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Africa Fashion Week Nigeria (AFWN) staying true to its African heritage in conjunction with Lagos State Government, will be holding the 2017 edition on the 3rd & 4th of June at one of Nigeria’s iconic venues – The National Arts Theatre Lagos, where Africa’s culture was showcased in all its grandeur and splendour 40 years ago when Nigeria hosted the World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77) .

Founder of AFWN, Ronke Ademiluyi stated that long term growth of the fashion industry is grounded on developing initiatives to ensure that Nigeria remains the centre of fashion and a leader at the forefront of creativity, style, and innovation which is why the best of Africa’s emerging and established fashion talents will be showcasing at this historic monument to reflect the dynamism of African fashion and our roots.

This new location fulfills the much desired goal to host a Fashion Week in a location that is true representation of our continent.

The AFWN 2017 theme ‘Celebrating the Vibrant Pulse of Africa’, dedicated to Africa’s colourful and rich heritage, is aimed at bringing spunk and new energy to style and fashion across the continent. The exciting venue for the 2017 edition, dubbed ‘the powerhouse of AFWN’, has been tried and tested from the resounding success of the first ever iconic catwalk shows held in April. The Theater space offers the freedom and flexibility to transform it to the required aesthetics. The facilities available can be compared to any like facility across the globe – health & safety, security, commercial catering, electronics etc.

Honourable Adebimpe Akinsola, the Acting commissioner for Culture, Arts & Tourism in a recent interview said “The use of an iconic monument like the National Theater as the venue for a fashion show, is a welcome innovative idea and is in line with the State’s drive to promote the tourism, entertainment and the creative arts industry. This move by Africa Fashion Week will generate positive interest in one of the most important iconic locations in Lagos state.”

Commissioned in 1976 in preparation for the World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture (FESTAC 77) in 1977, the National theater, was designed and constructed by Bulgarian construction company Technoexportsroy. Its design bears a close resemblance to the Palace of Culture and Sports in Varna, Bulgaria, though the National Arts Theater is much bigger. Its exterior is shaped like a military hat and it has a 5,000-seater Main Hall with a collapsible stage, and two capacity cinema halls, all of which are equipped with facilities for simultaneous translation of over 20 languages amongst other facilities.

This architectural masterpiece called “the culture house”, represents one of the great symbols in Nigeria arts and culture. Spanning an area of about 23,000 square meters and standing well over 31 meters tall, the multipurpose National Theater was established for the preservation, presentation and promotion of Arts and Culture in Nigeria. The theater was purpose built to allow for flexibility of use of both its internal and external facilities. The daring move to the mainland sees AFWN increasing its footprint across the capital and marks the next stage in the evolution of the annual event and the fashion industry in Nigeria.

Aiki Odiawa Chief Operating Officer of AFWN, said “The decision to host this year’s fashion week at this iconic location is a conscious effort to take our guest on a nostalgic journey of the best of the past and the vibrant pulse of the future by using this venue as a point of reference. Recall that this is same location that hosted the continent 40 years ago to FESTAC 77, a spectacular event that is yet to be rivaled in the continent to date”

This year’s event promises to be something like never seen before in Nigeria, according to the show producer Bayo Haastrup and with support from partners and sponsors like The Lagos State Government, Daviva (principal sponsor), ABC English Wax,Acceleratetv, Rite foods, Biggie drinks, Unilever, Domino Pizza, Morsi Pr, and media partners across the globe (for a full list please visit our website)

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Rowdy Session As Another LP Reps Defects To APC, Cites Leadership Crisis

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The member representing Jos South and East Federal Constituency, “Alfred Illiya Ajang,” has defected from the Labour Party (LP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In a letter read by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, “Tajudeen Abbas,” during plenary on Thursday, the now-defected member claimed that the crisis in the Labour Party was the reason for his defection.

The House was thrown into a rowdy session as some lawmakers raised eyebrows over the content of the letter.

Lending his voice, Minority Leader “Kingsley Chinda” says the letter is not in accordance with the constitution of the House and, as such, should be rejected.

He said that as a standing order, any member who wishes to defect must first inform his constituents and party members on the platform on which he was elected before any letter is read.

