Partner – ÌÇÐÄԭ´´! Come for the fun, stay for the culture! Fri, 30 Oct 2026 18:24:22 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=7.1.2 /wp-content/uploads/zikoko/2020/04/cropped-ÌÇÐÄԭ´´_ÌÇÐÄԭ´´_Purple-Logo-1-150x150.jpg Partner – ÌÇÐÄԭ´´! 32 32 Everything That Went Down at the Gordon’s Corner During Lagos Cocktail Week /announcements/everything-that-went-down-at-gordons-corner-during-lagos-cocktail-week/ Fri, 30 Oct 2026 18:24:20 +0000 /?p=387112 If your weekend plans didn’t include cocktails, ice cream, a little friendly competition and an after-party at Lagos Cocktail Week, here’s what you missed. From October 22 to 23, the Balmoral Convention Centre at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, hosted the Cocktail Village, where Gordon’s brought a retro-inspired diner setup and a lineup of activities that gave guests plenty to do between drinks.

First, the setup was hard to miss. Neon accents, carefully arranged Gordon’s bottles and retro-inspired details gave the space its own personality. It was the kind of spot that made you want to look around, take pictures and see what else was happening.

The undisputed centrepiece of the activation was a massive, collaborative painting mural. Guests could pick up a paintbrush and add their own strokes to a large collaborative artwork. Instead of simply posing in front of an installation, they got to contribute to one, with each person adding something different to the final piece.

Of course, the cocktails were a big part of the experience. Mixologists served up Gordon’s-based creations at the bar, giving guests different flavours to try as they caught up with friends and moved around the space.

Things got more competitive during the Gordon’s Mixologist Challenge, which brought Nollywood actor Mike Afolarin and lifestyle creator Jima Emmanuel behind the bar. The two went head-to-head to show off their cocktail-making skills, while the audience watched and voted for the winner. Mike came out on top, earning the title of Chief Mixology Officer for the night.

And because a good time doesn’t have to be all about cocktails, for guests looking for a deviation from the standard cocktail menu, Gordon’s introduced a dedicated ice cream bar. The station served up artisanal ice cream creations loaded with custom toppings and rich sauces, effortlessly blending the worlds of premium spirits and gourmet desserts

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As the evening went on, the space took on a party mood. The photo area gave guests another reason to bring out their cameras, while disco lights and music set the tone for the after-party. What started as an afternoon of cocktails, art, and friendly competition, it carried on into the night, giving guests more time to hang out and enjoy the atmosphere.

From the cocktails and collaborative mural to Mike’s mixology win and the after-party, Gordon’s Corner offered plenty beyond the usual stop at the bar. At Lagos Cocktail Week, there was room to try something new, show off a creative side, cheer on a favourite and make a few memories along the way. And really, what’s a good time without a story to tell afterwards?

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Raising Kids in Nigeria? 7 Ways Dettol Helps Families Build Healthier Hygiene Habits /announcements/dettol-family-hygiene-habits-in-nigeria/ Fri, 30 Oct 2026 17:44:01 +0000 /?p=387101 Raising kids in Nigeria is an extreme sport. One minute they are eating their vegetables, and the next, they are playing in a puddle of rainwater that has been in front of your house for weeks. Since you can’t wrap your children in bubble wrap, building everyday hygiene habits in Nigeria is your best defence.

For Global Handwashing Day 2026, the theme is “Be a Handwashing Hero”. Being a hero doesn’t always require you to wear a cape; it means consistently practising proper hand hygiene to protect against illness and inspiring your squad to do the same.

Here are seven ways Dettol and Reckitt are backing you up to build healthier, germ-fighting families.

Catch them young with Hygiene Quest 

Kids are sponges, both for knowledge and, unfortunately, for germs. Through the, children are learning that handwashing is not a punishment, but a superpower. By delivering practical hygiene education in schools and communities, the 2026 programme aims to reach 750,000 school children. They are turning the simple act of washing hands into a lifelong, healthy habit.

Supporting the ultimate superheroes: Moms. 

Mothers are the original hygiene enforcers. Recognising this, Dettol’s New Mums Programme has been equipping expectant and new mothers with practical hygiene education. Since 2021, Dettol has reached over 1.2 million children and mothers in Nigeria, and the 2026 goal is to empower an additional 90,000 mothers to keep their homes protected.

Mothers in Nigeria practicing good hygiene habits.

