Author: Boo Chanco

English actor Adrian Paul was in his early 30s when he first started playing Duncan aka ‘Mac’ — the powerful Immortal and champion — on the action series “Highlander: The Series” back in 1992. Paul was part of an ensemble cast including actors,…

The post Duncan ‘Mac’ Mcleod On “Highlander: The Series” ‘Memba Him?! appeared first on The Maravi Post.

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has honoured eight outstanding employees with platinum awards for their exceptional contribution, innovation, and dedication to service delivery across its service centres and subsidiaries in 2024.

The awards were presented during the Bank’s Staff Recognition Awards 2024 ceremony held at the Bingu International Conference Centre (BICC) in Lilongwe under the theme ‘Celebrating Excellence, Together We Shine’.

The top-performing employees received medals, certificates, and an all-expenses-paid seven-day holiday to Dubai with their spouses.

The initiative, according to the Bank’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Harold Jiya, is part of its continued efforts to recognize and motivate staff who demonstrate excellence in their work and uphold the bank’s service standards.

Jiya said the institution’s success in meeting customer expectations relies heavily on the dedication and morale of its employees.

“This is very significant because it is our staff that deliver to make our customers happy. This is one way of appreciating our staff, but also encouraging morale and the winning culture within our people. We believe when you celebrate success, you engrave a winning culture in people’s minds,” said Jiya.

Jiya further said the motivation and recognition drive is part of the Bank’s broader strategy to build a strong service culture by encouraging employees to go beyond routine tasks and deliver memorable customer experiences.

“We want our staff to be our heroes—the people who go beyond the norm to serve our customers and excite them. We want to recognize more of our staff and celebrate more of our teams. A motivated workforce means better service for our customers, and that’s what drives us.”

“These awards inspire others to work hard. They make the whole unit or service centre vibrant and motivated to serve customers better,” he said.

In his remarks, NBM plc Head of Digital Finance Services, William Kaunda, who also serves on the Rewards and Recognition Committee, said the Bank will continue with the initiative, adding that the process for selecting the 2025 awardees is already in progress.

“Come 2026, first quarter, we should be able to know who has won the 2025 excellence awards. We have seen a huge competition and a hardworking spirit among the employees, and this is what we want as a Bank,” said Kaunda. 

One of the awardees, Client Coverage Manager, Nicholas Musaiwa described the recognition as both an honour and motivation to continue excelling.

“It feels so great, thank you so much to management of NBM plc. This is a great honour and privilege,” said Musaiwa.

He attributed his success to teamwork and shared values across the organization.

The post NBM plc awards 8 outstanding employees appeared first on The Maravi Post.

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-First Capital Bank (FCB) plc has supported the Beit-Cure Children’s Hospital’s fundraising initiative by donating MK70 million.

Beit-Cure organised a fundraising dinner at Amaryllis Hotel in Blantyre on Saturday under the theme ‘Healing Journeys: Bringing the gap of hope’, where FCB plc made the donation.

Speaking during the ceremony, FCB’s Head of Marketing and Communications, Twikale Chirwa said it is the Bank’s duty to complement government efforts in providing world-class health services free of charge. 

“True development is measured not only by economic growth, but by how much we care for the most vulnerable among us.

“Our commitment to this noble cause reflects the core values that define our Bank and our dedication making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve,” said Chirwa. 

He emphasised that health remains a key focus area of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives, and commended Beit-Cure for performing over 30,000 surgeries, transforming the lives of many children across Malawi.

“Beit-Cure’s work continues to touch the lives of children across Malawi, offering them not just medical care, but the gift of mobility, confidence and renewed hope. That is something truly priceless,” said Chirwa.

In addition to FCB’s contribution, Rasik Kantaria, a partner of FCB, together with the Bank’s founder Hitesh Anadkat and his wife Meeta Anadkat, donated an additional K80 million towards the cause.

In her remarks, Beit-Cure’s Executive Director Rhoda Jura Kriek, commended FCB plc for the donation.

She raised concerns about the challenges vulnerable children face in communities, including stigmatisation and fear.

