Sapioworks, an initiative linking artisans and clients, has collaborated with Nigerian music producer, Michael Ajereh, also known as Don Jazzy of Mavin Records to empower artisans in Nigeria and other African countries.

The Founder, Dr. Sonnia Agu, in an interview in Abuja said the project would offer tangible benefits to artisans, offering them crucial financial support and empowerment.

“Sapioworks, an innovative platform, is driving transformation in Africa as it evolves into a vibrant entrepreneurial hub. This innovative initiative empowers artisans to become successful ‘Pyjamas CEOs,’ creating a positive impact on the continent’s economic development. At the core of Sapioworks is a belief in the exceptional potential of skilled artisans to bring their ideas to life,” he said.

According to him, Sapiowork is concerned in recognising the challenges artisans encounter in securing consistent work and the frustration for clients in finding reliable and talented craftsmen.

“Our goal is to revolutionise the connection and collaboration between artisans and clients, creating an environment where artisans are empowered and clients have easy access to top-quality craftsmanship. Collaborating with renowned Afrobeat music producer, Michael Collins Ajereh a.k.a Don Jazzy, the initiative received hundreds of thousands of applicants across the country,” Ms Aguata said.

According to her, the SapioWorks web APP is now accessible gaining traction among African entrepreneurs.

She, however, added that “the mobile app is swiftly under construction and would be available for download in the coming days.”

Ms Aguata further explained that she was thrilled to witness the remarkable impact the platform is having on the entrepreneurial landscape in Africa.

She stressed that the vision was to unlock the potential of African entrepreneurs and provide a pathway for artisans to pursue their crafts by offering them the resources, mentorship, and support needed to turn their ideas into successful ventures.

“The result is a growing community of trailblazers who are not only redefining their industries but also contributing to the economic and social development of their communities and beyond. By equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to develop their skills, build their networks, and access capital, we are paving the way for a new wave of leaders passionate about making a difference and bringing their bold ideas to life. Our commitment to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration has led to the emergence of an inspiring cohort of Pyjamas CEOs.

“Through Sapioworks’ transformative programmes and initiatives, these Pyjamas CEOs are embracing their roles as change catalysts, leveraging their diverse backgrounds and creating opportunities that transcend borders and barriers. As we continue on this journey, we remain dedicated to empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs and amplifying their voices on the global stage,” she said.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, hosted Nigerian chess master, Tunde Onakoya, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Wednesday.

This follows Onakoya’s return from New York City, where he set a new Guinness World Record for the longest chess marathon of 60 hours.

PUNCH Online earlier reported that Onakoya received a heartwarming welcome upon his return to Nigeria on Wednesday.

Sharing from Onakoya’s visit on his X handle, Sanwo-Olu wrote, “Powerful visions birth movements that change lives. Today, we welcomed back #Tunde_OD , our chess champion, to Lagos. 

“His journey embodies the spirit of Lagos—resilient, ambitious, and driven to succeed. As we celebrate his achievements, we’re inspired by his vision for empowering our children and youth.

“Sanwo-Olu also mentioned that the state will provide resources to support Onakoya’s mission and ensure that every child in Lagos has the opportunity to thrive through chess.

He added, “Together with Tunde and the transformative power of Chess, we’ll work towards a future where every child in Lagos has the opportunity to realise their full potential. 

“The state proudly supports his mission, purposefully providing resources to fuel this noble cause now and in the future.

“Onakoya, alongside his United States partner, Shawn Martinez, on Saturday, broke the record of Norwegian players Hallvard Haug Flatebø and Sjur Ferkingstad, who played for 56 hours and 9- minutes in 2018.

Controversial singer Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, has alleged that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, is planning to arrest him over alleged Naira abuse.

Portable, who is currently abroad, claimed that the operatives of the anti-graft agency would pick him up once he lands in Nigeria.

The ‘Zazu’ crooner, who recently came out to beg EFCC to forgive him if they have any evidence against him abusing the Naira, said he is now being targeted after self-acclaimed social media activist, VeryDarkMan asked the agency to come after him for allegedly abusing the Naira.

Speaking in a recent Instagram live session with fans, Portable said: “I am scared. The EFCC is planning to arrest me when I return to Nigeria because VeryDarkMan name-dropped me.

“VeryDarkMan abi VeryDarkBrain, you talk too much. Leave talk for people who have something reasonable to say. Are you a law enforcement officer? Your opinions on public affairs are for people in the law enforcement agencies. When you were arrested it was Nigerians who begged for your freedom. When you came out, you were lean; all your muscles disappeared.

“And now you’re bragging. Leave talk for people who are sensible. You talk about women, politics, everything. What do you do for a living? Tok tok.”

Popular socialite Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has urged Nigerians not to evade the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

He said operatives of the anti-graft agency don’t manhandle suspects, adding that they only “investigate and prosecute.”

