Broadcasting
Ilebaye Odiniya Wins Big Brother Naija All-Stars
Big Brother Naija All-Stars has ended after ten fantastic weeks, with 22-year-old Ilebaye Odiniya, emerging as the winner. This win makes her the ultimate BBNaija star of all time as she took the crown for a season featuring some of Big Brother’s most prominent alumni on Sunday, October 1, 2023.
Ilebaye, who remained in news headlines and on trend tables throughout the season, took home the cash prize of ₦120,000,000 alongside a brand new SUV and other rewards after garnering 30.08% of votes from viewers across Africa.
The native of Kogi State beat 19 other competing housemates to clinch the prize after an intensely competitive 70 days. Ilebaye’s win makes it the third time a female housemate will be declared the winner of Big Brother Naija. This season also saw the first-ever female top-3 emerge.
Ilebaye was the third housemate to be evicted during her first run in the Biggieverse. Fans and housemates alike didn’t think she was a threat when the season began, but that soon changed after fans started to fall in love with the housemate who many believed was being bullied. Soon, the Gen-Z baddie developed a new fanbase – The Arisers. After being one of the most victorious housemates this season with house tasks, she has grabbed the ultimate prize, even though she didn’t expect it.
Six finalists headed to the finale polls to compete and win the All-Stars season after a gruelling semi-final live show last Sunday. Mercy, the queen of highlights, was the first runner-up with 23.48 per cent of the votes. CeeC came in third after polling 23.41 per cent of the votes. Others in the top six include Adekunle, who gathered 12.61 per cent of the votes and came in fourth. Pere, who was fifth with 5.82 per cent, and Cross finished sixth with 4.6 per cent.
Ilebaye joins Phyna, Whitemoney, Laycon, Mercy, Miracle, Efe and Katung in the highly coveted list of BBNaija winners. After successfully winning the title in a season where other former housemates with already established fanbases had seemingly greater chances, the world’s eyes are on her to see how she would leverage the opportunity the BBNaija platform is offering for her career.
After her win, Ilebaye thanked fans and MultiChoice for their support. She said, “I am very grateful for this win. When I returned to Biggie’s house, I didn’t know what to expect, but I didn’t think this would happen. It’s the best surprise and gift. I’m very thankful to the fans who voted and made this happen and MultiChoice for the opportunity.”
Commenting on the show’s success, the Executive Head of Content and West Africa Channels, MultiChoice, Dr. Busola Tejumola, said, “Big Brother Naija All-Stars has been an interesting journey. We knew having the fan-favourite housemates return to the house would make for great content, but we got more than we bargained for in a good way. The housemates filled all 70 days of the show with what the kids will call premium drama, gbas-gbos, and all-around great content. We at MultiChoice are very proud of this moment, and we thank the fans, our dear customers and all the sponsors for the successful season.”
The BBNaija All-Stars finale was a star-studded affair, with performances from some of Africa’s top musicians – Skales and Bnxn. The viewing party in Lagos also drew appearances from past Big Brother Naija and Titans stars like Giddyfia, Boma, Sandra, Yemi Cregx, and Eloswag. Toke Makinwa hosted the event that also saw Nigerian Idol stars – Progress, Victory and Precious Mac make appearances.
The All-Stars edition of the BBNaija franchise will go down in history as the most successful iteration yet. It broke social media engagement records. The innovative changes to the show and twists had viewers on their toes and constantly trying to figure out Big Brother’s next move.
The ₦120 Million cash prize for this season’s winner is the largest yet. Still, it comes with a brand new Innoson IVM G5, a weekend getaway trip for two courtesy TravelBeta, a brand new Tecno Phantom V-Fold, and electronics from Nexus. The winner will also get a year’s supply of Pepsi, Arla dairy products, MunchIt, Oriflame products, Titus sardines, Hawaii soap, WAW detergent and Lush Hair.
Moniepoint was the Big Brother Naija All-Stars headline sponsor, while HFM Nigeria was the associate sponsor.
Broadcasting
51-Year-Old QNET User Breaks World Record with 20 Back Handsprings
QNET, a global wellness and lifestyle company, proudly celebrates the remarkable achievement of Anup Debnath, a 51-year-old fitness enthusiast, ardent user of QNET products, and resident of New Jersey, USA, who recently attempted to set a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to perform continuous back handsprings.
Debnath’s feat underscores the power of balanced health and wellness to maintain peak physical performance at any stage of life.
