Independent News Express

Category: Concert & Events

  • Nigeria To Host Intra-African Trade Fair In 2027

    Nigeria To Host Intra-African Trade Fair In 2027

    After a rigorous bid and due diligence exercise, Nigeria has emerged as the successful host country of the fifth edition of the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF), Africa’s premier trade and investment event that is set to be held in 2027. 

    This was announced by the Chairman of the IATF Advisory Council who is also a former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, H.E. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo during the official opening ceremony of the fourth edition of the fair, IATF2025 that is currently underway in Algiers, Algeria.  

    Presenting the IATF host’s flag to Nigeria’s Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Aduwole as formal acceptance of the mandate as host country of IATF2027, H.E. Obasanjo said: “IATF is not just a trade fair—it is a journey across our continent and global Africa, carried forward by nations that share in the vision of Intra-African trade and regional integration. Since its inception, IATF has rotated across our continent, leaving its unique legacy and improving with each host nation. Today, we continue this proud tradition by announcing Nigeria as the country that will host IATF2027.” 

    The weeklong IATF is held every two years and is co-convened by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), the African Union Commission and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat. It is a platform for businesses to showcase their goods and services to visitors and buyers while exploring opportunities and exchanging information. IATF aims to tap into opportunities from AfCFTA’s single market of over 1.4 billion people and GDP of over US$3.5 trillion. 

    Nigeria becomes the fourth country to host IATF. Egypt hosted the maiden edition in Cairo in 2018, while the second edition was hosted by South Africa in Durban in 2021. The third edition returned to Cairo in 2023 before the fourth edition which is currently underway in Algiers. The last three editions of IATF have cumulatively generated over $118 billion in trade and investment deals and attracted more than 70,000 visitors and 4,500 exhibitors. 

    Reflecting on IATF’s journey, Prof. Benedict Oramah, outgoing President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afreximbank said “The journey we began in 2017, when we started planning for the inaugural Trade Fair, which was held in November 2018, was a strategic move drawn from Afreximbank’s Intra-African Trade Strategy, launched in 2016. The herculean task of converting vision to reality, mobilising African states, thousands of exhibitors, buyers, and sponsors, among others for an event of such a magnitude was only made possible by the strong support Afreximbank received from many.” 

    The official opening ceremony of IATF2025 was presided over by the President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, H.E. Abdelmadjid Tebboune. It was attended by thousands of delegates including heads of state and government from African and the Caribbean, as well as business leaders and captains of industry. 


    Organised by African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), African Union Commission (AUC) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) is intended to provide a unique platform for facilitating trade and investment information exchange in support of increased intra-African trade and investment, especially in the context of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

    IATF brings together continental and global players to showcase and exhibit their goods and services and to explore business and investment opportunities in the continent. It also provides a platform to share trade, investment and market information with stakeholders and allows participants to discuss and identify solutions to the challenges confronting intra-African trade and investment.

    In addition to African participants, the Trade Fair is also open to businesses and investors from non-African countries interested in doing business in Africa and in supporting the continent’s transformation through industrialisation and export development.  

  • African Coffee Exporters, The Pacific, Latin America, Southeast Asia Showcase At World Of Coffee Geneva 2025

    African Coffee Exporters, The Pacific, Latin America, Southeast Asia Showcase At World Of Coffee Geneva 2025

    The International Trade Centre (ITC) is showcasing its longstanding leadership in sustainable coffee development at the Specialty Coffee Association’s World of Coffee – Europe’s largest coffee trade show – hosted for the first time in Geneva from 26–28 June 2025.

    For over two decades, ITC has worked closely with the International Coffee Organization and regional institutions to support coffee value chains and SMEs across Latin America, Africa and Asia. From its flagship publication, The Coffee Guide – now in its fourth edition and widely regarded as the industry reference – to its deep partnerships promoting circular economy and inclusive business models, ITC supports building resilience, competitiveness and sustainable value chains for SME development..

    This year’s presence at the World of Coffee spotlights how ITC is investing in value addition, technical capacity building, regional trade, and youth and women-led entrepreneurship – with a focus on accompanying small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their efforts to benefit from trade while securing better market access and stronger returns. 

    ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton said: ‘Coffee is more than a commodity – for the many small businesses we support in countries across the world, the ability to improve the quality of their beans, process at origin and meet sustainability requirements in the face of rising climate concerns means they’re able to adapt to changes to tap into new markets and compete at the global level.’

