The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • Efe Nathan, Bidemi, other top gospel stars for BOW

    By Adeola Ogunlade

    Pop gospel stars, Efe Nathan, Bidemi Olaoba, Dare Justified, 9Tingale, Yemi Olufemi also known as Ypiono among others are set to perform at the 8th edition of Best of Worship (BOW) slated for today at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG) l, Redemption Close, China Town, Lagos.

    Others guest artistes are Bada, Samuel Essien and Miaor Ese.

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    According to the convener of BOW, Pastor Paul Mashote, Best of Worship is an international musical concert with a specific vision of creating a platform of undiluted worship.

    “The phenomenal annual worship gathering has recorded hundreds of worshipers from within and outside the shore of Nigeria,” he said.

    He noted that over the years, BOW has featured music artistes like Pastor Kunle Ajayi, Pastor Kenny Koore, Gbenga Salako and Frank Edward.

     

  • Dr. Sid to host Beatz Awards

    By Sampson Unamka

    Come this Sunday, Mavin records Singer, Dr Sid will host the fifth edition of the Beatz Awards which is created to celebrate the unsung heroes behind the music scene.

    The award which holds by 5pm in the Shell Hall of MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, aims to celebrate creative professionals in the entertainment industry in 29 categories.

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    The chief Idea Merchant of The Beatz Awards, Elijah John, said that the award will be “a memorable night celebrating an incredible year of triumphs in the careers of our dear professionals working behind the scene.”

    This year’s edition has 25 voting categories and four honorary Awards (Non-voting). It is produced by Eliworld International Limited and supported by MTN.

     

  • Steve Crown, Erujeje, others for ‘Just Worship’

    Adeniyi Adewoyin

    Gospel musicians, Steve Crown, Erujeje, Chris Shalom have been listed to headline this year’s Just Worship musical concert which holds today at Shepherd Hill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos.

    According to the Visionary/Lead Worshiper of the event, Rev. Dr. Israel Kristilere, the musical concert which is in its 8th edition is not just a concert but a spiritual exercise.

    Read Also: Deliver soul-touching songs – Gospel artiste

    “I must state that this is not a concert and the goal is not to have a spectacular musical display in spite  of the invitation of gifted and well-known artistes,” said Rev Kristilere.

    Other artistes expected at the event include Bunmi Akionola, Indian Christian Congregation, Praise and Joy, Sax Angel, Demilade Adepegba, Crusaders, Baptist Mission School Choir, Shepherd’s Voice International, Heritage Kristilere among many others.

  • ‘The Ghost and The House of Truth’ wins three awards at AFRIFF

    The Ghost and The House of Truth’ has won three awards at the recently concluded African Film Festival (AFRIFF).

    The movie which will be released in cinemas across Nigeria on November 22 won; “Best Actress” (Kate Henshaw) “Best Director” (Akin Omotoso) “Best Nigerian Film” (The Ghost and The House of Truth)

    It had premiered at the newly opened Filmhouse Cinemas at Landmark, Lagos. In attendance was the first lady of Lagos State, Dr Inijoke Sanwo Olu, representatives of the Police, Judiciary, Child protection units of Lagos State and dignitaries from the American, British and German Consulates.

    Read Also: Kate Henshaw, Shaffy Bello, Binta Mogaji, others for ‘The Wives’

     

    Also in attendance were Nollywood stars including Kate Henshaw, Lala Akindoju, Rita Dominc, Joke Silva, Mildred Okwo, Kunle Afolayan, Hilda Dokubo, Tope Tedela, Uzor Osimkpa, Toyin Osinaike, Seun Ajayi and  Dolapo Oni.

    “The Ghost and the House of Truth” is the sixth film from the stables of the Temple Productions and the second collaborative work with Director Akin Omotoso and Producer Ego Boyo.

    It features Susan Wokoma, Kate Henshaw, Fabian Oloyede, Kemi ‘Lala’ Akindoju, Uzo Ozimkpa, Toyin Oshinaike, Seun Ajayi, Tope Tedela, Chioma ‘Chigurl’ Omeruah, Keira Heywatch and Oludara Egerton – Shyngle.

  • ‘Living in Bondage’ sequel becomes highest opening for a non-comedy film

    By Sampson Unamka

    Ramsey Noah’s directional debut, ‘Living in Bondage: Breaking Free’ has set a record with 50 million Naira within its opening week as the highest opening for a Non-comedy film for 2019.

    The movie is the sequel to one of Nollywood’s most iconic movie, ‘Living in Bondage’ which was made in 1992. It was written by Nicole Asinugo and C.J. Obasi, it is a Play Network and Natives Filmworks presentation, produced by Steve Gukas.

    ‘Living In Bondage’ which in 1992 birthed the Nigerian movie industry that is today universally known as Nollywood. Its sequel, ‘Living In Bondage: Breaking Free’, is now the number one film in West Africa.

