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Back in 2007, a shy young Lionel Messi was photographed bathing a five‑month‑old baby in a UNICEF charity shoot. That baby turned out to be Lamine Yamal — now a star for #Barcelona and #Spain . At the time, the moment was simple, tender, and almost forgotten. But nearly two decades later, those photos resurfaced as Yamal’s father shared them during his son’s rise to glory at Euro 2024. Now, in 2026, Messi’s #Argentina and Yamal’s Spain are set to face each other in the World Cup final. The viral image of Lionel Messi and baby Lamine Yamal date back to 2007. It was captured for a charity project organized by FC Barcelona, Catalan newspaper Diario Sport, and #UNICEF . Families from Catalonia in Spain entered a lottery for a chance to have their child photographed alongside a Barcelona player. Yamal’s family won the draw, resulting in the now-legendary encounter. The iconic photo resurfaced online ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. The ultimate showdown between Messi’s Argentina...

For 53 years, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has been a rite of passage for young Nigerians. Today, it is evolving. Many do not know how it started so this post will look at the three distinct phases of its evolution. 🎯 1973 – A Blueprint for Post-War Healing Established by General Yakubu Gowon's administration after the devastating 3-year Nigerian Civil War, the NYSC was a nation-building tool. Promoting National Unity: By deploying graduates to unfamiliar states, it made young Nigerians bridge ethnic  and religious divides, and prejudices. Distributing Skilled Labor: The scheme was a talent pipeline, sending educated youth to boost healthcare, education, and infrastructure in underserved rural areas. Fostering a Shared Destiny: It created lifelong friendships, cross-regional relocations, and inter-ethnic marriages, building a generation encouraged to put Nigeria first. 🎯 The Degeneration: Decades later, shifting demographics, economic strain, and a volatile security cl...

Image:  Jezael Melgoza   In a major shift for the music industry, Japan has revised its Copyright Act to introduce a "record performance and communication right." Passed on June 17, the law requires public venues like shops, hotels, and gyms to pay royalties to performers and record labels when commercial music is played. Previously, only songwriters and publishers received payouts for background music, leaving the recording artists themselves unpaid for public broadcasts. Find more about this development on Music Business Worldwide https://share.google/qiwW1SvJgNDbrXUkE  Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a comment, it helps us serve you better.

💔 When periods become a weapon of war. A powerful new piece in "The Conversation" highlights a deeply troubling reality: menstruation is being systematically weaponized in modern conflicts. In places like Myanmar, military forces have expanded bans on transporting menstrual hygiene products across key routes. By cutting off access to basic sanitary pads, clean water, and privacy, regimes are deliberately targeting the health, dignity, and mobility of women and girls as a calculated tactic of war. This isn't an isolated issue—similar patterns of restricting essential hygiene and reproductive health supplies as a form of control and punishment have been observed across various global conflicts, including Gaza. We cannot talk about human rights or international law without addressing how the basic biology of women is targeted. It's time for the international community to recognize the denial of menstrual health products as a distinct form of gender-based violence in war...

Social media has turned relationship drama into public entertainment, and the ongoing conversation around Frank Edoho, Chike and the cheating allegations making rounds online is another reminder of that reality. Recent reports and viral clips have kept the story trending across Nigerian social media, with leaked voice notes, reposted videos and endless opinions fueling the conversation. But beyond the gossip, there’s a deeper issue worth discussing. Bringing private relationship problems online may win sympathy, clout or even algorithmic attention and sales, but the internet never forgets. Today’s emotional reaction can become tomorrow’s regret — especially when children, family and reputations are involved. The algorithm thrives on controversy, and often, everyone involved becomes content for public consumption. At the same time, relationship problems should never become an excuse for cheating. Whether your partner gives silent treatment, acts emotionally distant, or communication h...

May his soul rest in peace 🙏🏽  Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a comment, it helps us serve you better.

