I’m Not A Romantic Person – KiDi

Award-winning singer, KiDi, famed for love anthems like Gyal Dem Sugar, has admitted that his real-life personality is far from the romantic image his music portrays.

Speaking in an interview on Hitz FM, the highlife and Afrobeats star revealed that while his songs brim with passion and romance, he himself does not fit that description.

‘I am not romantic in real life. I don’t think I am,’ he confessed. ‘I am loving, I have love in my heart, but I’m not that guy who will stand by your window and sing in the rain.’

Despite downplaying his romantic side, KiDi stressed that he is emotionally mature and thrives in meaningful communication.

‘I’m emotionally mature. we can talk, dialogue if there’s a problem, advise each other,’ he explained. ‘I give really good advice, especially in a loving way that touches the heart without it becoming conflict.’

KiDi’s revelation offers fans a peek into the man behind the music – passionate on stage, but grounded and practical in real life.

Boatemaa, Nafari Named Star Performers In ‘Imperial Discovery Week’

Boatemaa of the Eastern Region and Nafari of the Volta Region have been declared Star Performers for Week 11 of Mister and Miss Imperial Ghana 2025, held under the theme ‘Tour With a Crown.’

The week, titled ‘Imperial Discovery Week’, tasked delegates to highlight tourism destinations in their regions and educate the public on their significance.

Boatemaa topped the ladies’ category with her presentation on the Aburi Botanical Gardens, which also earned her the Best Costume Award. Awula of the Greater Accra Region was named Most Eloquent for her narration on the Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum.

In the men’s category, Nafari emerged winner with his presentation on Logba Tota in the Volta Region, securing the highest score overall. Adolf of the Ashanti Region received double recognition as Most Eloquent and Best Costume.

Judging was conducted by three resident jurors-Ganyobi Niiquaye, Leopold Kwao, and King Henrik Wolo Jnr.-together with guest juror Nyame Asare. Scores were calculated from a total of 400, converted to 50%, and added to voting results worth 50% to determine the final outcome.

The competition continues as delegates showcase their talents, intellect, and creativity on the road to the grand finale of Mister and Miss Imperial Ghana 2025.

Nurudeen Ahmed Appointed Head Coach Of Ghana U-19 Boys National Team

Experienced tactician Nurudeen Ahmed has been named head coach of Ghana’s U-19 Boys National Team.

Currently in charge of Ghana Premier League side Karela United FC, he will now lead the technical team as preparations begin for the next cycle of youth competitions.

Nurudeen is widely respected in Ghanaian football, having guided FC Samartex 1996 to their historic first-ever Ghana Premier League title in the 2023/24 season.

His coaching career has also seen him manage King Faisal FC and Aduana Stars, earning a reputation for developing young talent and building competitive teams.

He will be assisted by Abubakar Adams, head coach of PAC Academy, while former Ghana Premier League goal-king and ex-Asante Kotoko striker Eric Bekoe joins the staff as Athletic Coach.

The technical team also includes Eric Gawu (Equipment Officer), a former striker for Hearts of Oak, King Faisal, and Dreams FC’s Stephen Ekow Davies (Goalkeepers’ Coach) from PAC Academy Fatawu Mohammed (Welfare Officer).

In the medical department, Dr. Yusif Andani will serve as Team Doctor, with Prince Deku taking up the role of Physiotherapist to ensure players’ fitness and recovery.

Man Suffers Head Injury Over Plantain

A SLIGHT misunderstanding between two men over a bunch of plantain nearly turned fatal as one of them struck the head of the other man with a big stone.

The victim, who has been identified by the police as Robert Mazini, suffered a deep cut on his head, which required immediate medical attention.

The incident happened at Atwima Koforidua in the Ashanti Region, and the police have intensified their search for the suspect, one Yaw and his wife, to assist in investigations.

Abuakwa District Police Sitrep, confirming the case, said ‘On 23/09/2025 at about 1810 hours, Robert Mazini of Atwima Koforidua, accompanied by his wife, Felicia Mazini of the same address, reported the case.

‘They said same day at about 1750 hours, at his residence at Atwima Koforidua, one Yaw and his wife attacked him (Robert) and struck his head with a stone during a quarrel over a bunch of plantain.’

