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Mirabel VDM - How False Rape Stories Silence Real Survivors and Destroy Lives

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​In just one week, we have witnessed two or three trending stories of fake rape allegations that have shaken the public trust. One young woman accused an anonymous man of raping her (for which she survived drinking Sniper) and created a fake support account, successfully mobilizing influencers, celebrities, and activists to rally behind her. In the second story a young man was specifically named and immediately arrested. Only God knows the psychological and physical trauma and abuse he endured before the young woman who accused him finally confessed that the entire story was a lie. While these incidents may point to underlying mental health issues and perhaps, carefully thought out wicked plans to harm others, it does not change a fundamental truth: rape should never be a joke. Many men have been canceled for making rape jokes and many more are in prison from false accusations . The lies of these women trended so wildly that it triggered action from the police, healthcare providers, an...
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The Great Argungu Fishing Festival Holds Again in Nigeria

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There was a time in Nigeria when looking out for festivals and tourist destinations were the order of the day. A time when the excitement to travel, visit and experience the beauty of Nigerian cultures, was the norm. A time before the 2009 insurgent attacks that the present generation - GenZ and GenAlpha - can only discover in stories, books, films or social media. Such a time was when Kebbi State's Argungu festival was held annually. After some years of hiatus due to attacks, last week, the festival kicked off again. More than showcasing Kebbi's rich tradition and cultural heritage, the festival is also said to be a symbol of unity and peace, marking the historic peace treaty between the Sokoto Caliphate and Argungu emirate in the 1930s. It boosts local economies through tourism and fishing trade, attracting visitors from Nigeria and beyond. Hopefully it has come to stay. We miss the way things were in the past. Terrorism has dealt a huge blow on Nigeria's tourism potent...
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President Macron's sunglasses see surge in sales after backlash

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Attention is the new oil in the digital economy. Come with me... 😊 When French President Emmanuel Macron was mocked at the #WorldEconomicForum in #Davos earlier this year for his eyewear, it gained media attention. While the internet argued, the brand behind the glasses saw a surge in searches and direct traffic. Talking about them led to being optimized by the algorithm.🎯 Sometimes, bad press can be a high ROI driver! In a world of #algorithms , high engagement signals relevance to platforms, pushing your brand to audiences you may never reach with "safe" content. Again, criticism and controversy create curiosity. You don’t need a 100% approval rating to cash out. You need a strategy that captures the traffic created by public conversation. Don't focus only on "likes" alone. Look out for reach and relevance, and when the storm is brewing in your direction, you might want to take advantage of it. Image: CNN. #MarketingStrategy #AttentionEconomics #Br...
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The Speed Effect: A Digital Reality Check for Nigerian Influencers

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IShowSpeed’s Africa tour recently landed in Nigeria, bringing an electric energy that highlighted the "Digital Gap." Many influencers were left asking, "What is Twitch?" or "What is streaming?"—a significant wake-up call for the industry. While we celebrated his 50 million subscriber milestone on our soil, it became evident that many of our "top" creators are lagging in their understanding of this new landscape. Key Lessons: - The world has shifted from static skits to Live Interactive Content. Understanding platforms like Twitch, Kick, and the concept of concurrent viewership is essential; otherwise, you may be playing a 2015 game in 2026. - Influence vs. Fame: Being "Lagos, Abuja, or Nigeria famous" does not equate to global influence. True impact is rooted in community and technical niche. - Strategy over Antics: Speed is a billion-naira machine. Nigeria is the heartbeat of African creativity, but relying solely on "vibes...
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Breaking Stereotypes and Sparking Conversations: IShowSpeed's "Speed Does Africa Tour"

