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Kwara hosts Nollywood actors in Ilorin

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  • As top actors lauds Governor’s investments in infrastructure, creative industry_

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

Kwara State has hosted the great and the good of Nigeria’s movie industry (Nollywood) on Sunday night, with Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq inviting them to take advantage of the cutting-edge facilities and the alluring environment that the State offers the creatives.

Speaking at the 16th edition of the best of Nollywood (BON) awards held at the Sugar Factory Film Studio in Ilorin, Governor AbdulRazaq commended the organisers’ choice of the State to assemble and honour the best of Nollywood.

The event offered the Governor a platform to project Kwara as the next destination for quality cinematography, tourism and hospitality, innovation and technology, and other creative endeavours.

“I warmly welcome you all to Kwara State, and thank you for honouring us with your presence. Tonight’s event takes place at the Sugar Factory Film Studio, a purpose-built facility designed to elevate cinematography, nurture local talent, and position Kwara as a hub for high-quality film production,” he said.

“The Sugar Factory Film Studio is more than just a venue; it represents our administration’s commitment to supporting the creative economy. This facility offers cutting-edge resources to enhance movie production, build local capacity, conserve foreign exchange, and boost our economy.

“Located within a dynamic ecosystem for creativity, tourism, and entertainment, this initiative is complemented by several landmark projects, including the Visual Arts Centre, Ilorin Innovation Hub, International Conference Centre, remodelled Kwara Hotel, and natural attractions such as the breathtaking Owu Falls, the historic Sobi Hill, and the tranquil Flower Garden.

“Our accessible road networks, proximity to an international airport, and robust sports facilities make Kwara a perfect destination for creative and leisure activities.”

He thanked the thespians and stakeholders in the creative sector for their immense contributions to national development.

“Your presence here highlights the immense possibilities that Kwara offers. We invite you to consider Kwara for your next productions, holidays, and creative pursuits,” Governor Abdulrazaq added.

The BON Awards 2024 was headlined by dozens of legends and great talents of the movie industry from across Nigeria, many of whom won in different categories.

Top on parade at the colourful night were screen gods and goddesses such as Fred Amata; Hilda Dokubo; Tunji Bamishigbin; Gloria Anozie; Ayo Magaji; Bimbo Manuel; Keppy Bassey Ekpeyoung; Yomi Fash-Lanso; Toyin Abraham; Lillian Aluko; and Aisha Lawal, among several others.

Inimitable Kanayo O. Kanayo picked a lifetime award, presented to him by Governor AbdulRazaq, while great actors and directors like Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Mercy Aigbe, Adebayo Tijani, and other big names emerged winners in different categories of the award.

Femi Adebayo won the best actor of the year, along with three other awards, for his impressive performances, especially in his rave-of-the-moment film, Jagun Jagun. Wumi Dada emerged as the Best Actress for her role in the Unknown Soldier, another highly rated movie. Each of the two went home with N5m worth of wardrobe money, endowed by the Ilorin-based firm Wura Fadaka.

Renowned thespian Patrick Doyle called the awards a huge success and commended Governor Abdulrazaq for his impressive performance as could be seen on the streets of Ilorin.

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Entertainment

Mercy Johnson-Okojie and Daughter Purity Drive Girls Tag: A New Era in Period Care for Nigerian Families

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Nigeria’s menstrual health landscape is set for a major transformation with the introduction of Girls Tag, the country’s first all-in-one period care kit. At the forefront of this groundbreaking launch are actress and philanthropist Mercy Johnson-Okojie and her daughter Purity Okojie, who have been unveiled as co-brand ambassadors. Their involvement underscores the brand’s mission to combine authenticity, family values, and empowerment in addressing one of the most pressing challenges facing young girls today.

For years, inadequate access to menstrual education and hygiene products has left many Nigerian girls unprepared for their first period. Girls Tag was created to bridge this gap, offering a complete solution that blends practical care with educational support. By doing so, it aims to normalize conversations around puberty and ensure that families have the tools to guide their daughters with confidence.

Mercy Johnson-Okojie explained why the initiative resonates deeply with her: “As a mother, I want my daughter to step into womanhood without fear or embarrassment. Girls Tag is doing exactly that—helping families replace shame with pride and confusion with confidence.”

