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JUST IN: FG Lifts Nigeria’s Ban From Basketball Competition

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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the immediate return of Nigeria to international basketball competitions.

Ismaila Abubakar, the Permanent Secretary, of the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, made the announcement on Thursday at a press briefing in Abuja.

According to him, the approval was granted following a letter of appeal dated June 17, 2022, which was signed by Musa Kida, leader of the Nigeria Basketball Federation board, and addressed to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare.

Abubakar said, “The letter appealed to the Minister to use his good offices to approach President Buhari for the reversal of the 2-year withdrawal of Nigeria from international basketball competitions.

“The Appeal letter also critically gave some key undertakings: to immediately set in motion the process of status review or constitutional amendments from stakeholders as collated by the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, to set up a high-powered team to reconcile all contending parties in the basketball family at home and abroad, and a commitment to work with the Ministry in the governance and development of basketball among other things.

“Flowing from the above and upon a review, the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development approached and placed these developments before President Muhammadu Buhari being one that is committed to youth development and desirous of ensuring that they are availed of all opportunities in sports and other endeavors considered the appeal and in the overriding spirit of national interest, love for our youth, and in order to avoid sending basket development into a long period of suspension when NBBF has now committed to the resolution of the issues which precipitated the withdrawal in the first place has approved the return of Nigeria to international basketball immediately.”

Furthermore, Abubakar said despite the approval, the stakeholders were warned to ensure that the country’s laws are not subjugated to any other law.

“Failure to do this, as with any constitutionally bound sovereign nation, will attract sanctions. There was first a country before any organization or federation that bears the Nigerian name, colors, and flag us representing Nigeria.

“Secondly, that all those that lead government organizations and in this case our federations, hold such positions in trust for the Government and people of Nigeria under the direct supervision of the Minister of Youth and Sports,” he said.

BIG STORY

Alhaja Sherifatu Andu, Maker Of “2 Aishat’s”, Set To Premier Her Second Project Titled “Journey Into The Light” [PHOTOS]

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Alhaja Sherifat Andu, the beautiful, hardworking, workaholic behind Arabel the one stop Islamic shop has just completed a series titled “Journey into Light” which will be released during the Ramadan.

This is coming after her first production “2 Aishat’s” was released on Amazon.

Through heartfelt storytelling and authentic portrayals, “Journey into Light” helps viewers to reflect on their spiritual paths and the enduring strength found in the pursuit of enlightenment. With its compelling narratives, the series serves as an important reminder of the richness of Islamic practices and the power of faith to guide and sustain us through life’s trials.

From the transformative power of gratitude amidst personal struggles to the complexities of sisterhood tested by jealousy and gossip, each episode immerses viewers in narratives that resonate with universal themes of resilience, gratitude, forgiveness, and spiritual growth.

As characters confront challenges in their relationships, careers, and personal aspirations, they draw strength from their faith, community, and the wisdom of Islamic teachings.

Journey Into Light will debut on ALEEFTV on YouTube during the month of Ramadan, 2024.

Journey Into Light is a production of ARABEL FILMS, the producer of the film THE TWO AISHAS, a company who has carved a niche for itself as an Islamic film production company. Written and produced by Shareefah Abiola Andu and directed by Tunde Olaoye, the casts consist majorly of fresh actors in the industry.

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BIG STORY

Czech Republic’s Krystyna Pyszkova Crowned Miss World 2024 [PHOTOS]

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Krystyna Pyszkova of the Czech Republic, at a spectacular ceremony in India on Saturday, became victorious in the Miss World 2024 competition, beating out Indian competitor Sini Shetty, who placed in the top 8.

Yasmina Zaytoun, Miss Lebanon, placed first runner-up in the competition.

Press Trust of India reported on Saturday that Pyszkova was crowned as the next Miss World by Karolina Bielawska, the current Miss World from Poland, during the glamorous finale.

After Tatana Kucharova’s triumph in 2006, her victory signifies the second time a woman from the Czech Republic has taken home the Miss World title.

Expressing her astonishment at winning the prestigious title, Pyszkova, who is in her twenties, confessed it was beyond her expectations.

During the pageant, Pyszkova’s ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ project emphasized “quality education for children,” and she pledged to utilize her platform as Miss World to amplify awareness for this cause.

Speaking to reporters after the finale, Pyszkova shared her excitement about the supportive community of Miss World contestants, vowing to continue her advocacy work.

“So far, we have helped 320 children. Through the Miss World platform, I’ll be able to help as many children as possible…

“The Miss World sisterhood is such an empowering community. I think we will be sharing this moment forever because we experienced so many things. We experienced this incredible country, India, together. I’ll be happy to come back soon,” Pyszkova told reporters here after the finale.

According to the official Miss World website, Pyszkova, a Czech model, is pursuing degrees in law and business administration and is the founder of the Krystyna Pyszko Foundation.

Fluent in English, Polish, Slovak, and German, Pyszkova advocates for sustainable development through education, citing her proudest moment as the establishment of an English school for underprivileged children in Tanzania, where she volunteered.

“Her proudest moment was opening an English school for underprivileged children in Tanzania where she also volunteered. She enjoys playing the transverse flute and the violin, and has a passion for music and art having spent nine years in an art academy,” read Pyszkova’s profile on the website.

India, which hosted the event after a gap of 28 years, was represented by 22-year-old Shetty.

The 71st Miss World pageant, featuring contestants from 112 countries, took place at the Jio World Convention Centre in BKC, with Bollywood filmmaker Karan Johar and Miss World 2013 Megan Young from the Philippines as hosts.

Czech Republic's Krystyna Pyszkova

Czech Republic's Krystyna Pyszkova

Czech Republic's Krystyna Pyszkova

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BIG STORY

Nigerian Superstar Singer Burna Boy To Perform At 2024 Grammy Awards

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Nigerian singer, Damini Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, is slated to perform at the 2024 Grammys.

The ‘African Giant’ crooner was announced alongside Luke Combs and Travis Scott on Monday morning by the Recording Academy.

“Attention: African Giant @BurnaBoy will take the #GRAMMYs stage on Sunday, February 4th at 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT on @CBS,” the Grammy organisers wrote on their X handle.

Other performers earlier announced include Olivia Rodrigo, Billie Eilish, and Dua Lipa.

Recall that Burna Boy received three nominations at the 66th Grammys. His nominations include Best Melodic Rap Performance for ‘Sittin’ On Top Of The World,’ Best Global Music Performance for ‘Alone,’ and Best African Music Performance for ‘City Boys.’

The 66th Grammy Awards will be held on Sunday, February 4, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.

 

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