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Sanwo-Olu Leads Acclaim At SPAN’s Inaugural Queen Esther Ball

By in News, Nigeria News

The historic Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos hosted the Society for Performing Arts in Nigeria’s (SPAN) Esther’s Ball Gala on October 19th.

A powerful fusion of Nigeria’s creative sector, corporate leaders, and respected political figures made for the glamorous night, which marked SPAN’s 20th anniversary, culminating in a happy moment for Founder Sarah Boulos and the entire SPAN community.

The celebration kicked off with a red carpet, cocktail reception featuring live violinists, and the Unbreakable Thread art exhibition, which Evander Smith had curated. The evening’s program featured some skilled artists and impact in a well-paced, elegant presentation.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

Governor pledges support for creative youth

The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, was a major highlight of the evening’s address and presence. The Governor applauded SPAN’s transformative work and expressed her sincere gratitude for Sarah Boulos’ two-decade contribution to the creative industry. Governor Sanwo-Olu praised the initiative behind the first Queen Esther’s Ball speech and commended SPAN for its significant 20th anniversary achievement in his remarks.

He praised the efforts of his government to support initiatives that empower young people who have great creative potential but who lack support. The Governor also expressed his support for the debutantes and the work that they had commercially displayed at the Gala.

A host of other important dignitaries and long-time SPAN supporters made up the prestigious guest list, which included prominent figures from the diplomatic community, traditional rulers, religious leaders, business leaders, and creative sector icons like the legendary Nigerian actress Joke Silva, as well as a number of other notable people and a true celebration of the legacy of the late.

The Show is Stealed by Debutantes and Performances.

The Gala’s main goal, which was to honor outstanding young debutantes, was met with sincere apprehension. Sarah Boulos made the official opening remarks and formally congratulated Val’s Dance Studio on its tenth anniversary. She honored the legacy of Mr. Valentine Humphrey Aneke, a pioneer in Latin and ballroom dancing in Nigeria, who was well represented by his daughter Ms. Angela Aneke. Following that was followed by a powerful “Launch of the Debutants,” which was eagerly awaited and gracefully performed.
SPAN@20″ segment.

An elegant Cello &amp, Dance Trio Performance was included as part of the segment’s captivating artistic interludes. The Debutants Showcase, which featured three sets of debutante presentations, kicked off with a dinner service. Walk-on music was played to each young woman who shared her entrepreneurial vision and resilience. The Muson Centre Band & Choir performed a powerful excerpt from the highly anticipated Queen Esther Ball Musical Performance, which included SPAN’s best dancers, actors, and singers live.

‘High school to Hogwarts’ – will GB magic bring Richardson gold?

By in News, Sports News
Swpix.com
Katie Falkingham

Senior journalist for BBC Sport
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World track cycling championships in 2025

Location: Santiago, Chile, October 22 through October

Matt Richardson didn’t choose Manchester over Australia for the weather, lifestyle, or traffic.

Instead, he focused solely on British Cycling’s “magic.”

He says, “The Australian program is like high school, and the British program is like Hogwarts,” in the best way.

When he announced he would switch allegiance from Australia to Great Britain, the country of his birth, the 26-year-old track cyclist, a three-time Olympialist at the previous year’s Games, sent shockwaves through the sport.

The sprinter quickly found a home at British Cycling’s high-tech headquarters after landing on British soil at the beginning of 2025 when the weather was “colder, greyer, and darker”.

With all this magic occurring, it’s incredible. It’s a bizarre place to be. He tells BBC Sport, “I can remember my first couple of weeks there being like wow.”

No stones are left unturned, as the saying goes, defines this place. I consider it very fortunate to have [experienced] two utterly different programs, and I believe having them as a real strength in utilizing two completely different philosophies or mindsets to try to find the quickest solution.

Since the swap, Richardson has been doing so well. He broke the record for the fastest cyclist under the nine-second barrier in the flying 200m in August, breaking the previous record in Konya, Turkey, to reach 8.857 the following day.