Bringing the action directly to schools 

You can’t just tell kids to wash their hands; you have to show them. Dettol teamed up with the Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) and the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and Sanitation for Global Handwashing Day activities across Lagos and Abuja. Through interactive group sessions, presentations, and handwashing demonstrations led by Reckitt employees, students actively learned how germs spread. To keep the momentum going, participating schools were equipped with handwash stations.

Seeing changes in student health 

When communities actually practice good hygiene, the results speak for themselves. Following hygiene interventions, participating schools reported reductions in communicable diseases among students of 34% in Abuja, 22% in Kwara and 16% in Lagos. While these outcomes cannot be attributed to handwashing alone, they show the important role hygiene education and improved hygiene practices can play in creating healthier school environments.

hygiene habits in nigeria

Breaking down the access to water barrier

All the hygiene education in the world won’t work if the taps are dry. Access to soap, clean water, and sanitation facilities is essential to sustain good hygiene. Moving beyond Dettol’s educational programmes, Reckitt has partnered with Water.org to address these practical barriers in homes and communities. This broader partnership has already reported reaching 8,900 people with improved access to water and sanitation.

Making big money moves for sanitation

Fixing infrastructure requires a lot of money. Through its partnership with Water.org, Reckitt is stepping up to improve access to financing for water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) solutions. There is a proposed WASH financing facility through Sterling Bank.

Funding local innovators for local problems 

Sometimes the best solutions are homegrown. Reckitt Catalyst is investing heavily in local social entrepreneurs who are tackling hygiene and sanitation challenges from the ground up. Since its launch in Nigeria in 2023, the programme has supported more than 10 social entrepreneurs with over N85 million in seed funding. One standout result is a modular public sanitation facility commissioned by MN Environmental Services in Lagos. The facility is expected to serve over 30,000 commuters monthly, proving that local solutions are vital to addressing community needs.

Keeping your kids germ-free is a full-time job, but as Dettol and Reckitt’s initiatives show, you don’t have to tackle it all on your own. 

Being a Handwashing Hero isn’t done in a day; it involves you making proper hand hygiene a consistent, everyday habit and encouraging your whole family to do exactly the same. So, the next time you have to march your kids back to the sink for the third time before dinner, just remember you are doing the Lord’s work or, better yet, the hero’s work. Grab that soap, turn on the tap, and keep saving the day, one wash at a time.

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Oladips Wins ₦1 Million as Hennessy and Sarz Wrap Up Open Verse ChallengeÌý /announcements/oladips-wins-hennessy-challenge/ Fri, 30 Oct 2026 16:21:32 +0000 /?p=387096 Nigerian rapper Oladips has emerged as the winner of the Hennessy Cypher Open Verse Challenge, taking home ₦1 million after a competition that attracted over 200 entries from aspiring rappers and lyricists across Nigeria.

As part of this year’s Hennessy Cypher campaign, music producer Sarz created an open verse using the beat he produced for the Hennessy Cypher2026, inviting emerging artists to showcase their lyrical abilities and creativity. Following the submission period, entries were reviewed by Sarz and judges who selected five finalists, with Oladips emerging as the overall winner receiving ₦1,000,000. 

Hennessy cipher

The winners were announced at Hennessy x Sarz and Friends, an exclusive gathering hosted by Sarz in collaboration with Hennessy on October 20 at Atrium by Sora, Trinity Towers, Lagos. The event brought together notable figures from Nigeria’s music and entertainment industry for an engaging celebration of music, creativity and culture. Guests in attendance included Grace Ladoja, Neo Akpofure, Niniola, Director Pink and Darey Art-Alade, alongside other industry personalities. 

Beyond the cash prizes, the five finalists had the opportunity to meet Sarz, take photographs with the acclaimed producer and receive a complimentary bottle of Hennessy. The experience offered the emerging artists a chance to connect with an established industry figure and gain recognition for their talent. 

Through the Hennessy Cypher and its collaboration with Sarz, Hennessy continues to create platforms that celebrate hip-hop, champion individuality and spotlight emerging talent. By connecting rising voices with established creatives, the initiative underscores the importance of providing opportunities for the next generation to express themselves and contribute to the evolution of Nigerian music. 

With Oladips taking the top spot, this year’s Open Verse Challenge celebrated the depth of talent within Nigeria’s hip-hop scene and the creative energy driving its growth. As the genre continues to evolve and make its mark on the global music landscape, Hennessy remains committed to championing the artists, sounds and cultural movements shaping its future. 

