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Basketball Africa League Team To Showcase Skills At Quai 54 Tournament

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The electrifying Quai 54 tournament which is featuring the Basketball Africa League (BAL) brings its talented team to Paris, France.

It will witness high-level basketball, thrilling dunk contests, and vibrant entertainment with renowned DJs and special performances by Mokobé.

Sport lovers should prepare to be amazed as the highly anticipated Quai 54 tournament gears up for its 20th-anniversary celebration this summer at the prestigious Roland-Garros in Paris, France.

As the ultimate street basketball and urban culture event, Quai 54 promises two days of exhilarating basketball action, entertainment, and a showcase of talent from around the globe. In an exciting development, the esteemed Basketball Africa League (BAL) will be participating in this year’s tournament, presenting a team of skilled players from the league. This collaboration brings a new level of competition and excitement to the Quai 54 stage.

BAL Roster For Quai 54

The BAL team, representing various nations, will exhibit their remarkable skills on the Quai 54 court. Among the talented players who will grace the tournament are:

Childe Dundao (Petro de Luanda; Angola)
Gerson Goncalves (Petro de Luanda; Angola)
Ater Majok (Petro de Luanda; Angola)
Chris Crawford (AS Douanes; Angola)
Ehab Amin (Al Ahly; Egypt)
Falando Jones (City Oilers, Uganda)
Dane Miller Jr. (SLAC; Guinea)
Adonis Filer (REG; Rwanda).

Highlights of this year’s Tournament

The Quai 54 tournament will feature 16 teams from 10 countries, including professional and amateur players. Brace yourself for intense knockout matches, culminating in an epic final on Sunday evening at 8pm. Both men’s and women’s categories will be fiercely contested, promising an unforgettable display of skill, strategy, and determination.

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Dunk Contest Extravaganza

Prepare to be captivated by the incredible athleticism and gravity-defying dunks showcased in the Dunk Contest. This thrilling event will gather four renowned high-flying dunkers from around the world. Tyler Currie (USA), Piotr Grabowski (Poland), Chris Staples (USA), and New Williams (USA) will compete on Saturday evening, leaving spectators in awe of their jaw-dropping aerial artistry.

Unmatched Entertainment

The Quai 54 experience extends beyond the basketball court, offering a vibrant atmosphere packed with world-class entertainment. Between games, spectators will groove to the infectious beats of ten talented DJs, including renowned artists such as Lord Issa, Just Dizle, DJ Iso, DJ Pee, DJ Nasty Nas, DJ Ou-Mar, and DJ Jacks. Prepare to be immersed in a sonic journey that perfectly complements the on-court action, creating an unforgettable fusion of sports and music.

Electrifying Performances

Mokobé, the exceptional artist known for his infectious energy, will electrify the event with his captivating performances. Alongside Mokobé, experienced basketball commentators Duke Tshomba, Jamil Rouissi, and Lucas Nicot will provide expert analysis and insightful commentary, ensuring an engaging and informative experience for spectators throughout the tournament.

You will witness the captivating synergy between basketball and urban culture at the Quai 54 tournament. With the inclusion of the talented Basketball Africa League team, the event promises to reach new heights, showcasing the diverse skills and competitive spirit of the players. From the thrilling on-court battles to the awe-inspiring dunks in the Dunk Contest and the pulsating beats of the DJ performances, Quai 54 is set to deliver an unforgettable experience for basketball fans and enthusiasts alike.

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Make sure to mark your calendars for July 1-2, as the Roland-Garros in Paris, France, transforms into a hub of excitement and sporting excellence. As the tournament enters its 20th year, Quai 54 has solidified its position as the premier destination for street basketball enthusiasts worldwide.

This year’s edition brings together not only the best teams from across the globe but also showcases the growing influence of the Basketball Africa League. With players hailing from Angola, Egypt, Uganda, Guinea, Rwanda, and more, the BAL team is poised to make their mark on the international stage. Their participation in Quai 54 adds a dynamic dimension to the competition and highlights the remarkable talent emerging from the African basketball scene.

As the games unfold, spectators will be treated to an array of thrilling matchups and intense battles. Witness the clash of 16 teams, each representing their respective countries with pride and determination. From seasoned professionals to rising stars, these players will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of glory. Brace yourself for heart-stopping moments, skillful displays of technique, and buzzer-beating shots that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Beyond the game itself, Quai 54 presents an unparalleled entertainment experience. The Dunk Contest is a highlight that should not be missed. The aerial acrobatics and jaw-dropping slams from Tyler Currie, Piotr Grabowski, Chris Staples, and New Williams will leave spectators in awe and inspire basketball fans worldwide. Their gravity-defying maneuvers and creativity showcase the true artistry of the sport.

