#BBNaijaS7: Organisers set 2022 kick-off date, reveals bumper prize money, rolls out fans’ package

Big Brother Naija, popular reality show, will return for its seventh season in July with a double debut show on Saturday, July 23 and Sunday, July 24, 2022.

Both shows will air from 7 pm on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 29, with a simulcast on Africa Magic Showcase, Africa Magic Urban and Africa Magic Family, according to organisers.

The 10-week extended reality TV show will follow the lives of strangers as they interact and compete with each other to win the grand prize of N100m worth of awards, the biggest reality TV show reward on the continent.

Speaking on Tuesday, the executive head of content and West African Channels, Multichoice Nigeria, Dr. Busola Tejumola, said, the Season 7 of the most watched Africa reality show will be different and viewers should expect the unexpected as always.

“We have work very hard to put everything in good shape, I believe our viewers will have a good time watching this season.

“Just as it was in Season 6, there will no be SMS voting this season. The prize money for this season will be N100 million. The cash prize will be N50 million and others money for prizes,” he said.

For the seventh season, the show will witness a return of a few pre-COVID 19 elements, including the fan-favourite ‘Ninjas’ and a live studio audience.

Fans can also expect a line-up of more engaging tasks, unpredictable twists and Big Brother’s wit.

In addition, 30 fans of the show will also win 1 million Naira each in the Fave Lock-In promo exclusive to DStv & GOtv customers.

The number of votes each subscriber will have will be determined by their subscription packages, with DStv Premium and GOtv SUPA subscribers receiving the most votes.

Meanwhile, MultiChoice also announced that there would be no SMS voting for this season.

The show will also retain its voting style from last year. Voting will only be on the Big Brother Naija website, mobile site.

​How Davido, Wizkid, Olamide, Burna Boy broke streaming records in 2020

From all available statistics, facts and figures no other Nigerian musical artiste, male or female, was able to pull off what the quartet of Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy and Olamide pulled off in 2020.
The duopoly of Davido and Wizkid, which has been going on for years was questioned most especially by Burna Boy and the new face on the international scene, Olamide.

Each one of them released an amazing album and it was a staggering success story on all streaming platforms. The figures showed Nigerian music has arrived on the international stage.

Particularly of interest is Olamide, whose music has not really been able to cross the continent to the international stage. Well, thanks to his international connection, which has given wings to fly over the Atlantic.

For Burna Boy, his fortunes have changed since the “African Giant” exploit in 2019. Davido and Wizkid however, have never left the horizon— both at home and abroad.

Olamide’s “Carpe Diem” album, a 12-track body of work transcended everyone’s imagination. It was his 11th studio album that boasts of high profile collaborations, although mostly with his YBNL Mafia gang.

In four weeks of its release it surpassed 80 million streams across all platforms that included Apple Music, Audiomark, Spotify and others.

Olamide never had it so good. His music has been said to be limited by its local appeal, but not this time around.

The YBNL Mafia boss was wise to have joined forces with an American label and distribution company known as Empire Distribution. It appears the partnership proved to be the goose that laid the golden egg.

Burna Boy’s “Twice as Tall” album catapulted him to a new height. It is arguably the most successful Nigerian album of 2020.

In its first month it had garnered as much as 175.3 million streams across all platforms. YouTube posted 25 million; Audiomark 50.2 million; Spotify 34.5 million; Music Africa 18.4 million; Music World 31million and Boomplay 10.5 million.

The album also broke into and topped various music charts across the world, peaking at No 1, World Albums on Bilboard charts

Once again the catch here was the international partnership. It was the Afrofusion star’s fifth studio album and it was managed by experienced international brands like Spaceship Entertainment, Atlantic Records and Warner Music.

American superstar, Puff Diddy was one of the executive producers. Youssou N’Dour, Nature By Nature, Sauti Sol, Chris Martin and Stormzy were all featured in the album.

READ ALSO: Sauti Sol inks deal with UMA

Wizkid’s “Made in Lagos” was released on October 30, 2020 and it was his fourth studio album. Again, the international influence seems to have been the trump card. The album was released by Starboy Entertainment and RCA Records.

