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
Disney agrees deal to let TikTokers use its films and TV shows in videos
The scheme will be launched in the US before being rolled out to other countries.
Image: PIXAR/ BBC
Disney and TikTok have agreed a deal which will allow creators to use clips from Disney films, including its subsidiaries, in their videos.
It means clips from hit franchises like Star Wars, Toy Story and the Marvel Cinematic Universe will soon start popping up in videos – which will also be shared on Disney’s short-form video platform, Verts.
The scheme will be launched in the US before being rolled out to other countries.
Neither company shared financial details of the agreement, although it follows the collapse of a $1bn (£745m) deal between Disney and OpenAI which would have let people use its characters in AI-generated videos.
Source: BBC NEWS
Entertainment
Mexican influencer shot dead during livestream
It is not the first time a social media influencer has been killed in Mexico. Last year, 23-year-old Valeria Márquez was shot dead at a beauty salon while she was livestreaming on TikTok.
•Mexican influencer, César Gastélum
A Mexican influencer, César Gastélum, has been shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok.
Gastélum was filming with two friends outside a fast food restaurant in Tres Ríos, in the northern city of Culiacán, on Tuesday evening when two men on a motorbike drove up to him and one shot him at close range.
He had more than half a million followers on TikTok and mainly uploaded comedy videos.
It is not the first time a social media influencer has been killed in Mexico. Last year, 23-year-old Valeria Márquez was shot dead at a beauty salon while she was livestreaming on TikTok.
Entertainment
Good News According to Jesus Films Delight Thousands at Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Eternal Happiness Convention
As part of this year’s three-day programme (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), convention delegates are viewing Episodes 4, 5 and 6 of the dramatized series.
• A cross section of delegates at the Badagry 10 convention, Sunday August 2, 2026 | Ohibaba image
Thousands of Jehovah’s Witnesses across Nigeria are learning practical Bible principles for achieving genuine happiness through a series of Bible-based talks and the screening of The Good News According to Jesus video series at the ongoing Eternal Happiness Convention.
As part of this year’s three-day programme (Friday, Saturday and Sunday), convention delegates are viewing Episodes 4, 5 and 6 of the dramatized series. Episode 4, “This Is Why I Have Come,” highlights Jesus’ early miracles, his healing works and his selection of the apostles. Episode 5, “Astounded at His Way of Teaching,” focuses on the impact of Jesus’ powerful teachings, while Episode 6, “Are You the Coming One?” explores events surrounding John the Baptist’s question about Jesus’ identity and mission.
The Good News According to Jesus series debuted in May 2024 as a special feature of Jehovah’s Witnesses’ Declare the Good News! regional conventions, with the release of its first episode.
Episodes 2 and 3 were presented during the 2025 conventions, while Episodes 7 and 8 are scheduled for release at the organisation’s conventions in 2027.
Filming for the ambitious multi-episode production began in May 2022. Since then, new instalments have been released progressively at annual conventions, providing audiences with a detailed, chronological portrayal of Jesus Christ’s life and ministry based on the Bible.
Episodes 7 and 8 are scheduled for release at the organisation’s conventions in 2027.
The video presentations are among the highlights of the Eternal Happiness Convention, complementing Bible talks that encourage attendees to strengthen their faith and discover lasting happiness through applying Jesus’ teachings in their daily lives.
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