About Hennessy 

Founded in 1765, Hennessy is one of the world’s leading cognac houses, renowned for its heritage, craftsmanship and enduring connection to art, music and contemporary culture. Present in more than 160 countries, the Maison continues to build on its legacy through

creative collaborations and cultural experiences that connect generations and celebrate artistic expression.

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Visa Card Holders in Nigeria Can Now Use Google Pay for Fast, Secure Digital Payments /announcements/visa-googlepay-launch/ Fri, 30 Oct 2026 12:34:56 +0000 /?p=387072 Visa, a world leader in digital payments applauds the launch of Google Pay by participating financial institutions in Nigeria, supported through Visa’s partnership with Google. Eligible Visa cardholders of participating financial institutions can now securely add their cards to Google Wallet and make fast, convenient, and secure payments across millions of contactless acceptance points and online merchants. 

Visa

The launch by participating financial institutions marks another significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital payments journey, providing consumers with a simple and secure way to pay using their Android devices. By adding their eligible Visa cards to Google Wallet, users can tap to pay in stores, make purchases online, and enjoy a seamless payment experience across Google’s ecosystem. 

Google Pay uses tokenization technology to help protect payment information. Instead of storing or sharing a customer’s card number during transactions, a unique digital token is used, providing an additional layer of security while maintaining a fast and convenient checkout experience. 

As consumer demand for digital-first payment experiences continues to grow, the partnership between Visa and Google, working alongside Nigerian financial institutions, aims to support contactless payment adoption and provide Nigerians with more ways to pay securely wherever Visa contactless payments are accepted. 

“At Visa, we are committed to advancing the future of payments by delivering innovative, secure, and seamless payment experiences for consumers across Nigeria and beyond.

“Through our partnership with Google, we are pleased to support our financial institution partners as they bring Google Pay to their cardholders, combining the security of Visa’s global payment network with the convenience consumers increasingly expect in a digital-first world. Helping more people pay with confidence using their mobile devices supports digital commerce, financial inclusion, and the continued growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.” said Andrew Uaboi, Vice President and Cluster Head, Visa West Africa. 

“We are delighted to bring Google Wallet to Nigeria, a market at the forefront of financial innovation in Africa. Google Wallet makes everyday transactions faster and safer while removing the friction of carrying physical cards. By working alongside Nigeria’s leading financial institutions, we are expanding access to modern digital payment tools for millions of everyday consumers.” 

Olumide Balogun, Country Director, Google West Africa 

About Visa 

Visa (NYSE: V) is a world leader in digital payments, facilitating transactions between consumers, sellers, financial institutions and government entities across more than 200 countries and territories. Our mission is to connect the world through the most innovative, convenient, reliable and secure payments network, enabling individuals, businesses and economies to thrive. We believe that economies that include everyone everywhere, uplift everyone everywhere and see access as foundational to the future of money movement. Learn more at Ìý

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Learning Online Trading in Nigeria Around a Full-Time Job /announcements/learning-online-trading-in-nigeria/ Mon, 26 Oct 2026 15:54:18 +0000 /?p=386866 Learning online trading in Nigeria around a full-time job starts with setting aside a few hours each week for studying, demo practice, and reviewing mistakes. The timetable has to survive your actual life: the commute, dinner, family responsibilities, and evenings when work follows you home. A course promising to replace your salary will not create extra hours. A manageable routine gives you something more useful: time to learn what you are doing before money enters the picture.

Choose a platform before building your learning routine

Start with somewhere you can practice comfortably. Pocket Option’s guide to choosing the covers comparison points including demo access, mobile usability, payments, and fees. Use those categories to frame your research, then confirm current conditions directly with each provider.

For evening study, a usable demo account matters more than an impressive collection of features. Can you find your transaction history, read the chart, and identify the product being traded? Check the broker’s identity and relevant regulatory records separately. A polished app does not establish regulatory approval or explain what protections apply to your account.

Build a weekly learning schedule that fits your job

Plan around the evenings you normally have available. If Tuesday is regularly swallowed by deadlines, stop reserving it for lessons. Learning trading after work needs a repeatable slot, with room for missed sessions.

A starting schedule could look like this:

  • Monday, 20 minutes: study one concept and write down unfamiliar terms.
  • Wednesday, 25 minutes: test that concept on a demo account.
  • Saturday, 40 minutes: review your notes and repeat anything still unclear.

If your hours change each week, choose the next three sessions on Sunday. Keep the lesson small enough to finish even when the evening starts later than you originally expected.