    ICO Executive Director Vanusia Nogueira said: ‘No one can tackle the coffee sector’s challenges alone. We need expertise, funding, capable people and strong partnerships for collective action. The ICO and ITC have worked together for many years, and Pamela and I have deepened this collaboration – going beyond The Coffee Guide to drive calls to action across numerous coffee-producing countries. Together, we’ve supported efforts ranging from EUDR compliance and new field procedures to market access and boosting local consumption – each critical to increasing incomes where coffee is grown.’

    Hon. Bwino Fred Kyakulaga, Uganda’s Minister of State for Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, said: ‘Uganda reaffirms its ambitious commitment to transform its export trajectory—from $50 billion to $500 billion—through strategic value addition. Coffee will be one of the primary drivers for achieving this target, reinforcing not only our economic competitiveness but also our national transformation agenda. Additionally, the Government of Uganda has set aside $100 million to support investment in the gradual transition of the coffee sector from green bean export to both green bean and soluble coffee exports in a bid to generate more revenue and income for the farmers and the country as a whole.’

    In a separate meeting with ITC Deputy Executive Director Dorothy Tembo and her team, Hon. Bwino explored the possibility of a partnership with ITC focusing on value addition through science and technology transfer for sustainably increased coffee processing production.

    ITC at World of Coffee

    Booth 1359 | Palexpo Geneva | 26–28 June

    At Booth 1359, visitors can taste unique coffees from across the globe, connect directly with producers, and learn how ITC programmes are enabling sustainable and inclusive coffee growth from seed to sip.

    ITC will also co-host national booths with coffee sector stakeholders from:

    • Booth 1359: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Ghana 
    • Booth 2469: Burundi
    • Booth 2365: Kenya
    • Booth 2531: Lao People’s Democratic Republic 
    • Booth 2467: Papua New Guinea
    • Booth 2271: Rwanda
    • Booth 2377: United Republic of Tanzania
    • Booth 2371: Uganda

    ITC Programmes represented

    • ITC Window I Trust Fund, related to the development of methodologies associated with accompanying SMEs in the green transition
    • European Union-East African Community Market Access Upgrade Programme (MARKUP) II, funded by the EU, will support over 40 coffee companies from East Africa to exhibit and engage with buyers.
    • African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP) Business-Friendly, funded by the EU and Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States, empowers small businesses through value addition, circular economy and trade development.
    • Netherlands Trust Fund V, funded by the Government of the Netherlands, supports coffee producers in Ethiopia, Ghana, and Senegal to grow exports and secure livelihoods.
    • United Kingdom Trade Partnerships Programme (UKTP), funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, aims to increase trade from developing countries to the United Kingdom and the European Union by maximizing the benefits of respective Economic Partnership Agreements and the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme. 
  • Africa Tech Festival Unveils Strategic Themes For 2025 Event,

    Africa Tech Festival Unveils Strategic Themes For 2025 Event,

    Africa Tech Festival, the leading platform for stakeholders in the continent’s technology industry, returns to the Cape Town International Convention Centre, South Africa, from 11 to 13 November 2025. This year, the event’s strategic focus areas are grouped under forward-looking themes that reflect the rapidly evolving nature of Africa’s technology and digital landscape.

    The themes of the 28th edition of Africa Tech Festival – Responsible Innovation, Inclusive Investment, Connectivity for Development, and Policy Harmonisation – will be incorporated across all four of the festival’s anchor events, namely AfricaCom, AfricaTech, AfricaIgnite, and the AI Summit Cape Town.

    These events will each explore their respective specialised focus areas through the lens of the overarching 2025 themes, positioning Africa Tech Festival as a unified platform with strategic intent, rather than a collection of disconnected discussions.

    The 2025 edition of the Africa Tech Festival will also align with key global dialogues on technology and innovation, as it coincides with the prestigious G20 Leadership Summit. Additionally, the event will host the second, expanded edition of The Ministerial Summit, reaffirming its role as a catalyst for policy-driven discussions and high-impact collaborations.