He is completely honest about his accomplishments.

The World Championships in Santiago, Chile, are what Richardson and the rest of the British squad are scheduled to attend on Wednesday.

He has won five world titles, but he has never won an individual gold medal at that level, as is the case with the Olympics. Harrie Lavreysen, a Dutchman who has won five Olympic medals and 16 world titles, has always been a hero.

When asked whether moving to the United Kingdom will help him close the gap with his “biggest rival” Richardson responded, “I think so.

I haven’t gained any slower in my training since my last training session. I have everything I need to become the best athlete possible.

Has it improved my cycling skills? Yes. Has it given me a little more perspective than I did a year ago? Yes.

I’m not sure whether that will lead to me beating Harrie.

“Every time I compete, I always aim to win.” I don’t put in the necessary effort to finish second in training.

New team, new challenge for Finucane

Emma Finucane in a velodromeSWpix.com

Emma Finucane, her girlfriend and team-mate, won three medals at the same Olympics as Richardson did in Chile. Finucane became the first British woman to do so since 1964.

The women’s team won the first-ever gold medal in the event, joining Britain’s Katy Marchant and Sophie Capewell, for the first time.

She flew to Perth, Australia, with Richardson for two months for a “complete switch-off” following the Games and the previous year’s Worlds, where she won the individual sprint title and the team sprint gold medal.

She replaced her bike with a surfboard, and she immediately “felt so present,” but when she returned home, she realized she was no longer cycling.

Finucane is confident she can keep her distinctive rainbow jersey while riding all three sprint events this week. She maintains her goal of collecting a significant gold in the chaotic keirin, which she holds in Santiago.

Things are more ambiguous during the team sprint. Capewell chose not to compete this year while Marchant just had her second child.

With the addition of championship debutants Rhianna Parris-Smith and Iona Moir, Finucane, who is 22 years old, will be the team’s most experienced head.

A new team is a new challenge, according to Finucane. We are well-adjusted. Although the dynamic is unique, the depth of our relationship is what makes it exciting.

“The program currently has about eight girls, whereas it used to be just Katy,” she said. We won the Olympics through that internal battle.

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Alison Hammond says ‘I want to live longer’ as she addresses weight-loss jabs

By in Entertainment News, News

After changing her lifestyle and being diagnosed as pre-diabetic in 2020, Allison Hammond lost 13 stone.

This Morning star Alison Hammond says she “wants to live longer” as she addresses the possibility of using weight loss jabs. Alison, 50, shed around 13st in recent years after altering her diet and adopting a strict exercise regime.

Alison decided to overhaul her lifestyle after being diagnosed as prediabetic in 2020. People who have been diagnosed with the condition are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life, the NHS explains.

The Great British Bake Off host had previously lost 2st in 2007 after having a gastric band fitted when she took part in the reality TV show Sugar Free Farm. But she had it removed just three years later.

Alison now admits to enjoying being “smaller” and hoping it will prolong her life. She acknowledges that she might use weight-loss jabs in the future.

She responded, “Oh no, I wouldn’t have the jab,” and I don’t like it. I might change my mind next year and begin to rant.”

Alison claims that she has “no opinion” about weight-loss diets. She continues, “Go for it if someone wants the jab.” What factors are important when someone loses weight?

Would you prefer for me to lose weight? We’ll do whatever it takes to get smaller and be healthier because ultimately, I want to live longer.

Alison has previously shared details about the exhausting exercise regimen she has followed to keep her slimmer. When she can’t train, she frequently completes 45-minute circuit routines in the style of bootcamp.

Alison said, “If I’m working, I don’t train, I’ll go for a walk.” However, I’ll just spend an hour with her when I get home from work and have a session there. It might be four days a week.

She claims to have completely eliminated all of her food but still enjoys it in moderation. She has previously expressed her fear about weight-loss attempts, claiming she had heard “funny” tales about them.

She admitted in a conversation with Good Housekeeping in December that she thought “I think that using them is a good thing,” but that I get scared as soon as I hear any scary stories.

