The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .

At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.

As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.

Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.

The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.

The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa

Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).

To add colour to the event also, is

Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.

****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.

American rapper, Nicki Minaj has called on more celebrities and influencers to speak out over the persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

Minaj made the call while speaking at the X Takeover event held at Tesla’s Giga Texas facility in Austin, Texas.

The rapper said her personal connection to Nigeria, through her pastor and Nigerian fans known as Barbs, had drawn her attention to reports of violence against Christians in the country.

She said, “For Nigeria personally, my pastor is from Nigeria, so I have a link to Nigeria because of him and of course, I have a lot of Nigerian barbs but what I started seeing was the brutality in which Christians are being treated there just for being Christians and I thought why isn’t anyone making a big deal out of this?

“You know and sometimes when things aren’t cool like to talk about, people don’t just talk about it so right now.

“Actually I’m hoping that more celebrities or people, influencers, I’m hoping that they come onboards the train to start speaking out about what’s happening to Christians in Nigeria and I look forward to doing more to help in that way in that cause.”

Brooke Hogan has opened up about the painful breakdown of her relationship with her late father, Hulk Hogan, revealing that his affair with her best friend became a major turning point between them.

The former singer said she forgave the wrestling icon after he admitted to the affair, but their relationship never returned to what it had been before.

Speaking in an interview, Brooke explained how Hulk’s affair with her friend Christiane Plante affected their relationship after the wrestler publicly admitted what had happened in 2008.

The affair took place while Hulk’s 26-year marriage to Linda Hogan was already deteriorating. The couple divorced in 2009 after having two children, Brooke and Nick.

“A major turning point came after he slept with my friend Christiane [Plante],” Brooke said. “I forgive people very easily — sometimes probably too easily — and I forgave him, but something between us changed afterward. I don’t think he ever related to me in quite the same way again.”

Brooke also recalled how her parents’ divorce fundamentally altered the family dynamic, saying the “entire family structure changed” afterwards.

She said the situation became increasingly complicated over the years until the relationship she once believed could withstand anything eventually could not survive the circumstances surrounding the family.

Brooke and Hulk remained estranged before his death
Brooke and Hulk remained estranged for years before the wrestling legend died from a heart attack at 71.

After his death, Brooke raised concerns about his medical treatment and said she had heard claims about a “botched” surgery two months before his passing. She announced in June that she wanted a private examination into the circumstances surrounding his death.

Family tensions also resurfaced publicly this month when Brooke and Linda became embroiled in a social media dispute, with Brooke threatening to release “receipts” about the breakdown of their relationship.
Hulk married Jennifer McDaniel in 2010 before their divorce in 2021, then married Sky Daily in 2023.