ENTERTAINMENT
Cross River Gov Otu Endorses Yala Achievers Summit And Awards 2024
…Receives letter of nomination as Man of the Year
By Ebriku John Friday
Governor of Cross River State, His Excellency Sen Prince Bassey Otu has formally endorsed the hosting of the 6th edition of the prestigious Yala Achievers Summit and Awards 2024 and he is set to grace the event taking place in Calabar, the state capital as Special Guest of Honour.
Cross River State Governor, Sen Prince Bassey Edet Otu with CEO Moj’s Entertainment Limited organisers of Yala Achievers Summit & Awards, Mr Jacob Odey D Uncommon
This is just as Governor Otu received a letter of nomination as Yala Achievers Award Man of the year 2024. The letter was presented by the founder and CEO of Moj’s Entertainment Limited, Mr Odey Jacob (aka Odey D Uncommon Comedian) in his office in Calabar on Friday, May 3, 2024.
With the theme, “Celebrating Your Immense Contributions To Humanity And Promotion Of Harmony In Our Communities”, the Summit seeks to converge influential sons and daughters of Cross River to brainstorm on ways towards the development of the state.
Being packaged by Moj’s Entertainment Ltd, the event will have as the Chairman of the Occasion, Former Commissioner For Works in Cross River State Chief Hon. Dr. Ochim Julius Okputu.
It is with great pleasure we humbly write to His Excellency, to express our sincere and profound appreciation of the great job you are doing to transform Cross River State as the Executive Governor in less than one year in office.
The Governor’s nomination as Man of the Year followed assessment, findings and responses from Cross Riverians within the State and beyond about the performance by the administration in line with his ‘People First Agenda’, and the impact it is making indicating that Cross River is in safe hands.
The Yala Achievers Summit and Awards highlighting the drive of Governor Otu in repositioning Cross River State, said, “Based on your people centred programmes, projects and policies we have seen across the State, hence carrying everybody along irrespective of their different inclinations and affiliations, the Yala Achievers Award which is an annual and prestigious event has deemed it fit to honour you with the highest Award christened, ‘Yala Achievers Award Man of the Year’.
“The Award is not far-fetched, but basically in recognition of immense impact as a democratically elected Governor whose patriotism and allegiance remains with the people of Cross River State, and particularly the developmental projects executed in Yala nation and environs, which include the restoration of Cross River State back into the league of oil producing States in Nigeria, especially in the Niger Delta region after many years the State was delisted as oil producing state in the Niger Delta region, as drilling is hope to start in few weeks’ time.
“Historically, since the inception of Nigeria’s current democratic dispensation in 1999 and the trajectory of politics in the state, this is the first time Yala LGA has three Commissioners appointment into sensitive ministries to deliver on the mandate of the People First Agenda under Your Excellency’s proactive and dynamic leadership.
“Cross River State under the present leadership of Governor Bassey Otu, has experienced tremendous and astronomical increase of Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, to the tune of N31 billion from N22 billion within 10 months, which we see as a foretaste of increased IGR the State will witness for rapid transformation and sustained progress.
“Aside from the stupendous rise in IGR, other notable developmental projects in various sectors include; Agriculture; Land acquisition to cultivate economic trees including cocoa and oil palm; Establishment and commencement of College of Forestry, Obubra in October 2024; Introduction of Smallholders’ Cocoa Scheme in Akamkpa; Restoration of Dansa farms in Oban; Akamkpa Rubber Estate reinvigorated; and Resuscitation of popular Obudu Cattle Ranch.
“In infrastructure, revival of popular Tinapa; Calabar- Itu Road construction; Ugep and Ogaja positioned as urban centres. Aviation sector; Obudu Airport near completion; and Acquisition of five more aircraft for Cally Air.
“Glaringly, the Education sector is also experiencing drastic reforms under a capable hand as Commissioner, and also the Cross River State University will soon have a Department of Medicine.
“Your Excellency, we are grateful to see the new face of Cross River State development, and greater within this first tenure of your administration. Indeed Cross River State is back!”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Education, Senator Barr. Stephen Odey Ph D will be the keynote speaker.
Guest speakers include, Commissioner For Housing in Cross River state, Hon. Dr. (Mrs) Beatrice Igwe, former Commissioner for local government affairs, Cross River State, Hon. Dr. (Mrs) Stella Odey -Ekpo, Former Chair, Nigeria Bar Association Calabar Branch, Dr. Paul Ebiala Esq and host of others.
Coming up on Sunday, 28th July at 5:00pm, Yala Achievers Summit Awards take place at Transcorp Hotel Calabar, the state capital.
The event will have in attendance other prominent sons and daughters of Cross River will feature massive entertainment and display of cultural heritage of the people.
One of Nigeria’s fast-rising street music stars, Amb. Christopher Ogar – better known by fans as Jay Moni – has just released a brand-new single titled ‘WTMD’, short for Where The Money Dey.
The song, which dropped on 19th April 2025, is already making waves across streaming platforms. Jay Moni teamed up with fellow Nigerian artist Tobless (real name Oluwatobi Adeniran), who brought his signature Afrobeats and hip hop style to the track. Tobless, who is also known simply as Oluwatobi online, adds a unique flair that fans are loving.
