Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Valentine: NGO organises tea party for adult literacy class
An NGO, Care and Action Research, on Monday in Kaduna, held a tea party for students of its adult literacy class to promote expression of love among people.
The Executive Director of the NGO, Mrs Joy Dogo, said the party was an annual event to demonstrate love and to strengthen the bond between the students, teachers and officials of the organisation.
Some of the activities at the event include drama, role play, singing and sharing.
Dogo said that the NGO began the adult literacy class in 1999 to give adults desiring to learn how to read and write in English language and acquire numeracy skills.
She said that over 1,000 adults had participated in the programme from 1999 to date, adding that some of them had acquired university degrees, diploma certificates among others.
She said that classes were organised into pre-basic class, basic classes 1, 2 and 3 with volunteer teachers teaching subjects such as reading, writing, mathematics, social studies, basic science and civic education.
“We have collaborated with Government Day Secondary School, Sabon Tasha, where some of our students write Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination and proceed to Senior Secondary School.
“The tea party is an annual event for us to come together, drink tea, share experiences, encourage and learn how to share with one another.
“This year’s event coincided with Valentine Day so we decided to make it more colourful,’’ she said.
One of the students, Hauwa Samuel, 43, a mother of five, said that she began taking the class in January to learn how speak and write in English language.
“When I came here, I did not understand English except come and go, but now I can speak little English and I am getting better every day,” she said.
Another student, Mrs Christiana Audu said that she had learnt a lot so far including recitation of the National Anthem and the National Pledge.
“My English is getting better and I can write simple sentences in English language which I could not do before,” she said.
The founder of the NGO, Prof. Bala Dogo, said that the organisation was transforming lives and giving hope to people by empowering adults with basic literacy and numeracy skills.
“Some of them are business women who need to understand basic arithmetic and communication in English language.
“Most of the students are women in their late 40s including the wives of pastors who reside in remote villages but want to know how to speak in the English language,’’ he said. (NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Angela Okorie Lists Shocking Conditions before Accepting Romantic Proposal

Nollywood actress Angela Okorie has stirred controversy on social media after revealing a strict list of conditions she expects from any man who wishes to pursue a romantic relationship with her.
The single mother of one took to her Instagram stories to share the requirements, which include a thorough investigation of the man’s background for two years, knowing his family, and even demanding an “artist’s fee” before he can speak to her.
Okorie boldly stated she expects men to pay a billion naira upfront, adding she does not care if people accuse her of “selling her love.
”She wrote: “A male friend of mine said, ‘Angela, any guy wey you go date or marry you, we go investigate am for 2 years before you go gree… He will pay artists fee every day before he go talk to you else we no go gree o…’
So note that before dating or marriage you will pay a billion naira.
Before relationship, I don’t care if people say I am selling my love, Yes am selling my love o.”Angela’s post quickly went viral, sparking varied reactions from netizens. Some praised her for setting high standards, while others mocked or questioned her demands.
Comments ranged from support like, “Her life, her choice, her list,” to skepticism: “Wait! She’s still thinking of marriage?” and humorous jabs such as, “And for that 2 years that same male friend (bestie) will be eating the cookie free of charge.”
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Made Kuti Calls out Nigerian Celebs with Fleets of Cars

Grammy-nominated Afrobeat artiste, Made Kuti, has stirred conversations online after questioning why some individuals feel the need to acquire multiple cars.
In a recent interview with Pulse, the son of Afrobeat legend Femi Kuti expressed his disinterest in material possessions, attributing his mindset to his upbringing and values instilled by his father.
“I’m the kind of person who just does what he wants.
Maybe my dad was very clever with how he raised us,” he said.Made explained that while others may find joy in material accumulation, he finds it “weird” to own seven or eight cars, noting that vehicles are depreciating assets.
“For example, how many cars do you need to drive? I genuinely don’t understand why you need 7, 8 cars.
They are depreciating assets. In the next couple of years, they will depreciate.”He added that although others may have different interests, his personal values are grounded in simplicity and purpose, rather than excessive wealth.
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Nollywood Thriller ‘Freedom Way’ Hits Cinemas July 18

Star-studded Nollywood action drama “Freedom Way,” is set to hit cinemas across the country on July 18, its producers have said.
Blessing Uzzi, writer and producer of the highly anticipated film made the disclosure in a post on her Instagram page.
The film is directed by Afolabi Olalekan, with a rich ensemble cast which include Debo Adedayo(‘Mr Macaroni’),Femi Jacobs, whose performances earned the film Best Film and Best Writing at the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).
Other cast includes Mike Afolarin, Bimbo Akintola, and Teniola Aladese, among others, contributing to the film’s compelling narrative.
“Freedom Way” plot sheds light on pressing issues facing Nigerians, such as corruption, police brutality, political oppression, and economic insecurity, and their impact on the youth.
The story revolves around nine strangers grappling with personal struggles as harsh government policies disrupt their lives, forcing moral ‘dilemmas for survival’
The film made its global premiere at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival and went on to win the Special Jury Award at the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).
It has also screened at the New York African Film Festival and the Red Sea International Film Festival, establishing it as a standout African film of the year.
After captivating audiences at various international film festivals, the much-anticipated “Freedom Way” is now set to make its homecoming release in Nigerian cinemas on July 18.