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Image: Amplify Africa. The " Speed Does Africa Tour " is more than just a streaming event - it's a cultural phenomenon that's challenging preconceived notions and inspiring a new generation of young Africans and foreigners alike. The 28-day journey across approximately 20 countries is breaking stereotypes and sparking conversations about Africa's modernity and cultural richness. Tour Highlights: - Visited 10 countries in Africa, including Egypt , Ethiopia , Eswatini , Mozambique , Zimbabwe , Botswana , Zambia , Rwanda , and Kenya - Became the first streamer to broadcast from inside the pyramids in Egypt - Met President William Ruto in Kenya and reached 48 million YouTube subscribers - Immersed in local cultures, trying traditional foods, dancing, and wearing local attire - Teased a DNA reveal at the tour's end, hinting at strong roots in Angola Impact on Young Foreigners: The tour has sparked a range of reactions from young foreigners, including surprise, exc...
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Anthony Joshua's Accident: A Wake Up Call in Service Delivery

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It's one thing to have services but another thing to make them active or well known so people can use them.  Even when the system works or services are delivered, if people don't trust them or know about them those services might as well not exist.  The tragic accident that affected boxing champion Anthony Joshua and his companions, who sadly lost their lives, has drawn attention to highway problems in the country which we hope will NOW start getting solved. It reminds us of a recent training of officials from the National Emergency Management Agency - NEMA. A discussion on frequent fires engulfing buildings in the country and how easily people  ignore the existence of fire extinguishers got us suggesting we test NEMA's emergency lines to see if someone would pick. We tried and they worked!  The question then is how many people are aware of these important numbers to call in an emergency in order to save lives and property? It's important the government closes the ga...
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7 days and 7 events: Nigeria's resilient creative economy amidst insecurity

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Over the past couple of days, Nigeria has been buzzing with exciting developments in the creative economy and tourism sectors. In a remarkable achievement, Lagos Fashion Week (which ended on Nov. 2) won the prestigious 2025 EarthShot Prize in Brazil on Nov. 5, for its initiative to build a waste-free world. Founded by Omoyemi Akerele in 2011, the event is Africa's largest fashion week. The 8th edition of Guarantee Trust Bank's Fashion Weekend (Nov. 8-9) also concluded, celebrating Nigerian and African creativity.  On the #music scene, 4 Nigerians were nominated in the highly coveted Grammy Awards for the Afrobeats category, over the weekend. While for movies, the African International Film Festival and Abuja International Film Festival held in Lagos (Nov. 2-8) and Abuja (Nov. 6-10) respectively, spotlighting African and global storytelling, music and fashion as catalysts for creative growth. The Minister of Creative Economy proposed to the Federal Executive Council to promote ...
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The Power of Live Action in Poetry🎭

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#DenjaAbdullahi is a Nigerian poet, writer, and literary figure who uses poetry as his main medium to entertain and educate. His 56th birthday on August 30 (organized in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Authors at the Mamman Vatsa Writers Village in Abuja), celebrated the dynamic art of fusing #poetry and #theater . This innovative approach highlights the power of spoken word in bringing poetry to life and pays homage to Nigeria's rich oral tradition. As he points out, "We were largely oral in Nigeria before writing. Traditionally, our poetry is an oral tradition recited often with drums and musical instruments. Spoken word is modern but has its roots in the past. The poetic form can be used to teach any subject on earth. From the classical times, every subject, from the humanities to the sciences, started with poetry as a means of knowledge sharing." He acknowledged the media's role in promoting literary works - his first work was published long ag...
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The Igbo Apprenticeship System: Unlocking Economic Empowerment

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🎥 Last week in Abuja, Institut Francais aired the documentary, #Freemen , about the centuries-old Igbo apprenticeship system known as ‘Igba Boi’. As part of their cultural exchange programme, the centre showcases films, music, art exhibitions, language programmes and other cultural activities. It provided much insight into the apprenticeship system and the experiences of Igbo traders. The Igbo apprenticeship system is regarded as one of the most powerful, community-driven models of entrepreneurship in Africa. Rooted in shared prosperity, it transforms young apprentices into business owners through on-the-job training and eventual capital support. Some business lessons it teaches include the power of collaboration, negotiation, continuous learning and improvement, and finding a niche when there are gaps. This informal yet structured system is said to have become the cornerstone of Igbo economic success, particularly after the Nigerian Civil War. As Ill Bliss (Nigerian rapper) narrate...
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Nigeria Rolls Out First-Ever Menstrual Health Policy