Download reading materials beforehand where possible. Save practical exercises for a time when your internet connection and power supply are dependable. Avoid using your commute for decisions that need concentration. Reading a definition on the bus and placing an order are different tasks.

Learn the basics before following trading tips

Begin with the product itself. Buying a share, trading a leveraged contract, and taking a position with a fixed expiry involve different rights, costs, and possible losses. The asset name alone does not tell you what you own or how the trade works.

Online trading for beginners in Nigeria should include order mechanics, position size, fees, and how losses are calculated. Work through one topic at a time. Explain it in your own words before moving on.

When a video shows a winning trade, ask what the screenshot leaves out: earlier losses, transaction costs, and the amount risked. Keep trading education separate from trade signals. A recommendation tells you what someone wants you to do. A lesson should help you explain the decision yourself.

Use a demo account to practice one skill at a time

Give each session a specific task. Find an instrument, check its trading conditions, place a practice order, and locate the result in your history. Next time, repeat the exercise without instructions.

Whether practising on Pocket Option or another platform, keep a brief trading journal. Record the product, your reason for the trade, the amount exposed, the outcome, and anything unexpected. Describe mistakes precisely. Selecting the wrong amount is a different problem from misunderstanding the contract.

Demo trading accounts use virtual funds, so they cannot reproduce the pressure of losing rent money or the exact conditions of every live trade. Treat demo results as evidence of what you practised. They do not establish future profitability.

Keep learning costs separate from everyday expenses

Your first learning expenses may be data and a notebook. Before paying for a course or subscription, identify the question it answers. Check whether an available explanation already covers it and whether the course syllabus matches your current knowledge.

Keep your learning budget separate from household money. Rent, transport, food, debt payments, and family commitments already have jobs to do. Trading losses should never become an unexpected bill those funds must cover.

A minimum deposit is an account condition, not a personal budget recommendation. Likewise, having enough money to open an account does not mean you have learned enough to use it. There is no fee for spending another week practising.

Review your progress before taking the next step

After a month, review your notes alongside your calendar. Look for practical evidence:

  • Can you explain the product, its costs, and its possible losses?
  • Can you use the platform without guessing what a button does?
  • Have you recorded mistakes and corrected repeated ones?
  • Does the schedule leave enough time for work, sleep, and household responsibilities?

Use the answers to set your next month’s learning plan. Repeat unfamiliar tasks, shorten sessions that keep getting skipped, and postpone paid tools without a clear purpose. Funding a live account is a separate decision. For someone working full-time, the first month has done its job when the platform makes sense, the journal shows what needs practice, and learning still fits around payday responsibilities.

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Insight Redefini Uses YouTube PluggedIN to Explore Lasting Brand-Creator Partnerships /announcements/insight-redefini-pluggedin/ Fri, 23 Oct 2026 16:01:53 +0000 /?p=386768 Insight Redefini, an integrated marketing communications group, partnered with Woof Studios Africa to bring brands and creators together at YouTube PluggedIN in Lagos on Thursday, October 22, to explore lasting Brand-Creator Partnerships

The discussion comes as creators play a growing role in marketing, offering brands access to engaged communities and new ways to tell their stories. Yet the opportunity goes beyond audience reach. For partnerships to succeed, brands and creators must understand what each brings to the table and how their collaboration can deliver value to both sides.

According to Babatunde Olaifa, Group Chief Executive Officer of Insight Redefini, achieving this requires bringing brands and creators into the same conversation.

“One of our ambitions as Insight Redefini is we want to bring our brands together with the biggest creators in Nigeria to create magic, but beyond that, we are also looking to work with creators to build sustainable partnerships,” he said.

Olaifa noted that brands and creators often discuss one another without enough opportunities to engage directly and understand their respective ambitions.

“Beyond attention or buying the attention that we earn, or just putting an ad into something the creator has done, it has to be a lot more than that, by telling stories that matter for the brand, to the creators and to the audience,” he added.

The remarks set the context for Insight Redefini’s panel session, Beyond the Post: What Brands Really Want to Build with Creators, moderated by Esosa Osagiede. Brand leaders from TGI Group, Guinness Nigeria, Nestlé Nigeria, Amstel Malta and HI-Malt, and Mondelez International shared perspectives on what makes creator partnerships valuable and what both sides must do to sustain them.

Beyond audience size

For brands, choosing a creator involves more than looking at follower counts. Adeyinka Jemi-Alade, Head of Integrated Marketing Communications at TGI Group Limited, identified audience relevance, the ability to integrate brand messages naturally into storytelling, and the capacity to achieve campaign objectives as key considerations.