Kriek reiterated the hospital’s commitment to providing free treatment to children with treatable disabilities. 

“Our mission is simple yet profound, to heal the sick. Our surgeons and medical team restore the gift of mobility through free orthopaedic and plastic surgeries,” said Kriek.

The event was presided over by the country’s Vice President, Jane Ansah, SC, JA (Retired), who emphasised the importance of supporting Beit-Cure’s mission and called on stakeholders to continue giving.

“This is a direct call to us, to give. We are not just fundraising for a single surgery; we are funding for a complete transformative journey. Let us commit to this cause to ensure that no child is turned away because of lack of money,” said Ansah.

She commended the Beit-Cure team for their tireless efforts in improving the lives of children across Malawi

The goal of the fundraising dinner was to raise K310 million to transform the lives of 206 children and at the event, the hospital raised K275 million, leaving a shortfall of K32 million to reach its target.

FCB has partnered with Beit-Cure for over two decades, supporting its mission since establishment.

The post FCB plc donates MK70 million to Beit-Cure fundraising drive appeared first on The Maravi Post.

BLANTYRE-(MaraviPost)-The United Democratic Front (UDF) has suspended its Publicity Secretary, Dyson Jangiya with immediate effect following allegations of misconduct.

UDF Secretary General Genarino Lemani confirmed the decision, stating that it aims to preserve the integrity of the party while an internal investigation is underway.

“The party is committed to maintaining the highest standards of discipline and accountability. The matter is under review, and details will be shared once the investigation is concluded,” Lemani said.

However, Jangiya expressed surprise at the suspension, noting that he had not received any formal notification.

“I have not been served with an official letter. What I know is only what is circulating online,” he said.

The Publicity Secretary’s reaction has sparked concerns over internal communication and coordination within the party with some observers calling for clearer procedures in handling disciplinary matters.

The suspension occurs as the UDF undergoes internal realignments ahead of the next general elections, a period marked by shifting alliances and renewed efforts to revitalize the party’s image.

The party has not disclosed the specific nature of the alleged misconduct, leaving room for speculation among political analysts and supporters.

As the investigation continues, attention will focus on whether the UDF demonstrates firm internal discipline or reveals underlying factional tensions within its ranks.

The post UDF suspends Publicity Secretary Dyson Jangiya over misconduct appeared first on The Maravi Post.

LONDON-(MaraviPost)-Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed concern over the injury sustained by forward Viktor Gyökeres during their 2–0 Premier League victory against Burnley over the weekend.

The Swedish striker suffered a hamstring injury midway through the second half and was immediately substituted, raising fears about his availability for upcoming fixtures.

As a result, Gyökeres has been ruled out of tonight’s UEFA Champions League clash against Slavia Praha, a match Arsenal are determined to win to strengthen their hopes of reaching the knockout stage.

Speaking during a pre-match press briefing, Arteta said the medical team is still assessing the extent of the injury and it remains unclear how long the player will be sidelined.

“We are still waiting for further scans. It’s not looking good but we hope it’s not as serious as it first appeared. Viktor has been in great form and losing him at this stage would be a big blow,” Arteta said.

Gyökeres, who joined Arsenal this season, has quickly established himself as a key figure in the team’s attack, scoring six goals in his last nine appearances. His absence could force Arteta to rely on alternative options such as Gabriel Jesus or Leandro Trossard in the striking role.

The injury comes at a crucial time for Arsenal, who are fighting on multiple fronts the Premier League title race and the UEFA Champions League.

The Gunners currently sit on position one with 25 points from ten games and registered one loss only in the English Premier League, 2025/2026 just two points behind leaders Manchester City.

Arteta emphasized the importance of managing the squad carefully during the congested schedule, noting that injuries could derail their momentum.

“We need every player fit and ready. This period will test our depth and character,” he said.

Arsenal will face Sunderland in the FA Cup on Saturday before resuming league action next week. Supporters are hopeful that Gyökeres will recover soon, as his pace and finishing have been instrumental in the club’s strong start to the season.

