Broadcasting
OMG Winds Up Nigerian Idol Season 5 Nationwide Auditions
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.
By Aaron Bugal, Field CTO APJ, Sophos
Undoubtedly one of the most influential technologies in recent decades, the ascent of artificial intelligence has produced a mixture of reactions from individuals, organisations, and countries. Eyes widen as we explore its potential, concerns grow as it threatens jobs, and conversations take place at a global level on how it should be regulated. However, for cybersecurity professionals artificial intelligence presents a double-edged sword.
Aaron Bugal, Field CTO APJ, Sophos –
Although AI has shown the ability to enhance cybersecurity solutions with its pattern recognition, summarisation, and assistance capabilities, it also opens the door for threat actors to harness the technology in much more sinister ways. So, in a world where we are in a constant race to out-innovate cybercriminals, what impact will AI have, especially as it continues to evolve itself?
New technologies mean new threats
Cybercriminals have proven they shouldn’t be underestimated. They are continually updating their tactics, strategies, and tools to breach businesses, and AI only strengthens their arsenal. AI has commonly been used to help threat actors better imitate real people – altering voices, pictures, and messages to carry out convincing phishing attacks.
Beyond mimicking human behaviour, cybercriminals have begun to experiment with AI at a more technical level. Malicious GPTs have been advertised on cybercriminal marketplaces, with functions such as automated penetration testing or malicious malware development.
However, sharing a similar experience to legal industries and businesses, there is still some hesitance from cybercriminals when it comes to implementing the technology into operations, as threat actors are mainly exploring generative AI in the context of experimentation and proof-of-concepts.
This does not mean organisations should see this as a sign to slow down, as artificial intelligence will inevitably become a regular feature of cyber attacks. Instead, businesses should be evaluating if they are using the technology in a secure and optimal way within their cybersecurity set up.
AI adoption is not about being first, but being smart
Businesses of all sizes are examining how AI can be used, with Sophos finding 98 per cent of organisations are using it within their cybersecurity infrastructure in at least some capacity. Further to this, 65 per cent of organisations use cybersecurity solutions that include generative AI capabilities, and 73 per cent use solutions that include deep learning models.
While AI adoption in cybersecurity can bring many advantages, it also introduces a number of risks if approached incorrectly. Poorly implemented AI models can inadvertently introduce considerable cybersecurity risks of their own – if it isn’t provided with the right inputs, it cannot provide adequate outcomes. Organisations are alert to this risk, with the vast majority (89%) of cybersecurity professionals saying they are concerned about how potential flaws in cybersecurity tools’ generative AI capabilities will harm their organisation, with 43 per cent highlighting they are extremely concerned.
This alertness must also remain for AI that’s implemented in non-cybersecurity related tools, as emerging technologies pose threats in their infancy. Agentic AI for example has become highly topical recently, but will a technology that learns from humans be able to adequately defend itself from cyber threats? At its current level, AI should be approached with the intention that it can serve a single purpose and expecting an individual system or ‘AI agent’ to do everything with minimal human interference is risk inducing.
Therefore, an organisation’s artificial intelligence advances – both within cybersecurity infrastructure and its entire technology stack – must be done with guardrails up and thorough oversight.
Fighting fire with fire without getting burnt
In an ongoing race against cybercriminals, artificial intelligence will only become a multiplier to innovation that takes place on both sides. For businesses, avoiding the risks of AI within cybersecurity systems is possible when implementation is approached with care. This can be achieved through:
· Inquiring about vendor’s AI capabilities: AI requires transparency, and asking cybersecurity vendors about how their data is trained, what AI expertise their professionals have, and their roll out process for deploying AI capabilities will help paint a clearer picture of AI development best practices.
· Providing strict outlines to AI investment: AI investment cannot be rushed, so it is important to assess whether AI provides the best solution for current cybersecurity challenges, prioritise specific AI investments, and measure the impact of AI once it is implemented into cybersecurity infrastructure.
· Remain human first in AI adoption. Organisations should never take a set-and-forget approach to cybersecurity, and this is even more the case when AI is involved. Ultimately, cybersecurity is a human responsibility, and AI should be used as an accelerant to support cybersecurity professionals, not a replacement.
Artificial intelligence will become a mainstay within organisations for many years to come. This is no different for cybersecurity, however with such high stakes it is vital that AI is used correctly, or it will only work against its intended purpose – giving cybercriminals the leg up over organisations in this ongoing battle. It is not about implementing a range of AI capabilities to expand your cybersecurity infrastructure, but the right capabilities that address your cybersecurity needs.
QNET, a global leader in direct selling focused on wellness and lifestyle products, firmly disassociates itself from any unlawful activities being conducted by unauthorized individuals or entities fraudulently using the QNET name to mislead and exploit members of the Nigerian public.