‘WTMD’ was produced by JayClasic at the Jay Moni Recording Studio in Lagos, Nigeria, and has quickly started climbing music charts.
To celebrate the release, Jay Moni and his team were hosted by GT Boiz for a special listening party on 2nd May, with several notable personalities in the music industry in attendance, followed by the official release of the music video on 3rd May 2025.
The artist has been building a strong following, thanks to his consistent quality and streetwise sound. His fans say they feel connected to his lyrics and style.
Earlier this year, Jay Moni released Congratulations, another single that became a breakout hit and continues to enjoy massive airplay on radio stations across Nigeria. That track helped cement his place as a name to watch in the country’s vibrant music scene.
With ‘WTMD’, Jay Moni is proving he’s not just a one-hit wonder but a powerful voice in the next wave of Nigerian street music.
The Federal Capital was abuzz with glitz and glamour as nightlife mogul Adewumi Segun Gabriels, popularly known as Theapilifestyle, hosted an exclusive All-White Party to ring in the New Year in grand style.
The high-profile celebration drew an array of celebrities, industry elites, and entertainment powerhouses, including Timini Egbuson, Efetommy, Nimi Briggs, Fantana, Ilebaye, and Ice Prince.
As the co-founder and CEO of Tokyo Nightlife and the visionary behind Apitainment and Apitix, Adewumi has been a driving force in redefining Abuja’s nightlife scene. In his welcome speech, he expressed gratitude to his supporters, business associates, and colleagues for their unwavering backing throughout 2024. He highlighted key milestones, including the successful execution of The Capital Picnic, Young Jonn Live in Abuja, AWG Fest, Rema Live in Abuja, and other premium social events that have solidified Tokyo Nightlife as Abuja’s top luxury entertainment destination.
The night, hosted by the ever-energetic Chuks D’ General, exuded an air of sophistication with guests dressed in dazzling white ensembles. Attendees were treated to electrifying live performances, including a special set by Ice Prince and a captivating live band session, adding to the evening’s unforgettable atmosphere. The culinary experience was equally indulgent, featuring gourmet dishes that complemented the event’s opulence.
More than just a celebration, Theapilifestyle’s All-White Party set the tone for a year of unparalleled entertainment. It reinforced his commitment to curating premium experiences that continue to elevate Abuja’s nightlife culture, promising an even more thrilling 2025.
By Ebriku John Friday
Following the intervention and impact on humanity, the African Union Commission, AUC, has deemed it fit to honour Nigeria rising street music artist, Christopher Ogar (aka Jay Moni) with the prestigious ‘Ambassador for Global Peace Award’.
The Award is being conferred on Jay Moni, CEO Jaytech Group of Companies and a BOT of the Wayward brand, for his passion and compassion for humanity and his commitment to make other Africans comfortable and have a sense of belonging through his humanitarian interventions and philanthropic activities.
According to the AUC, Jay Moni is a young Nigerian and African artist who does what would change the narrative among Africans, and the young and vibrant celebrity has given himself to service and development of the entire young populace across the country and continent.
Meanwhile, in an emotion laden voice of excitement and humility, Jay Moni expressed his profound gratitude and appreciation to the AUC for the rare honour done on him.
He said the ‘Ambassador for Global Peace Award’ is a call to duty to escalate what he has been doing to a new level, and he said Africans’ well-being should be of priority to every well meaning African, therefore, Africans who are well doing should show love, care and concern to other less privileged Africans.
Recently, Jay Moni and his entourage embarked on a charity mission in honour of his late father, Pa Raphael Ogar Oluohu, while commemorating the 10th anniversary of his burial, which he was at his home town in Yala Local Government Area and Ogoja, where he started pursuing his music career, which him and his team visited the Ogoja Correctional Centre, where he facilitated the release of inmates whose bail terms are negotiable, and he was at the orphanage home in Ogoja, and doled out cash, food items, with several other items.
Meanwhile, at the Okpoma General Hospital, Jay Moni paid the medical bills of all patients.
Jay Moni (middle) and his team members after his decoration as an AU Ambassador for Global Peace recently
He also distributed food items to locals on the streets of Okuku and shared cash to support the people.
According to him, it is his humble way of give back to the society from the blessing of God upon his life.
He said: “I am beyond honored to be seen worthy by the African Union to be made an Ambassador.
“I do not take this honour for granted in any way as this only propels me to do more for humanity.
“I sincerely appreciate the AU for this recognition, which I never thought of but was just being concerned and doing what God had laid in my heart.
“Not that I have too much but thought it wise to share part of what God has blessed me with because I understand what it means to be far below the poverty line and how unbearable it becomes to the extent people even die out of want and lack.
“Therefore, Africans’ well-being should be of priority to every well meaning African, and I call on Africans who are well doing should show love, care and concern to other less privileged Africans.
“Meanwhile, my big shout-out to my team and everyone who’s been a part of this… Love y’all immensely…#Alhamdulillah.”
Jay Moni, middle, and others
