Events

Nigeria comedy awards: Sanwo-Olu wins award for Best Governor

Published

3 years ago

September 26, 2023

The Governor of Lagos State Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu has won the award as the Best Governor for supporting the Comedy Industry at the maiden edition of the Nigeria Comedy Awards held on Sunday at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites Victoria Island.

The Governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, congratulated the Convener of the Nigeria Comedy Awards, Mr. Wale Adenuga for conceiving and successfully birthing this laudable idea, the Nigeria Comedy Awards, dedicated solely to recognising and celebrating Nigerian comedians who have excelled in their chosen area of entertainment.

In his words, “I am confident that the entertainment industry would continue to enjoy robust achievements and continue to keep Nigeria on the global map”.

Mr. Governor averred that his passion for the entertainment industry is because of its huge and largely untapped potential to create wealth and employment opportunities.

He said, “My administration is fully committed to harnessing the potential that abound in the entertainment and creative industry to drive sustainable growth and development”.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu promised to support the industry through the various policies and interventions under the Entertainment and Tourism pillar of the T.H.E.M.E.S. Plus Agenda such as the Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative (LACI) which seeks to develop skills and create opportunities for upcoming global stars.

I would like to thank the organisers and brand supporters of this event for recognising the importance of comedy in our society not only as a source of entertainment but also as a tool for social commentary and reflection.

He also congratulated Wale Adenuga Productions and their associates on the successful maiden celebration of the Nigeria Comedy Awards, saying “I know that subsequent editions would be bigger and better. To all the nominees and winners, I say a big congratulations and urge you not to rest on your oars, but let this recognition spur you to work harder to achieve greater heights”.

Mr. Governor also used the opportunity to commiserate again with the entire members of the entertainment family on the very sad and painful loss of a shining star in the industry, Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Imole Aloba (Mohbad), adding that MohBad was indeed a great young and promising star with a very bright future to expand the nation’s growing space in the global arena.

The Convener of the Awards ceremony, Mr. Wale Adenuga thanked the Governor and his representatives for coming and honouring his invitation, he also appreciated him for his giant strides in the entertainment industry.

One of the major highlights of the show saw Skitmaker, Layi Wasabi, win the Revelation of the Year Award with the One Million Naira grand prize.

Other highlights of the event were the presentation of an award posthumously to the Late Gbenga Adeboye and Sam Loco Efe (Post Humous Award) and the Special Recognition Award to Veteran Comedian Ali Baba and Veteran Actress Sola Sobowale

Dignitaries at the event include the House Committee Chairman on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Honourable Solomon Bonu; the Special Adviser on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Idris Aregbe, his counterpart in e-GIS and Urban Development, Dr. Olajide Babatunde; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Mr. Olumide Sogunle amongst others.

Related Topics:Best Governor Events Featured Sanwo-Olu

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

4 days ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

Also read: 16 Famous Cultural Festivals That Define India

The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.