    “The themes mirror the recent trends emerging at Africa Tech Festival, as well as the continent’s shifting focus towards advanced technologies that incorporate aspects of sustainable and inclusive digital progress. Artificial Intelligence, in particular, is emerging as a transformative force – from intelligent automation in industry to AI-powered solutions for financial inclusion and public health. They are reflected in our event agenda and will be instrumental in achieving our aim of driving positive change and fostering collaboration within the African tech ecosystem,” said James Williams, Event Director of Africa Tech Festival.

    “As technology advances, so does the need for scalable, collaborative solutions that drive Africa’s economic growth, digital readiness, and equitable access. By weaving these themes – from AI, cloud and cybersecurity to connectivity and digital inclusion – into the sessions, networking opportunities, and our international exhibitions, we highlight the interconnectedness of Africa’s technology landscape and the collective role of its stakeholders in driving innovation and growth.”  

    Africa Tech Festival is Africa’s biggest showcase of enterprise tech innovation across key sectors like telecoms, connectivity, cybersecurity, cloud and data centres, green ICT, and media and entertainment. With an anticipated attendance of 17,000 delegates from across the continent and the world, along with more than 300 exhibitors, and 450 speakers, the 2025 event will be the largest edition yet.

    Building on the success of 2024, Africa Tech Festival will continue to deliver top-quality content and expert-led discussions on crucial topics, including national digital strategies, economic growth, infrastructure development, and sustainable partnerships between the public and private sectors. While a formal partnership with the Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has not yet been finalised, the 2024 edition saw valuable engagement with senior government officials, leading to insightful discussions and policy-focused sessions.For nearly three decades, the Africa Tech Festival has served as a forum for conversations and connections that elevate African tech onto the global stage. As the continent’s digital transformation journey advances, the themes for 2025 will help guide these conversations, shape policy, attract investment, and foster partnerships that grow and advance Africa’s technology ecosystem.

    For more information or to register, visit https://www.AfricaTechFestival.com/.


    Now in its 28th edition, Africa Tech Festival 2025 will take place from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC), bringing together over 15,000 technology leaders, policymakers, investors, startups, and visionaries. The festival encompasses four anchor events:

    • AfricaCom – The continent’s largest telecoms and connectivity event
    • AfricaTech – The hub for technology, innovation, and enterprise growth
    • AfricaIgnite – Driving growth and impact in Africa’s startup ecosystem
    • The AI Summit Cape Town – Where commercial AI comes to life

    With over 500 speakers, 300 exhibitors, and multiple networking opportunities, Africa Tech Festival remains the largest and most influential tech event on the continent.

  • Larrykay Event Organises Successful Children Carnival In Lagos

    Larrykay Event Organises Successful Children Carnival In Lagos

    BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE

    Now fewer than 500 children participated in the children funfair tagged ‘Children Carnival’ which held on Thursday at Abule Nla Junction, Ebute-Metta, Mainland, Lagos.

    The children carnival is one of programmes line up for The Mainland White Carnival which begins today at Abule-Nla Junction.

    In the last few days,Larrykay Event had successfully organised free medical to elderly people and Health Walk for the adult youths which featured Yoruba Nollywood actor, Femi Adebayo.

    The convener of the Children Funfair, Olanrewaju Adeniji in a chat with our correspondent expressed heartfelt gratitude to God for the success of the event and noted that over 500 children were in attendance to to receive their gift items.

    “It was a huge success and I am happy that the children really enjoyed themselves today(Thursday) We have been doing this for the past 30 years and most of the children then they are adult now and supporting our programme with their own little way.

    “We did this as part of our preparation ahead of The Mainland White Carnival which holds on Friday and Saturday.We try as much as possible to carry everybody along and that is why we organised carnival for our children to enjoy themselves before The Mainland White Carnival,”he said.

    Adeniji fondly called by his admirers Larry Kay said he is not tired of sponsoring children Carnival and The Mainland White Carnival annually and promised to continue doing it for years to come.

    “This is my passion.This is what makes our children , youths and residents in community happy so I am not going to stop and I will continue to do this annually and I thank our sponsors and community for their support to make this children carnival a huge success,”he said.

    Some of the parents and children who spoke to our correspondent thanked Larrykay Event for this initaive.

    While some of them described a carnival an avenue for vulnerable children to feel happy during the yuletide period, others said it give rooms for children to make new friends in the community.

