First Bank of Nigeria Limited proudly sponsored a remarkable stage play titled ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again: A Biting Satire.’ This captivating performance was masterfully directed by the acclaimed Joseph Edgar, widely recognised as The Duke of Shomolu. The play received high praise for its creative ingenuity and sharp satirical brilliance, effectively delivering a meaningful message to its audience.

The much-anticipated performance took place on December 23, 2023, at the prestigious Shell Hall, MUSON Centre in Lagos. This staging was an integral part of the vibrant activities associated with the 2024 edition of FirstBank’s annual Initiative, ‘DecemberIssaVybe,’ which aims to support and promote the thriving arts and entertainment sector in Nigeria.

Written and produced by the versatile Joseph Edgar, who is also a distinguished playwright and journalist, ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ is a profound satire that conveys a compelling message through clever satirical elements and well-crafted characters. Edgar describes the play as a compilation of his earlier writings that appeared in ThisDay newspaper, along with his personal reflections shared on various platforms, including WhatsApp.

This particular production marked the fourth outing of the play, with previous adaptations being celebrated and well-received. One standout performance featured the talented actress Chantal, who humorously chastised Edgar in a memorable scene, referring to him as a “self-centred Ibibio man,” eliciting laughter from the audience. Another crowd favourite was a scene set in a white garment church, directed by the iconic Segun Adefila. This lively depiction showcased the vibrant energy and joyful movements of the beautiful women attending such congregations, further engaging the audience with their energetic performances. Additionally, the play prominently featured a scene centered around the controversial journalist and TV host Rufai Oseni, thoughtfully reflecting current societal debates and media dynamics.

A significant portion of the production was dedicated to a heartfelt tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe, a revered banker and former chairman of Access Holdings, known for his bold business strategies and calculated risk-taking. Edgar, drawing from his personal experiences with Wigwe, portrayed the late banker as an inspiring figure who achieved prominence through sheer determination and hard work. The narrative expressed a profound sense of loss felt by many following Wigwe’s untimely passing, resonating deeply with the audience.

The storyline of ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ is a vibrant and dynamic fusion of dance, music, traditional aesthetics, and visual spectacle, seamlessly blending comedic and tragic elements. In addition to honoring Herbert Wigwe, Edgar also paid homage to other notable figures, such as Mrs. Umo Eno, the recently deceased First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, and the iconic singer Onyeka Onwenu, showcasing the play’s deep connections to the fabric of Nigerian society.

The themes explored within the play span a broad spectrum of human experience, including pain, love, joy, relationships, and the myriad challenges faced by society. It poignantly reflects the complexities of Nigerian life and culture, utilizing elements from Edgar’s finest writings to resonate with the audience on multiple levels. Furthermore, the production served as a platform to commemorate several Nigerians who have recently passed away, intertwining personal narratives with collective grief and memory, thus adding another layer of depth to the performance.

Crafted with a rich, emotional plot, ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ is an exhilarating theatrical spectacle that effortlessly integrates various aspects of Nigerian culture, music, folklore, and languages. While rooted in satire, the core narrative resonates with contemporary societal realities, making the production both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking.

Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, expressed the bank’s unwavering commitment to providing a memorable December experience for all generations. He remarked, “FirstBank is dedicated to facilitating unforgettable homecoming experiences this December for gatherings such as weddings, family reunions, and festive celebrations. Our collaboration with the Duke of Shomolu on this play signifies our dedication to promoting the creative industry through the arts and stage plays, aligning perfectly with our vision as an organization that cherishes Nigeria’s artistic landscape.”

Ijabiyi further highlighted FirstBank’s rich 130-year legacy of supporting the arts through its First@arts initiative. He encouraged Nigerians to embrace the diverse entertainment offerings presented throughout DecemberIssaVybe. He assured people that FirstBank is steadfast in its mission to create memorable experiences while considering the overall well-being of its customers.

The FirstBank DecemberIssaVybe is celebrated each year to enhance the arts and entertainment sectors in Nigeria. Throughout December, the bank hosts multiple opportunities and platforms that provide a memorable Homecoming Experience for Nigerians, welcoming both local and international guests. It is designed to provide access to premium live performances featuring beloved artists and engaging concerts that embody the spirit of joy and celebration, ultimately creating lasting memories for all attendees.

Looking ahead, FirstBank is actively working on an exciting lineup for the upcoming 2024 DecemberIssaVybe ensuring that both customers and social media followers can look forward to a world of entertainment that promises to be unforgettable.

This story is sponsored by FirstBank, and written by Oladapo Sofowora

A Nigerian, Samuel Nwajaju, became the first African to win the Mister International pageant at the 16th edition of the pageant in Bangkok, Thailand, yesterday.

Established in 2006 by the late Alan Sim, the former president and founder, Mister International is one of the world’s largest male pageants, second only to Mister World in terms of national-level competitions.

The Singapore-based organisation has grown to attract participants from over 80 countries, with an annual average of 38 contestants.

For the first time in 16 years, the Mister International Organisation allowed fathers, married, and divorced men to compete.

Mr Nwajaju, a 23-year-old model and University of Port Harcourt undergraduate who also won the Best Swimwear category, secured the title by competing against 47 other contestants, the highest number in the pageant’s history.

He succeeds Kim Thitisan Goodburn of Thailand, defeating formidable competitors, including Vietnam’s Nguyễn Mạnh Lân, who was placed as first runner-up and Indonesia’s Glenn Victor Sutanto, who was placed second runner-up, according to Premium Times.

Nwajaju secured his place in this year’s competition in June by winning the Mister of Nigeria 2024 title during a grand event at the Lagos Oriental Hotel.

Although the specific cash prize or award for the Mister International competition is not explicitly disclosed, winners enjoy various forms of recognition, such as sponsorships, endorsements, and opportunities to collaborate with global brands and organisations.

Additionally, the titleholder participates in charitable and promotional events worldwide during their reign.

The pageant licenses local organisations that wish to select the Mister International contestant for their country and approves the selection method for national contestants.

Nollywood actress and media personality, Omotunde Adebowale-David aka Lolo1, has opened up about her unique preferences for men.

In a recent interview with Oyinmomo TV, the 47-year-old described her taste as “very weird,” explaining her attraction to younger men with distinctive style choices.

She said: “My taste in men is very weird. I like young people; I don’t like old people. I like men with long hair and earrings. I just like someone who is visually appealing. Gone are the days when you were looking for a God-fearing man. Are you even God-fearing yourself?”

“My taste in men is in a class of its own. It’s not because I act like a broke woman; I’m very bougie. I like good things. Any man that isn’t Eurocentric, I’ll find it difficult to connect with because I’m a fine dining girl. You won’t catch me on a date at Amala spot.”

According to the actress, any potential suitor who wants to court her must be well-traveled and exposed to different lifestyles.

“To court someone like me, you must be well-travelled and understand diverse lifestyles. That way, I don’t have to spend time explaining what I want or need,” she concluded.

Despite her specific preferences, the mother of four shared that she remains open to love and would consider a relationship if the right person comes along.

In a 2023 interview with Television Continental (TVC), Lolo1 revealed why her marriage ended.

At the time, she said: “For me, life happened. A lot of times, people go into marriage with only a little understanding of what they’re getting into. They don’t have a clear picture, and unfortunately, their lives unfold during the marriage, making it a make-or-mar situation. I think that’s what happened to me.”