To underscore its commitment towards celebrating closeness through its #GiveLoveAChance campaign, Closeup the leading toothpaste brand in Nigeria, treated 10 couples to an all-expense paid dinner date on Saturday, 16th March, 2019.

The #GiveLoveAChance campaign is geared towards inspiring young adults and encouraging them to act on their desire to give love a chance regardless of the barriers they have to overcome.

The winners were selected based on their unique #GiveLoveAChance stories which reflected the power of their relationship to withstand barriers that came their way such as distance, age difference, social class, and ethnicity.

Speaking at the couple’s date event, Closeup Brand Manager, Titilope Kola-Banjo stated that the campaign is an opportunity for young adults to turn their mutual attraction into action, be free from self-doubt and judgement of others on the basis of ethnicity, age difference, distance and social class.

“We are excited to host the couples because the stories they all shared really inspired us. Closeup believes that nothing replaces the thrill of being close, but barriers can stop people from acting on their instinctive desire to move closer. The brand urges young adults to be courageous, dare to move closer, give love a chance in their relationship or marriage and break love barriers despite all odds.”

Also at the event, the Category Manager, Oral Care, Toluwaleke Salu, stated that “As a brand, we are always happy when young adults stay committed and true to themselves despite the odds, which is primarily the essence of the #GiveLoveAChance campaign. It’s even more exciting and inspiring to read the stories shared by the couples. Closeup will continue to encourage our consumers to be courageous while also delivering that long lasting freshness they desire.”

Mrs. Daniella Odukomaiya, one of the guests expressed her appreciation whilst commending Closeup for their kind gesture.

“Thanks to closeup for this date. It feels really good to be here to celebrate with others who, like my partner and I, have given love a chance,” Mrs Odukomaiya said. “We were both scared at first considering that we are from different ethnic groups and our parents may feel very uncomfortable with our relationship, but we gave it our all and now we are happily married.”

Closeup does not pigeon hole getting close, as the brand is for the confident, shy, first move makers, strangers, couples, and perfect matches. It is a major catalyst that moves people closer whilst also delivering superior long-lasting freshness that gives the confidence to #GiveLoveAChance.

Read » Closeup sponsors 10 couples to an all-expense paid dinner date in celebration of its #GiveLoveAChance campaign on YNaija

Here are the stories that drove conversation today:

EFCC closes case against Onnoghen at NJC

According to Punch, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has rested its case of alleged misconduct against the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen, at the National Judicial Council. The five-man investigation panel of the NJC that the EFCC rested its case after calling seven witnesses.

Buhari receives report on new minimum wage funding

President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday at the Council Chamber, Presidential Villa, Abuja, received the report of the Technical Advisory Committee for the implementation of the minimum wage. Already, the bill to increase the minimum wage to N30,000 has passed third reading in the National Assembly.

Court of Appeal nullifies Zamfara APC governorship primary

The Court of Appeal sitting in Sokoto, led by Justice Tom Yakubu, has set aside the judgement of a Zamfara High Court on the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries that produced the party’s candidates for governorship, National and State Assembly elections. Delivering the lead judgment, which was adopted by two other justices, Tijani Abubakar and Jamilu Tukur, Justice Tom Yakubu held that the lower court failed in its duty to properly evaluate the evidence before it.

Lagos govt. opens resettlement camps for victims of collapsed buildings

The Lagos State Government has opened a resettlement camp for victims of collapsed buildings in the state. In a statement shared on the verified Twitter handle of the government, the state said, the victims would be accommodated at the State Relief/Resettlement Centre, Igando in Alimosho Local Government Area.

Court orders INEC to continue collation of Bauchi guber election results 

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday gave the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) the leeway to continue and conclude the collation of the results of the March 9, 2019 governorship election in the Tafawa Balewa Local Government Area of Bauchi.

Read » The Late 5: Fresh hurdle for APC as Appeal Court nullifies its Zamfara guber primary; EFCC closes case against Onnoghen at NJC | Other stories on YNaija

Follow the links to read the stories on YNaija:

Just In: Yet again, another building collapses in Lagos Island

Waje says she’s going to quit music, blames lousy, hypocritical Nigerians for not buying ‘Red Velvet’

Read » The YNaija Cover – the 25th of March on YNaija

Every day on the Nigerian Internet, there are people who keep our eyes glued to our phone screens as we read their rants, opinions, perspectives on political and social issues, etc. Sometimes, they are just downright ridiculous. We make it our job to take down the names of these noisemakers.