Recently at the Global Africa Women's Sustainability Conference hosted by ImpactHER and African Union (April 29-May 1), an important message resonated: The green economy (sustainably produced goods), a sector worth $3 trillion today and projected to reach $5-6 trillion soon, is an area African women must be strategically positioned to benefit from.  Despite their significant and central role in Green economies, they earn marginally from it and remain at the fringes due to barriers to compete in major markets where the key players are.  The conference focused on strategies to bridge these gaps through discussions on finance, trade, contracts, and packaging. It called for African women to be in the forefront of the green economy, in line with the 'Africa we want' under AU's Agenda 2063.  Attending were women entrepreneurs, diplomats and heads of ministries from 50 countries including Nigeria. #WomenInTrade #SustainableBusiness #AfricaWeWant #Agenda2063 Thanks for stopping...

13 years ago in June 2013, Nigeria hosted UNESCO’s first Global Conference on Media and Information Literacy in Abuja.  The theme was "Promoting Media and Information Literacy as a Means to Cultural Diversity." It drew over 250 participants from more than 40 countries and birthed the Global Alliance for Partnerships on Media and Information Literacy. On April 29-30, 2026 that legacy came full circle in Abuja when Nigeria launched the world’s first - and only - UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy Institute.  It builds on the foundation laid in 2013 and positions Nigeria as a global hub for research, capacity building, and policy support, aimed at combating misinformation, disinformation, and hate speech. Congratulations Nigeria 🎉  #MILID #MIL #MediaAndInformationLiteracy #Misinformation #FreePress #InformationLiteracy #UNESCO #Nigeria #Agenda2063 Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to leave a comment, it helps us serve you better.

Kogi State has achieved a massive turnaround in malaria management, boosting reporting rates from 45% to 96% in just one year. With support from Famkris Healthcare Initiative, the state replaced guesswork with evidence, ending the dangerous over-prescription of drugs and ensuring 95% of suspected cases are now tested before treatment. By digitizing data and empowering health workers, Kogi has moved from inconsistent reporting to becoming a leader in data-driven healthcare. Read more https://lnkd.in/esRw3Y-u #MalariaElimination #PublicHealth #DataImpact #KogiState #GlobalHealth Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to share or leave a comment, it helps us serve you better.

Come with me to Yankari Game Reserve  in #Bauchi State💕.  Wondering what to bring along? If you're traveling to the scenic wildlife, be sure your vehicle is in good condition and you have enough fuel to take you from the express way to the hotel. The long road leading to the hotel is about an hour long, right in the middle of a forest. If your car stops, you may not find anyone to help you but you are very likely to find an animal crossing from one side of the road to the other.  It's not the time for a bathroom break.😁  If going to the game reserve itself be sure to wear long pants/trousers, long socks, long sleeve full coverage tops, covered shoes and at least a hand fan or scarf. These will help protect you from the swarm of stinging tse tse flies in the forest. Not the place for shorts and skimpy wear but you can try your hand. Listen to the ranger always (if you're not #IndianaJones). In the Yankari Resort, keep your bag close to you with doors and windows fir...

Today's wars, such as the ongoing war in the Middle East, are now accompanied by artificial intelligence (AI) and shaped by algorithms. From the fighting between Hamas and Israel Defence Forces, to the broader regional tensions, artificial intelligence has quietly become big part of the battlefield. Modern warfare uses AI to process vast amounts of surveillance data; satellite imagery, communications, drone footage, at speeds humans cannot match. Algorithms help identify potential targets, detect patterns, and even predict possible movements, increasing precision and reducing civilian harm – theoretically. In densely populated places, errors can have devastating consequences. When decisions are accelerated by machines, the window for human judgment narrows. At the start of the war, about 160 innocent Iranian school children were killed from an explosion. AI is also transforming the information space. False and algorithm-driven narratives travel faster than verified facts. Deepfakes...

​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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 ...

#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...

🎥 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...