“A creator’s audience has to be relevant to the people the brand wants to reach. Beyond that, we look at how naturally the creator can bring the brand into their storytelling and whether the partnership can help us achieve the objectives we have set,” Jemi-Alade said.

Sam Okolie, Head of Mainstream Spirit at Guinness Nigeria also added “Creators need to understand the people who follow them and what they represent to that audience. When you know your community, you are better placed to decide which partnerships make sense for you and which ones may not be right for the identity you have built,” Okolie said.

For creators, this means evaluating commercial opportunities beyond the immediate payment. For brands, it reinforces the need to work with people whose content, values and audiences make sense for the message they want to communicate.

Defining value and building for the long term

Chisom Bikawei, Media Communications Manager at Nestlé Nigeria PLC, pointed to differences in how brands define action and value as one reason businesses may be hesitant to commit to long-term creator partnerships.

“Value does not mean the same thing to every brand. One brand may be looking to build awareness, while another may be focused on sales or a different business objective. If we have not clearly defined what we want to achieve, it becomes more difficult to assess the partnership and make a case for continuing it over the long term,” Bikawei said.

A campaign designed to build awareness may require a different measure of success from one intended to drive immediate sales or strengthen brand affinity. Without clear objectives, brands and creators may judge the same campaign differently, making it harder to build a lasting working relationship.

Francis Obiajulu, Senior Brand Manager for Amstel Malta and HI-Malt, encouraged creators to consider whether their audiences trust them, whether their personalities fit the brands they want to represent, and whether they understand the commercial side of their work.

“Creators should ask themselves whether their audience trusts them, whether the brands they want to work with fit their personality and content, and whether they understand the business side of what they do. It is also important to think about how their audience, ideas and creativity can deliver value for a brand,” Obiajulu said.

Bolaji Popoola, Head of Consumer Experience at Mondelez International, similarly emphasised that a creator’s value cannot be determined by numbers alone. Brands may be looking to build awareness, generate immediate sales or strengthen brand love, and creators need to understand which outcomes a partnership is expected to deliver.

“It is not just about the numbers a creator has. What matters is what those numbers can help a brand achieve. Are we trying to build awareness, drive immediate sales or strengthen people’s connection with the brand? Creators need to understand these objectives because the value of a partnership goes beyond the size of an audience,” Popoola said.

Together, these perspectives point to the importance of agreeing on objectives before a campaign begins. When brands and creators understand what a partnership is expected to achieve and how its performance will be assessed, they have a clearer basis for evaluating results and identifying opportunities to work together again.

The discussion also highlighted the potential to move beyond individual sponsored posts towards original content and recurring collaborations that serve the interests of both parties.

Through its partnership with Woof Studios Africa, Insight Redefini created a space for brands and creators to discuss these expectations directly. The focus was on encouraging a better understanding of what each side needs to make a partnership work, rather than treating creator marketing simply as a transaction for audience attention.

As the creator economy evolves, more sustainable collaborations will depend on shared objectives, audience trust and a clear understanding of commercial value. The conversation at YouTube PluggedIN put these considerations at the centre of how brands and creators can build relationships that deliver beyond a single post.

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Lagos, Are You Ready? Filmhouse Is Bringing The Hunger Games to Life with a Real-Life Hunt /announcements/filmhouse-is-bringing-the-hunger-games-to-life-with-a-real-life-hunt/ Thu, 22 Oct 2026 13:30:44 +0000 /?p=386548

If you have ever watched The Hunger Games and wondered whether you would actually survive the competition, you might soon get the chance to find out. Well, sort of.

On Saturday 14th November, will bring the Tribute Hunt Games to Lagos, giving 20 participants the opportunity to take on a series of challenges inspired by the hit franchise ahead of the release of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping on 20 November.

The hunt will kick off at Filmhouse Palms before moving to Lekki IMAX, with participants competing for a place in the final round. Along the way, participants will have opportunities to win other prizes, with 10 finalists competing for the grand prize of an iPhone 18 Pro. 

Twenty Tributes. Two locations. Multiple Prizes. One grand prize. And, presumably, no room for anyone to come unprepared.

Inspired by the competition and survival themes that have made The Hunger Games such a recognisable franchise, the Tribute Hunt Games takes the action beyond the cinema screen and puts participants at the centre of the experience. The campaign’s rallying cry, “I Volunteer as Tribute,” should feel familiar to fans who know just how much can be at stake in the world of Panem.