According to the police, the victim was still bleeding when he visited the station to lodge a complaint, so they (police) quickly issued a medical report form to him to visit the hospital for treatment.

‘The complainant, who had sustained severe cut on the head with blood oozing from the injury, was issued with a police medical report form to attend hospital for treatment and report for further action,’ the police statement disclosed.

According to the police statement, the case is under investigation and police are making strenuous efforts to trace the culprits to face the law.

Shatta Wale’s ‘Street Crown’ In Grammy Awards Race

Ghana’s dancehall king, Shatta Wale, is one step closer to making history after the recording academy gave the green light for his 2025 banger ‘Street Crown’ to be considered for a Grammy Award.

The fiery single, part of his Voice of the Crown EP, has officially been entered into the Best African Music Performance category – a move that could catapult the outspoken star into his first-ever Grammy nomination at the 2026 ceremony.

Breaking the news on October 1 via social media, Shatta Wale couldn’t hide his excitement saying, ‘This moment is not just about me, it’s about Ghana, Africa, and every fan of African dancehall. From the streets to the world stage, our sound and culture now stand on the biggest platforms,’ he declared, thanking the Recording Academy for recognising the track.

The self-styled leader of the Shatta Movement added that win or lose, the milestone is already a triumph for the youth. ‘The opportunity itself is a victory for every hustler who believes in hard work, consistency and faith,’ he said

Already, ‘Street Crown’ has been hailed for its originality, powerful message and slick production, sparking massive buzz from Accra to the Caribbean and beyond.

If the track advances past the initial screening, Shatta Wale could finally achieve what many fans have been demanding for years – a seat at music’s most prestigious table.

For a man who has courted controversy as much as acclaim, this moment could be the ultimate redemption arc: from the gritty streets of Ghana to the Grammy stage.

Comsys, Eutelsat Launch OneWeb LEO Satellite Internet

Comsys Ghana Limited, in partnership with Eutelsat, has launched the Eutelsat OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite service in the country under the theme ‘Experience the Future of Connectivity.’

Speaking at the launch, Patrice Segura, Head of Sales for Eutelsat in West and Central Africa and Morocco, explained that the OneWeb service delivers broadband connectivity through satellite technology comparable to fibre-optic speeds.

He noted that the service would play a vital role in bridging the digital divide by extending high-speed internet access to remote and underserved communities across the country.

‘The OneWeb service is dedicated to supporting government, enterprises, and telecommunications operators,’ Mr. Segura said, while highlighting its potential to strengthen digital infrastructure nationwide.

Femi Lamptey, Head of Operations at Comsys Ghana Limited, described the partnership as a milestone in the nation’s technology ecosystem.

He emphasised that OneWeb would enable fibre-quality internet at a fraction of the cost of traditional deployment, particularly in areas where rolling out physical infrastructure would be impractical or too expensive.

‘This represents an opportunity to bring fibre-optic speed to communities that would otherwise never have access to it. It also creates real opportunities for businesses operating in isolated areas to benefit from real-time information flows, data analytics, and enterprise applications,’ Mr. Lamptey explained.

He added that Comsys views the collaboration with Eutelsat as a strategic step and intends to nurture the partnership to accelerate Ghana’s digital transformation.

During a live demonstration of the service, participants expressed satisfaction with its speed and reliability.

One user, who preferred to remain anonymous, remarked, ‘When we did the demonstration, I realised it was faster than the normal service we use. It is pretty okay, and I liked it.’

Another participant simply noted, ‘It is pretty fast – so far, so good.’

SLIC offers Rs. 1 m free life cover to parents of children born on World Children’s Day 2025

In celebration of World Children’s Day 2025, Sri Lanka Insurance Life (SLIC Life) has extended a Rs. 1 million free life insurance cover to the parents of every child born on 1 October, across the island. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the initiative reflects SLIC Life’s mission to provide financial protection to families at crucial moments while reinforcing the value of life insurance as a safety net.

This free life cover provides parents of newborns with vital financial security during uncertain times, helping families lay a stable foundation for the future. On 1 October, SLIC Life implemented the program nationwide, covering every hospital in Sri Lanka to ensure parents across the country benefitted from this unique offering.

