Miss Hassana Ozohu-Salisu, the 2024 Miss Nollywood international beauty pageant, is to embark on “patching” of 64, 000 potholes in the 36 states of the Federation.

Ozohu-Salihu, disclosed this during an interaction with members of the Correspondents Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Kogi Chapter, in Lokoja on Monday.

“The patching of potholes is one of my pet  projects,  aimed at saving lives.

“As a beauty queen, I am worried and concerned over the number accidents and lives lost due to potholes on  roads across the country.

“This is why the Nollywood International, in conjunction with Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), is embarking on filling up 64,000 potholes across our roads, ” she said.

Ozohu-Salihu, who is the 11th Miss Nollywood International, also said that she was collaborating with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) .

“The corps is to ensure that drivers don’t drink and drive in line with our “Operation Don’t Drink and Drive Programme.”

According to her, the two projects were mainly designed to help save lives and properties of travellers on the roads across the nation.

She further mentioned the “No to Sex for Marks Syndrome” pet project to be intriduced in tertiary institutions.

“We are meeting with Vice Chancellors and Lecturers to ensure that the  syndrome is eradicated to enable our young girls walk with their shoulders high and fulfill their God given destinies.

“I want to use this office to bring or effect a change in this country.

”I went into the pageant to feel what the models feel and bring a change. I want to be a model with a difference in Nigeria and the world over.

“These projects that I and my manager wish to embark on are projects that no pageant has ever ventured into in the history of Nigeria.

“Projects that no one has ever dreamed of or think of doing at my own age in the world of entertainment.

“A beautiful queen from Kogi is out to make an impact in the world and is in need of the support of all to succeed.

“We want a situation where we will not be heard in Nigeria alone but across the shores of America, Europe and Asia. These projects are projects of humanity and projects of change.

“It’s not just a dream but a mission that must come to fruition. It is a mission that will positively challenge the women and youths across the country to Arise and make a difference in the society, ” she said.

Also speaking, Mr Godwin Orits-Gee, the beauty queen’s Manager, who is also the Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) of Omedia Nigeria Limited solicited for the support of newsmen in Kogi to help her achieve her desired dreams.

“All the queen needs from you journalists, is the needed publicity of all her activities in the next one year. I strongly believe that , together, we can build a better nation,” the manager said.

Responding, Chairman of the Correspondent Chapel, NUJ,  Segun Salami, assured the queen of the chapel’s support to her programmes

Sensational Nigerian artist, Armstrong  Agoreyo, has clinched the Banks Mill Arts Enterprise Award sponsored by the University of Derby’s flagship arts studio in the United Kingdom.

He emerged winner of the highly coveted prize as a collection of his artwork was exhibited at the 2024 MA Arts (Fine Art & Photography) Degree Show of the University of Derby.

The exhibition tagged “Alignments” was opened to the public from Thursday,Sept. 12 to Monday, Sept. 30, and offered opportunity  for art enthusiasts   to know about each artist’s creativity and the inspiration  behind their work.

Agoreyo’s masterpiece, “Essence of Sustenance”, was featured alongside the work of other five students at Artcore Gallery in the city centre of Derby.

The award-winning “Essence of Sustenance” explores the profound connection between humanity and nature, emphasising their mutual dependence.

The imagery represents the essential life force that nature provides, suggesting that human vitality is inextricably linked to the health and balance of the natural world.

The artwork further invites viewers to reflect on the organic relationship between man and nature, highlighting the fragile equilibrium that sustains life.

It  amplifies the intertwining of the human hand with the tree roots signifying  the life-giving connection that binds all living beings to the earth.

The masterpiece  challenges the viewer to consider the consequences of disrupting this balance, urging a deeper understanding of the environmental stewardship necessary for our collective survival.

Through its evocative imagery, “Essence of Sustenance” calls for a renewed appreciation of nature’s role in sustaining life and emphasises the need for a harmonious coexistence with the earth.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Agoreyo is  acclaimed for his endearing style  of exploring  paper collage paintings, including  drawings and  wall installations to resonate the relationship between humanity and nature.

He had his first degree from the University of Benin, where he majored in Fine Art and he is currently undertaking his Masters in Arts (Fine Arts) at the University of Derby in the United Kingdom.

Having started his journey to creative prowess at a very young age, Agoreyo’s  artworks have been  showcased in major exhibitions  across Nigeria and parts of Africa,  including the Spanish Embassy Art Exhibition/Contest (2013).

Others are Life in My City Art Festival (2013/2014), Igue Festival Art exhibition (2012, 2013), and the National Gallery of Art exhibition/contest (2011).

His  work  have prominently featured in notable exhibitions including the recently held  ”Sensory Expressions”, a virtual group art exhibition at  the  prestigious Arteom Gallery in Poland.

Within the first half of 2024, Agoreyo’s artworks have also been showcased in some major exhibitions across Europe, including the Biennale Artbox Expo at the prestigious  Cipriarte Venezia Gallery in Venice, Italy.

Others include the Group Art Exhibition at the Thompson Gallery, Switzerland, as well as a participation at the Art Boxy group art exhibition in Andakulova Gallery, United Arabic Emirates.

NAN reports that the Banks Mill Arts Enterprise Award aims to support one emerging artist by offering both a platform for their work and tools, for their business.

The  winner gets to display their artwork at the annual Open Studios in November and have a solo exhibition in the Banks Mill foyer

The winner also receives business mentoring through the Enterprise toolkit, a membership with the East Midlands Chamber, and two months of studio space at Banks Mill.

Nigerian music superstar Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has reignited his long-standing rivalry with fellow singer David Adeleke, also known as Davido, sparking a fresh wave of drama on social media.

The tension began on Tuesday after Davido teased a snippet of his first single for 2024. Coincidentally, Wizkid had planned to release the first track from his highly anticipated “Morayo” album on the same day.

Fueling the brewing tension, Davido’s associate, Kayode Yajaur, better known as Black Tycoone, took a swipe at Wizkid, saying, “Tell your Daddy to drop an album already.”

Wizkid quickly fired back on Twitter without directly naming Davido, tweeting, “P***y boys dropping mid again,” followed by, “Una don tire! Make una go rest small!”

A Davido fan, assuming the tweet was aimed at Davido, responded, “So if you no beef @davido, your song won’t sell?” Wizkid did not hold back, replying, “I don’t beef wack niggas! We all know he’s wack! No talent!”

Wizkid’s comments were seen as a direct attack on Davido’s artistry, dismissing his craft as “trash.” Despite the heated exchanges, Davido has remained silent, offering no response to the remarks.

Fans of both artists have since flooded social media with divided opinions, keeping the rivalry alive.