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8th AFRIMA In Senegal Partners UNFPA, Calls For Support To End Humanitarian Crisis in Somalia

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In line with its philosophy and character as an impact-driven social initiative, the All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) has lent its voice to the lingering humanitarian crisis in the war-torn African country of Somalia.

The 62-year-old democratic nation, which lies in the Horn of Africa, has been encumbered with civil wars and security challenges for the past three decades, throwing its most vulnerable populations, especially women and young girls into a nightmare of untold hardship.

Partnering the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in its advocacy and humanitarian efforts, AFRIMA has urged political stakeholders and people of influence to shower support towards the UNFPA’s aid efforts in Somalia.

As the much-anticipated 8th AFRIMA, tagged ‘Teranga Edition’ draws near, AFRIMA has launched the #HopeForSomalia campaign, which includes championing policy-stimulating petitions and fostering fundraisers, to help alleviate the harsh impact of the crisis on Somalians, especially Somali women and young girls. The Teranga Edition is scheduled to be held in Dakar, Senegal on 12-15 January 2023.

Commenting on the situation, AFRIMA’s Executive Producer/President, Mr Mike Dada, said: “Like the situation in Somalia, a popular narrative about Africa is that it is a war-torn habitat, without any hope for sustainable peace in sight. It’s saddening; because the danger of that narrative is that it discourages actual solutions. Somalia has enjoyed peace for years and even bears a reputation for being one of Africa’s most pro-democratic societies. We cannot watch and fold our arms, seeing innocent women, children, and Somalis alike have their lives and dreams cut short by the conflict, terrorism or this climate crisis, without any form of aid or relief.

“In AFRIMA, we abide by the ethos of family. We are one Africa, and whatever burdens Somalia should burden the rest of the continent. We are committed to ensuring that we help contribute to the long-awaited peace-restoration, famine prevention and drought- rehabilitation efforts in Somalia. We thank our partners the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), for their great work in Somalia, and for calling our attention to this. It is especially shocking to see how great these women and girls are suffering, and how high the maternal mortality rate is as a ripple effect of this war. We believe Africa will return to its position as a culturally progressive, innovative and peace-loving continent, once again.”

Commenting on the development, UNFPA Representative in Somalia, Niyi Ojuolape, said that women and girls are the most hit by the crisis, urging for support to end the gory situation, and to ameliorate the impact. He said, “Somalia is facing a complex and devastating crisis. The country has one of the highest maternal mortality ratios in the world. Conflict and drought-led displacements are adding to the strain on the already limited sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services and weak health system. Lack of nutrition and access to healthcare contribute to the poor health of women and girls. Pregnant and lactating women, in particular, are at risk due to the negative effects of malnutrition on pregnancy outcomes and newborn survival.

“Over 82% of those displaced are women and children, including 1.95 million women and girls of reproductive age. In the next three months, it is estimated that there will be 918 deliveries per day, with 15% of pregnant women experiencing complications. Without access to qualified birth attendants, health services and facilities, maternal and newborn mortality will increase further.

“Rising food prices, water shortages, death of livestock, and loss of livelihoods have led to multiple displacements, making women and girls more vulnerable to increased gender-based violence (GBV) and exploitation. Data shows a 21% increase in reported rape cases, a 60% increase in reported cases of intimate partner violence, and a 20% increase in the number of women and girls accessing lifesaving GBV response services since last year.”

Ojuolape also pleaded with the international donor community to “urgently prioritise the support of quality SRH services and GBV prevention and response to help prevent death, disease, and disability for women and girls in Somalia.” to help achieve long-term development and peace in Somalia.

In partnership with the African Union Commission, AFRIMA is the pinnacle of African music globally.

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Lagos State Tourism and Naija Brand Chic are coming together to host the NBC Trade Fair, promising an unparalleled experience!

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Last year, the NBC Trade Fair saw over 200 vendors achieve significant sales figures. This year, Lagos State is joining forces with NBC, setting an ambitious target of facilitating 5 billion naira in sales for Lagos businesses.

 

Mr. Idris Aregbe, the SA to the governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, anticipates a monumental event. “We’re aiming for an extraordinary 5 billion Naira in sales for businesses participating in Naija Brand Chic and Lagos Tourism Fair this year,” he remarked.