  • Carnival Of Peace: Preparation Begins For The Mainland White Carnival In Lagos

    Carnival Of Peace: Preparation Begins For The Mainland White Carnival In Lagos

    BY SUNDAY AKINTOYE

    Early preparations have commenced ahead of The Mainland White Carnival tagged’Carnival Of Peace’ which comes up on 3th and 4th January, 2025 at the Apapa Road by Abule Nla Junction, Mainland, Lagos.

    The Mainland White Carnival is being packaged and organised by LarryKay Events And Party Supports.

    The white Carnival is also supported by Mainland Local Government and endorsed by Lagos State Government under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

    Some music artists have been contacted and assured their coming for the two days event.

    Speaking at the press conference to unveil the programmes ahead of the White Carnival, chairman Organising Committee, Olanrewaju Adeniji said the Mainland White Carnival has come to stay and noted that the carnival festival is conceived to foster unity, friendliness and social interaction among the youths and adults in Mainland and its environs.

    He explained that the Mainland White Carnival is an avenue where the residents of Mainland and its environs can socialise, share experiences and pleasantries together.

    Olanrewaju Adeniji

    Adeniji fondly called by his admirers LarryKay added that the White Carnival would also allow the residents to reunite their friendship with their long lost friends they have not seen for many years and urged the youths to shun vices that can bring the White Carnival into disrepute during and after the event.

    “This coming ‘The Mainland White Carnival’ is going to be loud and shake entire the state because we want to make our youths, adults and visitors who are coming being comfortable throughout the two days of White Carnival.

    “Secondly it is also an avenue for our friends, relations and beloved one who are in diaspora to come home and reunite with their families,friends and beloved one that have not seen for a longer time.It is going to be a colourful and memorable event for all of us.

    “In addition, I am happy to announce that the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture has endorsed our carnival and we have commenced early preparation to make the next edition a memorable one for our visitors and residents in Mainland ,”he said.

    Adeniji disclosed that aside The Mainland White Carnival, the organisers have lined up some programmes that would benefit residents ahead of carnival day and advised them to take advantage of the programme when it begins.

    Speaking in the same vein, Secretary to the Mainland Local Government, Hon Wasiu Ogunniyi thanked the organisers for sustaining the Mainland White Carnival since 2005 and promised that the council would support the incoming carnival morally and financially when its needed.

    While Baale of Apapa, His Royal Majesty, High Chief Kalejaiye expressed delight that the carnival is part of catalyst for social development in the mainland and advised the youths to use their energy and skills to promote unity,love and cultural heritage in their communities.

    Others invited guests who spoke at the gathering Mainland communities said the Mainland White carnival has brought social and economic development to Mainland and prayed for the organising committee to be able to sustain the annual event for years to come.

  • Abuja Agog, as Makems Excites Fashion Lovers at 2024 Jewellery Exhibition

    Abuja Agog, as Makems Excites Fashion Lovers at 2024 Jewellery Exhibition

    Makems Jewellery, an Abuja-based fast-rising jewellery-making company in Nigeria, has set the city agog, as it recently held its annual jewellery exhibition with a wide range of trendy, fine and unique handmade, locally-produced and imported jewellery products on display for hundreds of visitors to the venue of the event.

    The jewellery exhibition was an expertly-curated showcase of exceptional ornaments, ranging from contemporary designs to vintage treasures such as Makems handmade jewellery, earrings, long necklaces, jewellery set, bangles and bracelets, rings and male bracelets, among others with special focus on promoting local contents, which aligns with Federal Government’s policy direction on promotion of local contents in all sectors of the economy.

    The annual Makems 2024 Jewellery Exhibition, which took place on December 7, 2024 at the Glowing Ages Academy, Games Village Road, Kaura District, Abuja attracted fashion lovers and potential clients, who used the opportunity to purchase trendy jewellery of their choice which meet their status as the Yuletide season begins while networking with other visitors.

    Addressing stakeholders and visitors at the event, the Director of Business Development at Makems, Miss Temitope Adejare, said Makems Jewellery makes unique jewellery products locally and also sell imported jewellery products as well.

    “Considering what has been happening in the economy in the area of dollar exchange to Naira, you will realise that things that are imported have become so expensive because they are in dollar.

    “So, what we have done at Makems Jewellery is to ensure that we source for local jewellery materials and we have a lot of them that are locally-made in Nigeria on display at this exhibition.

    “Makems Jewellery has a passion for making jewellery and we now make do with what we can really do in Nigeria and we have been able to come out with beautiful jewellery pieces that people really love at this exhibition,” Adejare said.