Here are the ones we saw today:

Today I learnt that life imprisonment = 20 years.

— Nnanna (@TheNnanna) March 25, 2019

Everyone knows this, Nnanna. Shame on you.

When you have guts, people will dislike you and try to bring you down. People want you to live in a certain way they feel is “proper”. Their way or no way. Once you don’t follow the herd, you become a public enemy. Your success is downplayed and your mistakes celebrated.

— Oloye Akin Alabi (@akinalabi) March 25, 2019

There is nothing wrong with the Prez allocating oil blocks to individuals,the only reform needed is that those who must own oil blocks should be allocated a land in their states to look for & explore oil.If they can’t find it,they should keep praying or use it for agriculture.

— Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) March 25, 2019

That Waje Video Enter me , I’m acc pained for her .. in a well structured music industry, she is rich AF

— Ayodeji (@AyoJaguda) March 25, 2019

That Waje video just made my week. At least I know I’m on track, quitting certain dreams for my number one priority which is my wife & kids wasn’t a bad idea after all.

— Naija OAP (@Cleancaleb) March 25, 2019

Sauces once told me that Psquare waited for Waje for almost a month to shoot “Do Me” video but her friends told her not to because Psquare were Bush guys. That song changed their lives. I wonder how big Waje would have been today if she had appeared in that video?

— R. Kelly doesn’t know me (@UFOMMA) March 25, 2019

Just saw Waje’s video and I can feel what she’s been through, just by paying attention to the emotions in her voice. Can the world ever be patient with people? Please. These superstars are not magicians, they are human, their industry is difficult too. Comfort them, send them…

— Timilehin Bello (@MrBigtimi) March 25, 2019

How do you watch that Waje video and your next thought is to clown her?
This is why people fake it on the gram. You people clown honesty and praise lies and foolishness.

— Tamunosaki Romeo Esq. (@TamiRomeo) March 25, 2019

First thing I did when I saw that Waje video was to go stream her music. Played my part

— Wole (@OluwoleCo) March 25, 2019

Read » Today’s Noisemakers: Shehu Sani, Akin Alabi, and Nigerians reacting to Waje quitting music on YNaija

Here are the top stories that you should be monitoring:

Read » The Big 5: APC asks DSS to investigate PDP over ”illegal access” to INEC server; N1.3 trn public funds stolen in four years – Magu | Other top stories on YNaija

After weeks of suspense and drama, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2019 Bauchi governorship election, Bala Mohammed as winner of the poll.

According to the results announced at 11.18pm on Monday by Prof. Kyari Mohammed who was the Returning Officer for the election, the opposition candidate polled a total of 515,113 votes, winning in seven out of the 20 local government areas in the state to defeat his closest challenger and incumbent governor, Abubakar Mohammed of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who garnered a vote tally of 500,625 votes from the 13 LGAs he won.

Bauchi Governor-elect, Bala Mohammed’s earlier victory at the March 9 governorship election and the March 23 supplementary election held in the state had paved the way for his victory but the commission could only declare him winner after a court on Monday vacated the restraining order secured by Governor Abubakar against the electoral body from going ahead with the collation and announcement of the disputed election results in Tafawa Balewa local government area of the state.

The win by the PDP in Bauchi after that of Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba, brings to two out of six, states won by the opposition in the North East geo-political zone, with the party’s gubernatorial candidate in Adamawa, Umaru Fintiri leading the incumbent governor, Jibrila Bindow with a vote margin of 32, 476 votes in the yet-to-be-concluded election, while the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which won Gombe for the first time, retained control of Borno and Yobe.

Read » Second governorship win for PDP in the North east as Bala Mohammed unseats Governor Abubakar on YNaija

Barely few weeks after his victory at the National Assembly polls over the candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator-elect for Anambra South Senatorial District, Ifeanyi Ubah has reportedly defected from the Young Progressives Party (YPP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Although the Capital Oil boss had on several occasions dismissed reports that he was set to dump the relatively new party, including addressing a press conference on Friday where he said the YPP is the party to beat in the country, he is apparently one of the major supporters of the Ahmed Lawan Senate President candidacy.