The post Arteta concerned over Gyökeres injury ahead of Champions league match appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Americana singer-songwriter Todd Snider has been arrested in Salt Lake City, Utah, after being hospitalized to treat injuries he apparently sustained from an alleged assault outside his hotel. According to the arrest affidavit, the Nashville-based…

The post Singer Todd Snider Arrested After Hospitalization in Utah, Tour Canceled appeared first on The Maravi Post.

LILONGWE-(MaraviPost)-The country’s Second Vice President Enoch Chihana is appealing to corporate world to generously support former soldiers towards their welfare during this year’s Popy week.

Chihana made the appeal when he donated MK2.5 million towards the campaign at his private residence in the capital Lilongwe.

The Second Veep lauded the leadership of Veterans and Ex-service League of Malawi (Verom) under Henry Odilo for supporting the course.

Chihana therefore expressed gratitude for the Verom gesture by engaging his office on Popy Week events, “Humbled to meet people who matter in public”.

The Second Veep also expressed his heartfelt appreciation to General Odilo for presenting him with a poppy flower in honor of Malawi’s fallen heroes.

“This gesture, made during the Poppy Week commemorations, is a poignant expression of the sacrifices made by those who have laid down their lives for the nation.

“I am deeply touched by General Odilo’s thoughtful gesture,” said the 2nd VP.

He added, “His act of presenting me with a poppy flower is a beautiful way to pay tribute to our fallen heroes. It shows that their sacrifices will never be forgotten.”

The 2nd VP commended General Odilo for his spirit of patriotism and respect for those who have served the nation.

“We must continue to honor the memory of our fallen heroes by working towards a united and prosperous Malawi,” he added.

In his remarks, Verom President Odilo lauded Chihana for the timely support towards Popy Week fundraiser.

Odilo disclosed that the grouping targets MK300 million in this year’s edition.

He stated that the main event will be on Sunday, November 8, 2025.

The post Second Veep Chihana appeals for support towards Popy Week: Donates MK2.5 million appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Jonathan Bailey can officially add People’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive to his resume.

Bailey, 37, was revealed as this year’s hottest honoree during the Monday, November 3, episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

The Wicked star stepped out on stage sporting a chic black sweater and trousers. When Fallon, 51, asked Bailey how he felt about earning the title, he replied, “I mean, it’s an honor of a lifetime.”

He joked, “And I want to say, Jimmy, thank you so much for turning it down so that I could be here.”

Jason Kelce Jokes Wife Kylie Already Called Him ‘Sexiest Man in the World’

Bailey, who learned the news earlier this year, said that it wasn’t hard to keep it secret.

“Surprisingly not, no,” he said. “Because not many people are going, “Are you … ?”

Fallon held up two different covers of the Sexiest Man Alive issue: In one, Bailey is standing in the ocean with a smoldering stare; in the other, he’s holding his dog, Benson.

Bailey’s big reveal comes days after Dancing With the Stars announced that judge Derek Hough won the Sexiest 40-Year-Old category in People’s Sexiest Man Alive 2025 Reader’s Choice Poll. Before announcing the news, the ABC reality show shared a clip of Hough reacting to being nominated — and declaring a major hairdo change if he won.

Bridgerton’s Jonathan Bailey Explains Why He Will ‘Stop Acting for a Bit’

“No way I’m winning this. I think the other guys were like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lewis Hamilton or someone else. … Babe, I’m so confident that I’m not gonna win it, that if I were to win that, I would shave my head,” he said to wife Hayley Erbert in the clip. “I would shave my head, and I’ve never shaved my head, I think, in my life. Except for when I was like 5.”

Erbert replied, “You heard it here first, people. He’ll shave his head. Let’s get him to win that thing.”

Hough, however, refused to shave his head during the live show. DWTS season 34 contestant Dylan Efron also won the category for Sexiest Tattoos.

Last year, People named John Krasinski as the 2024 hunk.

