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OMG Winds Up Nigerian Idol Season 5 Nationwide Auditions

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(L-r): Illsrhymz, Nigerian Idol Presenter, Dare ‘Art’ Alade, Celebrity Judge, Orah Egwu, Sponsorships Manager, Etisalat, Dede Mabiaku, Celebrity Judges and Yinka Davies and Executive Producer, Nigerian Idol, Gary Ashley during the Lagos auditions at OMG’s Dream Studios, Omole, Lagos.
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Franchise owners of Nigerian Idol, Optima Media Group (OMG) have announced the conclusion of the nationwide auditions for the leading TV music reality show which commenced a month ago in Benin City, Edo State.

This is coming following the successful staging last weekend of the last leg of the auditions at the company’s Dream Studios, Bamako Estate, adjacent Omole Phase 1.

The Nigerian Idol auditions train berthed in five designated Nigerian cities between January 10 and February 9, accompanied by the celebrity judges, the trio of Afrobeat sensation and Delta-born, DedeMabiaku, renowned vocalist and Singer, Yinka Davies and R’n’B Hit maker, Dare ‘Art’ Alade alongside Show Presenter and AOP, Illsrhymz.

The auditions presented windows of opportunities for first-hand assessment of the thousands of youths with music talents who had thronged the respective venues to compete for places in the next phase of the competition.

A total of 100 most outstanding contestants will be pooled from the auditions.

After series of group performances to be hosted in Lagos, this number will further be pruned down towards arriving at the last final twelve.

“It was not a surprise to see the hundreds and thousands of immensely talented youngsters that turned up at the centres. We are glad to have created for them a global platform to showcase their music potentials,” stated Ugochi Pedro, executive director, OMG.

A remarkable highlight of the auditions was the award of flight ticket by the judges to AmehIgiri, a contestant at the Abuja auditions.

The 24 years-old Ediba native, in Cross River State had failed to scale the first screening hurdle at the Port Harcourt auditions a week earlier.

Spurred on by some quiet confidence and sheer resilience, she travelled from her residence in Enugu State to the Abuja auditions courtesy of a friend who picked up the bill.

Ame was also the first contestant at the Abuja auditions to be awarded a Golden Ticket by the judges, thus making her one of the top 100 contestants for the top 12 slots.

The Golden Ticket is usually awarded to any exceptional talent identified by the judges in a unanimous decision.

There were about 30 golden tickets won from the five auditions centres

The auditions were designed as multi-layered screening process beginning with opening registration of participants on the first day followed thereafter by the first round of screening to determine the most outstanding talents from the lot who were then madeto have scheduled performances before the judges in batches.

Nigerian Idol is in its fifth season after a successful debut in 2010 won by YekaOnka. In the following years which saw the emergence of Mercy Chinwo, Moses Adigwe and Zebili Evelyn (Evelle), it has grown in popularity and followership on the basis of the unique platforms it offers to young Nigerians with exceptional music talent.

It is the only music TV reality show in Nigeria with a global appeal that currently cuts across 46 countries.

Nigerian Idol focuses on discovering Nigerian youths with talent in music and giving them a unique platform to take shots at stardom.

The eventual winner goes home with N7.5 million cash reward, a brand new car, a recording deal worth N7.5 million and some high-end devices.


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KongaFM -103.7 Launches “Shop On Radio”, First in Africa

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For the first time in Africa, radio is no longer just about listening to music and advertisements; it’s added shopping.

KongaFM -103.7 Launches "Shop On Radio”, First in Africa

KongaFM -103.7, Nigeria’s pioneering Hit Music & Commerce radio station, is set to change the way Nigerians buy and sell with the official launch of “Shop On Radio” on Monday, February 24, 2025.

This is a game changer at a time when the NCC approved an increase in data costs by 50%.

This groundbreaking initiative, powered by an innovative partnership between KongaFM and Konga.com, turns live radio broadcasts into an interactive shopping experience, allowing listeners to place orders seamlessly, even without expending much cash on data.

Nigerian shoppers now have more options with Konga.com, and most importantly, they can enjoy unbeatable prices on all items announced live on radio.

Plus, customers in Lagos can benefit from same-day delivery for orders placed before 12 noon.

Shoppers are encouraged to open a wallet with Kongapay.com as stock may be limited and orders shall be treated on a first-come, first-served basis upon payment.

According to Mayowa Oladeji, Communications Lead at KongaFM, this marks a major shift in the e-commerce landscape.

“For the first time in Africa, radio is becoming an interactive shopping destination, bringing together millions of listeners and turning them into instant shoppers.

We urge manufacturers and business owners to seize this opportunity by reaching out via WhatsApp, email, or Konga.com to showcase their products to a ready market.

Thanks to our innovative partnership, customers in Lagos who order during the show will enjoy guaranteed best prices and same-day delivery, while we conclude logistics for same-day delivery in other major cities of Nigeria before the month of June this year, making shopping faster and more convenient than ever.

This is a component of the future of commerce in Africa powered by KongaFM -103.7, streaming globally on kongafm.com 24 hours every day”

How It Works

Listeners can tune in to “Shop On Radio” every morning from 7:00 AM – 8:00 AM and again in the evening from 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM.

Products will be announced live on air, often with exclusive discounts, and customers can place orders instantly via WhatsApp or Konga.com.