Addressing the press on Friday, the Anambra-born entrepreneur had said: “I am not yet ready to defect from the YPP. I am still in the YPP. In party business, you can’t determine what would happen next. Sometimes you wake up and you will start seeing one problem or the other. For me today, I am in the YPP and I hope to remain in the party.

“The YPP is bringing a revolution of change to Nigeria. I must join a progressive group in the Senate since I cannot be alone. The YPP is the party to beat in this country. I won my election without the party having an office in any part of Anambra State,” he added.

Indications that he may have concluded his latest move however came to the fore late Monday as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole at a meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari, the APC national leadership and the newly-elected Senators under the platform of the ruling party, where he described Ubah who was physically present at the dinner as a smart politician in his opening remarks, adding that the “YPP Senator-elect from Anambra South has decided to pitch tent with the ruling party because he felt more comfortable with the winning team.”

Read » YPP Senator-elect, Ifeanyi Ubah reportedly defects to APC; attends dinner with Buhari, APC leadership on YNaija

Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, the former Education Minister, has been announced as Forbes Woman Africa Social Influencer at the prestigious Forbes Woman Africa Awards inaugural gala dinner held this March in Durban, South Africa.

A former vice-president for Africa of the World Bank, co-founder of Transparency International, and anti-corruption activist, the award celebrates her efforts in launching the viral #BringBackOurGirls campaign on social media. Due to the global collaboration on the crisis, she was also named one of the World’s 100 Most Influential People by Time Magazine and was shortlisted for the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize.

The awards event recognised a selection of Africa’s most influential women in business, sports, science, entertainment and leadership, including Dr. Divine Simbi-Ndhlukula (Forbes Woman Africa Businesswoman of the Year Award); Rachel Sibande (Forbes Woman Africa Gen Y Award); Caster Semenya (Forbes Woman Africa Sports Award); Sho Madjozi (Forbes Woman Africa Entertainer Award); Uche Pedro (Forbes Woman Africa New Media Award), among others.

“The ceremony was the perfect conclusion to a highly constructive day of networking and concept sharing by Africa’s most dynamic women,” said Methil Renuka, managing editor of Forbes Africa and Forbes Woman Africa. “I would like to congratulate every award recipient – the work they are doing is impacting the lives of millions of young women worldwide, creating a space for them to, in turn, make their mark in a meaningful way.”

The dinner followed a full day of panel discussions and talks by New Wealth Creators from across Africa at the fourth annual Forbes Woman Africa Leading Women Summit (#LWS2019KZN), hosted by the KZN Provincial Government in association with ABSA, the IDC, and Women of Africa.

Read » Nigeria’s former minister, Obiageli Ezekwesili wins Forbes Woman Africa Social Influencer Award on YNaija

Ever imagined what royalty looked like in the days of the Roman Empire? Ever imagined what it’d be like to attend a lavish party at a Casino in Monaco? Well, your imaginations are set to become reality on Saturday, the 30th of March 2019 at Roma Lagos. We present to you ‘The Kings & Queens of Hearts Meet Casino Royale.’

Roma Lagos, the first ever Graeco-Roman-inspired luxury restaurant/lounge in Lagos, located at 31A Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase I, has become synonymous with top-quality Mediterranean cuisine and world-class service. This exquisite baroque restaurant/lounge nestled in Lekki boasts of an innovative menu, an impressive sommelier and a one-of-a-kind-ROMA-only experience with different rooms curated for different pockets of experiences.

Instead of the regular, ROMA aims to create the spectacular. Rather than having an average club experience or just heading to another bar for drinks, ROMA is creating a unique space in the lifestyle/hospitality/entertainment market where people can have immersive experiences that create new and fresh feelings of surprise and excitement. Kicking off with the ‘FEAST AT ROMA’ earlier this year, ROMA is set to change the Lagos scene with the ROMA ROYALTY Series.

The Kings and Queens of Hearts Meet Casino Royale, First of Its Name, A Gathering of Royalty, A Pacesetter, The Party to Rival all Parties! This event, #RomaRoyale, is going to be a blend of Roman royalty and the Vegas casino vibe, featuring games of black jack, poker, chess, draughts, traditional card games, pool, spin shots, and many more. Guests should be ready to get their game faces on and 007 poses right as they definitely won’t want to miss all the fun at the #RomaRoyale photo booth.