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Breaking news! 😁 We are happy to announce that Nigeria has adopted its first menstrual health policy nationwide. This happened in Abuja on August 15, 2025. This new policy is all about breaking the stigma around menstruation, making sanitary products more affordable and accessible, and helping girls stay in school — even during their periods. It was officially approved by the Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and it’s a major win for gender equality and health. The policy tackles issues like shame, lack of information, and poor access to safe menstrual products — all of which can lead to girls missing school, dropping out early, or facing intimate partner violence, child marriage and early pregnancy. In short, it’s a game-changer and the vision is bold: by 2030, no girl in Nigeria should have to choose between her education and managing her period. More here https://von.gov.ng/nigeria-adopts-first-menstrual-health-policy-nationwide/ Thanks for stopping by. Don't f...
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Ibom Air: Cybercrimes and the Culture of Public Humiliation in Nigeria

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In Nigeria, there's this disturbing trend where individuals caught committing crimes or misconduct are publicly humiliated through exposure of their nudity. The recent incident involving the Ibom Air cabin crew and passenger, Comfort Emmanson, is an example. The circulation of footage showing her bare chest was unnecessary and dehumanizing. Such actions not only violate the individual's rights but also perpetuate a culture of shame and violence. ⚖️Legal Implications: The Cybercrime Act in Nigeria , specifically Section 24 , prohibits the dissemination of obscene or indecent content . Sharing such footage can result in severe consequences, including imprisonment or fines. 📢The Broader Impact: Weaponizing nudity as a form of punishment perpetuates gender-based violence. It sends a dangerous message that a person's body can be used as a tool for public shaming. It's important to recognize the harm caused by this practice and work towards creating a culture that val...
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Has the 1999 Constitution been the cause of our national problems, rather than a path to progress?

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From July 16–17, 2025, the National Summit on The Future of Nigeria’s Constitutional Democracy held at Transcorp Hilton and Nicon Luxury Hotels in Abuja. Led by former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, the summit brought together diverse Nigerian voices - elder statesmen, youth, civil society, diaspora, academia, religious leaders, market leaders, and more - to tackle this very question. 🎯 The consensus was clear: the 1999 Constitution, seen as a military imposition without the people's input, is responsible for many of Nigeria's systemic failures, including a weakened federal system, growing inequality, insecurity, and a decline in national pride. 🎯 The call to action? A new, inclusive, people-driven Constitution that reflects our aspirations for justice, equity, unity, accountability, and sustainable development. 🎊 Key resolutions aim to establish true federalism with greater autonomy for states and local government areas. The Summit pushed for signifi...
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Reserved Seats for Women Bill and Constitutional Amendments

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The Senate Committee’s public hearings on the review of the 1999 Constitution are taking place across zonal levels on the 4th and 5th of July 2025. This crucial engagement provides citizens the opportunity to contribute to shaping Nigeria’s constitutional future. It is also a critical opportunity for public engagement on the Reserved Seats for Women Bill and other matters of national significance. The hearings will mark a pivotal step in advancing inclusive governance and equitable representation. The Reserved Seats for Women Bill represents a move to ensure that the voices of women are fully represented in Nigeria’s legislative framework. Flashback: In March 2022, the National Assembly voted down five major gender-focused constitutional amendment bills, igniting a wave of nationwide protests and widespread public criticism. These proposed amendments aimed to advance gender equity and amplify women’s representation in politics. Among them was the bill on Special Seats for Women in ...
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Dolce and Gabanna, a Venetian Dream and Lauren Sanchez's Fairytale Wedding