To complement the basketball action, a lineup of talented DJs will take center stage, infusing the atmosphere with infectious rhythms and keeping the energy high throughout the event. From hip-hop to electronic beats, each DJ will bring their unique style, ensuring a dynamic soundscape that resonates with the vibrant spirit of the tournament. Soak in the music, groove to the rhythm, and celebrate the seamless fusion of sports and urban culture.

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And let’s not forget Mokobé, the charismatic performer who will electrify the event with his energetic stage presence and captivating performances. With Mokobé at the helm, the entertainment reaches new heights, creating an atmosphere of celebration and unity. Alongside Mokobé, the expert commentary team of Duke Tshomba, Jamil Rouissi, and Lucas Nicot will provide insights, analysis, and anecdotes, further enriching the spectator experience.

Quai 54 2023 promises to be a spectacle of basketball prowess, cultural vibrancy, and unforgettable moments. From the talented players representing the Basketball Africa League to the electrifying dunks, pulsating beats, and captivating performances, the tournament encapsulates the essence of street basketball and urban culture. As the teams take to the court at Roland-Garros, the world will bear witness to the unifying power of sport and the unwavering passion that drives athletes to excel.

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Politics

Female Politicians Saw Me As Threat, Not A Partner – Okutete

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By Abubakar Yunusa

The Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank), Dr Stella Okotete, has said that female politicians in Nigeria often viewed her as a threat rather than a partner.

Speaking as a keynote speaker at the Junior Chambers International Business meeting in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, themed “Empowering Women, Empowering Communities: Accelerating Action Towards Gender Inclusivity”, Okotete reflected on the challenges she faced as a young woman in politics.

A former national women leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okotete said, “With due respect, the female politicians didn’t want me around them. They saw me as a young woman who was a threat, not as a partner. My ideas were seen as too bold and too daring, and as a result, I was never given opportunities when nominations were being made.”

She explained that when she was appointed APC’s National Women Leader at the age of 36, it was an opportunity to bridge the gap for young women in politics, enabling them to aspire for greatness, showcase their worth, and gain visibility in governance and the public space.

“I initiated the Progressive Young Women’s Forum, which today boasts of having a former minister. Jamila was our president,” she said.

Okotete recounted how her experience in politics led her to create a support system for young women.

“I founded the Young Progressive Forum because, as a young politician, I noticed that, with due respect, female politicians didn’t want me around them. When I was made the National Women Leader, I had to create this platform so that other women would not face the discrimination I faced—from women, not men.”

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She became emotional while addressing the audience, saying, “I’m saying this with a heavy heart because I never saw any woman as a threat, and I still don’t today. That is why, when I said there are no two Stellas in Nigeria, I meant it.

“We must stop the ‘table talks’ and tea parties and start taking real action. If we truly want to see more women in government, business, and the economy, we must support each other.”

Okotete warned that women risk being sidelined by men if they do not create spaces for one another to thrive.

“The men will continue to push us aside if we give them the opportunity. While we often blame men, we, as women, must also make it a priority to support each other. Whenever we have the chance, we must ensure other women are given visibility and opportunities.

“History has shown that when women try to block or dim the light of other women, they don’t go far. They are quickly forgotten, and history does not remember them.”

She urged women to take responsibility for fostering inclusivity, saying, “We are here today, not just as members of JCI, but as individuals chosen by fate to be among the few who will shape Nigeria’s future. We must break barriers, shatter glass ceilings, and push for policies that drive development and growth in our nation.”

‘Men must be allies in the fight for gender equality’

Okotete stressed the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the push for gender equality.

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“We must challenge social and cultural norms together. We must also strengthen legal protections and policies, ensuring the enforcement of laws that protect women’s rights, including those against gender-based violence, discrimination, and workplace inequality.

“We must hold institutions accountable for implementing gender-responsive policies. That is why I always try to strike a balance between getting men to work with us and encouraging women to take action for themselves.”

She called on women to foster a culture of mutual support, saying, “We must lead the crusade for gender equality and inclusivity by loving and supporting one another. We must see other women in our workplaces not as competitors, but as sisters and partners.

