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Central Working Committee (CWC) Unveils Ogbunike Cave Carnival 2016, As Search For Ada Ogbunike Begins

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Central Working Committee (CWC)
Central Working Committee (CWC)
After months of working on the project, the Central Working Committee (CWC) of the Ogbunike Cave Carnival (OCC) has finally unveiled plans for this year’s show. Ever since the maiden edition was staged in 2013, in Ogbunike Town, Oyi LGA, Anambra State, the carnival has continued to grow and expand in terms of content and packaging.
   According to the Project Manager of the carnival, Adaeze Uzodoh, this year’s edition, which will run for three days (December 30, 31 and January1, 2017), will set the tone for a new era in the life of the carnival.
  “We are delighted to announced that we are ready to stage this year’s carnival. Over the last few months, the Central Working Committee has been working underground on how to make this year’s outing a success. Today, I want to announce that we are ready to host the country,” she said.
   Meanwhile, this year’s edition is set aside to celebrate the traditional ruler of Ogbunike Community, HRH, Igwe John Ositadimma Umenyiora (Ezedioramma 1 of Ogbunike) on his 75th birthday and 40 years on the throne of Ogbunike. The main celebration holds on December 26 with the Ofala Festival, where the people will have opportunity to pay homage to one of the longest serving traditional rulers in the state.
  However, the Carnival proper will kick off on December 30, with the Five-Aside Football Tournament, a one-day competition among eight teams that will see the winning team win a trophy and cash prize. This will be followed by Sport Parade, which will see football fans, clad in their different club jerseys, parade with the winning team to the market square (Oyeolisa Market), with a traditional Ogene music leading the train.
   The day two of the event, which holds on December 31, will feature the traditional Ogbunikewalk4life (Street Carnival), starting from 7.30am. The carnival float will take off from the Ogbunike Town Hall, through the usual routes, to the Round Palace of Igwe Ogbunike, HRH John Ositadimma Umenyiora, where guests will pay homage to the King.
   From the palace, the train will move to the Cave, where visitors and tourist will have the opportunity of exploring the tourist destination that has put Ogbunike community on the world map. The day will wrap with the Carnival Concert/New Year Countdown by 6pm, at the Town Hall, with different musicians and comedians on parade.
On New Year Day, Ada Ogbunike Beauty Pageant will take centre stage. The event, which will see pretty Ogbunike ladies contest for the Ada Ogbunike crown, will be spiced with musical and comedy performances.
“For now, we are giving details of the events, but at the right time, we are going to give a complete prgramme schedule for the carnival. However, we promise you that this year will be the best,” Uzodoh, the CEO of LIBDEZ Solutions assured.
  She therefore called on coporate organizations and government agencies to come and support the initiative.
“We want to use this opportunity to invite sponsors and supporter to join us this year; we are open to all forms of partnership. This year, we are going to surprise guests with the package we’ve been working on. I can assure you that we’ve taken care of all the logistics involved, including security. We look forward to hosting all of you this year, as you come to explore our natural heritage,” she said.
   Meanwhile, application is now open for contestants willing to be part of this year’s Ada Ogbunike Beauty Pageant. According to the Head Communications, Casmir Obiegbolu, all participants must be between the ages of 18 and 25 years old, be Ogbunike indigene and must be of good health and character.
“She must not be married, mothers or pregnant and should be able to speak fluent English and Igbo. We are searching for young Ogbunike ladies across the globe (home and in diaspora) to be part of this great opportunity. This is an opportunity to become a cultural ambassador of Ogbunike and help promote our culture. Interested participants should contact 08181873125, 08122142710, 07039400407 or whatsapp 07067579928 for the application form. You can also visitwww.ogbunike.ng or our facebook.com/ogbunikecavecarnival for more details,” he said.
First hosted in 2013 by 90 Degrees Entertainment, Ogbunike Cave Carnival (OCC), which is now staged in collaboration with LIBDEZ Solutions, is a three-day festival centered on Ogbunike Cave, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Events

JCI Nigeria Hosts The 4th Edition Of The Global Digital Economy Summit

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The Global Digital Economy Summit (GDES) 4.0, held on 12th October 2024, at Park Inn, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria, accentuates the pivotal role of international trade, foreign direct investment, and technology diffusion in shaping economies worldwide, particularly highlighting the potential for digital inclusion and trade empowerment to achieve shared prosperity in Africa.

