Entertainment
Lalong Appoints Efe Entertainment Ambassador
The Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon. Simon Bako Lalong has appointed the winner of Big Brother Naija 2017, Mr. Michael Ejegba popularly known as Efe as the ambassador of state for entertainment and creative industry.
This was disclosed by Samuel Emmanuel Nanle, Director of Press and Public Affairs. In a statement on behalf of the Governor, he said “Efe’s appointment is a clarion call on all citizens of Plateau State to ensure they place value on the common humanity of her citizens in a multicultural and cosmopolitan setting.
The statement reads: “The Executive Governor of Plateau State, Rt. Hon Simon Bako Lalong has congratulated Mr. Michael Ejegba popularly known as Efe on his emergence as the winner of Big Brother Naija TV Reality Show 2017.” According to the Governor, the victory of Efe is a further prove of the brotherhood, excellence, courage and determination that characterizes the Plateau spirit.”
The governor added that though Efe by ethnic extraction is from Delta State, Plateau State is proud to lay claim to his entire life’s orientation, having been groomed for excellence in life with values that distinguishe the Plateau person.
The governor assured that people of Plateau and Delta States that the success of Efe will provide the additional platform for the consolidation of the relationship between the people of the two states which had existed right from the early Tin mining days of the 20th century.
It would be recalled that The Big Brother Naija TV Reality show 2017 tagged “See Gobe’ came to an end on Sunday, April 9, after lasting for 77 days. The surprising thing was that no one expected that the reality show would attract such massive attention so much as it did, as people of all classes watched the events and actively discussed them. Even state governments were not left out as they practically discussed it and made frantic efforts to mobilize votes for their indigenes and favourite house mates.
Eventually, five of the House mates out of 12 contestants made it to the grant finale. They were: Efe, T. Boss, Marvis, Debbie rise and Bisola from Delta, Edo, Rivers, Kogi and Ogun States respectively. At the end, Efe who was nominated for eviction twice, January and March, but survived was announced the winner with 57.61%, Bisola became the first runner up with 18.54%, while T. Boss was declared the second runner up with 13.60%. Debbie Rise and Marvis took the fourth and fifth positions with 8.78% and 1.47% respectively.
Efe received the star prize of N25 million and a brand new Kia Sorento SUV car, Bisola won the “one campaign’ on girl child education which enables her to represent Nigeria at The One Campaign Organisation in United Nations’ Assembly in New York to speak on girl child education. The award was presented to her by popular Nollywood actor, and member Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon Desmond Elliot while T. Boss got a cheque for N500.00.
High points of the grand finale night were musical performances by Tiwa Savage, Emmy J. featuring AB Crazy and Tuface Idibia. The duo of Efe and Bisola have since returned to Lagos where they were received by a mammoth crowd made up of family members, fans, friends and well wishers as well as government functionaries amidst tight security.
Efe was born on February 25th 1993, he hails from Delta State, Nigeria. He had his secondary education at Federal Government College Jos and later proceeded to University of Jos where he had a degree in Economics. He later left Jos for Lagos to pursue his music career and to earn a living for himself. He released an Ep album last year called “Lagos Ep.” “Based on Logistics” is Efe’s signature slogan.
Entertainment
“The Legal Day” 2025: Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Moves to Promote French Via Law
In a bid to promote the French language through law and build bridges between communities the Alliance Française Port Harcourt, in collaboration with the Embassy of France in Nigeria has organized the 2025 edition of “La Journée du Droit” (“The Legal Day”)
The event which took place at Alliance Française auditorium was a civic and linguistic celebration designed to help learners of French Language and young citizens discover the importance of law in everyday life.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the event featured interactive quiz sessions, exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa and beyond, pointing out both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
Throughout the day, the event featured interactive quiz sessions exploring legal rules and civic principles in Nigeria, France, Africa, and beyond, highlighting both the similarities and differences between legal systems around the world.
The initiative was aimed at encouraging reflection on the rights and responsibilities shared by all citizens and to promote the values of justice, equality, and mutual respect through the French language.
The programme which had two sessions, (Morning and Afternoon session) witnessed the participation of about 150 students from various levels of education. Ranging from the Primary, Secondary, and tertiary institution for an engaging experience of civic and legal concepts.
Schools in attendance included Surebloom International School, Pleroma High School, Casterly Rock Secondary School, and TotalEnergies Port Harcourt School.