Chinda argued that since this criterion has not been met, the letter should not be admitted.

The speaker, however, overrode the observation.

Meanwhile, a former Minister of Labour and Employment and now-serving senator “Simon Lalong” was at the House of Representatives complex to witness the defection and give support to his colleague.

The House had earlier suspended its rules to admit Lalong, representing Plateau South senatorial district.

His defection from the LP to the ruling APC adds to the swelling number of federal lawmakers dumping one of Nigeria’s main opposition parties.

A few days back, another lawmaker, “Dalyop Chollom,” representing Barkin Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency, dumped the LP for the APC. He cited the crisis in the party as his reason.

Some weeks back, four members of the House of Representatives dumped the LP for the ruling party, citing squabbles in the Labour Party.

Following their defection, the LP threatened legal action and claimed their action was unconstitutional.

The Labour Party made inroads in national politics in the 2023 general election years after its formation. It got six Senate and 34 House of Representatives seats.

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City People Magazine Set To Celebrate The Carpenters’ Boss, Kayode Alfred On Thursday

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Frontline celebrity journal, City People Magazine led by its publisher and renowned veteran journalist, Dr. Seye Kehinde has put all things together to make May 11, 2023, a memorable and unforgettable day for budding entrepreneur and journalist, Kayode Alfred.

The Chief Executive Officer of The Carpenters Restaurant, Kayode Alfred will be celebrated by the City People Magazine for his sterling and enterprising qualities and input as a celebrity journalist turned entrepreneur. His success story in the hospitality business is being celebrated and this will take place at ‘The Carpenters Restaurant’, located at Wemco Road, Agidingbi Ikeja, Lagos.

Speaking about the event, Seye Kehinde said: “We are celebrating Kayode Olanshile Alfred for his contribution to the hospitality business and fashion industry, as he has been doing these for years, and he has not relented in his effort.

“This is the only way to appreciate and encourage his immense contribution to the hospitality business, alongside his beloved associates and friends in a well-packaged event like this.”

The event which is packaged by City People Entertainment, promises to be entertaining and will have sensational Nigerian Juju musician Adeyinka Adeboye, popularly known as ‘Boye Best’ to entertain the guest.

Ever since Kayode Alfred launched out not long ago into the enterprising world, he has continually remained in the consciousness of the people he rendered service to.

This celebrity journalist is a self-starter; a self-driven entrepreneur with astounding diligence and sartorial depth. This is as a result of his passion and enterprising and innovative qualities in whatever he puts his mind to. Alfred has long nurtured this dream since he was in school, and this dream is now coming to reality going by the number of corporate guys and elite clientele that proudly patronized his business.

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I’m Aware Of Challenges Facing Police, My Administration Has Helped A Lot — Buhari

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President Muhammadu Buhari says his administration has helped to alleviate the problems facing the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).

The president spoke on Thursday when he received the 2021 audited report and 2023 budget proposal of the police service commission (PSC), in Abuja.

He underscored the importance of quality welfare in effective service delivery and said the federal government has made it a priority for police officers.

“I particularly note that accommodation for police officers is very critical and this administration has made the welfare of police officers, and indeed, the armed forces a top priority,”

“I know that when officers are posted on duty or assignments and they know that their families live in barracks with facilities, schools, clinics, and a conducive living environment, their morale is boosted and they would discharge their duties with courage and efficiency.

“I am pretty aware of the problems and challenges confronting the Nigeria police force and the armed forces.

“The problem is relative to time and resources and this administration has done a lot with the limitations.”

Presenting the 2021 audited report and the 2023 budget proposal to the president, Clara Ogunbiyi, acting chairman of the commission, said the PSC has ensured that ”proper and fit persons are recruited into the Nigeria Police Force”.

She added that the commission has been consistent in ensuring making sure officers are promoted at the right time while erring police officers are sanctioned as appropriate.

While expressing appreciation to the president for the prompt release of funds towards the completion of the PSC headquarters, Ogunbiyi requested that the commission’s budget be placed in the first line charge in budget allocation, as that would allow the commission to be more effective.

 

Credit: NAN

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