He noted that the EFCC would always catch those who run away from invites or resist arrest regardless of where they hide.

The socialite praised the hospitality of the agency, stressing that they serve three-square meals in their cell.

On his Instagram page, Cubana Chief Priest wrote: “The Eagle will always fly so high to catch you wherever you hide.“No need to run when @officialefcc invites you, just pull up and answer them, they don’t bite, they don’t beat, they only investigate and prosecute. For their cell, toilet & bathroom dey, even breakfast, lunch & dinner is served so tell me why are you running.”

Cubana Chief Priest was recently arraigned before Justice Kehinde Ogundare of the Federal High Court, Lagos, by the EFCC on a three-count charge bordering on abuse of the Naira.

He was, however, granted bail for N10 million with two sureties in like sum after pleading not guilty.

Nigerian Afrobeats singer Burna Boy and Nollywood were recently discussed by the Canadian Senate.

The North American country’s Senate appraised the growth and global expansion of Nigerian music and movie industries.

Marcel Lebleu, Director General West And Central African Bureau Global Affairs Canada, particularly commended Burna Boy’s success as a touring artiste.

He lauded the Grammy winner for selling out the iconic, The Bell Centre in Montreal back-to-back, becoming the first African to do so.

Lebleu said, “I don’t know if you know Burna Boy. He is an Afrobeats singer. He was in Montreal three weeks ago, sold out The Bell Centre twice. That’s about 35,000 people.

“He was also in Toronto. We don’t think about the culture industry a lot but this is an important industry. For example, Nollywood.”

Senator Peter Boehm, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, added: “I was listening to Burna Boy the other night.”

Boehm also confirmed that he is a huge Burna Boy fan on his verified X handle after the video went viral.

He wrote, “Being tall, I continue to enjoy listening to @burnaboy ‘Twice as Tall’ (2020) on my playlist.”

Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie has opened up about how her life experience has humbled her.

She also shared her perspective on revenge, saying that rather than seeking vengeance, she simply desires distance from certain individuals.

The movie star said she has been struggling with her reality lately.

On her Instagram story, Okojie wrote: “Life has humbled me so much and with recent happenings, I simply can’t comprehend a lot of things.

“I wish bad on no one, neither do I want revenge. I just want a lot of people to stay away from me.”

Nigerian singer, Joseph Akinfenwa Donus, popularly known as Joeboy, has said he is open to marrying his current girlfriend.

He described his current relationship as “pure intense helpless love”.

Speaking in the latest episode of Madame Joyce’s ‘Cocktails & Takeaways’ podcast, Joeboy said he believes in love and marriage.

He said, “My current relationship is like pure, intense helpless love.

“I believe in love and marriage to an extent [laughs].

“The person I am with now, I can be with her for life. If I don’t see myself being with somebody for life, I’m not going to be in a committed relationship. I would rather let’s just be seeing ourselves but no commJoeboy disclosed in an interview last year that he spent roughly N50 million on his current girlfriend within two years.

He said he was not sure about the figure, adding that it could be far more than that.

He also said he prefers to keep the identity of his girlfriend hidden to protect his private life from social media scrutiny.

Big Brother Naija reality star Mercy Eke, aka Lambo, has been hospitalised.

The ‘Pepper Dem’ Season winner shared a photo of herself on a hospital bed barely 24 hours after she was seen partying on a yacht, with a caption reminding fans of the ephemeral nature of life.

She, however, did not disclose how she ended up being hospitalised.

Mercy Eke wrote via her Instagram story: “Don’t waste your time in anger, regrets, and worries; life is too short to be unhappy. Who would have thought that I would end up in a hospital barely 24 hours after I was seen outside?

“I’m just having different thoughts of what could have been the worst case. God, I thank you for your loving kindness. Life is so f*cked. Good health is underrated.”

The Anambra State Police Command says the remains of Nollywood star, John Paul Odonwodo, popularly called Junior Pope, were not among those buried by the bank of the Anam River.

The Command’s spokesman, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, made the clarification on Sunday, stating that only three of the deceased families agreed that the victims be buried by the riverside.

He noted that after the burial of the three, one of the families came back to exhume the remains of their daughter for a befitting burial in her country home.

Ikenga added that the corpse of Junior Pope was deposited at a morgue.

“The Command, on an inquiry about the unconfirmed information that the recovered bodies including Junior Pope were buried by the Riverside where the boat accident happened, discovered that three of the deceased families accepted the victims should be buried beside the river.

“But later, the family of one of the victims decided to exhume the body to be given a proper burial in her state while the other two were still buried there.

“Also, Junior Pope and one other are still in the morgue and await the deceased families’ funeral arrangements,” he said.

The PPRO further stated that the Command is still investigating the unfortunate incident.