Get your tuxes, your ball gowns, your sleek and sexy bond-girl dresses, your masks, your crowns and your tiaras ready because on the 30th of March at ROMA Lagos, it’s going to be all about royalty! #RomaRoyale And oh! They’ve graciously created a mood board for us!!! We’re beyond ecstatic and excited!

Date:  Saturday, 30^th March, 2019

Venue: 31A Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase   Time: 6:00pm

Dress Code: Royalty Meets Casino Royale

To hear more and see about Roma, follow the hashtag #RomaRoyale and Instagram @romalagos

Read » The Kings & Queens of Hearts Meet Casino Royale – An introduction to Roma Royalty! on YNaija

Only half of Nigeria’s population have access to electricity, and with power generation recently dropping from 4,708.3MW to 2,938MW, Nigeria’s electricity crisis is now utterly dire. This article, in fact, was written from the precious power juice of a generator. Can we just throw this country away and move to Rwanda please? In a new BBC Africa Eye documentary, the ever-familiar issue of power outages is the focus, highlighting the operations of one of Nigeria’s power distribution companies PHED.

The documentary is bleak, and yet again asking why Nigeria can’t overcome its electricity issues plaguing it. With Buhari winning the recent presidential election, we hope we see the change his campaign promised. Anyway, I’m not holding my breath.

Read » This BBC Africa Eye documentary focuses on Nigeria’s electricity crisis, so watch it and weep on YNaija

Here are the stories that drove conversation today:

I won due to hard work, not violence – Ganduje

Kano State Governor Umar Ganduje has reaffirmed his victory at the Kano supplementary elections was as a result of hard work by his team as against violence cited in many quarters. Ganduje, who contested under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), spoke when chairmen of the 44 local government areas of the state paid him a congratulatory and solidarity at the Government House, Kano

INEC fixes date for Adamawa supplementary election 

The Independent National Electoral Commission has scheduled the supplementary governorship election in Adamawa to hold on Thursday, March 28.

The announcement came Tuesday hours after a court lifted its restriction on the commission to conduct the rerun.

APC rejects new date for Adamawa supplementary guber election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa has rejected the new date, March 28, fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) for the supplementary Governorship election in the state. The Organising Secretary of the party, Alhaji Ahmed Lawal, announced the party’s decision in an interview with NAN in Yola on Tuesday.

Burundi releases three schoolgirls held for scribbling on President Nkunrunziza’s portrait

Burundi has released three schoolgirls who were detained over accusation of scribbling on President Pierre Nkurunziza’s picture in textbooks which led to international outcry. The three girls were the last still being held from a group of seven children arrested earlier February in Kirundo province, in Burundi’s northeast some 200 kilometers from the commercial capital Bujumbura. All were accused of insulting Nkurunziza by defacing his image.

A regional court in Kirundo had decided last Wednesday to proceed with a full trial against the three.

Lawmaker decries multiple building collapse in Lagos

A lawmaker presenting Epe Constituency, Lagos State, Hon. Wale Raji has condemned incessant building collapse in some parts of the country, just as he condoled with the victims of Itafaaji, Lagos and that of Molete, Ibadan, Oyo. He called on governments at all levels to conduct proper investigations on the buildings to forestall future recurrence.

Read » The Late 5: I won due to hard work, not violence – Ganduje; Burundi releases three schoolgirls held for scribbling on President Nkunrunziza’s portrait | Other stories on YNaija

Every day on the Nigerian Internet, there are people who keep our eyes glued to our phone screens as we read their rants, opinions, perspectives on political and social issues, etc. Sometimes, they are just downright ridiculous. We make it our job to take down the names of these noisemakers.

Here are the ones we saw today:

I can’t help but feel for Theresa May. No matter how sound you are on policy, governance or development, if you don’t understand politics or politicking, you will be messed up. Politics is an art that must be learned, in and out of government.

— Kola Oyeneyin | (@MrSleevesUp) March 26, 2019

Are you done feeling for Nigeria yet?

Dear Nigerian Government
There are a lot of Nigerian Business men & women from Onitsha, Maiduguri, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Minna & even Abuja that can supply meters for Nigeria to buy and many Nigerians that would be willing to buy. Give the go ahead. Its not rocket science!

— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) March 26, 2019

I finally got to watch Bohemian Rhapsody, and it brought back childhood memories of those glossy magazines with images of Freddie Mercury in my father’s study. Some of the songs featured in the movie, I never ever knew they were sung by Queen.

