Blog Standard

10 Apr 24

WCW

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was born on June 13, 1954, in Ogwashi-Ukwu, Delta State, Nigeria, where her father, Professor Chukwuka Okonjo, served as the Obi (king) of the Obahai Royal Family of Ogwashi-Ukwu. She received her early education at Queen’s School in Enugu and later attended St. Anne’s School in Molete, Ibadan, as well as the International School Ibadan.In pursuit of higher education, Okonjo-Iweala traveled to the United States in 1973 to study at Harvard University, where she graduated with an AB in Economics in 1976. Subsequently, she earned a master’s degree in City Planning in 1978 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Later, in 1981, she completed her PhD in Regional Economics and Development at MIT, focusing her research on Credit Policy, Rural Financial Markets, and Nigeria’s Agricultural Development. Her doctoral studies were supported by an international fellowship from the American Association of University Women (AAUW). During her impressive 25-year career at the World Bank in Washington DC, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala rose to the position of Managing Director, Operations, the organization’s second-highest role. In this capacity, she oversaw the management of the World Bank’s operational portfolios totaling $81 billion across Africa, South Asia, Europe, and Central Asia.Okonjo-Iweala played a crucial role in leading various initiatives to support low-income countries, notably during the 2008–2009 food crises and the subsequent global financial crisis. She also chaired the successful International Development Association (IDA) replenishment in 2010, raising $49.3 billion in grants and low-interest credit for the world’s poorest nations.Additionally, Okonjo-Iweala served as a member of the Commission on Effective Development Cooperation with Africa, convened by Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen in 2008. This commission aimed to enhance development cooperation efforts across the African continent. Her contributions reflect her unwavering commitment to global development and poverty alleviation. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala served two terms as Nigeria’s Finance Minister, from 2003 to 2006 and again from 2011 to 2015. She also briefly held the position of Foreign Minister in 2006. Notably, she was the first woman to occupy both roles in Nigeria.During her initial term as Finance Minister under President Olusegun Obasanjo, Okonjo-Iweala played a crucial role in negotiating with the Paris Club. These negotiations resulted in the cancellation of a significant portion of Nigeria’s debt, totaling US$30 billion, with US$18 billion being outright cancelled.Overall, Okonjo-Iweala’s leadership as Finance Minister during both terms was marked by her efforts to tackle Nigeria’s fiscal challenges, negotiate debt relief, and implement policies geared towards fostering economic stability and sustainable development.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was re-appointed as Nigeria’s Minister of Finance in 2011 by President Goodluck Jonathan. Her role expanded to include the position of Coordinating Minister for the Economy. During her tenure, she made significant contributions to Nigeria’s economic development. One of her key achievements was the establishment of the Mortgage Refinance Corporation (NMRC), aimed at stimulating the housing sector and addressing the country’s housing deficit.Additionally, Okonjo-Iweala implemented programs to empower women and youth. The Growing Girls and Women in Nigeria Programme (GWIN) focused on promoting gender equality, while the Youth Enterprise with Innovation Programme (YouWIN) supported young entrepreneurs, creating thousands of jobs.Overall, Okonjo-Iweala’s legacy includes strengthening public financial systems, promoting gender equality, and fostering entrepreneurship to drive economic growth in Nigeria.After leaving government, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala remained active in global affairs. She served on several prominent commissions and groups, including the International Commission on Financing Global Education Opportunity (2015–2016), the Eminent Persons Group on Global Financial Governance (2017–2018), and the Global Commission for the Economy and Climate since 2014. Additionally, she became the chair-elect of the Board of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, in January 2016. In June 2020, Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari nominated Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the country’s candidate for the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). Following this nomination, Okonjo-Iweala was unanimously appointed as the next Director-General on February 15, 2021.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has received numerous recognitions and awards, including being listed as one of the 50 Greatest World Leaders by Fortune in 2015, Top 100 Most Influential People in the World by TIME in 2014, and Top 100 Global Thinkers by Foreign Policy in 2011 and 2012. Forbes also named her among the Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the World from 2011 to 2014 and among the Top 3 Most Powerful Women in Africa in 2012.she founded the Centre for the Study of the Economies of Africa (C-SEA), a development research think-tank based in Abuja.Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is married to Ikemba Iweala, a family medicine physician from Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria. The couple has four children, one of whom is the renowned author Uzodinma Iweala..
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08 Apr 24