The summit, organised by Junior Chamber International (JCI) Nigeria in collaboration with JCI South Africa, JCI Zimbabwe, JCI Niger, JCI Benin Republic, and JCI Malaysia, attracted a diverse audience of entrepreneurs, professionals, undergraduates, and civil servants from across the globe.


Focused on “Digital Inclusion and Trade Empowerment: A Path to Shared Prosperity,” GDES 4.0 brought together leaders, innovators, and experts who shared insights into the vital role of digital technologies, intellectual property, and cross-border collaborations in shaping sustainable economic development, particularly in Africa.


The keynote address by Dr. Oluwatobiloba Moody, Director, World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), captivated the audience with his perspective on the importance of intellectual property rights in promoting innovation and economic growth.

His speech was a deep reflection on the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements.


A lively panel discussion featured experts such as Ezekiel Solesi, CEO of LIMBSimple, and Ayo Olajide, JCI South Africa’s Vice President, moderated by Ekezue Anthonia Ezenwa, JCI Nigeria’s 2024 Director of Business Opportunities.

They emphasised the necessity of digital skills for economic relevance and highlighted the importance of partnerships for business growth and sustainability.

Their insights affirmed the need for continual innovation in a progressively digital world, warning that businesses risk falling behind if they neglect emerging technological trends.


A notable highlight of the summit was the International Business Pitch Competition, which featured 10 finalists.

After rigorous training on pitch deck mastery, five finalists competed for top honours. AnyWash App (Omotola Olaifa) emerged as the winner, followed by SundryAgro Ltd. (Eyitayo Onigbinde), and FundCity (Deborah Abayomi), who took second and third place respectively.

These winners were awarded cash prizes, business development and intellectual property support from the World Intellectual Property Organisation and expert sessions with AfriGlocal Venture Capital, an important partner in this initiative.


The summit also featured goodwill messages from key figures like JCI World President Kaveen Kumaravel, and JCI Executive Vice President for Africa and the Middle East, Tetiweh Nzimah who highlighted JCI’s commitment to supporting digital innovation and youth engagement.

JCI Nigeria President, JCI Senator Sandra Ekene Efemuaye, praised the summit’s impact, encouraged participants to leverage the rich learning, networking opportunities and collaboration presented and commended the Directorate of Business Opportunities for successfully implementing a standard event.

National Director of Business Opportunities, Ekezue Anthonia Ezenwa, expressed her gratitude for the support from JCI leadership, recognising the Directorate’s role in the impactful gathering.


The outcomes of the summit were far-reaching. The top five pitch competition participants received vital business development and intellectual property support from WIPO, alongside expert sessions from AfriGlocal Venture Capital.

The partnerships and discussions set the stage for future collaborations aimed at ensuring the continued success of GDES and its initiatives.


The summit concluded with a call for governments across the globe to implement robust policies that protect digital economy assets and ensure digital inclusion for all.

It also highlighted the importance of continuous upskilling and innovation for businesses and entrepreneurs to stay competitive in an ever-evolving technological world.


We sincerely appreciate all our partners and sponsors for their dedication to the success of the summit.

We especially appreciate Bodex Media for promoting the summit’s impact across digital platforms and traditional media.


Attendees left the summit inspired to further integrate digital tools and innovative strategies into their pursuits, with anticipation already growing for the 2025 Global Digital Economy Summit 5.0, promising even greater opportunities and insights with a vision to further solidify the role of technology in creating a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous future.

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Events

Zanzibar to host 2025 Trace Awards in February

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Trace, the Afro-urban music and culture platform, has announced that it will hold its next award ceremony in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

The event will take place from February 24 to 26, 2025, at the luxurious Mora 5-star resort.

The ceremony will begin with a two-day summit featuring panel sessions and masterclasses on African creative industries, technology, and branding.