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    The Executive Producer of the movie, Charles Okpaleke, in announcing the giant strides achieved with the film wrote on his Instagram account, (@charlesofplay): “It’s the Lords doing and it’s marvelous in our eyes!!! Thank you all, please keep spreading the word, without you going to the cinemas we wouldn’t push these numbers. I urge you all to go out, take a friend your family and join us in keeping alive our history, culture, and heritage. Nollywood has come to stay.”

    The movie’s soundtrack was courtesy of Universal Music and features 11 soundtracks of renowned Nigerian artists like Davido, Tuface, Flavour, Waje, Omawumi, Phyno, Patoranking, Peruzzi, Duncan Mighty, Victor AD, Syemca, Reekado Banks and Skales

    Following the trails of the original film, ‘Living In Bondage: Breaking Free’ narrates the story of a young man Nnamdi (played by Swanky JKA), whose irrational quest to get rich lands him in the wrong hands. Actors featured in the movie include: Ramsey Nouah, Kenneth Okonkwo, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Enyinna Nwigwe, Nancy Isime, and Munachi Abii.

  • When Governor Abubakar Sanni Bello wooed Bill Gates, Aliko Dangote

    by Oladapo Sofowora

    Then Governor Abubakar Sanni Bello wooed Bill Gates, Aliko Dangote

    The Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar Sanni Bello is regarded as a chip off the old block, just like his father, retired Army Colonel Sanni Bello, when he held sway as military governor of Old Kano State. During his time as military Governor of Kano, he focused on improving commerce, rural roads, electrification and primary and secondary education. Like his father, Abu lolo as he is fondly called has been at the forefront of attracting direct investment and business partnership to boost employment and amenities for his people.

    Last week, the Niger State Governor, was among Nigeria’s delegation that participated at the just concluded High-level Roundtable conference on Primary Healthcare and Human Capital Development jointly organized by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) and the Nigerian Governor’s Forum (NGF), held in Seattle, Washington.

    Read Also: My wish for Nigeria, by Bill Gates

     

    Society Rendezvous gathered that, brilliant Sani Bello displayed his vast knowledge and dexterity in finance and economics, to strengthen collaboration and partnerships with all key stakeholders in developing strategic network towards the attainment of a coordinated development agenda with special focus on Polio Eradication, improving routine immunization and strengthening of Primary Healthcare for easy access to Nigerlites.

    Interestingly, the graduate of Economics from the University of Maiduguri also privately met with Bill Gates and Aliko Dangote, where they discussed further on improving ways to strengthen investment relationships, so as to attract more support in the areas of health, Agriculture, Women empowerment and Financial inclusion for the downtrodden across the state.

  • Has top socialite, Pretty Mike finally repented?

    by Oladapo Sofowora

    Ike Eze Nwogu known as ‘Pretty Mike’ on the social radar is quite a controversial person. His bag of controversy never runs dry. He loves to make a big statement anytime he saunters into a public function. Debonair Mike is known to take over any event he is invited to with drama surrounding his grand entrance. Extend him and invitation to your event, you are sure to go viral like a wild fire.

    Away from his controversial nature, he is a man with a large heart. Mike is a cheerful giver. Giving to Mike is a culture, he finds joy doing it. He has often donated proceeds from his business to promote charitable causes. The upwardly mobile nightlife dude seems to have moved away from his controversial stunts at events lately.

    Last Sunday November 17, he was a guest at Moreklue All Youth Awards (MAYA), held at the Lekki Event Centre. When his presence was announced by the compere, those present at the well attended event expected him to make his regular statement by showcasing opulence, making a loud statement with his usual controversial entry. To everyone’s surprise, Mike quietly walked into the event unaccompanied and unnoticed, looking fresh and dapper, fitted in his all white outfit, exchanging pleasantry with guests.

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    Society Rendezvous gathered that his recent change in style, might be connected to his meeting with chairman of Heirs Holding, Tony Elumelu. In one of his post, he acknowledged heeding to the advice and words of wisdom from the billionaire Afri-Capitalist originator. According to a close source, Mike should be tying the nuptial knots with his fiance soon, as he isn’t getting younger.

    “He is gradually quitting some of his controversial lifestyle as a socialite. There are some things you might not see him do anymore, it’s not because he can’t do them but you know, the older you get, the more you see things from a different perspective”.

  • Another Laurel for Adebimpe Akinfolajimi

    by Oladapo Sofowora

    Pointing at few patriotic Nigerians who genuinely care for the downtrodden, Adebimpe Akinfolajimi, a trained lawyer, philanthropist and women advocate comes to mind. Those close to her will attest to her magnanimity, she is ever ready to champion causes that will positively affect lives.