The morning sessions saw the Participation of Alliance Française students in an interactive quiz, enhancing their French comprehension while exploring civic notions.
While the Afternoon session had students from the University of Port Harcourt – UNIPORT (French Language and Law Departments), students from the French Department from both Ignatius Ajuru University of Education and Rivers State University joined in the final rounds of the competition.
According to the director of Alliance Française Port Harcourt, Mrs Marina Lacal, all quiz questions were presented in French, then translated into English to ensure full understanding by participants, saying that winners received special prizes, as all attendees took home souvenirs from the educational and convivial event.
Mrs Lacal said that the diplomatic and educational initiative event “La Journée du Droit” (The Legal Day) sought to promote the French language through law, highlight the capacity of law to build bridges between communities and emphasize law as one of the pillars of French diplomacy.
“Through this initiative, the Alliance Française Port Harcourt continues its mission to foster intercultural dialogue, civic awareness, and the learning of French as a language of knowledge, culture, and citizenship,”?she?added.
The Garden City of Rivers State Port Harcourt at the weekend joined other parts of the world to celebrate the World Music Day, 2025, as Alliance Française showcases talents.
The event which is internationally known as Fête de la musique was held at cultural hall of the Alliance Française was a remarkable concert with memorable experience.
The event brought together music lovers, students, Artistes and members of the community For an exciting evening live performances and cultural exchange.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the world Music Day, which was created 1982 in France by the then Minister of culture, Jack Lang, ‘ Fête de la Musique’ is now celebrated in more than 100 countries every 21st June, marking the first day of summer with free concerts and musical showcases in public spaces.
In Port Harcourt, the Alliance Française honoured the tradition by spotlighting four(4) emerging artistes offering a platform to young talents shaping the city’s contemporary scene.
The audience enjoyed an unforgettable moments as they were entertained by the powerful performances from Preach A, who is known for blending fitness culture with spoken words and rhythm.
Also, artiste Emmayany delivering a vibrant fusion of afrobeat and afro pop. A singer, song writer and a performing artiste with a distinct sound.
Others were Amarachy Uko, a sensational singer with passion for soul , R&B, pop music and afrobeat.
While DJ Prospel closed the night with an energetic DJ set that got the entire hall dancing.
Earlier, the Director, Alliance Française, Port Harcourt Mrs Marina Lacal high lighted the mission of the Alliance Française saying that the event was more than a concert.
According to her, the event was put together by the Alliance Française to promote cultural diversity and foster artistic expression by connecting a long standing French tradition with creativity of the local music scene, adding that the event offerers an avenue for dialogue between culture and generations.
She stated that the event is used to promote professional and bring amateur artistes to limelight via the platform of the Alliance Française which is aimed at promoting the French Language through cultural heritage.
She explained that the celebration is also a broader series of Fête de la musique activities organized by the 10 Alliance Française across Nigeria in sync with concerts held in France and around the world simultaneously.
She further noted that the occasion reaffirms the role of Alliance Française as a cultural bridge, one where French heritage meets the pulses of Nigerian youth.
It would be recalled that no fewer than 19 artistes applied to perform at the event in Port Harcourt, but only four got approval for appearance.
The Governor of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria (PMAN), Rivers State chapter, Comrade Moses Mabadeje popularly known as Mozy B said that the body has announced plans to implement performance Levy on artistes in the state with effect from 21st June.
This was carried in a statement released to The Tide Entertainment, yesterday by the Deputy Governor of the association, Comrade Abiye Howells.
According to the Governor, the announcement was made by PMAN, the only governing body that regulates the music profession in Nigeria, as authorized by the Government of Nigeria, in line with the Trade Union Act.
He stated that those affected by the Levy include (Non members)bands, groups, Hotels, Bars, lounges, Event Centres, show organizers, promoters and other stakeholders hosting events which feature live music performances within the State.
However, the Levy does not apply to members of the Performing Musicians Employer’s Association of Nigeria. (PMAN).
Comrade Moses Mabadeje, explained that this drive is aimed at financing the association and supporting the welfare and interest of musicians as outlined in Article 8 of the PMAN constitution as amended (2023). Consequently, a PMAN task force has been set up to enforce and swing into action to effect this move.
He further said that event organizers, promoters and owners of event centers are expected to comply with this regulation as the Governor has urged stakeholders to collaborate with the association to ensure the successful implementation of the levy and the peaceful co-existence between PMAN and Stockholders.
Nancy Briggs