Not only did it become the first African album to debut on the Spotify Global Album chart and within the top 10 at that, it also amassed over 100 million streams across five platforms nine days after release.

It was a huge milestone for an Afropop artiste.

Davido’s “A Better Time” completely tipped the table after hitting 100 million streams in three days of its release.

In one month, “A Better Time” Davido’s fourth studio album hit 213.2 million streams across the five major music streaming sites.

The album features international powerhouses like Nicki Minaj, Nas and Young Thug.

Civic Reception in Honour Of Comrade Silas Adamu Grounds Kafanchan

Kafanchan, the political capital of Southern Kaduna came alive on Saturday as it was thronged with several dignitaries who were on ground to honour newly elected President of the Atyap Community Development Association (ACDA), Comrade Dr. Silas Adamu.

The reception, tagged “Civic Reception For Comrade Silas Adamu by Friends, was held at the Wonderland Hotel, Kafanchan.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including the Senator representing Southern Kaduna, Senator Danjumah La’ah, who was the Chief host.

Others spotted were the Agwatyap, Sir Dominic, former Minister of Environment, Mrs Lauretia Mallam, Chairman of Zango Kataf Local Government Area, Dr. Elias Mamza, SOKAPU President, Honourable Jonathan Asake who was represented by his PRO, Comrade Luka Biniyat and former Kaduna State Commissioner, Mr
Bawa Magaji.

Others spotted were representativesof Medical Health Workers Union of NIgeria (MHWUN) from all over Nigeria, representatives of Tsaunin Kura GRA Residents Association (Sabo GRA), Elder Tagwai Emmanuel, Daniel Meltu, Jonah Adua Kure and Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson.

At the event, Senator.Danjumah La’ah described the ACDA President as an embodiment of peace, adding that he was proud to host the reception.

According to him, Comrade Adamu is a shinning light and he is optimistic that his emergence will translate to progress for Atyapland.

“I have known Comrade Adamu for long and know his antecedents. I am optimistic that his tenure will bring good news to our people,” he said.

Speaking further, he called on all Atyaps and by extension, Southern Kaduna to unite in protecting their interests.

In his remarks, ACDA President, Comrade Adamu thanked his friends for organising the reception in his honour.

“To the committee of friends who organised this lavish reception, I am grateful and pray God replenishes all you have committed to making it a tremendous success.

“Just as you are celebrating me, you will also be celebrated for success which will come shortly.

“Thank you all.for coming here from far and near to celebrate with me. I pray for God’s blessings upon all and journey mercies back to various destinations,” he said.

​‘Omo Ghetto’ leads top 10 Nollywood films of 2020

When the Omo Ghetto came to town it had all the trapping of something special. From the premiere to its tour of cinemas it was a financial tsunami that swept all box office records in its wake.

In its first weekend, the movie by Funke Akindele made a whopping N89 million. It was a record second to none in Nigeria in 2020 regardless of its release date which was December 25, 2020.

By the first of January, the film has amassed over N187 million in the box office. Next in line to Omo Ghetto is Fate of Alakada which came a distant second raking in N113 million and it was release a long two months away before Funke Akindele money-spinner. On the third spot is Rattlesnake.

The picture tells the story of the remaining 8 that made the list of top 10 Nollywood of 2020, according to statistics made available by Film One Entertainment.

​New Nigerian Online Editor Brother’s Wedding Grounds Otukpo

All roads led to the Norcross Memorial Methodist Cathedral in.the heart of Otukpo City, Benue State, where a younger brother to the Online Editor of New Nigerian, Okpani Jacob Onjewu Dickson, Emmanuel Olofu Dickson hooked his sweetheart, Patricia Ijato Adokwu.

The solemnization which was done by the Methodist ArchBishop Of  Benue, Most Reverend Oliver A. Aba, attracted family, friends and well wishers from all over NIgeria and other parts of the world.

In his sermon,  Most Reverend Aba charged the couple to remain steadfast in their faith and grow in love for each other.

He admonished them to always settle their disagreements between themselves, and avoid taking such marital issues to a third party. 

At the reception venue which was held at the GRA part of the city, the couple performed their first marital duties, which was feeding of each other from their wedding cake.