    She explained that “what we do is unique to an individual. We do not repeat the design. So, if you buy any Makems jewellery piece, it is the only one that exists in terms of design. Overtime, people have come to know this and they love it also and they like coming for the exhibition.”

    According to her, Makems works year round to gather the best of locally-manufactured jewellery products as well as some imported designs and bring people together at the exhibition to come and see the various designs that Makems has brought on display for the season for them to purchase their favourite designs.

    “As you can see, we sell imported jewellery pieces as well but as you may have observed, most people would be at the Stand for Nigerian-handmade jewellery products because they are more unique, more durable and are very nice. This means, our locally-produced collection of jewellery appeals more to our clients.

    “Why most people run from Nigerian-made products is literally because of the quality. Most of the time, people that do local contents tend to compromise quality standards but what we have done at Makems is to ensure that what we have is of high quality even better than many of the imported jewellery, as the designs are nice and unique and meet the expectation of Nigeria across social divides.

    Speaking on affordability, the Business Development Director said because the products are domiciled in Naira, “you find out that it is easier for people to buy.”

    She optimistically noted that Makems was targeting “exporting our locally-manufactured jewellery products in the long run, thereby helping Nigeria’s Naira-to-dollar exchange to appreciate through local production of the fashion products and exports.”

    According to her, “With what we have done at Makems, we have a lot of staff that we have employed and this also means we are creating employment opportunity for Nigerians across the value chain. We are also available online across social media platforms for online purchase of our products.”

    Adejare added that Makems’ plan is to become a household name as an indigenous jewellery-sourcing and production firm, thereby enhancing the government’s policy direction to deepen local content, improve value addition through offerings of durable, comfortable and affordable jewellery products in Nigeria in the next few years.

  • African Designers Take Center Stage at Tranoï Tokyo through CANEX Initiative

    African Designers Take Center Stage at Tranoï Tokyo through CANEX Initiative

    BY OLANIYI OLUGBENGA JOSEPH

    The vibrant spirit of African fashion took centre stage at the inaugural Tranoï Tokyo trade show on September 4-5, where 10 exceptional fashion brands from across Africa and the diaspora showcased their designs as part of Afreximbank’s CANEX Presents Africa initiative (www.Afreximbank.com).

    Among the African brands that featured at Tranoï Tokyo are Vanhu Vamwe, a legacy brand from Zimbabwe that has created an ethical framework of luxury handcrafted heirlooms that articulate a strong brand aesthetic based on traditional crafts and modern innovation; The Cloth fashion brand founded in 1986 in Trinidad and Tobago by Creative Director Robert Young; and Shekudo from Nigeria, founded as a women’s clothing brand drawing on heritage, life experiences and a wearable art aesthetic, but relaunched in 2017 into footwear and accessories with bases across the Indian Ocean and production in Lagos, Nigeria.

    Others are Dina Shaker of Egypt whose design philosophy is centred around elevating personal style; Adele Dejak, a luxury African fashion jewellery brand based in Nairobi and known for contemporary design and traditional craftsmanship; Katush, also from Kenya, whose brand journey began with the need to investigate how people perceive each other and themselves within history and culture, and how those perceptions translate to the modern day; and ANISSA AIDA, launched by Anissa Meddeb in 2016, featuring a mixing and matching of inspirations from the rich heritage and traditional craftsmanship of both her Tunisian roots and her fascination for Japan.

    Also showcasing their creations are JUDY SANDERSON, a Portugal based women’s ready-to-wear brand founded by South African designer Judy Sanderson; Fozia Endrias, an ethical casual wear brand based in Addis Ababa; and Emmy Kasbit, a Nigerian sustainable fashion brand founded in 2014 by Creative Director Emmanuel Okoro and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Olurin.

    Commenting on the event, Mrs. Kanayo Awani, Afreximbank’s Executive Vice President, Intra-African Trade and Export Development, said that Afreximbank’s participation at Tranoï Tokyo through CANEX reflected the Bank’s broad strategy to promote African talent on the global stage and to drive the development of African creatives.

    “We are using CANEX at  Tranoï Tokyo to position Afreximbank as a leader in supporting Africa’s creative industries by facilitating linkages between designers and industry stakeholders, including buyers, investors, manufacturers and the press, providing them with opportunities to access new markets to increase trade and facilitating  the integration of the African fashion industry into the global value chain,” said Mrs. Awani.