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Lauren Sanchez, 55, stunned in a custom Dolce & Gabbana wedding gown as she married Jeff Bezos on June 27, 2025, in Venice, Italy. The intricate Alta Moda gown took over 900 hours of artisanal work to create, featuring delicate lace, long sleeves, a corseted waist, and a high neckline inspired by Sophia Loren's 1958 film "Houseboat".  The mermaid-style skirt flowed elegantly to the floor, adorned with 180 hand-finished silk chiffon buttons. Sanchez described the dress as "not just a gown, a piece of poetry" and thanked Dolce & Gabbana for the "magic" behind its creation.  The wedding was a star-studded affair with guests including Bill Gates, Kim Kardashian, and Leonardo DiCaprio, and was estimated to cost around $55 million. Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a comment, it helps us serve you better.
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FG set to improve funding for menstrual health and hygiene management

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🌺 Yesterday marked a significant milestone with the first Menstrual Health and Hygiene Management Summit in Abuja. The event brought together various government, educational, private, and civil society organizations dedicated to promoting the normalization of menstruation as a natural part of girls' and women's lives. During the summit, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs unveiled plans to formulate a policy on menstrual health and hygiene management (MHHM), while the Federal Ministry of Budget committed to creating a budget line for MHHM in the upcoming 2026-2030 plans and Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF). The summit lamented that: ⭕ Women and girls in rural areas and conflict zones face challenges in accessing information and resources for menstrual health and hygiene management. ⭕ Females with disabilities often receive inadequate support and information regarding menstrual hygiene management. ⭕ Conversations about periods typically exclude boys and men, leading t...
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Jeff Bezos set to wed in Venice amidst protests

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Tech tycoon Jeff Bezos is getting married this weekend in Venice, Italy. A-list celebs such as Oprah Winfrey, Ivanka Trump, Kim Kardashian, Tom Brady have started arriving. Meanwhile residents are protesting against the wedding. Find out why...  Jeff Bezos, Laura Sanchez to marry in Venice amid protests – DW – 06/27/2025 https://share.google/uoxCAnY8QPH3FV7tt Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a comment, it helps us serve you better.
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African governments should develop homegrown AI platforms that align with local culture

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Today's discussion on "Hate Speech & Artificial Intelligence" shed light on the worrisome amplification of hate speech by new communication technologies, posing threats to peace, development, and human rights. Four key takeaways from the conversation: ⭐ In the first quarter of 2025, #Meta removed 3.4 million pieces of content due to violations of guidelines on hateful content, highlighting the significant impact of AI in this context. ⭐ It is important for African governments to develop homegrown AI platforms that align with local culture, moving away from reliance on foreign technologies. ⭐ NGOs play a vital role in emphasizing that hate speech is a human rights violation, and promoting the importance of ethical AI practices. ⭐ More Nigerians should be digitally literate. This will help them  to detect and report hate speech. These discussions underscore the critical need for proactive measures to address the challenges posed by hate speech in the digital era. ...
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International day for countering hate speech

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The rise of new communication technologies has amplified hate speech, spreading divisive ideologies worldwide. If unchecked, it threatens peace and development, fueling conflicts and human rights violations. Join the conversation today June 17, by 11am WAT to discuss “Hate Speech & Artificial Intelligence” in commemoration of the International Day for Countering Hate Speech. Register here 👉 https://bit.ly/3Zx65su Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a comment, it helps us serve you better.
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Technology: Wyclef partners with Niger state council of traditional rulers and FG

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Photo: Nigerian Tribune Multiple award winner, Wyclef Jean, partners with Niger state government on cutting edge innovations in technology. Read all about it here... https://tribuneonlineng.com/wyclef-jean-etsu-nupe-to-partner-govt-on-fostering-tech-innovation/   Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a comment, it helps us serve you better.
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The secret formula for attracting success

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To think of being much without doing much is to find your life’s efforts a waste. Likewise, to dream of doing much without being much. Are you willing to choose the paths and make the sacrifices that will take you from where you are to where you ought to be? Who do you want to be in the future? Who do you want to be now? Are you willing to become the person you desire to be?
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