Entertainment

Edo Excellence Awards organizers , clashes with financial crisis

Published

3 years ago

April 5, 2021

Edo Excellence Award is an annual award to promote and recognize Edo people who have contributed significantly to Edo culture, Edo People in diaspora and in Edo State

The Edo Excellence Award, co-established by Sir Victor Uwaifo in 2004, recently reached 17th edition on February 14th 2021.

The colourful ceremony which was held in the heart of Benin City at Aisien Plaza in Benin city Edo state was memorable. During the prestigious ceremony, Nigeria Edo Funk music legend stated that “It’s time to modify our Edo Excellence Awards categories by adding more categories, that will also benefit non Edo natives” the idea was negatively disputed by other respected Edo indigenes from various arms of the Government and prominent Business men, who attended the venue.

After a long dispute, sir Victor Uwaifo who just celebrated his 80th year birthday asked Edo State most read Nigerian national newspaper Obaland Magazine and Newspaper if they could adopt the costly annual Edo Excellent Award ceremony by buying the brand and make sure the event doesn’t bankrupt or been mismanaged , due to his busy schedules and his aged, Obaland Magazine media is yet to unveil a close partnership or ownership deal with the Edolites .

Tide Newspaper reporters also gathered that since 2019, Obaland Magazine has been in a critical financial crisis after the news media company encountered with tax evasion and fraud crime related to 450,000 Euro , that led Italian authorities to freeze the company’s account . Obaland Magazine Chief editor Mr Lucky Omosigho who remained silent and promised to revert asap after the closing ceremony at the Aisien Plaza venue.

The Edo Excellent Awards was to benefit only Edo people who had contributed immensely to Edo culture at home and in diaspora with a concrete clarity from testimonies and public officers before nominations could be sorted. The idea of transferring Edo’s prestigious ceremony is under speculation nationwide, while celebrities from Edo State are contemplating if the 2022 event will hold will be a probability , as financial sponsors and investors aren’t willing to invest on the Edo Excellent Awards immediately, until CoronaVirus pandemic dies naturally.

The recently concluded 17th edition of Edo Excellent awards attracted 900 recipients from Edo State. The winners were legendary Edo Funk prominent singer, the son of Edo Funk pioneer, ace “Akaba Man” popularly known as Influence Akaba, who won at third position, , Esther Edokpaye bagged 2nd position and popular Afro American politician, Richard Iyasere, who became popular for creating Akwete dance style in 1980’s , a cosmopolitan popular dance style, finally peaked on 1st position. Richard Iyasere left the venue with multiple awards, winning “Exemplary Leader of the Year” and “Edo Patriotic of the Year”, the Award was presented to awardees by Sir Victor Uwaifo.

Entertainment

Stephanie Linus, First Black Recipient Of Lennox K. Black Prize

Published

2 weeks ago

April 5, 2024

The Tide

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Stephanie Linus has made history as the first black recipient of the Lennox K. Black Prize For Excellence in Medicine.

The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.

The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.

This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.

The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.

Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.

The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.

According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.

On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.

“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said

Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”

Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.

‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.

“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.

“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.

Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.

Entertainment

‘I’ll Continue To Ask For My Balance’ – Phyna reacts.

Published

2 weeks ago

April 5, 2024

The Tide

Winner of Big Brother Naija ( BBNaija) Season 7, Josephina Ijeoma Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, has responded to the recent revelation by Ilebaye, the Season 8 winner, that she received her prize money in full.

Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.

Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.

She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.

Phyna said then girls take a chill pill. I’m happy you all got your money in full according to you, seems I’m being cheated on then. Women supporting women in the mud.

“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.

“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.

Entertainment

Monarch Pledges Good Governance, Team Spirit To His People

Published

2 weeks ago

April 5, 2024

The Tide

The Eze Ogba Iji-nu -Ede, HRH. Eze Barr.(Dr) Temple N Ejekwu, Nye Need Eli Rumuogba Kingdom has reassured his people of good governance and team spirit with a target to always bringing meaningful development to the community.

This was contained in a statement by his Media Team and made available to The Tide Entertainment recently, after he celebrated his birthday.

The birthday celebration which was said to be exciting and fun too, had attendees enjoyed themselves, as the popular “My Wife Say” Band by Richman Oparanma was on ground to entertain the mammoth crowd to the fullest.

The statement said Eze Ogba was much appreciative of his audience who defiled the economic quagmire and graced the occasion even without proper invitation.

According to the statement, such was a prove to the fact that Eze Ejekwu was truly a man of the people.

“The mammoth crowd at the palace of the Eze Ogba was a litmus test to the fact that Temple is a man of the people. No invitation cards sent, but the crowd was over overwhelming”, it stated.

The statement which also elugised all Government recognized Traditional rulers and other Community leaders, who attended the event, assured them of the Eze Ogba’s promise to always do that which will make them proud at all times irrespective of the time or season.

The Media Team via the statement also thumbed up for the management of the Okporo Community Secondary School , especially the Leadership of The Eze BARR Dr Temple N Ejekwu JP ‘ s (House Purple House) which came top at its recently concluded Inter-House Sports Competition.

It noted with joy that the presentation made to the Eze on the said day will remain permanent in the annals of history.