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Brou, Okanlawon Set to Represent Nigeria at 2025 World Fencing Championships in Georgia

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago04 mins

Nigeria’s rising fencing stars, Inkosi Brou and Wisdom Okanlawon, are set to compete at the prestigious 2025 World Fencing Championships, scheduled to take place in Tbilisi, Georgia, from July 22 to 30. In addition to competing against the world’s best, both athletes have been selected to participate in the International Fencing Federation (FIE) Training Camp, which will precede the championships. The camp, running from July 16 to 21 at the Tbilisi Olympic Palace, will feature elite coaching and international collaboration, offering a unique opportunity for skill development and global exposure. Brou and Okanlawon made their international debut earlier this year at the World Junior Championships in China. Now, they are set to make their senior world championship debut in Georgia. Inkosi Brou, who reached the knockout stage at the recently concluded 23rd African Fencing Championships in Lagos, will undergo a training tour in France before heading to Georgia. Ranked 75th in the world, the teenage sabreur will compete in the Men’s Individual Sabre event. Wisdom Okanlawon, widely regarded as Nigeria’s top homegrown fencer, will also make his first appearance at the global level. He is expected to depart Nigeria this week to join the training camp and will compete in the Men’s Individual Épée event. His participation is aimed at improving his international ranking and gaining valuable experience from top-tier fencers. The World Fencing Championships will feature individual and team events across all three weapons—foil, épée, and sabre—for both men and women. According to the FIE, the training camp will be led by world-renowned coaches including Zoran Tulum (sabre), Kuki Patru (foil), and Bela Kopetka (épée). Over 50 fencers from around the world are expected to attend, making it a dynamic environment for learning, competition preparation, and international camaraderie. In a statement, the FIE noted, “The camp will offer fencers the chance to train with peers from around the world, participate in group sessions, and elevate their game through video analysis, tactical workshops, and fun team-building activities.” This marks a significant milestone for Nigerian fencing, as the country continues to gain recognition on the global stage through the efforts of its young athletes and the support of international partnerships.

The Most Expensive Bag In The World: Jane Birkin’s Original Hermès Birkin Bag Sells for Record $10.1 Million

Fola Badmus2 months ago2 months ago03 mins

The very first Hermès Birkin bag, once owned by the late British-French icon Jane Birkin, has sold for a staggering $10.1 million, setting a new world record for the most valuable handbag ever sold at auction, according to Sotheby’s. The iconic black leather accessory—crafted in 1984 and gifted to Birkin following a chance encounter with Hermès executive Jean-Louis Dumas aboard a flight from Paris to London—became the prototype for what would evolve into the ultimate status symbol. Birkin, who told Dumas she couldn’t find a stylish, practical bag as a young mother, inspired the fashion mogul to sketch what would become the Birkin bag. Designed with saddle stitching and a spacious build, it was born out of both function and flair. Though retail Birkin bags typically range between $20,000 to $30,000, they can command exponentially higher prices on the secondary market depending on rarity, color, and material. However, this historic piece transcended fashion—Sotheby’s noted its sale as a blend of celebrity legacy, design history, and cultural significance. Jane Birkin famously personalized the bag with stickers and charms representing her activism, including Médecins du Monde and UNICEF, transforming the luxury item into a canvas of humanitarian expression. She originally auctioned it in 1994 to support AIDS charities. Despite its fame, Birkin herself later admitted the bag was “too heavy” and rarely used it, opting instead to “fill her pockets like a man.” In interviews, she often dismissed the notion of being a fashion icon, saying she simply wore what she liked without regard for trends. Birkin passed away in 2023 at age 76, two years after suffering a stroke. Her namesake bag lives on—not just as a fashion statement, but now as a $10.1 million symbol of design, rarity, and a life well-lived.

World Fencing Federation Promises More Tournaments for Nigeria

Fola Badmus3 months ago3 months ago04 mins

The International Fencing Federation (FIE) has lauded the Nigerian Fencing Federation for its outstanding organization of the 23rd African Fencing Championships, held at Charterhouse Lagos from June 25 to 29. The FIE also announced its intention to consider Nigeria as a host for future international fencing tournaments. During her first official visit to Africa, FIE Secretary General Gulnora Saidova praised the high standards of the facilities and the warm hospitality extended throughout the event. She noted that the impressive atmosphere and organizational excellence have positioned Nigeria as a strong candidate for hosting more global fencing competitions. “This is my first time in Nigeria, and I was truly impressed by the quality of the facilities and the professionalism of the organizers,” said Saidova. “It has given us confidence that Nigeria is capable of hosting more international competitions. The Deputy Governor’s commitment to supporting fencing in a country with such potential was particularly encouraging.” Saidova was part of a high-level FIE delegation that paid a courtesy visit to the Lagos State Governor, where she expressed optimism about the future of fencing in Nigeria. She emphasized that the enthusiasm shown by the Lagos State Government is a promising sign of institutional support for the sport. “The facilities here show that Nigeria can host even larger tournaments in the future. Based on my experience over the past few days, I am confident that the FIE will seriously consider Nigeria for major fencing events,” she added. Saidova also stressed the importance of government involvement in the sport’s development: “Nigeria is on the right path, but sustained government backing is crucial. Without it, the sport cannot thrive. There must be a genuine commitment to developing fencing, and this is vital for its success.” During the visit, she formally requested that fencing be recognized as a priority sport in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State. She highlighted the sport’s potential to contribute to youth development and the broader progress of the state. “Fencing is an Olympic sport, and it presents a tremendous opportunity for Nigeria to enhance its presence at future Olympic Games. I kindly urge the government to grant formal recognition to fencing as a priority sport in Lagos State.” Saidova concluded by calling for government support in hosting an international fencing competition in Nigeria. She noted that the FIE aims to position Nigeria as a continental leader in the development of fencing, which could bring substantial economic benefits and promote long-term sustainability.