A KongaFM representative confirms the order, and for Lagos-based shoppers, delivery is completed the same day; a service made possible by Konga Logistics’ expanded fleet of 140 trucks, buses, and over 120 motorbikes.

Beyond Lagos, Nigerians across the country, and even in the diaspora, can participate by streaming live at kongafm.com, ensuring that no one is left out of this retail revolution.

A Win-Win for Shoppers and Businesses

With high internet costs, trust issues, and logistical inefficiencies still posing challenges to e-commerce in Nigeria, Shop On Radio offers a data-free, fast, and trusted alternative for both buyers and sellers.

For shoppers, this means exclusive deals, quick and easy WhatsApp ordering, and guaranteed same-day delivery in Lagos. For businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and SMEs, this is a golden opportunity to reach a massive, engaged audience instantly and boost sales in real time.

Shoppers and merchants beyond Lagos can also seamlessly place orders or advertise their businesses, with Konga Logistics ensuring timely and efficient nationwide delivery.

To further enhance the experience, Konga.com has upgraded its call center to handle increased order volumes, ensuring smooth transactions and customer support.

More Than Just Shopping—A 24/7 Experience

KongaFM is more than a marketplace; it’s a dynamic platform designed to cater to diverse audiences.

The station kicks off each day from 5 – 7 am with Morning Inspiration, featuring the best global gospel music with uplifting words to start your day blessed, captioned -Start your Day with God, and the same All Sundays. It is inspiring for entrepreneurs, students, the unemployed, the employed, and those who are retired. It is unbelievable these contents are domiciled in a Nigerian radio station powered by AI, ensuring a well-rounded listening experience beyond commerce.

KongaFM 103.7, in support of a new economy, is also extending free advertisement to both big, medium, and small businesses to showcase their products.  Interested companies are advised to call 07080635705 or email [email protected]

The future of shopping is here. Don’t just listen. Shop, sell, and save; all on KongaFM -103.7!


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FG Kickstarts Construction of Emerging Technologies Institute in Kano

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Federal Government of Nigeria has marked a significant milestone on Friday, 14th February 2025, by breaking ground for the construction of the Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI).

This institute, under the aegis of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), aims to ensure the socio-economic wellbeing of future generations. The groundbreaking ceremony was held at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus.

Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chaiman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, during the Ground-breaking ceremony held at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus said the new institute sits on 30 hectares of the BUK land to be built, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including innovation hubs devoted to Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, complemented by reliable power supply. “NASENI will fully build and equip and support the new Institute” said the EVC/CEO.

The future of socio-economic development for nations rests on human creativity, innovation and cooperation, Artificial intelligence, robotics amongst others.

Halilu said that the establishment of SETI in Nigeria is to rapidly respond to the waves of young people globally revolutionizing world economies with unprecedented emergence of socio-economic frontiers as by-products of innovations and ingenuities of these young minds.

“We in NASENI are firm believers in the potential of young Nigerians to be the prime catalysts of the type of transformation that Nigeria requires. And we will do everything within our powers to support them to fulfil this important responsibility”

“We are gathered here today to kickstart a project that will transform the lives and careers of future generations of young Nigerians. The Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI), located at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) by NASENI. This is very much in line with our operating principles; what we call our 3Cs: Collaboration, Creation, and Commercialization. These 3Cs are the principles that passionately drive us and guide the work that we do to ensure the industrialization of Nigeria in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

SETI will produce innovators, technologists, entrepreneurs who will make their mark not just in Nigeria but around the world. “I’m eagerly looking forward to the day, not too long from now, when the Institute’s first set of beneficiaries will astonish the world with what they’re capable of accomplishing. These stories will put not just BUK on the global innovation map, but also Kano State and the entire Nigeria” said Halilu.

While carrying out the symbolic foundation laying ceremony of the institute as Special Guest of Honour, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, described the project as not only laudable but NASENI’s another way of fast-tracking the placing of Nigeria on the global map of innovation and industrialization. The minister called the project an “ace project” and a pointer to secure a veritable socio-economic development for the nation.

In his goodwill message, the Vice Chancellor of BUK, Professor Sagir Adamu Abbas described the new institute as a vehicle for bringing together the three critical tripods for economic and sustainable development for nations, that is, the government, academia and industry. He described the ground-breaking event as the beginning of Nigeria’s journey in pursuit of sustainable development, massive job creation opportunities for the youths, and that the BUK was delighted to be host to such laudable initiative and momentum.

There is also, in addition to SETI, a second NASENI project for BUK is an Agri-preneurship Training Hub, that will be equipped with modern greenhouses, and facilities for Soil-less Farming, and Tissue Culture; occupying 10 hectares of land at the Old Campus. These projects collectively represent what NASENI stands for, that is, building capacity, advancing industrialization, supporting economic growth and prosperity.

NASENI appreciates the Government and people of Kano State, and the Vice Chancellor, management and students of Bayero University Kano (BUK), for all the support. Special gratitude goes to the Honourable Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, the Special Guest of Honour.

NASENI thanked members of the National Assembly for their support, especially the NASENI oversight Committees in both chambers. And of course, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has given NASENI the opportunity to serve Nigeria through his unwavering demonstration of commitment to the success of the Agency.


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Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach

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The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.

The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.

The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.

The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.

Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.

“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society.

“He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.

Honouring his passion for education

The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.

Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor

At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.

Reaching out to orphaned children

The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children. The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.

Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy

Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.

“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.

The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.


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