Nigerian Music Star MohBad Dies at Age 27
MohBad, born Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Alabama, a rising sensation in the Nigerian music scene, has died at the young age of 27. The cause remains undisclosed. As confirmed by his management on social media, MohBad was celebrated for hit singles like “Ponmo,” “Feel Good,” and “Ko Por Ke” and had captivated audiences with his electric live performances. His passing has sent shockwaves throughout Nigeria, prompting a deluge of tributes from both fans and celebrities alike.
The Real Housewives of Lagos: Season Two Premieres on Showmax
On September 29, 2023, The Real Housewives of Lagos will return to Showmax with new episodes every Friday. Following a record-breaking first season, the series added fashion entrepreneur Tania Omotayo and former model Faith Morey to its star-studded cast. The show recently won Best Costume Designer at the 2023 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards and is set to bring even more flair and drama in the upcoming season.
Ugochi Ihezue Crowned Miss Universe Nigeria 2023
In a groundbreaking moment for Nigerian beauty, Ugochi Mitchel Ihezue, former MBGN 2017, has won the Miss Universe Nigeria 2023 title. Competing against 36 talented young women, Ihezue emerged victorious at the luxurious Convention Center of Eko Hotels and Suites. She will represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2023 event scheduled for November 18 in El Salvador.
Flutterwave Expands to India Through IndusInd Bank Partnership
Africa’s most valuable startup, Flutterwave, is extending its Send App product to India in collaboration with IndusInd, India’s 6th largest bank. CEO Olugbenga Agboola revealed that this expansion would enable swift and straightforward remittances between India and Africa. This move comes as Flutterwave gears up for its impending IPO.
UAE Rescinds Visa Ban on Nigerians
President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria and the UAE’s Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met to finalise an agreement that lifts the UAE’s visa ban on Nigerian travellers. However, the official statement from the UAE did not specifically mention this development, focusing instead on future bilateral opportunities.
But, in a statement on its website on the diplomatic meeting, Emirates News Agency, the UAE’s official news agency, did not mention anything about lifting the visa ban on Nigerians or flight resumption. The agency only noted that the UAE president and Tinubu explored opportunities for further bilateral collaboration in areas that served both countries’ sustainable economic growth, including the economic, development, energy, and climate action fields. In October 2023, the UAE banned nationals of some 20 African countries, including Nigeria, from entering its city, Dubai.
Inioluwa Raji Joins Time’s 100 Most Influential in AI
Inioluwa Raji, a Mozilla Foundation fellow, was named one of Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people in AI. She joins a distinguished list of thinkers, artists, and executives shaping this pivotal technology’s future.
Akintola Williams, Nigeria’s Pioneer Chartered Accountant, Dies at 104
Akintola Williams, a trailblazer in Nigeria’s accounting industry, has passed away at the age of 104. He was a founding member of ICAN and received numerous awards, leaving an indelible mark on Nigeria’s financial sector.
MTV VMAs: Rema Clinches Inaugural Best Afrobeats Award
The song “Calm Down,” a collaboration between Rema and Selena Gomez, earned the first-ever Best Afrobeats award at the 2023 MTV VMAs. The win was historic, marking the inauguration of the award category. Rema’s ‘Calm Down’ was nominated alongside Burna Boy’s ‘It’s Plenty,’ Davido feat. Musa Key’s ‘Unavailable,’ Ayra Starr’s ‘Rush,’ Libianca’s ‘People,’ Wizkid feat. Ayrra Starr’s ‘2 Sugar,’ and Fireboy DML’s ‘Bandana. The track ‘Calm Down,’ which was initially released on August 25, 2022, garnered attention for its unique fusion of Afrobeats and pop elements.
Nigeria Clears 60,000 Passport Backlogs in Record Time
In an efficient move, Nigeria’s Ministry of Interior cleared a backlog of approximately 60,000 pending passport applications within just four days, as confirmed by Minister Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo. The ministry aims to resolve all outstanding applications within the next two weeks.
Zacch Adedeji is the new Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Zacch Adedeji as the new Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS). He is appointed in an acting capacity for 90 days before his subsequent confirmation as the substantive Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service for a term of four (4) years in the first instance. Mr. Adedeji is a first-class graduate in accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University. He most recently served the nation as the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, following meritorious service terms as the Oyo State Commissioner of Finance and as the Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).