    For her immense contribution to humanity most especially via her recent empowerment programme tagged “Giving Hands Arena” which took place at Agege Local Government premises on the 13th of October, where she empowered over five hundred widows as well as, gave out a fully funded scholarship to ten students. She was honoured with an Humanitarian of the year award at the just concluded 16th Africa Security Watch Award gala, held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek, United Arab Emirate.

    Read Also: Rotimi Amaechi @ 54: The anointing of selfless service

    Society Rendezvous gathered that, the HoneyBols Foundation boss won the award for her selfeless service and promotion of welfare, economic empowerment for disadvantaged widows and education of displaced children.

    The three days global submit, which rounded off with a gala award night, attracted the presence of top personalities across the globe, whom in one way or the other, have contributed to the wellbeing, growth and development of their immediate society through capacity building and infrastructural development.

     

  • Techno oil boss, Nkechi Obi’s Magic Wand

    by Oladapo Sofowora

    The name Nkechi Obi, Vice chairman, Techno Oil, is synonymous with Oil and Gas. Blessed with a heart of gold and human compassion, she has been able to nurture and position Techno Oil, as a leading indigenous oil and gas company in the country in less than a decade with her wealth of knowledge in Up and Down stream sector, which earned Techno Oil a dominant role in the distribution of petroleum products across the country.

    Nkechi’s sojourn in business is not by luck, perhaps, providence blessed her with a supportive and firm mother who taught her the ABC of doing business from selling textiles at the ever-bustling Balogun Market in Lagos.

    Interestingly, Obi, who graduated with a B.Sc. degree in Economics from the Lagos State University (LASU) in 1988, proved to all that she is a great and charming innovator, as well as a force to reckon with in her field of expertise.

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    Her recently launched idea ‘Swap and Go’ was birthed in line with the federal government directive. The idea ensures adequate monitoring, quality assurance and production of gas cylinders to avoid leakages leading to fire outbreak and other gas related accidents.

    To show that she is not resting on her oars, months ago, Techno Oil commissioned the largest West Africa automated LPG cylinder manufacturing plant located in Lagos which the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo officially declared open for massive production.

    A source said; “The cylinder manufacturing plant is gradually fast tracking its production capacity to meet the nationwide demand of over 30million homes, where outlets can be stationed strategically in all 774 local government across the country. This will enable creation of more jobs, a safe and conducive environment devoid of fire casualties through LPG and also improve the wellbeing of Nigerians through standard and quality check of every cylinder”.

    Apart from business, Obi is passionate about youth development and she seizes every opportunity to advise youths to develop their latent entrepreneurial skills that God has deposited in them.

    For Obi, the journey to the enviable height in the oil industry has been laced with thorns and roses. It was a tough battle, but she held on to her beautiful dream. Starting off by marketing lubricants and later venturing into the sale and distribution of petroleum products across the country. Over the years, she has sown in sweats, so it’s no surprise she now reaps bountiful harvests.

  • Between Adebutu Kessington and Hajia Bola Shagaya

    by Oladapo Sofowora

    The Odole Oodua, Sir Adebukunola Adebutu Kessington and stylish business woman, Hajia Bola Shagaya share some things in common. Apart from their filial relationship, they are both generous billionaires. Last month, when Hajia Bola celebrated her 60th birthday bash at the highbrow Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, which attracted the high and mighty in Nigeria, many thought gaming mogul, Adebutu Kessington will not attend, because he was being conferred with a chieftancy title as the Asalu of Ode-Remo same day. To the amazement of many, the premier lotto boss graced the event in the company of his family members.

    Many wondered why ‘Baba Ijebu’ as he is fondly called, will exit his title conferment grand reception in Ode-Remo, Ogun state to attend Hajia’s birthday bash in Lagos. A source averred that, Sir Adebukola does not toy with anything that concerns the shrewd businesswoman, “The bond between Baba Ijebu and Hajia is not what anybody can come between. Baba cherish and adore her so much. For Baba, anything pertaining to Hajia must be treated with urgency”.

    Read Also: Buhari greets Baba Ijebu Adebutu at 82

     

    Another close source to Baba Ijebu divulged to Society Rendezvous that; “Their filial relationship was further cemented years back, when Baba went on an official visit to former President Goodluck Jonathan at the Aso-Villa. When he sauntered into the villa, he saw Hajia sitted in company of former first lady, Patience Jonathan and some aides discussing. When Hajia sighted Baba Ijebu, like a cultured Yoruba woman, she immediately went on her knees before him, not minding her status and the reactions of people around. Baba was shocked as he quickly pulled her up and greeted her in return. He was amazed and thankful for that gesture. Those present at the scene concluded that for Hajia Bola to have accorded him that must respect, he must be a special and well respected person. She introduced Baba Ijebu to the First Lady and ensured he had a smooth visit at the Villa. From that moment, Baba vowed to pay Hajia Shagaya back in good measure”.