Lifestyle
Nigerian Creative Titans Unite For Cultural Exchange
In a groundbreaking event, Nigerian celebrities Davido, Dakore Akande, Zulu Oyibo, and Idris Olorunnibe joined forces to advocate for enhanced cultural exchange and support for the entertainment industry. The gathering, organized by the President’s Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States (PAC-ADE), aimed to foster connections and drive diaspora-led investments in education, entrepreneurship, health, technology, youth and women’s empowerment, and the creative industries.
Afrobeats sensation Davido highlighted the global rise of African music, emphasizing the need to build on this momentum. Dakore Akande stressed the importance of joint productions and co-productions between the US and Nigeria, while Zulu Oyibo called for government support to upscale the industry. Idris Olorunnibe emphasized the need for infrastructure and talent development, underscoring the critical role of the diaspora in spreading African talent.
The event tackled pressing issues facing Nigerian talents, including work permits, visa support, trade agreements, funding, talent training, and content monetization. US Consul Will Stevens emphasized building on existing relationships between Nigeria and the United States, while Deniece Laurent-Mantey, Executive Director of the US President’s Advisory Council, highlighted the pivotal role of the African diaspora in amplifying the continent’s music, art, and culture.
Arun Venkataraman, US Assistant Secretary for Commerce for Global Markets, recognized the immense potential of Nigeria’s creative industries, citing their economic and social impacts. The event served as a platform for creative voices to shape the global narrative, bringing people together despite their differences.
The gathering demonstrated a united front among Nigerian creative titans, policymakers, industry leaders, and professionals, all converging to advance Nigeria’s creative industries on the global stage. As the PAC-ADE marks its first visit to the African continent, the event sets the stage for a new era of collaboration and exchange.
The Lagos event ignited discussions on diaspora-led investments and cultural exchanges, paving the way for a global movement that celebrates African talent and creativity. As the creative industries continue to shape the global narrative, Nigeria’s entertainment sector is poised for unprecedented growth and recognition.
On behalf of Diaspora Watch and Excel Magazine International, we proudly celebrate Lady Gladys Afam, a distinguished executive of Excel DMV and Excel Global Media Group USA, on her special day!
May this birthday mark the beginning of an extraordinary year filled with unbridled joy, untamed adventures, and unforgettable memories. May your life be a testament to the power of laughter, love, and wonder.
As a remarkable teacher, master of ceremony, and inspiration to many, we salute your tireless dedication, passion, and impact. Your selflessness and commitment to empowering others have made a lasting difference in the lives of those around you.
The marraige ceremony between Olanrewaju and Mary happened between February 7 and 8, 2025 at Kwankwashe in Suleja axis of Niger State. The event which witnessed the presence of many dignitaries also saw in presence different cultural groups that came to join in the celebrations of love.
The traditional wedding event kicked off the celebrations on February 7th, with both families present. The event had songs, dancing and showcase of love. The couples dorned their Edo and Yoruba at-tires. While the bride Mary Omonokhua is from Edo State, Olanrewaju Oyedeji hails from Osun state. There were sharing of tradtional food, drinks and merriment across quarters.
The reception on February 8, had present former Minister of Communications, Barrister Ade-bayo Shittu, Africa Editor at the Centre for Collaborative Investigative Journalism, Ajibola Aamzat, Abuja Bureau Chief of The Cable Newspaper, Yekeen Akinwale, representative of the Voice of Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Gidado Shuaib among other personalities .
There were personalities from the SCC Construction company, multimedia organizations among others. The wedding ceremony also saw presence of journalists from British Broadcasting Corporation, AFP, Premium Times, Dataphyte, Code for Africa, Punch Newspaper, Intercontinental News247 among other notable media platforms.
The Northern Operations Bureau Chief of the Excel Magazine International, Alabidun Abdul-Rahman, was also on ground at the occasion. Other personalities included the head of corporate Affairs at the Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Kwara State, Bolaji Aladie .The program also had presence of religious leaders, women groups, socio-cultural associations among others.
Speaking at the occasion, the groom, Olanrewaju Oyedeji, noted that his wife is a special gift from God. “She is my dream come true, love of my youth and my everyday crush. She gives me peace of mind and I am very happy today”.
Speaking also, the bride Mary Omonokhua eulogized her husband. “He is a caring man, hardworking and my heart desire, today is a special day for me”, she noted. At the event, the both families who were well represented expressed gladness at the success of the wedding event.
Different groups offered prayers for the couples, while gifts were also offered. Olanrewaju Oyedeji is an accountant while Mary Omonokhua is also an accountant. “This is a true celebration of love, you can feel it all round, the joy is in the atmosphere and everywhere is electric” an attendee at the wedding noted.
#MaryOla2025 showed that love can be from across tribes and still be beautiful to behold.
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Lady Gladys Afam:A Shining Star in the Diaspora Community
#MaryOla: A Unique Celebration of Love Beyond Borders
Diaspora Watch – Vol. 36
Diaspora Watch 20th Edition (October 14-20, 2024): Your Trusted Source for Global News and Insights
Revolutionary mRNA Lung Cancer Vaccine Trial Offers New Hope To Thousands
