Entertainment
Okonjo-Iweala Showcases Dance Skills As Igbo Masquerades Perform At WTO Open Day Ceremony
WTO Open Day was observed on Sunday 5 July 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO’s headquarters (Centre William Rappard).
The World Trade Organisation’s annual Open Day ceremony was fun as cultures collided, but one performance stole the entire afternoon.
WTO Open Day 2026 was observed on Sunday 5 July 2026, to mark the 100th anniversary of the WTO’s headquarters (Centre William Rappard).
The crowd of international delegates, ambassadors, witnessed the rhythmic and unmistakable sound of the Ogene- a metal gong paired with the deep rattle of the Ichaka.
In a viral video, an Adamma masquerade, adorned in elaborate woven raffia and a beautifully carved maiden mask, strode into the centre of the square and moved with intricate footwork, stamping its feet to the escalating tempo of the drums, bringing the raw spirit of southeastern Nigeria straight into the heart of global governance.
Standing near the front of the pavilion was the WTO Director-General herself, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
True to her signature style, she wore a striking, impeccably tied gele paired with a silky gown.
As the masquerade swirled, its handlers gestured respectfully toward the Director-General, inviting her into the sacred circle. In Igbo tradition, a masquerade interacting with a leader is a sign of immense honour and spiritual blessing.
Dr. Okonjo-Iweala didn’t hesitate as she stepped forward into the open square. The crowd erupted in cheers as the DG immediately caught the rhythm. She matched the masquerade’s energy, rolling her shoulders and executing graceful, rhythmic steps that perfectly mirrored the cadence of the Ogene.
For a few beautiful minutes, the weight of global trade policies vanished, replaced by the universal language of dance.
The masquerade bowed low, spinning one last time in a flurry of colour before Dr Okonjo-Iweala waved gracefully back, her face lit with a broad smile. It was the perfect embodiment of the Open Day’s true purpose: breaking down institutional walls and proving that even in the world’s most serious rooms, cultural pride and joy have a vital seat at the table.
(Credit: Leadership)
Entertainment
Davido Releases ‘Already Falling’ Video Featuring Chioma
The release reunites Davido and Chioma with Alabi, who directed them in ‘Assurance’, Davido’s 2018 song dedicated to Chioma.
Afrobeats singer Davido has released the official music video for ‘Already Falling’, featuring his wife, Chioma Adeleke, in a production combining French chateau scenery, elaborate costumes and Nigerian-inspired styling.
Directed by Meji Alabi, the video opens with Davido arriving at a chateau in a horse-drawn carriage.
Other scenes feature dancers, grand interiors and the couple in different settings.
Chioma appears in a navy-blue gown with gold embroidery and a matching gele.
The video concludes with a lakeside scene in which Davido kneels before her, and opens a ring box.
The release reunites Davido and Chioma with Alabi, who directed them in ‘Assurance’, Davido’s 2018 song dedicated to Chioma.
She also appeared in ‘1 Milli’, released in 2020 with a wedding-themed music video.
Entertainment
Sultan of Sokoto to Honour Peter Igho as Kakakin Daular Usmaniyya
The ceremony is expected to be witnessed by prominent Nigerians from all walks of life, and across the country, serving to further cement cordial relations and national unity among the diverse peoples of Nigeria.
• Peter Igho
The Palace of His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, has announced that the formal turbaning ceremony of Chief Peter Igho as Kakakin Daular Usmaniyya will take place on November 1, 2026.
Chief Peter Igho is a legendary Nigerian broadcaster, television producer and media icon.
A former Executive Director at the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), he is best known as the Producer/Director of timeless classics such as Cock Crow at Dawn and other pioneering programmes that defined Nigerian television.
He is a recipient of numerous national and international awards for broadcasting excellence and has mentored generations of media professionals.
Chief Igho, who hails from the Niger Delta, is also a respected cultural ambassador and community leader noted for his philanthropy and commitment to national integration.
The prestigious traditional title was conferred on Chief Igho by His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, on September 10, 2025, in recognition of his invaluable contributions to the development of the Sultanate Council, Sokoto State, and Nigeria in general.
The ceremony is expected to be witnessed by prominent Nigerians from all walks of life, and across the country, serving to further cement cordial relations and national unity among the diverse peoples of Nigeria.
The Sokoto Caliphate, also known as Daular Usmaniyya, was founded in 1804 by the great Islamic scholar and reformer, Shehu Usman Dan Fodio.
It remains one of the most significant empires in African history, renowned for its scholarship, administration, justice and promotion of Islamic values.
At its peak, it was the largest state in West Africa.
Today, the Sultanate Council, under the Sultan of Sokoto, remains the pre-eminent custodian of its heritage and a central institution for Islamic leadership, peacebuilding, and national cohesion in Nigeria.
Entertainment
Davido, Kirk Franklin, to hit airwaves with new song ‘Hope In You’
The project also features American musicians GloRilla, Jelly Roll and Tobe Nwigwe, bringing together artists from different musical backgrounds.
Nigerian Afrobeats star Davido, and American gospel singer Kirk Franklin will on Friday, October 30, 2026, release a new song, titled ‘Hope in You.’
The song will feature on Franklin’s forthcoming 14-track album, I Am What I Am, which blends gospel music with contemporary sounds.
The collaboration was previewed at an album listening event in Atlanta, United States, on October 12, where Davido reportedly performed a verse and joined the choir.
The project also features American musicians GloRilla, Jelly Roll and Tobe Nwigwe, bringing together artists from different musical backgrounds.
The collaboration marks a meeting of Afrobeats and contemporary gospel, with the two artists bringing their distinct musical styles to the project.
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