On October 19th, at the Marlboro Township Recreation Center, Debnath completed 20 continuous back handsprings, a remarkable testament to his strength, stamina, and unwavering discipline.
His journey back into gymnastics after nearly 27 years highlights the potential of a balanced lifestyle supported by QNET’s wellness products, demonstrating that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary physical goals.
“To accomplish something like this at my age takes intense dedication, a consistent fitness regimen, and harmony of mind, body, and spirit,” Debnath shared.
“For the past two years, I’ve relied on the Amezcua Chi Pendant 4 with Amezcua Resonance Technology (ART) to keep me centered and energized.
Paired with other Amezcua products, like the Bio Disc 3, which energizes my food and structures the water I consume, giving me mental and physical balance, and the Bio Light 3, which aids in recovery by alleviating pain and discomfort after intense training, these products enhance my overall well-being and empower me to push my limits.”
QNET’s Chief Marketing Officer, Trevor Kuna, extended his heartfelt congratulations: “Anup’s achievement is extraordinary, and we are incredibly proud to have played a part in his journey.
“His belief in QNET’s Amezcua products reflects our mission—helping people achieve balance and wellness in every aspect of their lives.
“Anup’s story is a testament to discipline, resilience, and holistic well-being. We celebrate his inspiring feat and his commitment to greatness.”
QNET’s Amezcua Chi Pendant 4, which utilizes ART, is designed to support wearers in achieving holistic well-being by harmonizing physical, emotional, and mental energies.
Through Debnath’s achievement, QNET encourages individuals to explore how Amezcua technology can support their wellness journey at any stage in life, empowering them to achieve their own physical and mental potential.
Broadcasting
House of Reps Calls for N500bn Recapitalization of DisCos
House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to enforce a minimum capital base of N500 billion for electricity distribution companies (DisCos) to continue operations.
The lawmakers argue that only financially robust DisCos can ensure efficient service delivery and maximum consumer satisfaction.
This resolution was passed during Wednesday’s plenary following a motion by Ibrahim Isiaka, a representative from Ogun State.
Isiaka criticized the current operations of DisCos, describing their actions as a threat to the economic stability and welfare of Nigerians.
He highlighted consumer complaints regarding the replacement of electricity meters, noting that DisCos often demand additional payments despite consumers already financing the installation of meters.
Isiaka expressed concern over the financial burden this places on households and businesses struggling with economic challenges.
The motion also raised issues of consumer trust, alleging that DisCos operate with impunity and disregard for consumer rights, despite oversight from the regulatory authorities and the House Committee on Power.
The lawmakers unanimously adopted the motion through a voice vote conducted by Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
They urged the Ministry of Power to take immediate steps to address the “reckless actions” of DisCos, labeling them as non-state actors threatening Nigeria’s economy.
The House further mandated the recapitalization of DisCos to a minimum of N500 billion, insisting that only financially capable operators should be allowed to continue providing electricity services.
Additionally, the House Committee on Power was directed to investigate the activities of DisCos to ensure accountability and protect consumer rights.
Broadcasting
Chinenye Anuforo of The Sun Newspaper Honored for Excellence in ICT Journalism
Chinenye Anuforo, a distinguished journalist from The Sun Newspaper, has been recognized for her exceptional contributions to ICT journalism in Nigeria.
Last week, she received the ICT Innovation Storyteller Award at the Africa Tech Alliance Excellence (ATAEx) Awards, celebrating her ability to craft compelling narratives that highlight the complexities and potential of the ICT sector.
“Chinenye’s dedication to her craft is evident in her insightful analysis and engaging storytelling,” said Mr. Chike Onwuegbuchi, co-convener of the ATAEx Awards.
“Her work has consistently illuminated the significant impact of technology on society, making her a deserving recipient of this award.”
The accolades continued as Anuforo was named the ICT Reporter of the Year at the Africa Digital Awards (ADA) just a week later.
This prestigious award further cements her status as a leading voice in the ICT industry.
Mr. Tayo Adewusi, Publisher/Coordinator of NIICF & ADA, who presented the award, praised Anuforo’s role in shaping public discourse on ICT issues.
“Her reports have not only informed but also inspired, making her a true champion of digital innovation,” he said.
Expressing her gratitude, Chinenye Anuforo stated, “I am deeply honored and humbled to receive these awards.
“I am grateful to my editors at The Sun Newspapers for their unwavering support and to the organizers of the ATAEx Awards and Africa Digital Awards for recognizing my work.
“It is a privilege to contribute to the growth of the ICT sector in Nigeria through journalism.”
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