Entertainment
Citizenship Controversy: Chidinma Vanessa Withdraws from Miss South Africa Beauty Competition
Chidimma Vanessa Adetshina has finally withdrawn from the Miss South Africa competition following allegations by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs.
The department launched an investigation into Adetshina’s South African citizenship after discovering potential fraud and identity theft linked to her mother’s application process.
The inquiry was prompted by significant online controversy and media scrutiny. In response, Adetshina expressed her gratitude to supporters but cited concerns for her family’s safety as the primary reason for her decision to step down.
In her statement, she thanked her supporters and acknowledged the support of the Miss South Africa Organisation, describing her time in the competition as an incredible experience.
Her withdrawal from the pageant marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing investigation. She wished the remaining finalists well, emphasizing that the crown is representative of all participants. The Department of Home Affairs continues to probe the legitimacy of her citizenship amid unfolding events.
The National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), led by the Director General, Mr. Obi Asika, has announced its readiness to host the 2024 International Arts and Crafts (INAC) Expo, in Abuja. The highly anticipated event will showcase Nigeria’s cultural diversity and artistic prowess, while promoting national unity and driving economic growth.
To set the stage for a successful Expo, NCAC will host a Pre-INAC dinner for members of the Diplomatic Community and other Stakeholders in Nigeria on October 10, 2024, in Abuja. The dinner serves as a prelude to the 17th edition of INAC, scheduled to take place from November 18th to 30th, 2024, it will run concurrently with NAFEST at the Arts and Crafts Village, Abuja.
Themed “Networking Nigeran Crafts to the World,” INAC 2024 will showcase Nigeria’s rich artistic heritage and offer visitors unforgettable experience. Attendees will enjoy a diverse range of artistic creations, including:
Textiles: Handwoven fabrics, Ankara prints, and intricate embroidery
Sculpture: Wooden carvings, metalwork, and ceramics
Painting: Contemporary and traditional styles
Jewelry: Beads, silver, and gold pieces
Pottery: Functional and decorative items
Photography: Artistic and documentary imagery
INAC provides a unique platform for artisans to connect with buyers, collectors, and industry professionals. Visitors will also be treated to live performances, workshops, and cultural demonstrations that celebrate Nigeria’s vibrant heritage.
Expressing his enthusiasm, the DG, Mr. Obi Asika stated that, “The 17th edition of INAC will continue to elevate Nigerian arts and culture on the global stage. It’s an incredible opportunity for our artisans to showcase their talent, creativity and connect with a wider audience.”
INAC 2024 is set to be a landmark event that reflects NCAC’s dedication to preserving and promoting Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage. As Mr. Asika noted, “This event demonstrates our commitment to creating opportunities for economic empowerment, growth, and national unity.”
Entertainment
N15m Bribery Scandal: I Will Not Say Anything If Bobrisky is Not Here, VeryDarkMan Tells Reps
VeryDarkMan, also known as Martins Otse, has declined to speak further on the allegations by Idris Okuneye, fondly called Bobrisky, that officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigerian Correctional Services demanded the sum of N15m from him to serve his prison term at a VIP Section of the Kirikiri Medium Custodial Centre, Lagos.
Invited to the podium to brief the Investigating Committee, VDM said, “I don’t know why I will be here and the person who made these allegations is not here.
“Bobrisky said in the voice note that there is a godfather. Maybe the godfather told him not to come. He has disrespected this committee by not coming here.
“You are already threatening me with arrest. If you detain me, I will stay in the cell.
“If Bobrisky is not here, I will not say anything. If I say anything, let me die,” he said.
At the time of filing this report, members of the committee were prevailing on him to speak on the allegations, assuring that Bobrisky would similarly face the panel.
Popular Nigerian rapper and activist, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has confirmed that he had contact with controversial social media personality, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, in relation to legal issues Bobrisky faced earlier this year.
He also said that Bobrisky begged him for N3m to secure a VIP section at the Correctional Centre.
This clarification comes on Wednesday after Falana’s legal team, Falana & Falana Chambers, issued a letter to Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, demanding the retraction of defamatory statements made against Falz.
According to the letter, the controversial social media post suggested that Falz had conspired with Bobrisky to “pervert the course of justice” by assisting him financially to secure a favourable outcome for his legal troubles.
In the letter dated September 26, 2024, Falz’s lawyer, Taiwo E. Olawanle, outlined the sequence of events, explaining that while Bobrisky had indeed reached out to Falz for advice, Falz firmly rejected the notion of providing financial assistance, insisting that no payments were necessary.
The letter read, “Your publication of September 25, 2024, on your Instagram page captioned “In everything and everyone that is mentioned here, I will be disappointed if truly FALZ and his father are involved in this whole Bobrisky issue…” has been drawn to our notice wherein you made some defamatory statements against our client.
“To set the records straight, our client never at any point initiated a conversation with Mr Idris Okuneye. Our client has documentary evidence that Mr. Idris was in fact the one who initiated a call.
“Specifically, on the 4th of May 2024, Mr Idris Okuneye (AKA Bobrisky) contacted our client requesting a phone conversation with him. Our client gratuitously obliged, having knowledge of the Naira abuse charges leveled against him, and genuinely believing he might require legal advice.
“Mr Idris Okuneye (Aka Bobrisky) called shortly after but instead of soliciting legal advice, stated that he was in distress and needed financial assistance of about N3,000,000 (Three million Naira) which he claimed he needed to pay some officials to be permitted to stay in the VIP section of the Correctional Centre.”
The letter added, “Our client, in the same conversation, advised him that there was no need to pay the officials of the Correctional Centre any money. However, Mr Idris Okuneye (Aka Bobrisky) stated that his lawyers had messed up his case by asking him to plead guilty to the charges filed against him. Mr Idris Okuneye (Aka Bobrisky) insisted on his request for the money which our client continuously disapproved.
“Without contacting our client, you went ahead to publish a careless statement containing multiple allegations including an insinuation that our client is involved in a homosexual affair and intended to get a presidential pardon for Mr Idris Okuneye.”
Falana & Falana Chambers demanded an immediate retraction of the defamatory statements and a public apology to be issued across all platforms where the accusations were disseminated. The letter warned that failure to comply within 24 hours would result in legal action, including a claim for monetary damages for the harm caused to Falz’s reputation.
A viral video shared by VeryDarkMan revealed Bobrisky’s allegation that unnamed EFCC officers collected N15 million from him to drop money laundering charges.
Bobrisky has, however, denied the bribery allegations. The EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, also ordered an immediate investigation into the matter.
