Entertainment
VP says FG to generate $1bn from entertainment industry by 2020
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has disclosed that the Federal Government, through its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), is targeting to generate at least $1 billion by the end of 2020 from the entertainment and creative industry.
According to him, this is in line with the Federal Government’s diversification policy that seeks to explore the non-oil sector, especially with the entertainment and creative sector reported to have contributed 2.3 percent, approximately N239 billion, to Nigeria’s GDP in 2016.
The Vice President said this at the relaunch of The Dome, a first class recreational and entertainment facility in Abuja, at the weekend.
According to Osinbajo, The Dome gives credence to government’s position that the non-oil sector is where Nigeria’s future lies.
He said gains recorded, owing to deliberate policies on ease of doing business in Nigeria, have accounted for favourable ratings through the World Bank Global Index report on ease of doing business.
“Investments like The Dome, Abuja is what Nigeria needs to push for a similar status with Dubai, which, despite being an oil producer, makes only 20 percent revenue from oil,” he said.
Chairman, The Dome Entertainment Centre, Obiora Okonkwo, noted that, with the unemployment index expected to rise above 50 percent, including a soaring population figure projected to hit 200 million by 2019, venture capitalists like himself have taken it upon themselves to salvage the situation.
Okonkwo, however, insisted that the need for tax holidays cannot be understated if the private sector must assist government meet its objectives of better welfare for the citizenry.
“I use this opportunity to invite government to partner with The Dome in its social empowerment programme for youths. The Dome is well positioned to drive the policy and bring about the change we crave,” Okonkwo said.
“Government must assist businesses such as ours to grow through generous tax breaks to enable us to stabilize.”
The Dome, which now boasts of over 300 staff, recently recapitalised its assets to expand its recreational outlets.
The Dome now comprises the Summit Bar and Restaurant, the Wesley Snipes Lounge, The Satchmo Cigar Lounge.
For families that have fun together, the new look Dome returns with the Noni’s Pizzeria, Camelot Spa & Gym, a bowling alley and the newly introduced, the Francis boutique hotel.
Minister of Information, Culture and Tourism Lai Mohammed, Chris Uche, Senator Joy Emordi, Senator Ike Obiora, and members of the diplomatic corps, were also in attendance.
Notable comedian, Ali Baba, who was the compere for the night.
The high point of the night was the official commissioning of The Dome by Osinbajo.
He was later conducted around the massive entertainment complex immediately after he cut the red tape and unveiled the commemorative plaque for the launch. (Daily Sun)
Gather25, a trailblazing global gathering of Christians founded by Jennie Allen, has unveiled the first of its contributors for the upcoming event in 2025.
Featuring a multi-denominational, international line up of Christian teachers, storytellers and prayer guides from six continents, Gather25 aims to showcase powerful stories of how God is transforming communities and hearts around the world.
The event, with a schedule that will circumnavigate the globe over 25 hours, celebrates a line-up of individuals who bring a unique perspective of how God is moving in their context.
Together, they are partnering with Gather25’s mission to mobilize Christians everywhere to reach the 5.5 billion people on earth who have yet to encounter Jesus.
Through live-streaming technology and AI, Gather25 will connect with Christians in homes, in churches, in stadiums, or on their phones, across six continents, with each continent hosting a portion of the 25 hours.
The teachers, storytellers, and prayer guides include:
● Jennie Allen – Founder & Visionary of Gather25, Bible teacher, author, the visionary behind IF:Gathering.
● Pastor Charles Mugisha – Founder and President of Africa New Life Ministries.
● Matt Maher – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Lord, I Need You.”
● Mark Varughese – Founder and Senior Leader of Kingdomcity.
● Matt Redman – Double GRAMMY®-Award winning worship leader and songwriter.
● Priscilla Shirer – A New York Times Best-Selling author and actress featuring in movies like War Room.
● Sinach – Gospel artist and songwriter, known for favorites like “Way Maker.”
● Tasha Cobbs Leonard – GRAMMY® Award-winning singer/songwriter.
● Rorisang Thandekiso – A multi-talented media personality and musician, and the founder of “Jesus This Jesus That.”
● Rick Warren – Author of The Purpose Driven Life, his books have been translated into 200 languages.
Gather25 is a global collaboration of Christians who are instrumental in connecting the global church from the ground up. Pastor Charles Mugisha said, “Gather25 gives, for the first time in history, Africa a voice to share the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ more than ever before.”
“I have a feeling in my heart that (Gather25) is a God thing. The Bible commissions us to go and take the Gospel to all nations and for the first time, I see that we can actually take the Gospel to all the nations in 25 hours. That’s exciting for me!”
The event will kick off in the United States at 01:00 UTC on Saturday, 1st March 2025, and will journey around the globe, concluding in Peru at 02:00 UTC on Sunday, 2nd March 2025. This continuous broadcast is designed to empower Christians worldwide through inspiring stories and testimonies of God’s work across nations. Each session will be hosted from a different country, featuring teaching, worship, stories and prayers from various locations within each session. The event will also unveil never-before-heard accounts from the underground church.
Join us for this global event to connect with believers from every corner of the world. Find out about Gather25, and sign up for more resources at: gather25.com
By Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji
Precisely 365 days today at about 6. 45am, a telephone call I first received came from the home of Alaba Oluwaseun Lawson.
My heart skipped…and listening to the voice from other end of the phone, It was sad news… Mama has gone to the Lord.
Honestly, I was immediately confused and still on my Jalamia, (Pyjamas) I drove straight to her private residence at Quarry Road in Abeokuta. Reality dawned on me on arrival and I couldn’t hold back tears which rolled down my face and I became speechless.
It was a Saturday I used to appear on live radio program on fresh F.M between 9-11am. When I regained my consciousness, I put a call across to management of the station, that I can’t make it because I was bereaved. As I was still trying to comport myself and further regain my strength as a man, there were torrential phone calls from my colleagues in the pen profession, knowing that I was her media adviser, trying to confirm authenticity of the sad news.
I had no choice I had to issue a press statement early enough to avoid speculations and wrong news dissemination. I must confess in my career as journalist of over three decades that was my first time I will be writing a press statement on a demise of any individual.
I must again openly say this, late Iyalode Alaba Lawson, Iyalode of Yorubaland, I knew for over 30 years was my great benefactor and I will continue to appreciate her even in death. She was there for me all time, a reliable mother, a sister and aunty from another womb.
I have no regret knowing her, if there is opportunity to keep relationship in heaven, I will keep that relationship with Alaba Oluwaseun Lawson (Omo Jiboku Tanatana). Its exactly a year today you left this sinful world to rest in the arms of the Lord. The legacies you left behind speak volume. I pray you continue to rest in perfect peace. Adieu
Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji is founder of Penpushing Media and Media Adviser to late Iyalode of Yorubland, Iyalode Alaba Lawson
Grammy Award-winning singer Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has revealed why he is not yet ready to have children.
He made this known during an Instagram live session on his page on Wednesday.
Burna Boy claimed that his desire to provide the same level of love and dedication his parents gave him is the reason why he is not having kids.
Explaining further, Burna Boy said, “Why haven’t I had kids yet? Bro, it’s because I don’t want to have kids. Like, have you seen my operation? Have you seen my mom the way she loves me? Have you seen my dad the way he loves me?
“Bro, I know I can’t give that to anyone right now with the life I live. So until I am settled and can be there for my children every day, every minute of every day, I am not having any kids.”
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