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Miss Universe Nigeria Chidinma Adetshina appointed state Ambassador by Nigerian governor

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Reigning Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidinma Adetshina, has been appointed Brand Ambassador of Enugu State, Southeast Nigeria, by the state governor, Mr. PeterMbah.

Mbah made the announcement on Thursday during a visit by the South African-born Nigerian model and her father, Okechukwu Onwe, to the Government House in Enugu.

The governor, who praised Adetshina’s resilience after she was controversially withdrawn from a beauty pageant in South Africa as a result of her nationality, highlighted her determination and ability to overcome challenges, describing her as a “true representation of the people of Enugu.”

He emphasized her potential to inspire the youth of the state, especially young girls, with her story of perseverance.

“Your story is inspiring. Despite attempts to malign and discourage you, you demonstrated that you are a true daughter of Enugu State. You overcame those challenges with the grit and resilience the people of Enugu are known for. You can act as a major influence on our young people, especially girls,” the governor said.

He assured the beauty queen of the state’s support as she prepares to represent Nigeria in the upcoming Miss Universe pageant in Mexico later this year, and encouraged her to use her platform to inspire and mentor young people, particularly by sharing her journey and experiences.

In her response, Chidinma expressed gratitude to the people of Enugu for their warm reception.

“I do feel that my story is a very powerful one, not only in Nigeria but all over the world. A lot of youths can resonate with my story and they can learn from my journey,” she said.

Chidinma, who was born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican-born mother, faced controversy earlier this year during her participation in the Miss South Africa pageant.

Criticism arose over her nationality, leading her to withdraw from the competition after the South African Department of Home Affairs accused her mother of alleged fraud and identity theft. Chidinma denied the allegations, maintaining her innocence.

Following her withdrawal, Chidimma entered the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where she emerged as the winner despite criticism and accusations that she was given the crown out of pity.

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Culture

Ghana’s Afua Asantewaa begins second GWR sing-a-thon attempt

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Ghanaian singer, Afua Asantewaa, on Saturday, began her second attempt at breaking the Guinness World Record (GWR) for the longest singing marathon by an individual.

The sing-a-thon which began in the early hours of Saturday, December 21, at Heroes’ Park, Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, will run until December 25, and will see the determined songstress perform non-stop, focusing exclusively on Ghanaian songs.

According to Asantewaa’s manager, Madam Gladys Osei Owiredu, the audacious initiative is aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Ghanaian music to a global audience.

Owiredu confirmed that preparations for the event had been extensive but expressed confidence in Asantewaa’s readiness to finally break the record.

“I can confirm that she is ready for the task ahead. It’s been challenging—by way of preparations—but I can say she is ready,” Owiredu said.

Asantewaa’s second attempt follows her first effort in December 2023, which fell short of surpassing the current record of 105 hours held by India’s Sunil Waghmare.

But despite the setback, her team remains optimistic about breaking the record this time with corporate sponsors including International Maritime Hospital, Ghana Gas, Nasco Electronics, and Zoomlion Ghana Limited rallying behind her, underscoring the importance of the attempt in amplifying the global significance of Ghanaian music.

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Culture

Ghana’s Supreme Court dismisses suit challenging anti-LGBT bill

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Ghana’s Supreme Court has dismissed two separate suits challenging the legality of one of the proposed anti-LGBT legislations awaiting assent into law by the president.

The separate suits were filed by two legal practitioners, Amanda Odoi and Richard Sky, challenging the bill, seeking to declare it illegal and prevent the president from signing it.

The two cases had challenged the constitutionality of the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill.

But in a ruling on Wednesday, the Supreme Court unanimously decided to dismiss the legal challenges to the new anti-LGBT legislation that has been criticised by rights groups.

The controversial bill was passed earlier this year by Ghanaian lawmakers with three years imprisonment for people identifying as LGBT and five years for forming or funding LGBT groups.

While dismissing the cases, presiding judge, Justice Avril Lovelace-Johnson, who delivered the ruling on behalf of the seven-member panel, said the cases were premature.

“Until there’s presidential assent, there is no act, the two cases were “unanimously dismissed,” she said.

The ruling is the latest blow to the LGBTQ community in Ghana and paves the way for the president to sign into law what many say is one of Africa’s most restrictive piece of anti-LGBTQ legislation.

President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose term in office ends on 7 January, had delayed signing it pending the outcome of the Supreme Court challenge but the judges said the case could not be reviewed until it had been signed it into law.

It expected that incoming president, John Mahama, will sign the bill into law as he had always expressed his support for the bill during his electioneering campaigns.

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