Launched in 2022 as part of SLIC Life’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, the project was designed to protect the future of the nation’s children by supporting their parents. The positive response and impact on families over the past three years inspired SLIC Life to continue the initiative, which has since grown into one of the company’s most meaningful annual CSR efforts. As the national Life Insurer, SLIC Life is dedicated to uplifting the communities it serves. Its CSR agenda spans child education, community development, and cultural preservation, contributing to the long-term sustainability of Sri Lanka and strengthening the well-being of its people.

To celebrate the initiative, a special event was held at Castle Street Hospital for Women, Colombo, on 1 October, where representatives of SLIC Life joined hospital staff and families in marking this milestone. The gathering emphasised the importance of life insurance in securing brighter futures for children and their families.

SLIC Life’s commitment to children and education is deeply embedded in its CSR strategy. Recently, the company was honoured with the Excellence in CSR Award at the Sri Lanka Leadership Awards, acknowledging its sustained contributions to education and community welfare. A flagship initiative, ‘Pasal Piriyatha Surakimu’ launched in 2007, has benefitted over 3,365 underprivileged schools with classroom refurbishments, water facilities, libraries, and learning resources. In May 2025 alone, SLIC Life revitalised 100 schools simultaneously, showcasing its large-scale commitment to education. Complementing this effort, the ‘Suba Pathum Scholarship Program’ has since 2014, awarded over 2,200 scholarships worth more than Rs. 240 million to children of policyholders excelling in national examinations, including 225 scholarships in 2025.

Beyond CSR, SLIC Life continues to introduce insurance solutions designed to safeguard children’s futures. The ‘Minimuthu’ range offers tailored plans to support education and aspirations, while the ‘School Fee Protector’ plan ensures children’s studies continue uninterrupted even in times of financial difficulty.

SLIC Life recognises that children are the foundation of the nation’s future. By offering a Rs. 1 million free life cover to parents of newborns on World Children’s Day, the company demonstrates how insurance provides essential protection throughout life’s journey. Through this program and other initiatives, SLIC Life has set a benchmark for the industry, highlighting the importance of financial security for families. With children at the heart of its mission, the company remains committed to creating a brighter, more secure future for all Sri Lankans.

Inspiring Sri Lanka’s children to dream big on World Children’s Day

In celebration of World Children’s Day on 1 October, SriLankan Airlines facilitated the flight experience for a special program for children selected through a creative competition from every province across Sri Lanka.

Through this unique initiative, 250 youngsters aged 12 to 15 were gifted the opportunity to enjoy a nearly two-hour flight aboard a SriLankan Airlines Airbus A330-300, with breath-taking views of Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes from the sky. For many, it was their first flying experience.

The children were warmly welcomed at Bandaranaike International Airport and taken on a guided tour by SriLankan Airlines’ Ground Handling team and Airport and Aviation Services (AASL), where they experienced the full international travel process, from check-in to boarding, before taking off to the skies with SriLankan Airlines.

The flight, which departed from Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), offered a bird’s-eye view of some of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks, including the coastal belt of Colombo, Galle, Adam’s Peak, Pidurutalagala, Sigiriya, Mullaitivu, Delft Island, Anuradhapura, and Negombo, before returning to the airport. The children’s experience was captured and will be broadcast by Derana TV through a one-hour program on 6 October.

SriLankan Airlines Manager – Corporate Communications Deepal Perera said: ‘At SriLankan Airlines, we believe that the sky should never be the limit to a child’s dreams. It was a privilege to partner with Derana and Signal on this extraordinary initiative, giving children from every corner of our island the chance to experience the wonder of flight on International Children’s Day. For many, it was their very first time in the air. We are glad to have been part of a journey that may inspire future aviators, explorers, and leaders of tomorrow.’

LOLC Insurance makes strategic leadership appointments

LOLC Insurance yesterday announced two key leadership appointments aimed at driving sustainable growth, strengthening governance, and enhancing operational excellence across its companies, LOLC Life Assurance Ltd. and LOLC General Insurance PLC.

