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L-R: Minister of African Integration & Ivoirians of the diaspora, Ally Coulibaly; MD, UBA Cote d’Ivoire, Sarata Kone; Director, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Bola Atta and Minister of Culture & Francophony of Cote d’Ivoire Maurice Bandama

REDTV, a dynamic online lifestyle channel that puts the spotlight on Africa with a distinct global appeal,launched its Francophone version on Thursday.

The fun-filled event, supported by  the United Bank for Africa (Plc), was held at the Azalaï Hotel in Abidjan Cote d’Ivoire.  It was witnessed by distinguished players in finance, public and entertainment industries in Franco-Phone Africa’s largest economy and other neighbouring countries. The impressive gathering also featured the screening and premier of REDTV’s first francophone TV series, Boutique Hotel.

Notable guests who graced the colourful ceremony which was a grand display of excellence include, the Ivorian Minister of Culture, M. Maurice Bandama and Ally Coulibaly, the Ivorian Minister of African Integration.

With the launch of French language content of REDTV, the lifestyle station has now extended beyond Anglophone Africa into 10 French-speaking countries in which the UBA group operates.

Speaking at the event, the Managing Director of UBA Cote d’Ivoire, Mrs Sarata Kone, noted that the launch is an acknowledgment of the Bank’s recognition of its diversity as a pan-African financial institution with presence in 19 African countries in major financial capitals of London, New York and Paris. This according to her is in tandem with the Africapitalism philosophy of the Chairman of UBA Plc, Mr. Tony Elumelu’s call on all Africans to take full responsibility in developing the continent. “Africans should present Africa in a new light, it is up to Africans to change the vision the world has concerning it,” Kone said quoting Elumelu.

Also speaking, Mr. Bandama Maurice, Minister of Culture, commended UBA’s unique vision, saying “a development where an organisation like REDTV takes it upon itself to reset the Africa narratives by projecting it as a continent that offers opportunities to its ambitious and talented youth, is not only welcome, but is indeed laudable.”.

Boutique Hotel was produced in collaboration with Alexandra AMON, a young producer and actress from Ivory Coast who won the best prize in the television series of FESPACO Awards with Chroniques Africaines in 2015.

The Boutique Hotel features a young woman, Lola Durant, played by Alexandra Amon, who takes over the reins of a hotel residence once run by her widowed mother. Without experience, Durant faced an uncommon staff and a rather unusual clientele.  This series, where love and low-blows intermingle, is the first francophone programme on REDTV channel. “I am truly happy and proud to contribute in my own way to the Ivorian cinema and even happier that nations like Nigeria chose to trust us in developing our art,” said Amon

Side attractions at the event featured stunning performances with Kiff no Beat and TNT, the most famous band in Cote d Ivoire, thrilling guests who evidently could not resist the enthralling vibes. The dance-floor was filled to capacity as the crowd danced the night away.

UBA with its vast network and capabilities continues to serve customers bearing in mind their importance and exceeding their expectations. As Africa’s Global Bank, UBA will continue not only to serve them, but also to partner with them in order to provide excellent financial services to them.

BIG STORY

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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BIG STORY

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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BIG STORY

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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