— Gimba Kakanda (@gimbakakanda) March 26, 2019

Good, clap for yourself.

Now that @APCNigeria has lost Sokoto, Bauchi, Benue, Oyo, Imo, Adamawa HOA, almost lost Zamfara, had to rob Kano (TEMPORARILY), it may locate who its true lovers are: those saying “Hey! Retrace your steps” or those who blinded-folded it and hailed it to walk into the ?

— Audu Bulama Bukarti (@bulamabukarti) March 26, 2019

All eyes today on Adamawa State where PDP is in the lead electorally but the shenanigans of INEC and APC is yet a problem, this time aided by an unforeseen problem of the omission of MRDD and its gubernatorial candidate, Rev. Eric Theman from the ballot – valid, but not for now.

— Demola Olarewaju (@DemolaRewaju) March 26, 2019

You must be thinking you are some political analyst now.

INEC said Adamawa rerun is on 28/3/2019. Hope @PoliceNG,APC & INEC will not dispatch some DIGs to stage a Kano style show.

— John Danfulani (@john_danfulani) March 26, 2019

Drag race will be better.

Whenever you are getting broke,always i repeat,always use your last money to buy food or give yourself a treat!

If anything happens…””na the one for your belle you dey carry go oh””

Goodafternoon!

— ….EVERYTHING SOFT (@__RareBlessing) March 26, 2019

Read » Today’s Noisemakers: Kola Oyeneyin, Aisha Yesufu, Gimba Kakanda, others on YNaija

Here are the top stories that you should be monitoring today:

28 political parties reject Tambuwal’s victory 

A coalition of 28 political parties in Sokoto on Tuesday has rejected the victory of Governor Aminu Tambuwal at the governorship election in the state. It should be recalled that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Sunday declared Tambuwal winner of the election after Saturday’s supplementary polls with a narrow margin of 342 votes. Addressing a news conference in Sokoto, the coalition leader, Musa Aliyu of the Nigeria Elements Progressive Party (NEPP), rejected the declaration. 

Tribunal begins hearing on PDP, Atiku’s petition on Wednesday 

The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal will on Wednesday ( today) hold a hearing on the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, to challenge the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress at the February 23, 2019 election. A five-man panel headed by the President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa, is to preside over the first sitting coming up after the petitioners filed their case on March 18.  

Buhari, APC chiefs endorse Lawan for senate president 

President Muhammadu Buhari, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership and most APC governors have on Tuesday endorsed Ahmad Lawan as the the Senate Leader after consultations. 

The leaders were said to have considered  Lawan’s “qualifications, prudence, accountability, loyalty and rich legislative experience” which will assist the APC government to have a robust Executive-Legislative relationship to fast-track development. 

Agege inferno leaves two hospitalised 

A woman and a young boy were injured yesterday when fire swept through the Hausa community in Orile-Agege, Lagos. They are at the Agege General Hospital. The fire, said to have been caused by power surge, raged for several hours, destroying shops, houses and goods. 

It was gathered that the fire worsened when a high tension cable fell on a house where a cooking gas was on.  

Rivers PDP, AAC row over alleged N3bn offer  

The Rivers State African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Biokpomabo Awara, has said he rejected Governor Nyesom Wike’s N3 billion offer to drop his ambition. He also debunked claims by his running mate, Akpo Bomba Yeeh, that the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi and the All Progressives Congress (APC) made them sign resignation letters. 

Awara, who addressed a news conference in Abuja yesterday, dismissed the allegations against the minister as false. He said Amaechi and the APC offered him and his party unconditional support, owing to their shared ideology and love for Rivers and the people. 

Read » The Big 5: Agege inferno leaves two hospitalised; Buhari, APC chiefs endorse Lawan for senate president | Other top stories on YNaija

Consumers across Nigeria keep falling in love with the crisp apple richness of La Casera Apple soft drink. The love for the brand is not only because of its tasty apple goodness but also because of the alluring refreshment that the brand offers at an affordable price of N100.

La Casera Apple soft drink is produced by The La Casera Company (TLCC) Plc. – a reputable company that has many other brands in its stable. La Casera Apple brand is the only soft drink in Nigeria that contains 5 percent of real apple juice. Loved by many, the soft drink is largely seen as refreshing and ideal to quench thirst.