A key highlight of the Girls Tag kit is Mercy’s newly authored book, “Youberty”, a puberty guide for boys and girls aged 10–13. The book, included in every pack, provides relatable advice and reassurance, ensuring that children feel understood and prepared as they navigate adolescence. This educational component sets Girls Tag apart, making it not just a product but a holistic support system.

The kit itself is carefully curated to meet the diverse needs of young girls. It includes premium sanitary pads in multiple sizes, overnight period pants for maximum absorbency, panty liners, disposable bags for safe disposal, and a stylish, discreet carrying pouch. Together, these items provide comfort, dignity, and ease, ensuring that girls can manage their periods confidently both at home and in school.

Eddie Madaki and Oche Ejiga of iBlend Services, the regional agency for Girls Tag, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership: “Mercy and Purity’s voices are genuine. Their journey together mirrors the experiences of countless Nigerian families, making them the perfect ambassadors for Girls Tag. This collaboration positions the brand perfectly for the Nigerian audience.”

Girls Tag is scheduled to be available nationwide in Q2 2026, through retail outlets, pharmacies, and malls, as well as direct sales via the official website and social media handle @girlstag.ng. The brand’s distribution strategy ensures accessibility, making it possible for families across Nigeria to benefit from this innovative solution.

With Mercy Johnson-Okojie and Purity leading the charge, Girls Tag is more than a product launch—it is a business innovation with social impact. It represents a cultural shift toward normalizing menstrual health, empowering families, and ensuring that every girl grows up with pride, knowledge, and confidence.

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Entertainment

Imisi has been crowned the winner of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) Season 10.

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Show host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu made the announcement during the grand finale on Sunday, October 5, 2025.

She walked away with the ₦150 million grand prize, courtesy of the show’s sponsors

The top five finalists are Koyin, Dede, Imisi, Sultana, and Kola.

Earlier,  Kaybobo, Isabella, Mensan, and Jason Jae were evicted from the show.

The BBNaija season 10, which began with 29 housemates, ended in spectacular fashion as Imisi triumphed over Dede, who finished as runner-up.

Recall that Imisi revealed that she has no fixed plan for the grand prize if she emerges as the winner, stressing she would first seek professional financial guidance before deciding how to spend the money.

During her final diary session with Big Brother on Sunday, the housemate appeared both excited and reflective as she spoke about her journey, the lessons she had learned, and her hopes for life after the show.

She said, “Honestly, right now I don’t have a set plan for the money.

“I need to seek financial advice first because I’ve never had such a large amount before. I Want to Avoid Costly Financial Mistakes”

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Travel

Abuja-Lokoja Highway Gridlock: FRSC Blames Motorists’ Impatience

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By: Fabian Apechihin

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has expressed frustration over motorists’ lack of cooperation in easing the gridlock on the Abuja-Lokoja highway.

Kogi State Sector Commander, Kumar Tsukwam, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that officials had been battling since Sunday to clear the traffic, which stretched from Ogbobo/Ozi to the Murtala Mohammed Bridge in Koton-Karfe.

He attributed the gridlock to ongoing road construction, broken-down vehicles on the single lane, and motorists’ impatience.
“Some drivers blocked opposing lanes, worsening the situation. We are doing our best to restore free movement for travellers,” Tsukwam said.

Motorists and commuters lamented the hardship caused by the standstill. Mohammed Yusuf, a driver, said he spent nine hours travelling from Abuja to Lokoja on Sunday.
“I left Abuja before 3 p.m. but didn’t reach Lokoja until midnight. The fuel wasted on the road is unbearable, especially with current prices,” he said.

Another traveller, Christopher Adamu, recounted spending the entire night in traffic after leaving Abuja in the evening. He urged authorities to take urgent measures to address the situation.

NAN reports that a construction company is currently working on the right lane of the highway between Koton-Karfe and Abaji, forcing traffic onto a single lane and worsening congestion.


Do you want me to make this more hard-news (short, direct, fact-heavy) or human-interest focused (emphasizing the commuters’ suffering and quotes)?

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