These concerns have resurfaced following the arrests of several suspects in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
QNET commends the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its actions in apprehending those responsible and is actively supporting the authorities to prevent further misuse of its brand.
QNET Says NO to Brand Misuse and Criminal Misrepresentation
QNET is a 27-year-old international direct selling company offering wellness and lifestyle products through a network of independent distributors.
These individuals are customers who have purchased QNET products and have chosen to build their own direct selling business using our platform. They operate independently and are not employees of QNET.
Unfortunately, certain third-party entities such as Mighty Infinity Millionaire Ltd, that have no affiliation to QNET, and operate without our oversight or recognition, have grossly misrepresented the QNET business model and acted in a manner that is in no way a representation of QNET business ethics or values.
We unequivocally state that such entities and individuals are not affiliated with or endorsed by QNET. QNET reiterates that Transblue Nigeria Limited remains our sole partner in Nigeria.
Operating Within Legal and Ethical Boundaries
In Nigeria, QNET operates strictly within the legal and regulatory frameworks through our official local partner, Transblue Nigeria Limited. We remain committed to ethical business practices and protecting both our brand and the public from exploitation. We urge members of the public to remain vigilant, verify the authenticity of individuals or entities claiming affiliation with QNET, and report any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
Statement from QNET’s Regional Leadership & Legal Nigerian Partner
Responding to the fraudulent activities being perpetrated in QNET’s name, Biram Fall, Regional General Manager of QNET for Sub-Saharan Africa, states, “We are extremely disturbed by the way unscrupulous individuals have misused the QNET brand to deceive innocent Nigerians with false promises. At QNET, our values are rooted in honesty and empowering people to build better lives through genuine means. We remain committed to supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to bring these fraudsters to justice and encourage the public to verify any claims of affiliation with QNET before getting involved.”
To avoid further confusion, QNET wishes to emphasize the following:
● QNET does not operate or endorse any physical or online university under the name “Q-University” in Nigeria. QNET is part of a larger business conglomerate that operates the Quest International University in Malaysia, which does not have any overseas campus.
● QNET is not involved with online medical courses or academic institutions in Nigeria.
● QNET does not support or condone recruitment-driven models that promise employment, scholarships, or guaranteed returns unrelated to the legitimate sale or purchase of QNET products.
● QNET strongly condemns the unauthorized use of our intellectual property – including company logos, founder portraits, and promotional materials – by fraudulent actors aiming to mislead the public.
QNET’s Awareness Creation and Consumer Protection Efforts
Since entering the Nigerian market in 2022, QNET with the support of our local partner, Transblue Nigeria Limited, have prioritized financial literacy and consumer protection. In November 2023, we launched the Say NO! Awareness Campaign to educate the public about scams and promote responsible entrepreneurship. The campaign has reached thousands through multilingual billboards, radio messages, educational pamphlets, and online platforms. As part of this campaign, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment (FMLE) and the Lagos State Consumer Protection Agency (LASCOPA) were also engaged.
Cooperation with Law Enforcement
QNET expresses its full support and appreciation for the EFCC’s efforts to protect citizens and crack down on cyber and financial crimes. We are actively cooperating with the Commission in its investigations and are committed to further educating the public on the nature and values of QNET’s legitimate operations.
Public Advisory: How to Stay Safe
To protect yourself from scams falsely linked to QNET:
● Verify all QNET-related information at: www.qnet.net
● Report suspicious activity via email: network.integrity@qnet.net or WhatsApp: +233 256 630 005
● Learn how to identify scams at: www.saynocampaign.org
QNET remains fully committed to ethical business practices and transparency. We stand with Nigerian authorities in protecting citizens from fraud and will continue to cooperate fully to bring those misusing our brand to justice.
Eedris Abdulkareem, veteran hip hop artiste, is showing no signs of backing down as he hints at releasing another protest song, shortly after his last track was banned by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC).
Eedris Abdulkareem, veteran hip hop artiste
He recently again stirred the political waters as he hinted at the release of a new protest song, only weeks after his controversial track Tell Your Papa was banned by the National Broadcasting Commission.
The outspoken musician took to social media on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, to share an animated cover design with the words “3 Arms of Government,” suggesting the theme of his upcoming release.
Though the title remains undisclosed, the post was captioned simply with “Stay tuned,” fueling speculation that another hard-hitting social commentary is on the way.
Abdulkareem, known for his unapologetic political views, recently described the NBC’s decision to ban Tell Your Papa as hypocritical. Undeterred by censorship, he appears set to continue using music as a platform to criticize injustice and demand accountability.
The rapper also recently reaffirmed the relevance of his classic hit Jaga Jaga, stating that it would remain the country’s “second unofficial national anthem” until key issues like security, electricity, and governance are addressed.
With another protest song on the horizon, fans and critics alike are bracing for what may be Eedris Abdulkareem’s most direct political message yet.
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