 

“With a diverse range of sectors represented, including lifestyle, fashion, services, and innovation, this fair offers an exceptional platform for vendors and entrepreneurs to showcase their offerings and contribute to Lagos’ economic growth,” he added.

Nelly Agbogu emphasized the fair’s expansion to accommodate more participants, ensuring that the targeted 5 billion sales will benefit all involved. “From household essentials to cultural gems, the fair will feature a wide array of offerings, fostering connections and community growth,” she stated.

 

Mr. Aregbe also announced Toyin Abraham as the ambassador for the joint fair between Lagos Tourism and Naija Brand Chic!

 

Date: June 14 to 16, 2024, at Whitestone Event Center for this exciting event!

 

For more information, reach out to: @idrisconnectingnigeria @naijabrandchic #LagosTourism #NaijaBrandChick #NBCTradeFair #5BillionSalesGoal

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Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) Distributes Copyright Royalties for 2023 to Members..

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The Audio Visual Rights Society of Nigeria (AVRS) is pleased to announce the distribution of copyright royalties to its esteemed members for the year 2023. AVRS has maintained a consistent record of distributing royalties to its members over the past three years. As the sole collective management organization for audiovisual works in Nigeria, AVRS is dedicated to protecting the rights of its members, including producers, directors, screenwriters, and performers (actors), ensuring they receive equitable compensation for their creative contributions and investments.

AVRS remains steadfast in its commitment to providing comprehensive copyright licensing solutions to users of audiovisual works nationwide. Through diligent management and strategic partnerships, AVRS fulfils its obligations and cultivates a flourishing ecosystem for the audiovisual industry in Nigeria.

In light of this recent distribution, AVRS urges all its members across the country to update their works and account details with the organization. This crucial step ensures seamless and accurate royalty distribution, enabling members to fully benefit from their works. Members are encouraged to promptly update their information to facilitate efficient payment processing.

Furthermore, AVRS calls upon all users of audiovisual works across the country who have not yet complied with copyright licensing requirements to do so without delay. The unauthorized use of works in AVRS’s repertoire constitutes copyright infringement. According to the Nigerian Copyright Act, individuals or entities who, without the owner’s consent, communicate or make works available to the public for commercial purposes are liable to fines or imprisonment.

 

 

AVRS emphasizes the importance of strict adherence to the Nigerian Copyright Act and obtaining necessary licenses to avoid legal consequences.

 

“AVRS remains dedicated to advocating for the rights of our members and nurturing a thriving audiovisual industry in Nigeria,” said Mr. Mahmood Ali-Balogun, Chairman of AVRS. “We are proud to distribute copyright royalties for 2023 to our members for the fourth consecutive year and urge them to update their works and account details with us. Additionally, we remind all users of audiovisual works to obtain proper licenses to ensure compliance with the Nigerian Copyright Act.”

For more information about AVRS and its initiatives, please visit www.avrsnigeria.com.

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BREAKING: Nollywood Actor, Junior Pope is dead….

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Actor Junior Pope Odonwodo has died.

According to reports, four actors including Junior Pope fell into Anam River in Anambra State, on their way to a movie location and their bodies have been recovered.

The actor had earlier shared a video of himself and others on a boat, on their way to the movie location.

Captioning the video, he wrote: “See me lamenting….The risk we take to entertain you; crossing river 9ja yesterday with no life jacket…. Na wahooooo Who does that ??”

Some of his colleagues reacted in the comment section of the video shortly after his death was announced.

“Jesus! Oh Lord! Oh Lord,” Tana Adelana wrote.

“I’m so sad. can’t believe this. Big Sam where are you? am shaking,” Yvonne Jegede wrote.

The 39-year-old was married to Jennifer Awele.

They have three children together.

 

I don’t say much here anymore for a lot of reasons but I’ll say this, this was all preventable deaths if the minimum standards of safety was followed. If we in this business take ourselves a bit more seriously and practice this profession with all the seriousness it deserves. Nobody should go into a boat without a life jacket. Period. No producer should send people into one nor should anybody cast/crew enter anyone. How many deaths are enough?…… Richerd Mofe Damijo….

 

What a tragedy ! What a shame ! How could these young men take this kind of risk. No life jackets and you can’t swim. Ahhh. This is so,so sad.

May God receive their souls. Amen🙏….. Zik Zulu Okafor

 

 

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