The award night, scheduled for February 26, will broadcast live across 25 Trace channels and in over 200 English, French, and Portuguese-speaking countries.

Olivier Laouchez, Trace co-founder and executive chairman, said the summit aims to empower African artistes with essential tools for success in the global music landscape.

“We are excited to celebrate Africa’s creative heartbeat by spotlighting music legends and rising stars,” Laouchez said.

“The awards and summit seek to empower artists with essential tools for success in today’s global landscape. The event will transform Zanzibar into a vibrant epicentre of music, culture, and innovation.”

Mudrik Ramadhan Soraga, Zanzibar’s minister of tourism, expressed pride in hosting the prestigious event, highlighting the island’s unique blend of nature, culture, and innovation.

“Zanzibar is proud to host the Trace Awards and Summit, a celebration of Africa’s vibrant music and culture on the global stage,” he said.

“This event strengthens our commitment to sustainable tourism and promotes Zanzibar as a premier MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.

“It will showcase our island’s beauty and diversity, while highlighting our efforts to preserve its unique environment and culture. We invite the world to experience Zanzibar’s exceptional charm, where nature, culture, and innovation come together.”

The 2025 Trace Awards will feature 28 categories representing popular African music genres, including Afrobeats, Amapiano, Dancehall, Afro-pop, and more. The list of nominees will be unveiled on December 4, with voting to begin on December 18.

By hosting the Trace Awards, Zanzibar aims to position itself as a premier destination for music, culture, and innovation, promoting sustainable tourism and preserving its unique environment and culture.

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Events

MDI online event ” African and European Gen Z digital activism: what’s different? why now? where next?”

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Amid the chaos of war raging in the Middle East and in other parts of the world, another critical battle is unfolding online where embattled communities are uniting and forging a powerful resistance, sometimes against oppressive regimes.

In Bangladesh, digital activists organised protests that led to regime change in August 2024. In Kenya and in other African countries online and real-life protests have shaped people’s participation and created a movement against corrupt and unlawful leaders. In Europe including the Western Balkans, and in the Middle East and North African region projects driving youth activism and civic participation are being implemented to promote online media literacy and defend the value of constructive and responsible activism.

Register now, join MDI online event,on 31 October from 17.00-18.15 Jordan time (UTC+3) to meet young digital activists from Asia, Europe and Africa as well as other experts to discuss the power of social media to keep decision makers accountable and using digital tools in a responsible way.

Our speakers will share insights into the protests and the online media projects they are/have been involved with. 

“We are grateful to UNESCO for giving the MDI the opportunity to share experiences of involving young people’s voices in shaping their future.” – Milica Pesic, panel moderator, MDI Executive Director.  

“Rather than saying ‘Give me a place to stand and I will move the earth’ as boasted by the great Scientist, Archimedes, youths from GenZ have a social media place to stand, a digital identity to uphold and with it, they intend to shake the world” Olunifesi Suraj, speaker, Associate Professor of Mass Communication, University of Lagos. 

“Digital activism is not just about hashtags; it’s about diverse voices translating virtual solidarity into real-world change.” – Hana Kojakovic, speaker, MDI Get The Trolls Out ! Project Manager. 

“Online innovative storytelling allows for a wide range of voices to be heard, particularly from underrepresented communities.”- Yazan Abu al Rous, speaker, Salam Online Project Manager. 

“Chaite gelam odhikar, hoye gelam Razakar.” (Demanded rights, only to become Razakar.) – The July Uprising in Bangladesh began as a peaceful student protest for quota reform in government jobs but escalated into a national non-cooperation movement, ultimately leading to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation and flight to India.” – Raheed Ejaz, speaker, diplomatic correspondent at Daily Prothom Alo.  

This online event is organised in the framework of the Global Media and Information Literacy Week Conference will be hosted by UNESCO and the Hashemite Kingdom on 30-31 October 2024 in Amman, Jordan. 

To interview our speakers, please contact Anthea Kasonga, MDI Communications team: anthea.kasonga@media-diversity.org 

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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