He said, “The producer of the movie and the two boat drivers’ statements have been obtained, and other necessary actions/moves already emplaced by the operatives as directed by the Commissioner of Police to determine the criminal liability of any person, if any, in the mishap.”

Nigerian singer David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has said aside from Chris Brown, he won’t “disturb” himself for any other American collaboration.

He said he is expecting a collaboration with Rihanna after she declared his song ‘Unavailable’ her favourite song.

Davido featured in a recent podcast interview with Sway’s Universe.

“Aside Chris Brown, I’m not going to disturb myself for any other American collaboration. Rihanna said ‘Unavailable’ is her best song, so I’m waiting to work with her,” he said.

He also claimed that his song with Chris Brown, ‘Blow My Mind’ is the best Afrobeats and American artists’ collaboration after Drake and Wizkid’s ‘One Dance.’

“Blow My Mind’ with Chris Brown was the first US x Afrobeats collaboration to go crazy aside ‘One Dance’,” Davido said.

Adanma Luke, the producer of the movie Junior Pope was shooting before he drowned has claimed that the later actor was given a life jacket but rejected it.

Luke has been under heavy fire following the death of actor Junior Pope and three others after their boat capsized on the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from the location of her movie, ‘The Other Side Of Life.’

Breaking her silence since the incident, Luke Adanma claimed that Junior Pope was provided with a life jacket but rejected it because it was dirty.

Speaking in a video message shared via her Instagram account, she said: “My director was on life jacket, Emeka the DOP was also on life jacket. There was still one life jacket available, I don’t know who took it.

“My producer manager said they saw life jackets hanging and they took them. He said he even asked the late Friday to take one to Junior Pope but Junior Pope said it was dirty so he didn’t take it.

“Those with life jackets survived the boat mishap. And they also told me that when they were in the water trying to survive, Junior Pope was also there asking, ‘Is everybody okay? Hope everybody is fine?’ They said they even threw a gallon to him to use and hold himself which he was holding but all of a sudden they didn’t see him again.

“It was when they came out that they noticed that he was no longer there. They said divers came and reduced some of them while other divers were still there trying to rescue others.

“I said what could have caused this accident? They said they don’t know but TC was standing on the speed boat rigging bell.”

The Anambra State Police Command said it has recovered the three remaining bodies of the victims of a boat accident that occurred on Wednesday along the coastline of the River Niger.

This was as the command urged all water commuters to be safety conscious and avoid behaviour that may jeopardise their safety and that of others while on transit on water.

This was disclosed in a press statement by the state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Friday.

On April 10th, a popular Nollywood actor, Junior Pope and four others were confirmed dead in the boat tragedy.

The boat, one of two that conveyed a movie crew to a film location in Anambra West Local Government Area of the state, was returning to its takeoff point in Asaba, Delta State when the unfortunate accident occurred.

This prompted the Actors Guild of Nigeria to bar its actors from all film productions involving riverine areas and boat rides.

Ikenga said the Marine Police of the Anambra State Command recovered the bodies of the three remaining victims of the unfortunate boat accident late on Thursday.

He said, “The two of the bodies were recovered on Thursday, April 11, 2024, while the last was washed in by the tide this morning.

“All the bodies have been deposited in the hospital mortuary in Asaba while the President of the Guild of Actors and Actresses has been notified of the recovery.

“The CP promised an expedited investigation into the sad accident that claimed the lives of five actors. He also commended the Command’s Marine Unit and its Commander for dedication to duty.”

A rights activist lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has faulted the six-month sentence handed down to Okuneye Idris Olarewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky, over Naira mutilation.

Adeyanju urged security agencies to adopt a community service approach for victimless crimes like currency mutilation in the country.

On Friday, Justice Abimbola Awogboro handed down a six-month sentence without the option of a fine to Bobrisky.

The controversial celebrity has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, since his arrest last week.He will now serve the jail term in the Ikoyi Prison, Lagos.

The statement by Adeyanju reads: “We note with concern the six months sentence handed down to Mr Okuneye Idris Olarewaju (AKA Bobrisky), without an option of fine, for Naira mutilation offence, as reported by various national news platforms.

“While we do not condone any attempt to break down the law or actual violation of the law, we are, however, constrained to state on record that at a time when private individuals, non-governmental organisations, states and federal governments are taking steps to decongest our prisons, Mr. Olarewaju, a first-time offender, has been sentenced to six months imprisonment, notwithstanding his allocutus and promise to use his platform to sensitise the public against Naira mutilation.

“In handing down sentences, we urge our courts to be mindful of the cultural undertone surrounding offences. The act of spraying Naira or (otherwise called Naira mutilation), though an offence criminalised by law, is one that has been part of our cultural practice from time immemorial.