MCM

Yinka Ash, born on January 7, 1995, originally known as Olayinka Ashogbon, epitomizes creativity and entrepreneurial spirit within Nigeria’s dynamic fashion sphere. Possessing an innate talent for design and an impeccable sense of style, He has emerged as a prominent figure in both the fashion industry and the business world. Originating from Nigeria, Yinka Ash’s influence extends far beyond his homeland, captivating audiences worldwide with his exceptional designs and astute business.Ash was born and bred in the bustling city of Lagos, Nigeria, specifically in the vibrant neighborhood of Epe. Raised amidst the dynamic energy of Lagos, his father, a skilled structural engineer, and his mother, a dedicated English language lecturer and writer, instilled in him a deep appreciation for both creativity and academic rigor.Yinka Ash is multifaceted, a designer, artist, creative director and Founder of Ashcorp Luxury Projects Limited, the holding company for Ashluxe, Vertical Rave and Ashluxury. As a key opinion leader within his industry, he paves the way for young audacious creators who dare to leave a timeless mark on the global tapestry. Following his graduation from Caleb University, Ash embarked on his professional journey by starting as a personal shopper, specializing in sourcing and importing discounted clothing items from online platforms for resale. In a bold move in 2017, Ash took the entrepreneurial leap and established Ashluxury, a minimalist concept store situated in Lekki, Lagos. Alongside the physical store, he also launched an e-commerce platform catering to the burgeoning demand for luxury fashion items across Africa. Ashluxury swiftly gained recognition for its curated selection of international luxury brands, boasting an impressive inventory featuring renowned names such as Rhude, Adidas, Naked Wolfe, Nike, Kenzo, and Coperni.In 2022, Ash unveiled the Vertical Rave festival, a groundbreaking annual celebration intertwining music and fashion. The event quickly became a staple in the cultural calendar, captivating audiences with its innovative fusion of artistic expression. The subsequent year saw the launch of the Yinka Ash ART (YAART) Incubation Programme, a non-profit organization dedicated to nurturing the talents of young artists. Through comprehensive training and support, YAART aims to guide emerging artists on their academic journeys and beyond.In December of 2023, Ash made a significant mark in the fashion world with the launch of his debut fashion line, “Kalakuta Republic,” paying tribute to the indomitable spirit of Fela Kuti and the historical legacy of his Kalakuta Republic. This groundbreaking collection aspires to encapsulate the pulsating energy of Afrobeats while seamlessly integrating emerging cultural elements.Notably, the collaboration with the estate of Fela Kuti marked a pivotal moment, with Ashluxe becoming the first African brand to secure official licensing rights. The launch event, held in Lagos, Nigeria. Olayinka Ashogbon has firmly established himself as a formidable presence in the fashion industry, garnering recognition through prestigious awards and honors. His remarkable achievements have earned him a place among the industry’s elite. In 2022, Ash was honored to be named in Forbes’ Africa 30 Under 30 list, a testament to his remarkable talent and entrepreneurial acumen. The following year, he achieved another milestone by being inducted into the esteemed Business of Fashion (BoF) 500 class, an exclusive compilation of trailblazers shaping the global fashion landscape. Ash’s creative vision draws inspiration from various sources, notably 90’s clothing styles and the vibrant culture of rap and hip-hop. These influences permeate his designs, infusing them with a distinctive blend of nostalgia and contemporary flair.
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01 Apr 24

MCM

Born on April 7, 1954, in Hong Kong, China, Chan Kong-sang, better known as Jackie Chan, was left behind by his parents when they moved to Australia for work. At the Chinese Opera Research Institute in Hong Kong, he underwent intense training in martial arts, drama, acrobatics, and singing for 10 years. Despite facing corporal punishment for poor performance, Chan persevered and developed into the iconic actor and martial artist known and loved worldwide.after graduating in 1971, Jackie Chan embarked on his career as an acrobat and movie stuntman. His breakthrough came with his work in “Fist of Fury” (1972), starring alongside the legendary Bruce Lee. Chan’s daring stunts, including reportedly executing the highest fall ever in Chinese cinema, earned him widespread acclaim and the respect of industry giants like Bruce Lee. At 19, in 1973, Jackie Chan landed his first significant role in ‘Little Tiger of Canton’. He later starred in ‘All in the Family’ (1975), marking his foray into comedy. Notably, this film featured Chan’s first nude scene. The shift from action to comedy stemmed from his earlier action movie disappointments. In 1978, Jackie Chan starred in ‘Snake in the Eagle’s Shadow’, a pivotal film in his career. Chan had creative control over staging his stunts, leading to its success. Notably, this movie established the comedic kung fu genre, captivating audiences in Hong Kong and beyond.Jackie Chan’s success continued with hits like “The Fearless Hyena” (1979), “Half a Loaf of Kung Fu” (1980), and “The Young Master” (1980), solidifying his star status. “The Young Master” marked his debut with Golden Harvest, Bruce Lee’s former production company and a leading studio in Hong Kong. Chan quickly rose to become the highest-paid actor in Hong Kong and achieved international stardom across Asia. He exercised complete control over his films, often overseeing production, direction, and even performing theme songs. In 1986, he formed his own production company, Golden Way. He also founded a modeling/casting agency, Jackie’s Angels, in order to recruit talent for his films. Additionally, after numerous stuntmen were injured during the filming of Police Story, the actor founded the Jackie Chan Stuntmen Association, through which he personally trained and provided medical coverage for its members Jackie Chan introduced his own comic book character in 1995, featured in “Jackie Chan’s Spartan X,” a series distributed in both Asia and the United States.In 2008, Jackie Chan voiced Master Monkey in the highly successful animated film “Kung Fu Panda,” which led to multiple sequels, a video game, and a TV series. Same year , he co-starred with fellow Chinese action star Jet Li in “The Forbidden Kingdom.”Jackie Chan has starred in numerous films and is widely regarded as one of the leading figures in the action movie industry. Throughout his illustrious career, Chan has been honored with numerous prestigious awards, cementing his status as a cinematic icon. Notable among his accolades are the Best Actor Award at the 1993 Golden Horse Film Festival for his performance in “Police Story 3: Super Cop,” the 2005 Golden Rooster Award for Best Actor for his role in “New Police Story,” and the Buttkicker Award at Nickelodeon’s Kids’ Choice Awards in 2011 for his captivating portrayal in “The Karate Kid,” alongside Jaden Smith.In 2016 he won the Academy Honorary Award(OSCAR)Jackie Chan tied the knot with Taiwanese actress Lin Feng-jiao. Their union bore fruit of a boyJaycee Chan.
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21 Mar 24

