That Mental Health Problem Is A Collective Burden On All And Called On All To Start Taking It Seriously.
The Move, He Added, Represents ‘our Collective Commitment’ To Build A Nation Where Mental Health Is Prioritize, Stigma Is Eradicated And Compassionate Care Is Made Accessible To All.
To This End, He On Behalf Of The Ministry Extends Gratitude To The UNICEF For The Invaluable Financial And Technical Support, Which He Said, Has Been Instrumental In Bringing This Critical Policy To Fruition Today.
This Partnership, He Added, Also Underscores Their Shared Vision For A Health And More Inclusive Future For All.
PS Touray Also Spoke Of Government’s Resolve To Support Mental Health Issues In The Country As Demonstrated In The Development Of The New Mental Health Bill To Replace The Obsolete Lunatic Detention Act, A 1917 Colonial Document.
This, He Added, Also Include Integration And Highlighting Mental Health Into The Recovery Focused National Development Plan And The Health Sector Strategy Plan As Well As The Establishment Of Mental Health Units In Major Health Facilities To Bridge Existing Gaps, Among A Host Of Others.
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News_Naija
Eedris Abdulkareems Anti-Tinubu Song Gains Streams As Soyinka Slams NBC
~2.2 mins read
Veteran Nigerian rapper Eedris Abdulkareem’s protest track, “Tell Your Papa,” has recorded a remarkable milestone despite being banned by the National Broadcasting Commission. The song, which criticises President Bola Tinubu’s administration, has gathered the attention of several Nigerians and has been making waves on social media. According to the statistics on YouTube, ‘Tell Your Papa’ has 22,754 views on YouTube with 1,200 likes and the video numbers have since skyrocketed to 82,138 views and 2,600 likes, on YouTube too, indicating a surge in popularity amid the controversy. On Spotify, the song has also reached a notable milestone with over 30,116 streams, indicating that Nigerians are still streaming the song despite the ban. The NBC sparked criticism after it banned “Tell Your Papa” from airplay on April 10. The commission cited a breach of broadcasting code, but, Eedris Abdulkareem responded by condemning the government for suppressing dissent and constructive criticism. He likened the ban to the censorship of his iconic hit “Jaga Jaga” in 2004, accusing the current administration of being “insensitive and vindictive”. Abdulkareem took to Instagram to express his views on the ban, stating, “It’s obvious that in Nigeria, truth and constructive criticism is always deemed a big crime by the government.” The ban was also faulted by the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria, which predicted that the ban would be counterproductive and make people want to stream it more. Similarly, in a statement on Sunday, Nobel laureate Professor Wole Soyinka also condemned the NBC over the ban, describing it as a return to the culture of censorship and a threat to the right to free expression. In a statement issued from New York University, Abu Dhabi, on Sunday, Soyinka criticised the action and its wider implications, saying it echoed past attempts to stifle artistic and socio-political commentary in Nigeria. He expressed irony in suggesting that the ban did not go far enough, stating, “It is not only the allegedly offensive record that should be banned – the musician himself should be proscribed. Next, PMAN, or whatever musical association of which Abdulkareem is a member, should also go under the hammer.” The literary icon warned that such censorship was not only counterproductive but also dangerous to democratic development. Soyinka urged the relevant regulatory body to reverse what he described as a “petulant irrationality,” warning that any government that only tolerates praise-singers has already commenced a downhill slide into the abyss.” Soyinka noted that he had not listened to the banned song but stressed that the issue transcends content and concerns a fundamental democratic principle. “The ban is a boost to the artist’s nest egg, thanks to free governmental promotion. Mr. Abdulkareem must be currently warbling his merry way all the way to the bank. I envy him,” he added. Some fans have also reacted to the ban on the song. A fan on YouTube, Sheggzyunited, wrote, “Naija government, this is 2025, for goodness sake. There is no single lie in the song.” Asa Anthony also wrote, “They were too quick to ban it because the message was well passed. We mount on streaming platforms and social media.” A user on Instagram, directorjoelmatt, said, “Our government don’t like the truth.”
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