Ready to join the hunt? A pre-sale ticket is required to participate. Visit to choose your preferred location and get yours.

, Chief Executive Officer, Filmhouse Group, said:

“At Filmhouse Group, we recognise the importance of continually evolving how audiences engage with cinema. The Tribute Hunt Games is an opportunity to extend the experience beyond the screen, bringing fans together around a major film release in ways that encourage participation and build anticipation. We remain focused on creating experiences that strengthen our connection with audiences and their love for cinema.”

The timing also puts the hunt right in the middle of the countdown to Sunrise on the Reaping, which opens in cinemas on 20 November. Rather than simply waiting for the film to arrive, fans will have a chance to engage with an experience inspired by the world they are about to revisit.

For anyone who enjoys a little competition, loves the franchise or simply wants to see if they have what it takes, this could be one to watch.

The only question is: when the call comes, are you volunteering as tribute or staying safely in the audience?

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BBNaija: Smirnoff Ice Brought Bolder with Ice Energy to the HousematesÌý /announcements/bbnaija-smirnoff-ice-brought-bolder-with-ice-energy-to-the-housemates/ Thu, 22 Oct 2026 10:41:15 +0000 /?p=386477 If you watched BBNaija this season, you know the house was never short of drama, gbas gbos, unexpected friendships, and moments that had everyone talking. And when it was time to loosen up, turn up, and show another side of themselves, Smirnoff Ice came through with the vibes. From the house parties that brought the energy to the sponsored task that put housemates to the test, the brand presence was felt across the season, bringing its Bolder with Ice spirit of uninhibited self-expression into the BBNaija experience. Missed a few episodes or want to relive the highlights? Here are five ways Smirnoff Ice added to the fun. 

Pool Parties That Brought Everyone Together

The Smirnoff Ice pool parties gave housemates a chance to unwind, enjoy good music and spend time together outside their usual routines. Whether dancing by the pool or enjoying conversations with friends, everyone had their own way of enjoying the moment.

Saturday Nights That Unleashed Different Energies

Saturday nights brought a different rhythm to the BBNaija house. And across two Smirnoff Ice Saturday night parties, housemates traded the day’s tension for music, dancing, and the chance to express themselves through their looks and moves. Each party brought its own energy, giving viewers more reasons to stay tuned.

Music That Set the Mood

Music played a big part in shaping the atmosphere at Smirnoff Ice’s parties. Different sounds brought different reactions, giving housemates room to move, sing along and express themselves in their own ways.

The Smirnoff Ice Task That Tested Every Side of Them

The Bolder With Ice Challenge task brought a mix of challenges into the house, from broken telephone and memory games to styling, dance coordination and painting. Each round called for something different, allowing housemates to show their creativity, focus and competitive sides.

Team Original took the overall win, but every round offered a fresh glimpse of how differently people think, create and respond under pressure.

Fashion and Creativity Took Centre Stage

During the Ice Throne challenge, teams had ten minutes to style a teammate using materials from mystery boxes. The results reflected different creative approaches, with Flora and Oyin each showcasing their team’s interpretation of the challenge.

The painting round offered another creative outlet as Keivo and Abi put their own spin on the Smirnoff Ice can outline.

One Brand. Different Moods. Unlimited Expression.

From poolside fun and Saturday night dancing to creative challenges and moments of teamwork, Smirnoff Ice brought Bolder with Ice into different parts of the BBNaija experience.

Because self-expression does not look the same for everyone. Sometimes it comes through fashion, sometimes through creativity and sometimes through simply letting loose with friends.
And that is what makes every side worth celebrating.


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TFAA at 20: Nominees Revealed Across 26 Categories Celebrating Young African Excellence /announcements/tfaa-at-20-nominees-revealed/ Tue, 20 Oct 2026 11:20:24 +0000 /?p=386311 The Future Awards Africa (TFAA), the continent’s leading platform for celebrating young African excellence, has announced the nominees for its 20th edition. Themed “Celebrating The Redefiners: Africa’s AI Generation,” the milestone edition honours achievements across 26 categories, with nominees including technology entrepreneur Odunayo Eweniyi, sprinter Letsile Tebogo and singer Nikita Kering.

For two decades, TFAA has celebrated young Africans aged 18 to 35 whose work reflects excellence, innovation, leadership and meaningful impact. This year’s nominees represent a broad range of fields, from technology and entrepreneurship to the arts, public service, sports and community development.