In many homes and various events, La Casera Apple has become a common drink for those searching for that refreshing apple taste.

La Casera Apple drink is largely seen as the best apple drink in the Nigerian soft drink market. As a result, the brand has maintained its strong position in the apple segment of the soft drink market in the past 17 years. La Casera Apple has brought several innovations into the Nigerian soft drink market. For instance, when other players in the industry were still using recycled glass bottles (RGB), La Casera Apple pioneered the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles in the market. It took other players a whopping three years to follow suit. Today, the brand offers the best apple content in the soft drink market.

Mr Richard Akinyemi and Miss Rita Chukwudi, gave their testimonies about the brand. Miss Rita Chukwudi 24, is one lady who cannot do without having her darling La Casera Apple, because for her “a day without La Casera Apple is not complete.” As a result, Rita usually stocks her home with the brand. “If you visit me at home, La Casera Apple is one brand I won’t fail to offer to you,” she said. “That is my way of showing hospitality. I have never seen anyone who rejected my darling La Casera.”

Twenty year old Richard Akinyemi lives with his four siblings and parents at Ogudu, Lagos revealed that everyone in his household loves La Casera Apple drink. “When my elder sister, Regina got married last year, La Casera Apple drink was a major drink that was served to guests at the event,” he said. “I love La Casera a lot for its real apple content and affordable price of N100”.

La Casera Apple, which comes in three SKUs of 35cl, 50cl and 60cl, has a rich golden colour that refreshes and energises consumers. Produced under under very hygienic conditions, La Casera Apple’s production process is fully automated, making it free from human contact.

Read » La Casera Apple continues excite consumers with premium apple offering on YNaija

MTV Shuga: Down South is in its second season, and the fifth episode will go down as one of its loveliest offerings on LGBTQ representation. In short, here’s a hot and steaming visual display of what went down:

You have the permission to stare at the picture for as long as possible, but stay with me for now because I’m trying to prove something. Reggie, played by Given Stuurman, has been with the show since season one. Alienated by his father because he is gay, I have been rooting for Reggie and the reason the fifth episode is special is because he gets more screen time since Down South premiered weeks ago. The episode scoops some laughs in a scene at the call center where Reggie works: his straight colleague Kwanele asks how two gay men know they are in love. And Reggie, who seems on the verge of scoffing, says back: the same way straight people know they are in love.

The question arose because there’s a new gay guy in the office, who has his eyes on Reggie. They make small talk, smile at each other, have lunch at the cafeteria and end up in the bar, where he introduces Reggie to his queer friends. Reggie mingles with them as they open up about how they came out to their families. Afterwards, one of the gay men Odirile (Mohale Motaung) gets warm and chummy with Reggie and honestly I have never seen him smile this much.

The episode wasn’t just about Reggie getting his freak on; it also disseminated useful information about HIV and PrEP in the gay community: Reggie leaves the bar with Odirile, and before they have sex, Odirile pops in a PrEP pill in his mouth while Reggie watches. Curiously, he asks what prEP is. Odirile is an experienced gay man who helps Reggie in understanding how pre-exposure prophylaxis works, to prevent HIV while still also using a condom. Down South has stayed faithful to LGBTQ subplots, quite equally involving young LGTBQ people in the conversation of safe sex and HIV/AIDS.

By contrast, Nigeria’s iteration of the show Shuga Naija, which has had three volumes (season three, season four and season six) has been linear, heteronormative and disingenuous that one begins to wonder if straight people are the only sexual demographic affected by HIV. The hesitation to portray LGBTQ characters is understandable: Nigeria is virulently homophobic and all forms media content have routinely aligned with homophobia, even if it’s not the intention. Chris Ihidero, the producer of season four and six, will not be back to helm the show as Pulse recently reported that big shot director Tope Oshin will be the show’s new producer.

This is, of course, is excellent news. Oshin isn’t entirely new to the set up of Shuga Naija. The filmmaker came on board as the casting director for the last Shuga Naija season, and notably in her portfolio is the 2018 queer film We Don’t Live Here Anymore, which racked up the highest nominations at last year’s Best of Nollywood Awards (BON). Perhaps through Oshin, we would get the LGBTQ representation we deserve. Thinking about is already making me giddy.