“When we join forces, we can achieve great things.”

She highlighted the progress made by young women in politics, noting that there are now female commissioners in 20 states, as well as young female legislators in state assemblies and councillors in several APC-governed states.

“We are witnessing a new wave of female leadership in Nigeria, and we must continue to build on this momentum,” she concluded.

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Atiku Backs Lagos Corper Facing Threats Over Viral Video

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The former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, has praised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Ushie Rita, who referred to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as “terrible”, saying she embodies the spirit of a new generation of women championing political participation and advocacy.

Rita has accused the NYSC of allegedly threatening her after she complained about Nigeria’s economic struggles.

In a TikTok post, she expressed frustration over the country’s rising cost of living, lamenting that prices keep increasing, making it difficult for her to survive independently.

The corps member criticised President Tinubu, calling him a “terrible president” and questioning what his administration is doing to address the economic crisis.

Reacting on his X account, formerly known as Twitter, Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last election, said:

“I deeply admire her boldness and wisdom—her fearless resolve to speak truth to power, undeterred by the weight of opposition.

She follows in the footsteps of formidable trailblazers like Gambo Sawaba, Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and countless other women who have stood resolute in defence of the common good.

Rather than being met with hostility, Rita deserves encouragement and support. She is a shining emblem of Nigerian youth—a testament to the long-held promise that the leaders of tomorrow are already among us, ready to shape a better future.”

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National

IWD: FG Calls For Gender-Responsive Policies To Close Economic Gap

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By Abubakar Yunusa

The Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musa Musawa has called on governments to implement gender-responsive policies and ensure equal access to education, finance, and leadership opportunities, saying such measures could add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025.

Speaking at the Junior Chamber International (JCI) Business Meeting in Abuja on Sunday, in commemoration of International Women’s Day, Munasawa, represented by Khadija Ali, a presidential aide on industry, stressed that gender equality is not just a women’s issue but a societal and economic imperative.

“Studies show that closing the gender gap could add $12 trillion to the global economy by 2025. To achieve this, we must all play our part,” she said.

“Governments must implement gender-responsive policies, businesses must commit to diversity and inclusion, and civil society must challenge cultural norms that limit women’s potential.”

Munasawa highlighted the role of creative industries in advancing gender equality, saying she had witnessed first-hand how art, culture, and tourism could empower women and drive inclusive economic growth.

However, she acknowledged that systemic barriers continued to hinder women’s full participation in various spheres of life.

“Africa is a continent of resilience and promise, and Nigerian women are at the heart of our national progress,” she said.

“Yet, the World Economic Forum’s 2024 Global Gender Gap Report ranks Nigeria 124th out of 146 countries, with a gender gap closure rate of just 62.5%. This represents millions of women being denied access to opportunities that could unlock their full potential.”

She called for a shift from gender-neutral policies to intentional strategies that actively level the playing field, as well as greater representation of women in cultural narratives.

“The media and entertainment industries must challenge outdated stereotypes and promote diverse, empowering representations of women,” she said.

“When women see themselves in leadership roles, they are inspired to pursue their own ambitions fearlessly.”

In her keynote address, Dr Stella Okotete, Executive Director of Business Development at the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), underscored the importance of engaging men and boys as allies in the push for gender equality.

“We must challenge social and cultural norms together,” she said.

“We must also strengthen legal protections, ensuring the enforcement of laws against gender-based violence, discrimination, and workplace inequality.”

Okotete urged institutions to be held accountable for implementing gender-responsive policies while calling on women to support one another.

“We must lead the crusade for gender equality by loving and supporting one another. Women in workplaces should see each other as sisters and partners, not competitors,” she said.

She also highlighted progress made by young women in Nigerian politics, noting that female commissioners were now serving in 20 states, alongside young female legislators and councillors in several All Progressives Congress (APC)-governed states.

“We are witnessing a new wave of female leadership in Nigeria, and we must continue to build on this momentum,” she said.

JCI Aso’s 2025 local president, Ambassador Felix Akinyemi, said the event served as a reminder of the remarkable progress women had made across various fields, including science, technology, business, and leadership.

“While we recognise the incredible progress made towards empowering women, we also acknowledge the work that still lies ahead,” he said.

He noted that the event featured a dynamic panel session with inspiring women driving positive change in their communities and a keynote speech aimed at accelerating action towards gender inclusivity.

“At JCI Aso, we believe that empowering women is essential to empowering our community. We are committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” he added.

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