“I haven’t wanted to use them, but that’s not to say I won’t in the future, and I’d never look down on anyone who did,” he said.

Alison rose to fame on Big Brother in 2002. She went on to work as an entertainment reporter on This Morning in 2002, gaining attention for her cheeky interviews with A-list stars, before becoming a main presenter on the hit show in 2021.

Continue reading the article.

Japan’s parliament confirms hardliner Takaichi as country’s first female PM

By in News, World News
by news organizations

Sanae Takaichi, the country’s first female prime minister, has been chosen by the country’s parliament, which is ultraconservative.

In the 465-member lower house of parliament on Tuesday, Takaichi received 237 votes to confirm her as protege of murdered former prime minister Shinzo Abe.

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Her Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the right-wing Japan Innovation Party (JIP), also known as Ishin, made a last-minute coalition agreement on Monday. Her government is still two seats away from a majority, which raises the possibility of instability.

Shigeru Ishiba is replaced by Takaichi, putting an end to a three-month political squabble and conflict since the LDP, which has ruled Japan for the majority of its post-war history, lost a disastrous election loss in July.

Her victory is pivotal for a nation where men still have the upper hand. There is little hope that it will encourage gender equality or diversity, despite the fact that it is likely to usher in a sharper rightward trend on social and immigration issues.

Takaichi has slammed advancement initiatives against women. She opposes same-sex unions and the establishment’s plan to separate married couples’ surnames. She also opposes the imperial family’s male-only succession.

Prior to this, the LDP had previously lost its steadfast partner, the center- and dovish-backed Komeito, which was supported by Buddhism.

Komeito called for the LDP to step up and end the partnership because it was concerned about corruption.

At the signing ceremony, Takaichi joined the JIP leader and Osaka governor Hirofumi Yoshimura and stated that “political stability is essential at this time.” We can’t push policies for a strong economy or diplomacy without stability.

Yoshimura stated that JIP will not fill ministerial positions in Takaichi’s cabinet until his party is confident in its agreement with the LDP.

Japan is now dealing with rising prices, which has sparked public outcry and increased support for far-right activists, among others.

Takaichi is expected to favor government spending in order to revive the country’s weakened economy, similar to Abe. The Nikkei share average reached record highs on Tuesday, the most recent of which was caused by a so-called “Takaichi trade” in the stock market.

Investors have also been uneasy about the government’s ability to finance additional spending in a nation where annual output far exceeds the debt load.

The less powerful upper house also approved Takaichi’s elevation to prime minister shortly after the lower house vote. On Tuesday night, she will take the 104th prime minister’s oath of office.

Prince Andrew’s ex Lady Victoria Hervey sparks fury with dark Virginia Giuffre response

By in Entertainment News, News

As she addressed Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous allegations, socialite Lady Victoria Hervey, who dated Prince Andrew in the 1990s, said “dark forces are at play.”

Prince Andrew’s ex-girlfriend Lady Victoria Hervey has sparked outrage with a series of claims about Virginia Giuffre’s bombshell book.

Ms Giuffre, who accused the late convicted sex offender Jeffery Epstein and Prince Andrew of sexual abuse, took her own life in April this year.

Her posthumous memoir, which details alleged sexual encounters with Prince Andrew, was published today after six months of her passing.

The prince, who gave up his titles last week in the wake of reports of his friendship with alleged Chinese spies and his connections to an alleged Chinese spy, is the subject of Ms. Giuffre’s Nobody’s Girl.

Andrew has consistently firmly refuted all accusations leveled at him.

Victoria responded to the publication of Ms. Giuffre’s book by calling the accusations a “witch hunt,” claiming that “dark forces are at play.” She has made no secret of her criticism of her assertions. ‘

Victoria wrote on Instagram that “her death was incredibly convenient to take back the narrative and make people forget how her story crumbled toward the end of her life.” “

She continued, “There are some very dark forces at play here that are causing the witch hunts.” “

Lady Victoria has previously spoken out about Giuffre, who she had labeled a “fantasist” and a “liar.” Following a crash earlier this month, the Prince Andrew accuser of calling her “fighting for her life” claimed Giuffre was “the Queen of the fake photo.”