Read » ‘MTV Shuga: Down South’ has never shied away from LGBTQ representation. ‘MTV Shuga Naija,’ what are you still waiting for??? on YNaija

The much-debated two-part documentary Leaving Neverland is a global hot topic at the moment, and DStv customers across Africa don’t have to wait long to see why this Channel 4 and HBO co-production has taken the world by storm. Just a few weeks after its controversial premiere in the US at the recent Sundance Film Festival, Leaving Neverland will be screened across two days on M-Net City, DStv channel 115 this weekend.

Part one will be aired on M-Net City on Saturday, 30 March at 8:40pm WAT, while part 2 will follow on Sunday, 31 March at 8:40pm WAT.  To accommodate these screenings, M-Net City will reschedule The Blacklist S5 on Saturday and Stan Lee’s Lucky Man S3 on Sunday.

Fan of these shows can catch the next episodes as follows:

•        The Blacklist S5 episodes 17 & 18 on Saturday 6 April

•        Stan Lee’s Lucky Man S3 episodes 7 & 8 on  Sunday 7 April

Directed and produced by five-time BAFTA-winner Dan Reed, the four-hour long Leaving Neverland unpacks the story of two individuals: James Safechuck and Wade Robson, now-adult men in their 30s, who befriended Jackson at the ages of ten and seven respectively. Through gut-wrenching interviews with Safechuck and Robson, as well as their mothers, wives and siblings, Leaving Neverland crafts a portrait of sustained abuse, and explores the complicated feelings that led both men to confront their experiences after both had a young son of their own. Playing out against the backdrop of our collective experience, the film documents the value of breaking silence, even when it implicates a powerful and revered figure.

“Bringing Leaving Neverland to African screens is testament to the fact that DStv brings the most compelling content to the continent as quickly as possible,” says MultiChoice Nigeria Chief Customer Officer, Martin Mabutho. “Please note, however, that documentary  is not suitable for younger viewers as it contains strong language, discussions of self-harm and graphic descriptions of child sexual abuse.”

Among the line-up of channels which have already acquired the documentary are Network Ten Australia, DR Denmark, VPRO Netherlands, SVT Sweden, ProSieben Germany, Channel One Russia, VRT Belgium, NRK Norway, TVNZ New Zealand, Discovery Italy, DBS Israel, Amedia Russia, YLE Finland, Fox Asia, Front Row Middle East, RUV Iceland, M6 France, HBO Latin America, HBO Portugal and Movistar + in Spain and HBO CEE. Additionally, there are a considerable number of deals which are currently in the final stages of negotiation.

Leaving Neverland airs on M-Net City channel 115 on DStv with part one on Saturday, 30 March at 8:40pm WAT, and part two on Sunday, 31 March at 8:40pm. Please note that the EPG may take a while to reflect the aforementioned updates. Viewers on the move can also watch the documentary on DStv Now.

Critical reception of the contentious documentary includes:

“Hard to watch, tougher to ignore, impossible to forget…a portrait of bravery.” – Rolling Stone

“Overwhelmingly powerful and convincing.” – Variety

“Among Leaving Neverland’s remarkable achievements is Reed’s empathetic skill at providing the proper context.” – Screen Daily.

Read » DStv to air controversial ‘Leaving Neverland’ documentary this weekend on M-Net City on YNaija

Being involved in an accident is not a pleasant experience and not being able to get assistance from your insurance company makes it even worse. What is comprehensive insurance when you don’t get access to quick on-scene assistance in such troubling moments to initiate and guide you through the process of making your claim?

In line with Allianz Nigeria’s commitment to delivering a new kind of insurance for Nigerians – one that is less time consuming and offers faster claims settlement – the company’s Rapid Response Service now utilizes sport bikes which are operated by highly trained officers. Now access to rapid on-scene assistance for premium motor Insurance customers is just a dial away!

The Rapid Response Officers provide assistance to customers involved in accidents by offering on-scene support, assessing the damage to their vehicles and immediately initiating the claims settlement process on their behalf.

To reach out to an available Rapid Response Officer, Allianz Nigeria customers are advised to dial the hotlines (Toll-free): 0800 255 4269, available from Monday – Friday: 7am – 7pm. The service is currently only available in Abuja, Port Harcourt and Lagos metropolis with a view to expand.

This is just one of the several benefits offered by the company’s comprehensive premium motor plan including 15% cashback on no claims after 24 months and discounts for female and male driver’s, 45 years and above.