    Emphasising Afreximbank’s commitment to supporting Africa’s creative economy, Mrs. Awani urged African and international designers, buyers and media to attend the CANEX WKND 2024 scheduled to take place in Algiers from 16 to19 October, saying that it would provide a unique platform for facilitating business, investment, collaboration, partnerships and inspiration amongst creatives.

    CANEX Presents Africa provides emerging fashion designers with a platform for development through the  transfer of skills, linkages and partnerships as well as  market access opportunities aimed at equipping the participants with skills for creating financially sustainable businesses capable of being scaled.

    The inaugural CANEX Presents Africa event took place in  Porto, Portugal in October 2021 and featured 20 African designers. To date, 80 designers from 27 African countries and the Diaspora have benefited from the initiative.

    The Tranoï Tokyo show successfully attracted a total of 3,499 visitors in just two days, bringing together influential buyers from Japan and an international audience from Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and China. With 170 avant-garde brands and designers showcasing their Spring/Summer 25 collections and affirming a resolutely committed positioning.

  • Amber Energy Drink Received Applause After Supporting Lagos SWAN Cultural Sports And Fashion Fiesta

    Amber Energy Drink Received Applause After Supporting Lagos SWAN Cultural Sports And Fashion Fiesta

    Participants and guests at the recently held Cultural Sports and Traditional Fashion Fiesta organised by the Lagos chapter of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) could not find words to describe their experience with the Amber Energy Drink which was one of the sponsors of the two-day event.

    The Cultural Sports and Traditional Fashion Fiesta was used to repackage the annual Lagos SWAN, and it was held between 20 and 21 December 2023

    The two-day fiesta saw various traditional sporting events held on the first day at the Dairy Farm Secondary School in Agege, Lagos, while the grand finale of the fiesta took place at Golfview Hotel and Conference Centre on General Adeyinka Adebayo Road, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.

    True to his promise, the Corporate Sales Manager (Lagos) of Amber Energy Drink, Mr Samuel Nkenchor, was on ground for two days to spoil the participants including the high-profile guests with the Amber taste of the energy drink.

    Corporate Sales Manager (Lagos) of Amber Energy Drink, Mr Samuel Nkenchor (3rd right) receiving his certification of honour from the Chairman of Lagos State Traditional Sports Association, Mrs Abiola Lawal while other dignitaries look on

    “We must commend the kind gesture of the management of Amber Energy Drink for this great support despite the short notice, and as we can all see, participants at the fiesta had great enjoyment having the taste of the drink that replenishes loss energy and reduces fatigue,” said Olatutu Oladunni, the Chairman of Lagos SWAN, while appreciating the support for the SWAN Week from Amber Energy Drink.

    The chairman, however, presented Mr. Nkenchor, a certificate of recognition on behalf of Lagos SWAN for Amber Energy Drink support.

    Corporate Sales Manager (Lagos) of Amber Energy Drink, Mr Samuel Nkenchor (left) with one of the traditional sports coaches on Day One of the Lagos SWAN Week at Dairy Farm Secondary School, Agege, Lagos

    For the two day Lagos SWAN Cultural Sports and Traditional Fashion Fiesta, Amber Energy Drink was the Official Energy Drink of the Fiesta which was colourful and eventful with full participation of the Lagos State Traditional Sports Association led by its Chairman, Mrs. Abiola Lawal.

    Other dignitaries included the Chairman of Sabre West Africa and Central Africa Region, Dr. Gabriel Olowo, Special Guest of Honour Prof Anthony Kila, International Director of Studies at the European Center of Advance and Professional Studies, who is also a BBC London Commentator, Dr. (Barrister) Adesola Falae, Managing Director of Afkar Print and Doctor in Corporate Law, Special Guest of Honour and Chief Guest Speaker. Chief (Dr) Oluremi Faderera Johnson, Culture and Tourism Global Ambassador and avid international golfer, Mr Oluwaseun Ajayi-Obe, Senior Editor and Sports Consultant.

