· Promotes FG’s local content policy initiative

Makems Jewellery, an Abuja-based fast-rising jewellery-making company in Nigeria, has set the city agog. It recently held its annual jewellery exhibition, with a wide range of trendy, fine, and unique handmade, locally produced, and imported jewellery products on display for hundreds of visitors to the venue.

The jewellery exhibition was an expertly-curated showcase of exceptional ornaments, ranging from contemporary designs to vintage treasures such as Makems handmade jewellery, earrings, long necklaces, jewellery set, bangles and bracelets, rings and male bracelets, among others with special focus on promoting local contents, which aligns with Federal Government’s policy direction on promotion of local contents in all sectors of the economy.

The annual Makems 2024 Jewellery Exhibition, which took place on December 7, 2024 at the Glowing Ages Academy, Games Village Road, Kaura District, Abuja attracted fashion lovers and potential clients, who used the opportunity to purchase trendy jewellery of their choice which meet their status as the Yuletide season begins while networking with other visitors.

Addressing stakeholders and visitors at the event, the Director of Business Development at Makems, Miss Temitope Adejare, said Makems Jewellery makes unique jewellery products locally and also sell imported jewellery products as well.

“Considering what has been happening in the economy in the area of dollar exchange to Naira, you will realise that things that are imported have become so expensive because they are in dollar. So, what we have done at Makems Jewellery is to ensure that we source for local jewellery materials and we have a lot of them that are locally-made in Nigeria on display at this exhibition.

“Makems Jewellery has a passion for making jewellery and we now make do with what we can really do in Nigeria and we have been able to come out with beautiful jewellery pieces that people really love at this exhibition,” Adejare said.

She explained that “what we do is unique to an individual. We do not repeat the design. So, if you buy any Makems jewellery piece, it is the only one that exists in terms of design. Overtime, people have come to know this and they love it also and they like coming for the exhibition.”

According to her, Makems works year round to gather the best of locally-manufactured jewellery products as well as some imported designs and bring people together at the exhibition to come and see the various designs that Makems has brought on display for the season for them to purchase their favourite designs.

“As you can see, we sell imported jewellery pieces as well but as you may have observed, most people would be at the Stand for Nigerian-handmade jewellery products because they are more unique, more durable and are very nice. This means, our locally-produced collection of jewellery appeals more to our clients.

“Why most people run from Nigerian-made products is literally because of the quality. Most of the time, people that do local contents tend to compromise quality standards but what we have done at Makems is to ensure that what we have is of high quality even better than many of the imported jewellery, as the designs are nice and unique and meet the expectation of Nigeria across social divides.

Speaking on affordability, the Business Development Director said because the products are domiciled in Naira, “you find out that it is easier for people to buy.” She optimistically noted that Makems was targeting “exporting our locally-manufactured jewellery products in the long run, thereby helping Nigeria’s Naira-to-dollar exchange to appreciate through local production of the fashion products and exports.”

According to her, “With what we have done at Makems, we have a lot of staff that we have employed and this also means we are creating employment opportunity for Nigerians across the value chain. We are also available online across social media platforms for online purchase of our products.”

Adejare added that Makems’ plan is to become a household name as an indigenous jewellery-sourcing and production firm, thereby enhancing the government’s policy direction to deepen local content, improve value addition through offerings of durable, comfortable and affordable jewellery products in Nigeria in the next few years.

Asake has emerged as Nigeria’s most streamed artiste on Spotify for 2024, solidifying his position as a leading figure in Nigerian music.

This marks his second consecutive year dominating the platform, with his unique sound and captivating performances resonating deeply with fans worldwide.

According to Spotify’s year-end charts, Asake’s albums, including “Work of Art”, “Lungu Boy”, and “Mr. Money With The Vibe”, have also dominated the list of most-streamed Nigerian albums of the year 2024.

The top 5 most-streamed Nigerian artistes on Spotify for 2024 are Asake, Seyi Vibez, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Rema. In terms of the most-streamed tracks in Nigeria, Ayo Maff’s “Dealer” featuring Fireboy took the top spot, followed by Seyi Vibez’s “Different Pattern” and Burna Boy’s “Higher”.

Tribune

Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, has released a new single “Funds”, featuring ace singers Odumodublvck and Chike.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the hit single, released on Friday, is a dynamic blend of Afrobeat and contemporary sounds, with each artistes bringing their unique flair to the track.

“Funds” presents a scintillating collaboration, as Odumodublvck’s gritty verses complements Chike’s smooth melodies, while Davido ties it all together with his signature energy.

Davido had earlier announced on his X page to his curious fans that he was set to release his fifth studio album before dropping the hit single.

According to him, the new album,”5IVE’, is set to drop in 2025 describing it a reflection of his story, truth, and growth.

