Entertainment
NBA Provides Reasons For Portable’s Performance At 2023 Conference
The Nigerian Bar Association has clarified the reason behind singer Habeeb Okikiola, also known as Portable, performing at their 2023 Annual General Conference.
They have debunked rumors suggesting that the artist was paid for the performance.
Last night, social media users criticized the NBA for inviting Portable to perform at an event attended by “learned” individuals.
Some expressed the view that this decision damaged the association’s reputation and portrayed them as “unrefined.”
Others considered the event a humorous and embarrassing departure from the traditionally conservative image associated with the legal profession.
However, in response to these criticisms, the National Publicity Secretary of the NBA, Akorede Lawal, explained during an exclusive interview with PUNCH on Friday that Portable’s participation at the event was linked to entertainer Obi Cubana’s role as the headline sponsor of the program.
Additionally, Lawal mentioned that the Cubana Group, as the headline sponsor, brought Portable to the event because he was one of their product brand ambassadors, specifically for Odogwu bitters.
The sponsorship arrangement also included the responsibility of bringing a guest artist to perform at the ‘Unbarred concert,’ a tradition that features lawyers, regardless of their professional status, to conclude the conference.
Lawal said, “We did not pay a dime to Portable for the concert. It is the largest gathering of lawyers anywhere in the world and so to that extent, we always write to sponsors to finance every level of our events.
“We have partners from America, Chile, and a host of other countries who pride in what we do and take it upon themselves to get the programme financed annually.
Speaking on whether lawyers staged a walkout on Portable at the event, the publicity secretary said, “No, they did not. The Friendship Centre is the customary place where all lawyers go to unwind, network and do all other social activities.
“So, the concert was meant to take place there but we later told the lawyers to move to the ‘Unbarred concert’ at the Velodrome of the National Stadium in Abuja because we don’t want two events at the same time given that that place (Friendship Centre) had been decorated already to promote their brands.
“They were the headline sponsor of the centre and that’s where the DJs and every other social activities had been going on since the start of the event. So we closed the place down to have a unified event,” he added.
Entertainment
Why Osun is Tapping into $2 Trillion Global Creative Industry Economy
The desire to create community prosperity and productive engagement for youths has driven Osun State to tap into the two trillion dollar global creative industry economy.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke made the assertion after the massively attended concert organised by his son, B-Red and other music stars at Osogbo.
“The creative sector is a gold mine. It is an area I know holds huge potential for our youth and that is why I personally attended the free concert. I choose to boost the entertainment sector using my family brand which is very big in the Nigerian and global music industry.
“Osun is destined to be the hub of global entertainment. We have all the big stars and the network. An annual concert in Osun will boost local commerce and provide upward movement for local artistes.
“I expect the organisers to build on the successes recorded today. By 2027, a similar concert in expanded format should be held. Osun should become the rallying point of the creative industry, not only in Osun State but across Nigeria”, the governor posited.
ALSO READ: Peterside Harps on Strong Leadership at NCDMB Book Reading Series
Commenting on the maiden event, the chief organiser and son of the Governor, Adebayo Adeleke (B-Red) expressed happiness that despite the initial rain, the concert was held with massive attendance of music enthusiasts across the state.
“I thank God, my father, the governor, the government of Osun State and all partners for the successful outing. We plan to make it an annual event to feature leading musicians and artists from far and near.
“Personally, my goal is to provide a platform for upcoming artists to be mentored and to be afforded the opportunity to be seen. Our concert is designed to build careers and make a success out of many aspiring youth”, B-Red noted.
Entertainment
UK Says ‘No Entry’ to Kanye West Ahead of Big Comeback Show
The United Kingdom government has denied entry to controversial American rapper Kanye West, blocking his planned return to the European stage ahead of a highly anticipated comeback performance.
According to reports, the artist recently applied for permission to travel to the UK, where he was scheduled to headline the popular Wireless Festival in July.
SEE ALSO:Adidas, Kanye West Reach Settlement, Ending Legal Dispute
However, authorities turned down the request, citing concerns that his presence would not be in the interest of public good.
The decision is believed to be linked to widespread backlash over West’s past antisemitic remarks, which have sparked global criticism and strained his professional relationships in recent years.
The UK government’s move reflects a growing trend of holding high-profile figures accountable for statements considered harmful or divisive.
West was billed to perform across all three nights of the festival, set to take place at Finsbury Park in London, as part of what many fans saw as a major comeback tour.
His absence now leaves organizers scrambling to adjust the lineup for one of the summer’s biggest music events.
While officials have not provided further details beyond the decision, the development has stirred reactions across the entertainment industry, with fans and critics divided over the government’s stance.
As anticipation builds toward the festival, attention now shifts to how organizers will fill the void left by one of music’s most polarizing figures.
Entertainment
‘Cancer Is Not a Joke, Show Proof’ – VDM Calls Out Blessing CEO
Nigerian entertainer Martin’s Ortse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM) has expressed skepticism over influencer Blessing CEO’s claims that she is battling breast cancer and seeking financial support for urgent surgery.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, VDM cautioned about the sensitive nature of cancer and the need for transparency before public appeals.
“I just hope what Blessing CEO is saying is true because cancer is a very sensitive matter globally. Cancer is not something that someone should joke with; it has claimed the lives of many people. A friend of mine lost his mother from cancer,” he wrote.
SEE ALSO: Blessing CEO Battles Breast Cancer, Appeals to Fans for Urgent Surgery Support
VDM questioned the authenticity of Blessing CEO’s claims, pointing out the absence of hospital documentation.
“I’m not convinced enough that Blessing CEO is telling the truth. Why? Because you did not post any proof from the hospital that diagnosed you. You did not provide the hospital or a doctor’s report.
“You said a lot of resources have gone into your health, yet you did not provide receipts for people to see. Instead, you came online appealing emotionally, saying this is the time for people to show you love,” he added.
Recall that Blessing CEO had shared in a video on Instagram that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and urgently needs surgery, including a possible amputation, to halt the progression of the illness.
She revealed that what initially seemed like a harmless lump in her right breast last year was later confirmed as cancer, and the illness has now spread to her left breast.
“I have not been able to work, and my resources have been exhausted. That is why I am appealing for support. If my words have ever had a positive impact on your life, and you are a fan, this is the time to show it. Nothing is too small. I just want to be well,” she said.