MRA Launches Visual Brief to Commemorate 2025 World Press Freedom Day

Fola Badmus5 months ago5 months ago04 mins

Ahead of this year’s World Press Freedom Day on May 3, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) has launched an informative visual brief to highlight the urgent need for responsible and ethical deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism, especially within Nigeria’s media landscape. The visual brief, developed under this year’s global theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” explores the opportunities and dangers AI poses to media freedom in Nigeria and across the world. In a statement released in Lagos by its Programme Officer, Mr. John Gbadamosi, MRA noted that AI is quickly changing the way news is produced and consumed, adding that it offers powerful tools that can assist journalists in analysing data, translating stories into local languages, and extend the reach of vital information, especially to underserved areas with limited media infrastructure as AI can help to ensure that essential news and information are also disseminated to such communities. However, Mr. Gbadamosi warned that the same technology is being weaponised to undermine truth and press freedom, saying: “While AI can be used to advance journalism, it can just as easily be exploited to spread disinformation, create deepfakes, and drown out independent voices with algorithmically generated propaganda.” According to him, “In Nigeria, journalists face threats that go beyond just physical dangers; such threats now also encompass digital, algorithmic, and systemic harms and challenges, which requires media professionals to ensure that AI enhances, rather than undermines, media freedom and that technology is used to promote the truth, not distort it.” The visual brief breaks down key concepts like misinformation, disinformation, mal-information, and information overload, which are increasingly shaping Nigeria’s digital media ecosystem. It also raises concerns about AI-enabled surveillance, political manipulation, and the marginalisation of community-based journalists. Mr. Gbadamosi explained that through the visual brief, MRA is also canvassing support for independent media outlets, transparent AI regulation that reflects Nigeria’s socio-political realities, widespread digital literacy to empower citizens to navigate the information space and greater accountability from technology companies for the content and influence of their platforms. He therefore urged all stakeholders to advocate for responsible AI usage and a free, independent, professional and vibrant media environment in Nigeria, stressing that “when media freedom thrives, democracy lives.” The visual brief is available at https://bit.ly/4cXfVt7.

I almost gave up but Nigeria stood by me -Chidimma Adetshina

Fola Badmus10 months ago10 months ago04 mins

Miss Universe first runner-up Chidimma Adetshina has revealed that she almost gave up during her difficult times. Adetshina who is law student and model born and raised in South Africa represented her father’s country Nigeria in this year’s beauty pageant. She withdrew from the ten finalists of Miss South Africa in August after facing xenophobic attacks on social media. And four months later, she became the first runner-up to Miss Denmark who was crowned Miss Universe 2024. “To Nigeria: Thank you is not enough for all the support you’ve shown. You picked me up when I was at my lowest. “I’ve never opened up much but I was ready to give up on my life but you became my strenght to fight. “I’m so grateful for each and everyone for walking this journey with me. “To Africa: Thank you for showing your love and support. As much as I represent Nigeria, Africa fought for me. My voice, my story touched many and brought us together, This journey has taught me the power of unity, I want us to live in a society where we can all accept and celebeate one another. “This is not the end but the beginning of my journey. “Love Miss Universe 1st runner,” wrote after emerging runner-up at Miss Universe pageant. Meanwhile, the Chairman and CEO of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has hailed the emergence of Chidimma Adetshina, on her emergence as the first runner-up at the 2024 Miss Universe. Adetshina, Nigeria’s representative at the 73rd Miss Universe Competition held in Mexico, trailed behind Denmark’s Victoria Kjaer Theilvig who was crowned the winner of the contest. In a statement on Sunday by her media aide, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, the NiDCOM boss described Miss Adetshina’s feat as a “reward for her doggedness and resilience.” Dabiri-Erewa expressed excitement that despite all odds, Chidimma remained focused and attained her goals. She recalled “Adetshina’s controversial official withdrawal from the Miss South Africa 2024 contest, of which she had advanced to the final stage , some few months back, noting that Nigeria warmly welcomed her, after being literally forced out of South Africa,” the statement read. “Describing her as brilliant, focussed and determined, she urged others to emulate the spirit of Nigerianess in Chidimma by being proud of the country and not run it down under whatever guise.” The beauty queen was warmly received at the NIDCOM Lagos office, and thereafter hosted to a grand reception at Idris Olorunnibe’s “The Temple,” Victoria Island, with music legend, D’banj in attendance.

Dangote now 65th richest person worldwide with $28bn

Fola Badmus11 months ago4 months ago02 mins

Nigerian business mogul, Aliko Dangote, remains the richest man in Africa. Dangote is also ranked the 65th richest man in the world. Bloomberg, in its latest Top 500 Billionaires Index released on Thursday, revealed that Dangote with a wealth of $28 billion had his wealth increased significantly after the commencement of operations of his newly built Petrochemical refinery, said to be worth over $20 billion. This new ranking is the highest the renowned entrepreneur has risen. He was previously ranked 83rd in 2022. No African is close to Dangote’s latest ranking as Johann Rupert, of South Africa is 174 on the world list, with a wealth of $13.6bn and Nicky Oppenheimer also of South Africa is number 224 on the world list with a wealth of $11.6bn. Other Africans on the list are: South Africa’s Natie Karsh, number 297 in the world with a wealth of $9.25bn, Egypt’s Nassef Sawiris on number 302 in the world with a wealth of $9.16bn, and Naguib Sawiris also of Egypt with a wealth of $7.37bn on number 407 in the world. Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are the richest in the world with $242 billion and $210 billion respectively in their kitties while Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Ellison followed respectively with $204 billion and $185 billion on the world’s billionaires’ chart.