He wrote: “My people! The journey continues in 2025 with my new album, 5IVE!! This one is straight from the heart – my story, my truth, my growth.

“We are not waiting, though! Tonight at midnight I’m dropping a single “Funds” with @odumodublvck & @officialchike

“This one’s for the dreamers, the go-getters, and everyone chasing what’s theirs! Thank you for riding with me. Let’s make history again!!! Album pre-order link in bio! OBO 30BG.”
NAN

Davido, the Afrobeats star, has expressed his admiration for the United States’ democratic system, as reported by TheCable.

The Nigerian singer discussed the recent US presidential election in an interview on The Morning Hustle show.

Davido, who is a US citizen, revealed that he voted for Kamala Harris of the Democratic party in the election.

The 32-year-old Grammy-nominated artiste said he voted for her because of his desire to see the first female president of America during his lifetime.

The singer also praised the “seamless process of the US presidential election”, describing it as a reflection of the people’s voice.

He said although Donald Trump won the election by a close margin, he was impressed by the democratic process.

The ‘Timeless’ hitmaker also opined that the United States has “true democracy” — insinuating that Nigeria does not.

“Apart from having better facilities overseas, people want to have their kids outside the country because it will save them the hassle of visas and stuff like that,” he said.

“I congratulated Trump. He is the president. If I was running against him I would still congratulate him. Whatever happens in that cubicle is between me and the paper.

“What I like about America is that there is true democracy. Where I come from [Nigeria], it’s not so. The truth is people voted for him. I voted for Kamala. I actually wanted to see the first female president of my generation. People voted. So, whatever happens, happens.”

Davido was heavily criticised in Nigeria for participating in the US presidential election last month.

The singer also recently sparked outrage for advising black Americans against relocating to Nigeria. He cited bad leadership, a high exchange rate, and skyrocketing oil prices.

According to reports, Marcela Alcázar Rodríguez consumed frog venom as part of a cleansing ritual in Mexico

Actress Marcela Alcázar Rodríguez has died at the age of 33 after experiencing severe diarrhoea and vomiting shortly after consuming frog venom. Despite being rushed to a Red Cross hospital, the actress couldn’t be saved.

The Daily Mail reported that Rodríguez “fell unwell and died after taking part in the ‘Kambo’ ritual, a dangerous tradition native to parts of South America that involves ingesting poison in an effort to cleanse the body of toxins”.

In May 2023, the BBC reported on the sudden death of two locals in eastern Australia. According to the BBC: “Natasha Lechner died from a suspected cardiac event, while authorities believe Jarrad Antonovich died after injuries from severe vomiting. Both incidents happened shortly after they used kambo – poisonous frog mucus – in an ancient Amazonian ritual.”

When it came to Rodríguez, the incident took place at a spiritual retreat located in Durango in Mexico. An investigation is reportedly underway by the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Durango. The supposed sharman involved, Jonathan Fernando reportedly ran from the retreat and officers are now out looking for him.

Mapache Films, a Mexican production company that had worked with the actress, shared a post on their Instagram which read: “With deep regret, today we bid farewell to our colleague and friend Marcela Alcázar. Wishing also quick resignation for her closest family and friends.”

The Durango Film Guild also remembered the actress and said Rodríguez was a “a young woman who worked in various short films, series and movies filmed in Durango,” and also said: “She leaves a void in the hearts of the people who knew her working in what she loved: cinema.”

Queen Dami, the girlfriend of controversial singer Portable, has read a riot act to him following reconciliation.

The couple, who were at war weeks back, seem to have settled their differences as Portable, in a now-deleted video on his Instagram page, was captured in a lovey-dovey moment with Queen Dami. The estranged wife of the Late Alaafin told him that she is only with him because of money and the day he takes a new wife after her and she finds out, she would leave him.

In his caption, Portable opined that there is only one man for many women, but many women for one man. He admonished his gender to make money before searching for love.

“One Man for all women, all women for one man. Make money before you love.
He gets why.

It was reported last month that Portable had slammed Dami as he accused her of chasing the girls in his bar away. He noted how Queen Dami wasn’t the first and can’t be the last. The singer also noted how he is the one taking care of her son for the late King and yet she doesn’t appreciate him.

In what seemed like a response to his tantrum, Queen Dami stated that unless he kills God, she is living in blessings that used to be prayer requests. She boldly declared that she was her.

A few weeks before their fallout, Portable had praised her for her loyalty, as he noted how people think she is disloyal because she hasn’t given birth to him, but they are wrong. The singer, who already has 6 kids prayed that Queen Dami would get pregnant for him as well.

Before her romance with Portable, Queen Dami was married to the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyeye, but the marriage crashed after she allegedly broke a palace rule, an act that prompted her to leave and run away from the palace. She later blamed the whole act on frustration and wrong advice from friends. Unfortunately, her relationship with the monarch was never repaired before his demise last year.