    Yoruba cultural chant specialist, Akewi Musbau Adetokunbo (left) with Chairman of Lagos State TRaditional Sports Association, Mrs. Abiola Lawal at Dairy Farm Secondary School, Agege, Lagos

    Sports such as Kokowa and Dambe were on display at the Dairy Farm Secondary School, Agege, while traditional entertainment was supplied by Plateau Cultural Entertainment Group (Berom Foron Dancers) and Cultural Entertainment Music Group from Igbo. All the way from Ikle-Ife in Osun State, Akewi Musbau Adetokunbo also spiced up the event with his Yoruba cultural chant.

  • Veteran Journalist Gives Out Daughter In Marriage In Lagos

    Veteran Journalist Gives Out Daughter In Marriage In Lagos

    Saturday, 9 December 2023, was a day of fulfilment for the family of Ayo Oshikokhai whose daughter Tolulope Dolapo was joined in holy matrimony with Abiodun Emmanuel Thomas.

    The wedding was preceded on Friday by a colourful traditional and engagement ceremony held at the bride’s father house at 1 Amose Street, Meiran in Ojokoro Local Government Development Area of Lagos State.

    Watch video of Father and Daughter dancing steps at Traditional and Engagement ceremony

    The engagement ceremony pave the way for the joining and reception which held at the Chesterfield Hotel on Adeniyi Jones in the ever busy Ikeja, the capital city of Lagos State.

    All roads were led to the venue as the creme de la creme of the society, family members of both the bride and the groom as well as friends and associates honoured the invitation of the Oshikokhais and the Thomases.

    Watch video of the Babes and Guys showing off their dances at the reception

    The reception was lavish and it will be the talk of the town for a long time to come with series of side attractions packaged to add fun to the event and entertain the guests.

    The bride’s father, Oshikokhai, who had paid his dues in the Nigerian journalism, was so much elated that Tolulope Dolapo, who is now Mrs. Thomas, his only daughter, fulfilled one of his life visions to see her bequeathed with a wedlock that would be witnessed by members of his family from Okpe Kingdom and the family of his late wife, Bolanle Roselyn Oshikokhai.

    Video of Ayodele Oshikokhai leading the bride’s family into the reception hall

    “My joy knows no bound today seeing my dearest daughter being married to a man of her heart desire. I am so much happy and I return all glory to the Almighty God for giving us the opportunity to witness this moment of joy.

    “The road might be rough, but I thank God for the grace to raise a disciplined and dutiful daughter like my Tolulope Dolapo,” Oshikokhai said.

  • Unlock Limitless Potentials: Canada-Nigeria Trade Expo 2023

    Unlock Limitless Potentials: Canada-Nigeria Trade Expo 2023

    Alpha Oasis International, with the support of the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, and in collaboration with the City of Brampton, is excited to announce the Canada-Nigeria Trade Expo 2023.

    This annual event, taking place on the 4th and 5th of December at the Ontario Investment and Trade Centre (OITC), Toronto, is set to unveil a world of opportunities, fostering economic ties and the potential for multi-million-dollar investments between Canada and Nigeria.

    The Canada Nigeria 2023 Expo, which is the 2nd in a series of annual events attracts Heads of Conglomerates, senior government officials, foreign affairs representatives, and export agencies. The event is poised once again to provide an important platform for strategic networking and partnerships among participants. The Previous edition engendered successful collaborations in critical sectors between Canadian and Nigerian Businesses.

    The 2023 version will focus on Infrastructure Development, Agriculture, Technology, and Innovation as well as the Energy sectors. By highlighting these sectors, the Expo aims to create avenues for investments for both countries and facilitate critical knowledge transfer and exchange of ideas.

    Bose Odueke, CEO of Alpha Oasis International, shared her vision: “The Expos serve as a bridge between Canada and Nigeria, achieving immense success by facilitating dialogues and creating avenues for collaboration. With the support of our partners, we aim to further elevate these discussions, especially focusing on key sectors that are vital for economic growth.”

    Canadian businesses stand to gain significantly from these interactions. 

    “Through this event, we will continue to strengthen the economic relationship between Ontario and Nigeria. Our relationship has so much potential, and we are eager to explore avenues that will drive mutual growth and prosperity,” said Hon. Victor Fedeli, Ontario Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “By cultivating trade, investment, and knowledge exchanges, we are confident that our collective efforts will lead to positive outcomes.” 

    The Canada-Nigeria Trade Expo 2023 promises to be an unparalleled event, celebrating the growing economic synergy between the two countries and their commitment to nurturing this valuable relationship.