In an interview with our correspondent, the groom, Mr. Olofu Dickson said he was happy that the wedding was a huge success.

He promised to always love and care for his wife.

Also speaking, the bride vowed to be submissive to her husband.

Top among the dignitaries spotted at the colourful ceremony were the Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, represented by one of his SSA”s Hon.Mike Ode Okwubi, Senator representing Benue Zone C, Distinguished Senator Abba Moro, represented by one of his media aides,  Honourable Dennis Ogbeche, Dr. Onjefu Okidu, a professor of Mass Communication and Honourable Solomon Ochai Okala.

Others are the Chairman of Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, Honourable Faith Agbo, Chief Eddy Anyebe and   Councilor representing Idekpa ward, Ohimini Local Government Area, Honourable Elaigwu Wilson.

Also present were the Engineer John McQueen Oije, Architect and Pharmacist Odihi, Miss Rose Dickson, Evangelist Mark Markson, Colonel Charles Ogoh (rtd) and Mr. Amos Odeh.

Twitter agog as Nigerian celebrities celebrate Joe Biden’s victory

Success they say, has many friends. This may just be the right phrase to describe the mood on Twitter, just immediately after Joe Biden, was announced winner of the USA presidential election. 

As expected, not a few Twitter users celebrated Joe Biden, including Nigerian celebrities.

Here is how some celebrities reacted to Joe Biden’s victory…

Yaw: Celebrity OAP and comedian, Yaw tweeted: “Election 2020: Joe Biden has won the presidency”.

Kemi Adetiba: Nigerian movie producer, Video director and television personality, tweeted: ” Oh! What a time to be alive. It gives me FAITH..Nigeria you are next up..with your beautiful self”.

Mr P: Peter Okoye, a member of the defunct musical group, Psquare, tweeted: “Best news in 2020! Joe Biden elected 46th president”.

Jude Engees Okoye: Another member of the defunct musical group, Psqaure, Jude Okoye, tweeted: “My president elect. Congrats”.

News Web Express congratulates America’s President-elect, Joe Biden on his deserving victory.

Naira Marley salutes Runtown, Falz, Tiwa Savage, others as they protest in Lagos

Controversial singer, Naira Marley has saluted the courage of the likes of Run town, Falz, DJ Spill, Tiwa Savage, Jaywon and all the Nigerian youths who trooped out in their numbers on the streets of Lagos for a peaceful protest against the activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

Following the successful outing, the marlian president has vowed to renew his agitation if nothing changed after one week that he called off his own protest following authorities’ claim that they heard Nigerians’ complaints “loudly and clearly” and had started reforms.

Naira Marley had cancelled his planned protest after the police spokesperson, Frank Mba, held a live chat with the singer to discuss the issues.

“We won’t be protesting anymore because there are a lot of changes being made right now. As a Marlian we will give them a week to see the changes and if there are no changes we will start a mass protest. #togetherwecan,” the singer tweeted Tuesday.

Meanwhile hailing the celebrities that joined the masses to protest SARS brutality, Naira Marley tweeted: “Respect to all the youths out there fighting for their rights and what’s right. God bless y’all. After a week if there are no changes on this fsars issue as promised by nigeriapoliceforce then we will get back out there stronger. Stay safe and protest peacefully if u re protesting.”

Also, reacting in the same vein in an Instagram post, Peter Okoye of the defunct PSquare musical group, promised to join his colleagues during next exercise.

In an Instagram post after the protest, Falz said ” our message is clear. Today is very peaceful and the authorities know what to do in order to keep peace. Big love to everyone that came out. It was inspiring seeing so many celebrities. ”

Ogun Gov appoints Laycon Youth Ambassador, gifts him 3 bedroom bungalow, N5m

26-year-old, winner of the reality television show, Big Brother Naija, Olamilekan Laycon Agbeleshe has been appointed as a youth ambassador by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.

The governor also announced a gift of three bedroom bungalow and N5million for him.

He made the announcement in Abeokuta, the state capital when he played host to the winner of the reality show at the executive chamber of the governor office in the State capital.