RETROREWINDPLAYLIST

Born on April 30, 1973, Aliaune Damala Dakha Bouga Time Puru Nacka Lu Lu Lu Badara Akon Thiam, commonly known as Akon, is a renowned figure in the music industry. His mother was a dancer and his father was a jazz musician, which exposed him to music from an early age.Akon, whose heritage traces back to Senegal, is a multifaceted artist celebrated for his roles as a rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and entrepreneur within the music industry.After enrolling in university for just one semester in Atlanta, Georgia, Akon chose to follow his musical dreams, prompting his departure. Despite facing a challenging period due to his involvement in car theft, his time in jail became a transformative experience where he immersed himself in music, using it as a source of solace and inspiration. The release of his debut album ‘Trouble’ in June 2004 marked a turning point in Akon’s life, catapulting him to international fame. The album’s resounding success was underscored by the emergence of hit singles such as ‘Locked Up,’ ‘Bananza (Belly Dance),’ ‘Ghetto,’ and ‘Lonely,’ solidifying Akon’s name in the Industry.Following the triumph of his debut album, Akon took a bold step forward by establishing his own labels, ‘Kon Live Distribution’ and ‘Konvict Muzic.’ In November 2006, he released his second album, ‘Konvicted,’ under his own imprint. The album further elevated his stature in the music industry, boasting numerous chart-topping singles. ‘Konvicted’ shattered records, earning multiple platinum certifications and solidifying Akon’s position as a dominant force in music. The album also featured notable collaborations, with Eminem joining him on the single ‘Smack That’ and Snoop Dogg on ‘I Wanna Love You.’ In 2008, Akon released his third album, ‘Freedom,’ which showcased a range of hit singles including ‘Right Now -Na Na Na,’ ‘I’m So Paid,’ ‘Beautiful,’ and ‘We Don’t Care.’ The album’s widespread appeal led to its certification as platinum in the United States.Akon’s repertoire boasts collaborations with music industry giants, showcasing his versatility and influence. Among his notable partnerships, he shared a duet with the legendary pop-star Michael Jackson in ‘Hold My Hand,’ released posthumously in 2009. Additionally, Akon joined forces with the iconic house music sensation David Guetta for the chart-topping track ‘Sexy Bitch.’ Furthermore, he contributed to the success of Lady Gaga’s breakout hit ‘Just Dance,’ co-writing the acclaimed song. These collaborations underscore Akon’s status as a respected and multifaceted artist in the music industry. Akon’s discography comprises five studio albums, four mixtapes, and one extended play.In addition to his impressive singing skills, Akon has ventured into the world of acting, making his debut in 2012 in the Nigerian-American film ‘Black November.’ He further showcased his acting prowess alongside Hayden Christensen and Adrien Brody in the action movie ‘American Heist,’ released in 2014. Beyond his contributions to the entertainment industry, Akon has established himself as a successful businessman. He boasts a diverse portfolio of real estate investments and is the proprietor of two renowned clothing lines, namely ‘Aliaune’ and ‘Konvict.’Akon has released numerous hit songs throughout his career. Some of his most popular and well-known tracks include: “Lonely”“Smack That” (feat. Eminem)“Don’t Matter”“Beautiful” (feat. Colby O’Donis & Kardinal Offishall)“Right Now (Na Na Na)”“I Wanna Love You” (feat. Snoop Dogg)“Sorry, Blame It on Me”“Locked Up”“Ghetto” (feat. Ali B & Yes-R)“Belly Dancer (Bananza)”“Criminal”“Trouble Maker”“Like I Never Left”“Oh Africa” Akon has received numerous accolades for his contributions to the music industry. Here are some of his notable awards:2007 American Music Awards: Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist2007 Billboard Music Awards: Artist of the Year2007 Teen Choice Awards: Breakout Artist – Male2008 BET Hip Hop Awards: Producer of the Year2009 Ozone Awards: Artist of the Year (USA & UK)ASCAP Awards: Multiple wins across various categories in 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2011.
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