When Ms. Giuffre’s death was revealed this year, Victoria posted on social media that “lilies have no way out.” “

On social media, users vented furiously, calling Victoria “no lady” and calling the post “sick.” Another shocked recipient responded, “Wow, she’s a cold-blooded woman!” “

After the post caused a significant backlash online, Lady Victoria made a follow-up and went back to Instagram.

She stated, “I’ve made the decision to put a halt to my posts right now on Virginia Giuffre.” Anytime, regardless of the circumstances, anyone who commits suicide is tragic, and a young mother who has children even more so. “

In recent years, Sofialite Lady Victoria has spoken out to defend Prince Andrew after a brief romp with him in 1999.

His accuser, Ms Giuffre, claimed in a shocking Instagram photo that she was lying in a hospital bed after colliding with a bus traveling 110 kilometers and suffering from kidney failure in April. The bruised image of Giuffre and another of herself smiling was later shared by Lady Hervey, who later wrote, “What is Karma. The soundtrack to the 1986 film “The Final Countdown” in Europe, which appears to mock Giuffre’s claim that she had days to live, was played.

Following a few weeks, Giuffre’s family announced that she had committed suicide and that she had fought sexual abuse. ‘

After being a long victim of sex abuse and trafficking, her family stated in a statement that Virginia Giuffre lost her life to suicide. In the struggle against sex trafficking and sexual abuse, Virginia fought ferociously. She provided so many survivors with light. She shined so brightly despite the hardships she endured throughout her life. She will be greatly missed. Her children, Christian, Noah, and Emily, were her life’s source of light.

Virginia “realized she had to fight back against those who had abused her and so many others when she held her newborn daughter in her arms.” Our beloved Virginia passed away, and there are no words that can adequately express how devastated we are right now. She was brave, and her incredible bravery and caring spirit will always stand out in her memory. In the end, Virginia could no longer bear the weight of abuse because it was so oppressive. She is well-known to the angels. “

Virginia was much more than just a client, according to her attorney, Sigrid McCawley. She was a wonderful supporter of other victims and a dear friend. Her strength and courage inspired me to fight harder, and she was inspiring. Today, a remarkable person has been lost in the world. My sweet angel, rest in peace. “

Giuffre claimed in a lawsuit brought against Prince Andrew in New York in 2021 that he had sex with her three times between 1999 and 2002 in London, New York, and on a private Caribbean island owned by Epstein.

In February 2022, they reached an extrajudicial settlement, but it was not made public. Prince Andrew has refuted any allegations made against him.

He expressed regret for working with Epstein in a statement in the settlement, but he made no admission of guilt.

Six years after learning about Virginia’s death, a tragic post from her that claimed she was “no way” suicidal reappeared.

One of the most openly accused of sex offenders, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, was the sex trafficking victim.

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In 2019, she shared a worrying post on X that has since been shared by a number of famous people. Another X user posted: “F. B. I. will murder her in order to protect the ultra wealthy and well-connected. “

Inside Pride of Britain afterparty as Princess Andre and Freddie Brazier reveal friendship

By in Entertainment News, News

Famous faces from The Daily Mirror’s Pride of Britain Awards were back in full swing until the early hours of the evening at a posh London hotel.

At the Pride of Britain Awards after party, Princess André and Freddy Brazier joined the celebrities. At our annual event held at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, the pair and a number of well-known celebrities joined forces to honor the country’s unsung heroes.

The well-known names Shirley Ballas, Chloe Burrows, Freddy and Jeff Brazier, Christine McGuinness, Chloe Burrows, Freddy and Jeff Brazier, and Vicky Pattison made their way to the afterparty as the awards ceremony came to a close. After walking the infamous red carpet outside the five-star hotel and honoring the country’s heroes, the celebrities here managed to let their hair down.