“Once again, I congratulate you and on this note, I hereby appoint you as Youth Ambassador of Ogun State. I look forward to working with you to be a model of good character, excellence, good virtues, calmness, integrity that are general attributes of Ogun State, and in fact, your homestead, Odeda.

“We believe that you will help inspire our teeming youths to channel their energies towards positive engagements and shun vices such as robbery, drug abuse, cultism, advanced fee fraud, cybercrimes and kidnapping amongst other negative tendencies,” the governor announced.

While congratulating Agbeleshe, who is a native of Odeda local government area of the state, the governor promised that an entertainment village is being contemplated to nurture budding talents in the state and beyond.

“On behalf of the Government and good people of Ogun State, I join your fans across the world to welcome you to your Home State.

“I also want to congratulate you on your success after 71 days as a housemate at the Year 2020 Big Brother Naija, Lockdown Edition.”

The governor said young Nigerians can learn from Laycon’s demeanor while in the Big Brother Naija House based on how he related well with the other 19 housemates from different backgrounds.

Governor Abiodun also praised Laycon who he said, “demonstrated the Omoluabi component which is the primary ingredient of an Ogun State-born Nigerian. Despite all the odds, temptations, and provocations in the House, I am proud that you came out unscathed and uninvolved in any scandal or immoral act.

“You have also demonstrated with the way you carried out your assigned tasks in the House with comportment; intellectual responses to questions and; your spirit of fair-play, that your academic achievement at the University of Lagos was earned. This has also shown that our Universities can and still produce graduates that are found worthy in character and good learning.”

The governor said the celebration of Laycon’s personality is beyond the entertainment that the House provided, but “what you represent: a rare combination of prodigious intellect, academic excellence, multi-faceted talents, character, and resilience.”

#BBNaijaFinale: Laycon emerges winner of BBNaija lockdown edition 2020

Big brother Naija housemate and top finalist, Olamilekan Agbeleshe, popularly known as Laycon has emerged the winner of the Lockdown edition 2020.

Laycon was declared the winner of the 2020 lockdown edition of the show on Sunday after he beat other housemates with the highest number of votes from viewers.

Fellow housemate, Dorathy, emerged the 1st runner up while Nengi was declared the 2nd runner up.

Laycon led by 60 per cent votes followed by Dorathy with 21.85 per cent votes. However, Nengi had 15.03 per cent votes while Neo and Vee had 1.94 per cent and 1.18 per cent votes, respectively.

Many celebrities such as Eniola Badmus, Nkechi Blessing, Samklef, Odunlade Adekola, Broda Shaggi, Anita Joseph, Toyin Lawani, Yul Edochie, Reminisce, Small Doctor, Yvonne Jegede, Teni D Entertainer, Vector, Niniola, Di’Ja, DJ Nana, Ice Prince, Timi Dakolo, Joeboy, Stephanie Coker, Seyi Edun, Woli Agba and Funmi Awelewa all rooted for Laycon

Not being left behind are the youths in Ogun State, who on Thursday, staged a walk around Abeokuta, the state capital to drum support for Laycon.

The youths walked for about four hours; across major streets and markets in the state capital with a banner with an inscription “Ogun Youths Walk For Laycon,” gave away free recharge cards to passers-by for voting in support of the housemate.

The breakdown of the grand prize for BBNaija season five lockdown edition includes N30 million cash prize; a two-bedroom apartment courtesy Revolution Plus; a top of the range SUV from Nigerian automaker, Innoson Motors; a trip to Dublin courtesy Guinness; home appliances courtesy Scanfrost.

Others are a trip to Dubai packaged by Travelbeta; a year’s supply of Indomie noodles, Munch it, and Colgate toothpaste; a year’s supply of Pepsi, a branded chiller, trip to watch the UEFA Champions League finale; and a brand new Oppo mobile smartphone.

Last year, the BBNaija winner, Mercy Eke, won N30 million prize money, as well as other mouth-watering gifts.

The Chief Executive Officer, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe during the unveiling of the BBNaija lockdown edition said, “The fifth season of BBNaija marks a major milestone in the reality TV series. We are making this season significant by not only increasing the winnings but also implementing other creative and innovative ways to ensure the show lives up to the premium entertainment especially during the current pandemic.”