The power-packed list includes technology entrepreneur Odunayo Eweniyi, sprinter Letsile Tebogo, singer Nikita Kering, photographer Stephen Tayo Ajibare, filmmaker Eniola Korty Olanrewaju and author Damilare Kuku. Alongside their fellow nominees, they represent a generation that challenges conventions and expands possibilities within their fields.

“Twenty editions into this journey, we have seen how profoundly young Africans can change the direction of an industry, a community and the continent itself,” said Ayodeji Razaq, Executive Director of TFAA. “This year’s nominees carry that story forward. Through the originality of their ideas, the conviction behind their work and the opportunities they create for others, they are giving new meaning to what Africa can achieve. ‘Celebrating The Redefiners: Africa’s AI Generation’ honours that ambition and the tangible progress it makes possible. Our responsibility is to give their achievements the recognition they deserve and ensure their contributions are part of how Africa’s story is told.”

Following the unveiling, the nominees will be assessed through TFAA’s selection process, supported by its Jury and Independent Audit Committee to uphold the fairness, credibility and integrity of the awards.

As the 20th edition approaches, the spotlight turns to the people behind the nominations: the ideas they have pursued, the opportunities they have created and the communities their work continues to reach. Their stories will take centre stage as TFAA celebrates this milestone and the young Africans carrying its legacy of excellence forward.

Here is the full list of nominees for the 20th edition of The Future Awards Africa:

TFAA Prize for Photography

  • Agbaje Halimah
  • Daniel Msirikale
  • Oluwatosin Junaid
  • Chidubem Praise Nmeka
  • Stephen Tayo Ajibare

TFAA Prize for Technology and Innovation

  • Odunayo Eweniyi
  • Maxwell Opondo
  • Charles Mfouapon
  • Wendy Okolo
  • Yanmo Omorogbe

TFAA Prize for Music

  • Nikita Kering (Kenya)
  • Shodade Solomon Segun (Shoday)
  • Idris Lawal Oluwadamilare (Oshamo)
  • Samuel Damilare (Abefe)
  • Amalachukwu Okonkwo Chantell (Amma)

TFAA Prize for On-Air Personality

  • Claudia Naisambwa Leshoomo (Kenya)
  • Joey Akan
  • Kanyinsola Olukoya
  • Nina Shaban (Kenya)
  • Onyinyechi Aderibigbe

TFAA Prize for Entrepreneurship

  • Iretidayo Zaccheaus
  • Keyinde and Taiwo Smith
  • Esther Uzodinma
  • Olamidun Ogundoyin
  • Adeola Adeyemi (Diiadem)

TFAA Prize for Governance

  • Emma Inamutila Theofelus
  • Rinsola Abiola
  • Abideen Olasupo
  • Abdul-Ganiyu Vinod Obasa
  • Khalil Nur Khalil

TFAA Prize for Advocacy and Activism

  • Aisha Hamman
  • Habib Sheidu
  • Violet Ejiata
  • Joshua Okoduwa
  • Oluwaseun Ikusika

TFAA Prize for Law

  • Dr Stanley U. Nweke-Eze
  • Taiwo Aromolaran
  • Maryam Eje
  • Oluwafunke Adeoye
  • Temijuopelo Alufa

TFAA Prize for Education

  • Princess Natasha Momoh
  • Monalisa Agbata
  • Israel Oyedare
  • Jennifer Jonathan
  • Gloria Babarinde

TFAA Prize for Journalism

  • Onyinyechi Obaroh Obaroh
  • Adesola Abisoye
  • Omolola Afolabi
  • Emmanuel Onwuka
  • Riyah Abdul

TFAA Prize for Agriculture

  • Chy Nwakanma
  • Titilayo Aisha Damilola
  • Funmilayo Famuyiwa
  • Chioma Aniagolu
  • Adaeze Ruth Okonmah

TFAA Prize for Professional Service

  • Fatou Jeng
  • Faith Emmanuel
  • Abraham Mbuthia
  • Ifeoluwa Ebiseni
  • Iheakachi Nwabueze

TFAA Prize for Sports

  • Letsile Tebogo (Botswana )
  • Ashleigh Plumptre
  • Tobi Amusan
  • Emmanuel Wanyoyi (Kenya)
  • Nene Joy Ojo

TFAA Prize for Art

  • Blessing Ejiroghene Adewale
  • Echezona Ogudu
  • Rahmal Houssig (Morocco)Ìý
  • Anthony Azekwoh
  • Tioluwa Yoloye

