News
X3M Ideas, Noah’s Ark, Insight Publicis win big at the 2023 LAIF Awards

…as Leo Burnett wins Grand Pix
It was a night of recognition, glamour, and celebration of creative excellence at the 2023 edition of the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Awards as X3M Marketing Ideas Limited, Noah’s Ark Communications Limited, Insight Publicis, and Leo Burnett won big at the event.
The award ceremony, which was held on Saturday, November 18, 2023, at The Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos, saw the Steve Babaeko-led X3M Marketing Ideas Limited lead the medal haul with 15 Gold, 20 Silver, and 7 Bronze, which eventually resulted in the agency being named the 2023 Agency of the Year.
Noah’s Ark Communications Limited came second on the medals table, carting home 12 Gold, 16 Silver, and 7 Bronze, while Insight Publicis and Leo Burnett emerged third and fourth, respectively. Insight Publicis won 9 Gold, 16 Silver, and 15 Bronze, while Leo Burnett won 1 Grand Pix, 9 Gold, 4 Silver, and 4 Bronze.
In his welcome remarks, the President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria(AAAN), Mr. Steve Babaeko, noted that the LAIF Awards remain the beacon of innovation and creativity in the advertising landscape in West Africa.
Babaeko noted that he was confident that the commitment of the new LAIF management board would engender a transformative journey for the award.
While applauding all the agencies that submitted entries for the awards, saying that every participant is a winner, he urged participants not to see the LAIF Awards as a competition but as a community that thrives on the pulse of creativity.
He explained that the diversity of talent showcased through the entries reflects the richness of the advertising industry, noting that it is a testament to the boundless creativity that emanates from every corner of Nigeria.
“ Together, we shape the advertising narrative, pushing boundaries and redefining excellence. As we embark on the exciting journey of recognition and celebration, let us cherish the camaraderie that unites us. I wish each and every one of you a wonderful evening filled with inspiration and fun and joy of shared success,” he said.
Also speaking at the occasion, the Chairman, LAIF Awards Management Board, Mr. Jay Chukwuemeka, explained that the 2023 edition of the awards, which is the 18th edition of the festival, received over 500 entries from a total of 18 agencies. He disclosed that the entries submitted were creative works of the agencies on brands while about 47 jurors worked on the entries to determine the best works for the honours.
Chukwuemeka congratulated all the nominees as well as those who submitted entries for putting up creative works that were selected for honours.
He expressed gratitude to the next generation of ideologists who participated in the Young LAIF competition, noting that their ideas and energy remain invaluable. He equally commended the jury members for rising to the occasion in confronting the challenging task of objectivity and finding common grounds amidst different opinions in their decision-making.
A major key highlight of the event was the induction of two distinguished personalities in the advertising industry, Director General, Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr.Lekan Fadolapo and Mrs. Nkoli Ogbolu, into the Lagos Advertising and Ideas Festival (LAIF) Awards Hall of Fame.
News
Natasha: SERAP sues Akpabio over failure to reverse suspension

The raging controversy over the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan has attracted yet another legal action following a suit by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio over the failure to reverse her suspension.
It is the contention of SERAP that “the patently unlawful suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, is based solely on the peaceful exercise of her right to freedom of expression.”
In the suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/498/2025, Akpabio is sued for himself and on behalf of all members of the Senate.
The Senate recently suspended Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months, after she reportedly ‘spoke without permission’ and ‘refused her new seat in the Senate chamber.’
Her salary and allowances have also been withheld for the duration of the suspension, and she has been barred from identifying herself as a senator.
Before the Abuja division of the Federal High Court, the group is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel Mr Akpabio to rescind the unlawful suspension of Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, reinstate her, and fully restore all her legislative rights, entitlements, and privileges.”
An order of perpetual injunction restraining the Senate from further suspending or taking any disciplinary action against Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan solely for the peaceful exercise of her fundamental human rights.”
SERAP is equally seeking “a declaration that the application of sections 6(1)(2) of the Senate Rules, the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended), to suspend Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan violates her human rights and deprives her constituents of their right to political participation.”
It noted that given the impracticality of direct participation of all citizens, article 13 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that a citizen shall exercise political power either directly or through freely chosen representatives.”
“The suspension of Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan from the Senate has restricted and seriously undermined the ability of the residents of her Kogi Central Senatorial District to effectively participate in their own government.”
“The Senate has the obligations to uphold the rule of law and the provisions of section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.”
“Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] provides that, ‘(1) Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.’
“Under Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights: ‘1. Every individual shall have the right to receive information. 2. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions within the law.’”
“Article 19(1) of the Covenant establishes the right to freedom of opinion without interference. Article 19(2) establishes the Senate’s obligations to respect and ensure ‘the right to freedom of expression,’ which includes the freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, either orally or in writing.”
“The Senate Standing Orders 2023 (as amended) should not and cannot set aside Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s right to express herself and disseminate her opinions which is clearly guaranteed in section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and under the human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
News
Amnesty condemns NYSC for threatening Corper over video criticizing Tinubu

Amnesty International has condemned the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)’s threats and intimidation of a corps member, Ushie Uguamaye, who criticized Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for inflation and economic hardship.
In a ‘X’ post, the group stated that it is her right as a citizen to express her unhappiness peacefully, while also asking the government to focus on addressing the issues she addressed rather than threatening to delete the video.
“It is perfectly within her right to express discontent peacefully. Instead of threatening her for her opinions on rampant inflation, the authorities should be prioritizing addressing the country’s economic woes,” Amnesty said.
The Lagos-based corps member expressed fear about claimed threats following her viral video criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s government.
In a video posted to her TikTok account #talktoraye on Saturday, Uguamaye voiced displeasure with Nigeria’s deteriorating economic situation, stressing that hard work becomes fruitless in the face of financial difficulties.
She openly lambasted Tinubu, describing him as a “terrible leader” and criticizing the government’s efforts to ameliorate citizens’ suffering.
Shortly after her video gained traction, Uguamaye alleged that she began receiving threats, reportedly from NYSC officials, pressuring her to take down the content.
“Dear Nigerians, they have my address. In case you guys don’t see me online, please you know who to hold accountable. I didn’t do anything wrong; I just asked that they work on the inflation.
“Why can’t I speak up? Being an NYSC corps member doesn’t mean I signed up my right to complain,” she said.
Amnesty, meanwhile, in their post, said millions of Nigerians are facing extreme poverty, which aligns with her post on TikTok, urging the government to find measures to urgently address it.
“Millions of people in Nigeria are facing extreme poverty. So far, the authorities have failed to put in place effective mitigation measures, leaving millions of people without the hope of getting out of the economic challenges and enjoying their human rights,” the group said.
Politics
Damagun denies resignation rumors, calls it fake news

The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Damagun, has dismissed reports of his resignation, labeling them as false and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.
In a statement on Saturday, his Personal Assistant, Nuru Shehu Jos, clarified that Damagun remains in office, and the party’s constitution guarantees the National Chairman a four-year term.
The PDP also denied claims that Arise News was the source of the false resignation report, urging the public to ignore the misinformation.
The party warned those spreading the rumors to desist or face legal action, calling on members and stakeholders to remain united as the PDP strengthens its position ahead of the 2027 elections.
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