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Oyetola, Nigeria ethnic nationalities Walk for Osun
The Governor of Osun State, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola is expected on Saturday, July 27, 2019 to lead all ethnic nationalities in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, in the maiden edition of ‘Walk for Osun’, heralding this year’s annual Osun Osogbo Festival.
The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, said on Tuesday that the Walk, a carnival procession of stakeholders around Osogbo, would take off at Better Life, Isale, Osun, Osogbo by 8.00am, adding that other top government functionaries would also be part of the exercise.
He disclosed that traditional rulers, cultural icons, all ethnic nationalities, groups and associations, traders, artisans, market men and women, sons and daughters of Osun had signified their interests to be part of the Walk for Osun, which is one of the several activities lined up to celebrate the annual festival.
According to the monarch, the Walk has become necessary in view of the internal upheavals and security challenges currently facing the country, noting that the programme us to promote unity and peaceful cohabitation among all the ethnic nationalities in the state.
Oba Oyetunji said that the protection of Osogbo and Osun State as a whole is among the positive things the Osun Osogbo goddess had bestowed on Osogboland.
He said the Walk would herald the 2019 Osun Osogbo festival with the pre-festival programmes commencing on August 5, 2019, stressing that the festival grand procession to Osun grove would hold on Friday, August 16 and there would also be an all white party and award night afterwards.
The monarch said that pre-festival activities would begin with the traditional cleaning of the city (Iwopopo) on August 5 and the lighting of the mystic 16 points lamp on August 8, while the festival activities would commence on Monday, August 12 with the Assemblage of Crowns (Iboriade).
He added that the Arugba Berth ceremony would hold on August 13, the same day that tourists would have the opportunity of touring the cultural and historical sites in the state.
The activities, according to Oba Oyetunji, would also witness the native Ayo game, football competition finals, Arts and Crafts Fair and children’s fiesta at the palace pavilion on August 14, with the Ataoja’s Chieftaincy Coronation and Osun Festival Tourism forum rounding off the programme on Thursday, August 15.
Entertainment
Wizkid Becomes First African Artist to Surpass 8 Billion Spotify Streams
Nigerian music sensation Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has achieved a monumental milestone, becoming the first African artist to amass over eight billion streams on Spotify.
This feat solidifies his reputation as a global music phenomenon and a trailblazer in the Afrobeats genre.
Leading this historic achievement is One Dance, his chart-topping collaboration with Canadian superstar Drake, which has garnered over 2 billion streams, making it his most-streamed track on the platform.
Also, Wizkid’s Made in Lagos (Deluxe Edition) album has racked up close to 1 billion streams, marking it as his most successful body of work to date.
In comparison, fellow Afrobeats heavyweight Burna Boy follows closely with 7.2 billion streams, placing him as the second most-streamed African artist on Spotify. Wizkid also reigns as the most-followed Afrobeats artist on the platform, a testament to his ever-expanding fanbase and global influence.
This remarkable achievement underscores the growing global appeal of Afrobeats and highlights Wizkid’s pivotal role in bringing African music to the forefront of the international stage. It is an inspiration for emerging artists across the continent, proving that African music has the power to break barriers and set new records on a global scale.
Wizkid’s groundbreaking success is not just a personal victory but also a significant moment for African music, which continues to captivate audiences around the world.
News
Ghana Announces Visa-Free Travel for African Passport Holders
Ghana’s outgoing President, Nana Akufo-Addo, on Friday announced a groundbreaking visa-free travel policy for all African passport holders, effective from January 1, 2025.
The announcement, made during his final State of the Nation address, represents a bold step towards advancing continental economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders,” President Akufo-Addo declared during his address to parliament.
“This is the logical next step to the AfCFTA and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world. All these are essential elements to the realisation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisages an integrated and connected Africa by 2063.”
The policy places Ghana among a select group of African nations — including Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin — that offer visa-free entry to African travelers. Previously, Ghana allowed visa-free access to citizens of 26 African nations, while travelers from 25 others received visas on arrival. Only two African nations, Eritrea and Morocco, required prior visas for entry into Ghana.
This initiative builds on Ghana’s international reputation as a cultural and tourism hub, a status enhanced by the highly successful “Year of Return” campaign in 2019.
The initiative commemorated 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade and welcomed thousands of visitors, including global celebrities, many of whom were granted citizenship.
In his final address, Akufo-Addo also highlighted the economic achievements of his administration. He cited an increase in Ghana’s gross international reserves to $8 billion, up from $6.2 billion in 2017, and projected a 6.3% GDP growth rate for 2025.
“Economic growth has returned to the pre-Covid trajectory,” Akufo-Addo said. “I leave behind a Ghana that is thriving, one that has navigated significant global challenges with remarkable tenacity, whose economy is steadily rebounding, and whose institutions are operating effectively.”
The oil-and-gold-rich nation, hailed as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, has recently faced economic challenges. Since 2022, it has been navigating a severe economic crisis under a $3 billion International Monetary Fund relief program.
Akufo-Addo, who served two terms in office, will officially hand over power to John Mahama on January 6. Mahama, a former president, won the December 2024 elections, marking his return to leadership.
News
Oseni Supports Ibadan Mosque Project with N20m
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has donated the sum of N20 million to support the construction of the new Lalupon Central Mosque project.
Contained in a statement on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the generous donation, aimed at promoting religious harmony and community development, was made during the turbaning ceremony and launching of a N150 million endowment fund for the mosque’s completion. The event took place at Lalupon Central Primary School, Ibadan, and was graced by religious leaders, community members, and dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Oseni, who also chairs the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), emphasised the importance of supporting initiatives that foster unity and strengthen faith within communities.
“This is more than just a building; it is a symbol of faith, togetherness, and hope for future generations,” the lawmaker stated. “It is my honour and duty to contribute to a project that holds such profound significance for the people of Lalupon,” he added.
Leaders of the Lalupon Muslim Community commended the lawmaker for his generosity, describing the gesture as a testament to his dedication to the welfare of his people.
They noted that his contribution would significantly accelerate the progress of the mosque project.
The new Lalupon Central Mosque, once completed, is expected to serve as a hub for spiritual activities and a unifying space for the Muslim community in the area.
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