TFAA Prize for Literature

  • Damilare Kuku
  • Fatima Bala
  • Eloghosa Osunde
  • Somtochukwu Ihezue
  • Peter Okonkwo

TFAA Prize for Community Action

  • Daniel Ajala
  • Damilola Feyide
  • Oyinkansola Akinbiyi
  • Deborah Aderogba
  • Mordecai Orimiladeye

TFAA Prize for Health and Wellness

  • Dr Princess Akawor
  • Mobolaji Ajayi
  • Dr Cassandra Akinde
  • Kiki Diorgu
  • Faith Adewale

TFAA Prize for Fashion

  • Goodnews Emmanuel
  • Fisayo Longe
  • Prudent Gabriel Peterson
  • Esther Yonkor
  • Desirée Iyama

TFAA Prize for Film

  • Eniola Korty Olanrewaju
  • Abdulazeez GreeneÌý
  • Ogechi Chikezie
  • Damilare Adeeso
  • Jigar Ganatra
  • Ogheneyerhovwo Nana

TFAA Prize for Comedy Content Creation

  • Aderonke Adepoju
  • Daniel Ekpe (Akwaman)
  • Folagade Banks
  • Destiny Ogie Osarewinda (Dezny)
  • Kennedy Odhiambo (Crazy Kennar) ( Kenya)

TFAA Prize for Lifestyle Content Creation

  • Tobe Ugeh
  • Wode Maya (Ghana)
  • Eric Gugua
  • Adenike Tejuoso
  • Chef T

TFAA Prize for Acting

  • Bolaji Ogunmola
  • Teniola Aladese
  • Uche Montana
  • Rosman Sunshine
  • Taye Arimoro

TFAA Prize for Young Person of the Year

  • James Popoola
  • Abdul Azeez Abdulyekeen
  • Taiwo Aromolaran
  • Deborah Johnson
  • Nora Awolowo

TFAA Prize for Creative Excellence

  • Laetitia KY (Abidjan )
  • Akintunde Ikudayisi Ikudayisi
  • Emmanuel Whajah
  • Kendo Grant
  • Ijeoma Mathew

TFAA Prize for Performing Arts

  • Ibukunoluwa Ajagbe (Ibquake)
  • Hafsat Abdulllahi
  • Victory Ashaka
  • Kingfahd Ibitoye
  • Diana Modeme

TFAA Prize for Energy and Sustainability

  • Charlot Magayi
  • Brian Gadisi
  • Chiemela Anosike
  • Damilola Hamid Balogun
  • Oyinkansola Owoyemi

The 20th edition continues TFAA’s commitment to recognising young Africans whose work contributes to the continent’s growth and shapes the possibilities ahead. By celebrating the people who are truly redefining their generation, the awards honour the people helping define what Africa’s next chapter can become.

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Finwerd launches traineeship to invest in Africa’s next generation of beverage technologists /announcements/finwerd-launches-traineeship-to-invest-in-africas-next-generation-of-beverage-technologists-2/ Tue, 20 Oct 2026 10:31:42 +0000 /?p=386308 Trainees from across ECOWAS will spend two years inside Finwerd’s application labs, training on the job to lead the future of beverage innovation in West Africa.

LAGOS, Nigeria — Finwerd, West Africa’s largest flavour manufacturer, has launched its new Beverage Application Traineeship. The two-year traineeship will develop young talents from West Africa into beverage application technologists. These specialists are in high demand across Africa’s booming flavour industry. However, opportunities to become one are scarce, limited by high entry barriers and a lack of training programmes.

The selected trainees will work in Finwerd’s application laboratories in Lagos alongside some of the most experienced beverage technologists from the industry. Part of their training will take place at Finwerd’s headquarters in the Netherlands. The training and resources invested in each trainee are valued at more than US$150,000.

Built in Africa, by people who know its markets

From its production facility in Lagos, Finwerd develops and produces flavour systems for the African beverage industry. Making flavours locally brings the industry shorter lead times, less exposure to import delays and less risk of currency swings.

“We believe the future of Africa’s beverage industry should be developed in Africa, by people who understand its markets, consumers and opportunities,” said Mr. Steven Kabuito, Managing Director Africa, Finwerd. “We want to invest in young African talent and build the technical expertise that will shape this industry for decades to come.”

How to apply

Applications are open now at Finwerd’s LinkedIn page until the end of October.  


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