Insurance just got easier, don’t you think?

Allianz Nigeria Insurance plc, a company of The Allianz Group,  is a composite Insurance company licensed to transact Life and Non-Life Insurance business in Nigeria, delivering a range of retail products such as Motor, Life, Education, Savings, Home Insurance and corporate products to more than 30,000 customers.

Read » Allianz Nigeria unveils new sport bikes to boost rapid response service for customers on YNaija

Okorocha is on his own on non-issuance certificate of return – APC

The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday reacted for the first time to the decision of the independent national Electoral Commission (INEC) not to issue certificate of return to Imo Governor Rochas Okorocha. It said the party has no official position on the issue since the governor is still under suspension.

National publicity Secretary of the party, Mallam Lanre Issa- Onilu, said at an interactive session with reporters that the governor has also not informed the party of the problem with the electoral management body probably because he is aware of his suspension.

APC threatens to boycott Adamawa supplementary guber election

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Adamawa has threatened to boycott the supplementary governorship election if INEC insisted on conducting it on Thursday. The State Organising Secretary of APC, Ahmed Lawan, made the party’s position known on Wednesday in Yola. Mr Lawan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the party had rejected the Thursday date and communicated its position to the electoral body.

PDP senators will support Lawan’s senate presidency – Abdullahi

The chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Sabi Abdullahi, has said that elected senators of the Peoples Democratic Party will cooperate with Senator Ahmad Lawan to succeed as Senate President in the 9th National Assembly. He said leaders of the APC, after due consultations, asked the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, to announce Lawan as the party’s choice.

INEC presents certificates of return to Taraba governor, others

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Wednesday issued the Certificate of Return to Governor Darius Ishaku and his deputy, Haruna Manu. Speaker of the Taraba State 24-member House of Assembly, Peter Abel Diah, also received his Certificate of Return. All the winners of the House of Assembly polls, including Mark Useni, representing Takum II constituency, were given the Certificate of Return.

The documents (Certificates) were given at the INEC Conference Hall, Jalingo, Taraba.

APC agrees to participate in Thursday supplementary election in Adamawa

The Adamawa chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has withdrew its threat to boycott Thursday’s governorship supplementary election in the state. The party had earlier through the state Organising Secretary, Alhaji Ahmed Lawan threatened to boycott the election, over what it called short notice as well as fixing the election on a working day that might disenfranchised workers and students.

Read » The Late 5: Okorocha is on his own on non-issuance of certificate of return – APC; PDP senators will support Lawan’s senate presidency – Abdullahi | Other stories on YNaija

Read » The YNaija Cover – the 27th of March on YNaija

Every day on the Nigerian Internet, there are people who keep our eyes glued to our phone screens as we read their rants, opinions, perspectives on political and social issues, etc. Sometimes, they are just downright ridiculous. We make it our job to take down the names of these noisemakers.

Here are the ones we saw today:

Global warming is real o

— Prince Bk olagbegi (@bkolagbegi) March 27, 2019

So you are just knowing? Ode.

Can someone with adequate knowledge /experience pls explain why data is so expensive in Nigeria & why the internet is not so fast . Also pls explain why in Nigeria an ISP will tell you that finished 80gb in two weeks meanwhile abroad you might not use up to 10gb in a month

— Gbemi O-O (@GbemiOO) March 27, 2019

Please kindly send a mail to us when you get an explanation.

Grossly imperfect as PDP’s zoning formula was, it was good at ‘carrying everybody along’. How APC will achieve this balance is sth I’ll like to see. In 2015, Saraki & Dogara actually helped them have some balance albeit against the party’s desire.

— Mark Amaza (@amasonic) March 27, 2019

A lady backed out from taking up the case of a dude who works at the HQ of a top 10 Nigerian company. He had posted her nude videos online. But my contact in the company is a leader and feminist with a sense of justice, so she is pursuing the case anyway. Dude will lose his job!

— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) March 27, 2019

Amen! in Jesus name.

Unchecked power.
Wherever there’s unchecked power with zero accountability, the people in power will abuse it and mistreat those within reach.
Government, clergy, lecturers, employers etc https://t.co/pYErbQgwFH

— Olanrewaju (@Olanrewaju_Max) March 27, 2019

DEEP!

Read » Today’s Noisemakers: Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Omojuwa, Olanrewaju Max, others on YNaija