‘DWTS’ Gives Sneak Peek at Glinda and Elphaba ‘Wicked: For Good’ Reunion

“Just immediate blackout, actually. Zero thoughts,” Krasinski, 46, told the outlet of his reaction at the time. “Other than maybe I’m being punked. That’s not how I wake up, thinking, ‘Is this the day that I’ll be asked to be Sexiest Man Alive?’ And yet it was the day you guys did it. You guys have really raised the bar for me.”

The Office alum noted that wife Emily Blunt — with whom he shares daughters Hazel, 11, and Violet, 9 — was “very excited” when she heard of her husband’s new status. (The couple tied the knot in 2010.)

“There was a lot of joy involved in me telling her,” he said, noting that Blunt jokingly shared she would wallpaper their home with the cover if he won. “Do we have that on camera Because that’s like a binding contract, I think. My children will love that, it won’t be weird at all.”

Jokes aside, Krasinski gushed over his life in Brooklyn with Blunt.

“It’s that beautiful thing where when you’re married to someone, you’re constantly learning and changing and evolving,” he said. “And I’m so lucky to go through all that with her.”

In Krasinski’s eyes, however, the title doesn’t change his duties around the house. “I think it’s going to make me do more household chores,” he said. “After this comes out, she’ll be like, ‘All right, that means you’re going to really earn it here at home.’”

The post ‘Wicker’ Star Jonathan Bailey Revealed as 2025’s Sexiest Man Alive appeared first on The Maravi Post.

Christina Perri has filed for divorce from her husband, Paul Costabile, after seven years of marriage.

Perri, 39, submitted her filing in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday, November 3, according to court documents obtained by USA Today.

The “A Thousand Years’ singer cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split, and requested that she and Costabile receive joint physical and legal custody of their daughters, Carmella, 7, and Pixie, 3. Perri also asked the judge to award spousal support as stated in her prenup with Costabile. 

Perri and Costabile tied the knot in December 2017 after four years of marriage, when she was pregnant with Carmella. 

Celebrity Splits of 2025: Benito Skinner and More Stars Who Called It Quits

Shortly after they got married, Costabile gushed about Perri on social media.

“4 years ago today I met my dream girl in this room,” Costabile wrote via X at the time. “4 years later today I married my dream girl and best friend. … I thank God for the gift of her, our relationship, our bambino on the way, our family’s love and support and this unforgettable year.”

The couple experienced ups and downs as they became parents. They welcomed Carmella in January 2018, and two years later, Perri suffered a third-trimester miscarriage while expecting their second child, another girl. 

“Last night we lost our baby girl,” Perri revealed via Instagram in November 2020, sharing a photo of her and Costabile holding the late infant’s hand. “She was born silent after fighting so hard to make it to our world. She is at peace now and will live forever in our hearts.”

Stars Who Struggled to Conceive Children Share Their Fertility Issues

The following summer, the “Jar of Hearts” musician opened up about her grieving process.

“When we lost our daughter last November I thought I would never be OK again. I thought I would never laugh or play again or dance again or love again… and for lots of months I didn’t,” Perri wrote via Instagram in July 2021.

“But then I started trying to heal and learn how to live with the pain and grief right alongside of the love & joy. How to find even the tiniest purpose in our tragedy and to find something to learn and grow from and grow towards.”

Perri gave birth to Pixie in October 2022, announcing on social media that with “a whole lot of faith, trust and pixie dust she has arrived safely. please welcome our magical double rainbow baby girl.”

Another Girl! Christina Perri and Paul Costabile Welcome Baby No. 2

While parenting two young girls, Perri has maintained a successful career in pop music. Her 2011 single “A Thousand Years” appeared on the Twilight Saga soundtrack and remains a popular wedding song. Perri has said that she sings it to her kids.

 

The post Christina Perri Files for Divorce From Husband After 7 Years of Marriage appeared first on The Maravi Post.