It said the appointments mark a new chapter for both companies, bringing a fresh leadership perspective and renewed energy to their strategic direction.

Chandana L. Aluthgama has been appointed Executive Director and Principal Officer of LOLC Life Assurance Ltd. and Director of LOLC General Insurance PLC, while Kithsiri Gunawardena has been appointed Director of LOLC Life Assurance Ltd., further to his role as Chairman of LOLC General Insurance PLC. With this experienced leadership, LOLC Insurance reinforces its strategic vision and readiness to drive continued success in the Sri Lankan insurance industry.

With over 33 years of experience in life and general insurance, Aluthgama brings extensive expertise in leadership, corporate governance, and talent development. He has held senior positions at prominent organisations, including Eagle Insurance PLC (Zurich Financial Services Group), HNB Assurance PLC, and HNB General Insurance Ltd.

Prior to joining LOLC Insurance, he served as Group CEO of Sri Lanka Insurance Corporation Life Ltd. and General Ltd., where he successfully led major initiatives including the statutory segregation of life and general insurance operations in 2024, business restructuring, and the establishment of a performance driven culture.

He is also the immediate past President of the Insurance Association of Sri Lanka, reflecting his longstanding contribution to the industry.

A strong advocate for education, Aluthgama has been a senior visiting lecturer at the University of Colombo for over 20 years and mentors students at the University of Moratuwa.

He holds an MBA from the University of Colombo, a Bachelor of Commerce (Special) from the University of Kelaniya, and is a Fellow and Chartered Manager of the Chartered Management Institute, UK, as well as a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF).

Aluthgama has shared his insights at local and international conferences and completed executive programs at Generali Insurance AG, Vienna, and NUS Business School, Singapore.

Gunawardena brings over 35 years of legal, public sector, and corporate experience and has been a member of the LOLC Group since 2004.

He has held senior positions in the public sector, including State Counsel at the Attorney General’s Department, Director – Legal and Enforcement of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Director – Legal and Enforcement of the Insurance Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (IRCSL), and the first Director General of the Consumer Affairs Authority.

He currently serves as Chairman of LOLC General Insurance PLC and Chief Operating Officer of LOLC Holdings PLC, while also holding board positions across local and international subsidiaries of LOLC in the leisure, financial services, and plantation sectors.

Gunawardena’s extensive expertise in the regulatory sector, particularly at IRCSL, coupled with his leadership across LOLC’s diverse business operations, has enabled him to steer LOLC General Insurance into becoming one of Sri Lanka’s leading insurers, pioneering industry first digital, business, and community initiatives.

Extending his leadership to sustainability and social responsibility, he has also driven LOLC’s engagement in the Sri Lankan Leopard Conservation Project, integrating business with community and environmental impact, and spearheaded the country’s first Livestock Insurance Scheme to reduce human-leopard conflict and safeguard rural livelihoods.

Golfing excellence showcased at September Monthly Medal 2025 powered by CDB

Citizens Development Business Finance PLC (CDB) once again teed up an unforgettable weekend of golf as the sponsor of the September Monthly Medal 2025 at the Royal Colombo Golf Club (RCGC), held on 19 and 20 September. The event, one of the most anticipated on the RCGC calendar, brought together top golfers across divisions, reflecting both the competitive spirit of the sport and the camaraderie it inspires.

This year’s tournament carried added significance, coinciding with CDB’s 30th anniversary celebrations.

The competition saw brilliant swings and pressure putts across the lush fairways of RCGC, with players battling it out in numerous categories. Emerging victorious in the Overall Nett category, V.T. Sundaralingam took the Men’s title with a stellar 63 Nett (B/B 9), while H.M.D. Bandaranayake secured the Ladies’ crown, also carding an impressive 63 Nett. In the Junior Division, rising talent Yuvan Kanth clinched the Nett Winner’s title with a 69 Nett, showcasing the bright future of golf in Sri Lanka.

The CDB September Monthly Medal not only highlighted outstanding golfing prowess but also created a unique space for networking, leisure and relationship-building. With every drive down the fairway and every putt sunk on the greens, CDB reaffirmed its role as a brand committed to creating premium experiences that go beyond business.