The relevant agencies, therefore, have a duty to carry out large-scale sensitization on the issue, before seeking to prosecute offenders.

“We also note that even at the said event where Mr. Olarenwaju was alleged to have mutilated the Naira, there were several other persons engaging in the same act. The question is, why single out Mr. Olarenwaju? In prosecuting offences like this, security agencies must be careful not to give the impression that the Defendant is being targeted for alleged offences other than those stated on the face of the charge.

“In conclusion, we urge our security agencies to adopt a community service approach for victimless crimes like Naira Mutilation, while we reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and the protection of human rights at all times.”

A Human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong, says controversial cross-dresser and social media celebrity, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, will have a difficult experience in prison.

According to Effiong, Bobrisky is not a freedom fighter and does not seem like someone who could stay in a restricted environment under harsh and excruciating conditions.

Effiong’s opinion came after a Court in Lagos sentenced Bobrisky to six months imprisonment for abusing the Nigerian currency, Naira.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro handed down the six-month sentence without the option of a fine.

Recall that the controversial celebrity has been in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, since his arrest last week.

However, following his sentencing by the court, the human rights lawyer fears that Bobrisky will be confronted by a culture shock when he enters Ikoyi Prison.

In a post on his X handle, Effiong suggested that he would begin to adjust to his new world after a few days.

He said: “Bobrisky will have a difficult experience in the Custodial Centre (prison) because he is not a freedom fighter and does not seem to me like someone that can stay in a restricted environment under harsh and excruciating conditions.

“The main key to surviving imprisonment is mental strength and courage.The prison wall only breaks those who are not driven by strong convictions.

“For a freedom fighter, it is a training ground. No true activist goes to prison and comes out weaker. They always come out stronger and bolder. History shows this clearly. Any activist who is broken by imprisonment is a pretender.

If you are all about the ‘soft life’, and you are the fragile type and incapable of enduring physical discomfiture, you should avoid imprisonment.

Some of us came out stronger after our imprisonment because we have always been mentally prepared for it and due to our strong ideological disposition.

“Bobrisky will be confronted by a culture shock when he enters Ikoyi Prison and realizes that it is a different world from what he knows.

“After a few days, he will begin to adjust to his new world.”

Controversial social media personality and cross-dresser, Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, admitted to being a man before he was sentenced to prison.

Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment without an option of fine for abusing the Nigerian currency, the Naira.

Before the sentence was pronounced, the Judge asked Bobrisky about his sex, “I am a man,” he quickly replied.

He was then remanded to serve his jail term at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, with the judge ruling that the sentence would commence from March 24, 2024, the day of his arrest.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, who handed down the sentence, stated that it was necessary to deter others from similar acts of abuse and mutilation of the Naira.

Recall that Bobrisky was convicted on April 5 after pleading guilty to a four-count charge of naira abuse brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The counts included incidents where Bobrisky was accused of tampering with N400,000 at Imax Circle Mall in Jakande, Lekki; N50,000 at Aja Junction in Ikorodu; N20,000 at White Steve Event Hall in Ikeja; and another N20,000 at an event hall in Oniru, Victoria Island, all between 2022 and 2023.

TC, one of the survivors of the boat mishap that killed Nollywood actor, Pope Obumneme Odonwodo, popularly known as Junior Pope, has recounted his last minutes before the incident.

TC disclosed that lack of experience on the part of the person sailing the boat led to the accident.

Four actors, including Junior Pope, died when their boat capsized on the Anam River in Anambra State while returning from a movie location.

The President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, confirmed Junior Pope’s death on Thursday and stated that three other corpses are yet to be found.

However, speaking during an Instagram Live session, TC said: “Before I entered the boat, the first thing Junior Pope asked me was ‘What I’m I doing?’ And I said I was observing the water people. I can’t pass without sharing something. I have given them Fanta, so I don’t want anything bad to happen to me. Junior Pope agreed.

“While we were going, the boat guy was wearing an earpiece, and Junior Pope was doing a video, I saw a small canoe with fishermen in front and due to his lack of experience, he drove right into the last point of the canoe and we somersaulted.”

Popular rapper, Oladipupo Oladimeji, aka Oladips, has expressed disappointment over the disbelief of his “death and resurrection.”

Oladips’ management announced that the rapper died on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.

It was later discovered that Oladips was still alive, promoting rumours that he “faked” his death.

However, in a recent interview with Hip TV, the rapper insisted that he died and resurrected.

He stated that despite his efforts to explain his death and resurrection, many still perceived it as a prank.

Oladips said, “I came back to life to see all the chaos and disbelief. But what can I do? What has happened has happened.

“How many people can I sit with and explain to? Because, obviously, a lot of people still think my death is a prank.

“Every time I tried to explain that it was a near-death experience and not a prank, people always show disbelief. But those who are close to me know that I died and resurrected.”