By Leo Igwe

President Trump’s designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern comes at a time when this West African nation is grappling with enormous freedom of religion or belief (FORB) issues. Nigeria has clearly demonstrated its unwillingness and limited ability to tackle radical Islam and uphold the freedom of religion or belief of all its citizens. In his post on X, Trump stated that he was blacklisting Nigeria because radical Islamists had been killing and persecuting thousands of Christians in the country, and the government of Nigeria had done little to address the problem. Is this not a fact?  A Country of Particular Concern is a designation by the US Secretary of State of a country that has engaged in severe violations of religious freedom. Let’s face it. There have been severe religious freedom violations in Nigeria, and the government has been a perpetrator or an enabler of these violations. So instead of engaging in subterfuge or in the game of distraction, denial, or minimization of the violations, Nigeria should see this designation as an opportunity and face up to its failures to tackle radical Islam in its state and non-state forms in the country. Nigeria should use this designation to confront and address lingering freedom of religion or belief (FORB) infractions. And there are many of them.

Unfortunately, Nigeria might not seize this opportunity as expected for the following reasons. First of all, radical Islam is indistinguishable from mainstream Islamic religion in the country. The distinction between extremist and moderate Islams is academic. It is not clear where Islam stops and radical Islam begins. Some muslims who describe themselves as moderates support that apostates and blasphemers be killed and homosexuals be exterminated. At independence, Nigeria inherited a radical form of Islam, which is a form of Islam that is promoted with force and violence. The post-independence Nigerian history has been marked by widespread religious violence, conflict, and bloodshed. So radical Islam constitutes a way of life, a religious norm in the country. Radical muslim preachers operate freely. They have their mosques and millions of followers in the country. Radical muslim clerics incite and perpetrate violence with impunity as a part of the everyday preaching and practice.

Also, as a result of pressures from the Islamic establishment, the Nigerian government has been reluctant to call out radical Islam and radical Islamists. There is no official acknowledgment of radical Islamic infractions and abuses. Boko Haram militants have been waging a campaign to implement sharia law and impose an Islamic state. But the Nigerian government prefers to misrepresent the jihadist intent and mission. It does not want to acknowledge the Islamic component, element, and motivation of Boko Haramists and their allies. State agencies describe them as insurgents and bandits, as common criminals. Yes, jihadists and Islamists are criminals. But they are criminals with an Islamic agenda.

In his response, the Nigerian President, Bola Tinubu, has pushed back on the designation. He described it as unreflective of “our national reality”. I mean, which national reality is President Tinubu talking about? Are radical Islamists not attacking and killing Christians in Nigeria? Is that not the national reality? Some people have argued that Trump sided with Christians, that jihadists are also killing muslims, and in fact they have killed more muslims than Christians. Incidentally, that reaction validates the position of Trump and the US government. It acknowledgments that radical Islam poses an existential threat to Nigeria and Nigerians. 

In his statement, Tinubu further noted that Nigeria is a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. But this guarantee is in principle not in practice; it is in theory not in fact. In practice, the government is in breach of this provision, and its responsibility to protect the FORB of all Nigerians. Nigerians who are born into muslim families cannot leave their faith. Nonmuslims cannot freely express their beliefs or practice their faith in Sharia-implementing states. Muslim mobs have attacked traditional religious worshippers. Many people have been accused, attacked, and murdered for blasphemy in Northern Nigeria. Muslim students murdered a christian lady Deborah Samuel in Sokoto. Muslim mobs killed Pastor Shuaibu in Kano, Ammaye, a food seller, in Niger state, and no one was brought to justice. Instead, Sharia governments have arrested, prosecuted, and jailed alleged blasphemers. These legal and judicial anomalies must stop.

The government of Nigeria should not waste money sending delegations to Washington DC to lobby the Trump administration. It should invest the resources in furthering religious liberty and bringing radical islamists to justice. President Tinubu should end the chislamic politics that focuses on appeasing leaders of these two main religions. His government should abolish blasphemy and apostasy laws, punish perpetrators of abuses linked to blasphemy and apostasy, including the ‘desecration’ of the Quran. 

Nigeria should protect the FORB of all Nigerians, including traditional religious worshippers, religious dissenters, atheists, and nones. 

Leo Igwe is a humanist and scholar of religion.

The post FORB and Trump’s Designation of Nigeria As a Country of Particular Concern appeared first on The Maravi Post.