The Smiling Coast of Africa, Gambia and the Giant of Africa, Nigeria, literally aligned recently as Lagos SWAN (Sports Writers Association of Nigeria) and AIPS (International Sports Press Association) unveiled this year’s International Diplomacy and Diversity on Food, Drinks, Music, Culture, Arts, Fashion and Dance fiesta.

The event, held at the Goldview Hotel, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, was in partnership with the Office of the President of Gambia, UNESCO, Pan African American Chamber of Commerce (PAACC), Sabre, UNDP, NBC, CarolKing Media Ltd (CML), Indomie Noodles, MOL, Gala, National Council for Arts and Culture, SWAN water.

Chief Host and first female chairman of Lagos SWAN (Sports Writer Association of Nigeria) and head, Foreign Relations of Pan African American Chamber of Commerce, Amb. Olatutu Oladunni, said one of the primary objectives of the now annual event was ‘to preserve cultural heritage.’

“Partnership and collaboration on this beautiful cultural initiative will enhance the artistic innovations behind the initiative; it will add hope, values to culture sustainability and livelihood of culture heritage and of course boost creative economy in a better manner,” she stated.

Notably, Global Diplomatic Cultural Awards were conferred on the Gambian High Commissioner to Nigeria and Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, HE Amb. Mohamadou Musa Njie, who is also Special Guest of Honour; His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eitan Ogunnwusi; Chairman American Aviation Technology Company (SABRE) West /Central Africa, Dr Gabriel Olowo, and late Afro-beat legend, Fela Anikulapo Kuti’s first daughter and Yeni Kuti.

DCP Nwogu Martins who represented AIG Adegoke Fayoade was also decorated on his behalf.

Delivering his keynote speech, Amb. Njie stole the show when he told the audience that part of the assimilation strategy he adopted on arriving Nigeria with its diverse and vibrant cultures was to wear Yoruba Attires on Monday, Igbo on Tuesday and Hausa on Wednesday before Gambian on Thursdays and Fridays.

Paying huge tribute to the Nigeria’s Afro-beat industry, Njie stated: “I am passionate about projecting our African culture. It is no secret that our continent is rich in cultural diversity and this can consistently boost trade and tourism.”

In a groundbreaking development, Nigerian football sensation Ahmed Musa has formally joined forces with Jaiz Bank, a pioneering non-interest financial institution.

This momentous partnership was sealed during Musa’s visit to Jaiz Bank’s headquarters in Abuja, where he was warmly welcomed as the bank’s newest ambassador.

In a Facebook post by By Abdul A Kaugama, Musa’s affiliation with Jaiz Bank is a testament to his astute financial acumen and commitment to promoting ethical finance. As a long-standing customer of the bank, he has experienced firsthand the benefits of Jaiz Bank’s innovative, non-interest-based financial solutions.

By partnering with Jaiz Bank, Musa aims to inspire his multitude of fans to adopt a more prudent and Shariah-compliant approach to financial management.

“I am ecstatic to announce my ambassadorship with Jaiz Bank,” Musa exclaimed. “This esteemed institution shares my passion for empowering individuals and communities through financial inclusion and education. I am honored to be part of this remarkable journey and look forward to collaborating with Jaiz Bank to make a positive impact on the lives of Nigerians.”

The synergy between Ahmed Musa and Jaiz Bank heralds a new era of financial empowerment and growth. As Musa embarks on this exciting partnership, his fans and well-wishers eagerly anticipate the innovative initiatives and projects that will emerge from this collaboration.

Libya have accused the Super Eagles of throwing their final home game against Rwanda in a 2025 AFCON qualifier so that they will not qualify for the continental tournament next year.

Libya have stoked more fire in the growing enmity between them and Nigeria after CAF last month awarded a botched AFCON qualifier to the Super Eagles.

Libya Akhbar newspaper reported that the Super Eagles 2-1 loss to Rwanda in Uyo left a lot of questions.

“On the other side of the group, Nigeria’s 2-1 defeat to Rwanda on home ground added more controversy, especially since the result raised doubts about Nigeria’s intentions in this encounter,” the Libyan newspaper reported.

“The match between Nigeria and Rwanda was a shock to the Libyan fans.

“The fans expected a comfortable win for Nigeria, which would have kept Libya’s hopes alive if they defeated Benin. However, the scenario was contrary to expectations.

“Nigeria’s one-goal lead turned into a two-goal loss, as if the Green Eagles had abandoned their competitive spirit.

“The scene raised many questions in sports circles: Did Nigeria deliberately lose to eliminate Libya?”

However, Libya also failed to beat Benin at home to end any hopes to qualifying for the 2025 AFCON.

They face more sanctions after Benin complained that they were attacked after the scoreless draw in Tripoli Tuesday night.