The Nation Newspaper

Author: Yewande Fasan

  • Man set Guinness World Record for visiting 152 pubs in 24 hours

    Man set Guinness World Record for visiting 152 pubs in 24 hours

    Martin Perez, a resident of Buenos Aires, has set a new Guinness World Record by visiting 152 pubs in just 24 hours. 

    This incredible feat was a personal tribute to the city he loves, showcasing its vibrant nightlife and gastronomic culture. 

    Perez began his marathon pub crawl at 7:00 p.m. on March 14 and concluded exactly 24 hours later, navigating the city’s bustling bars and pubs with precision and purpose.

    Wearing a black vest emblazoned with “I love BA,” Perez demonstrated his passion for Buenos Aires as he moved from one venue to the next. 

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    Martin said: “This record attempt was a personal tribute to the city I love and where I was born and still live.

    “I believe Buenos Aires is one of the most exciting cities in the world, with an outstanding gastronomic and nightlife culture. I saw this challenge as a unique way to show the world how vibrant and extraordinary my city.”

  • Nollywood has more original stories than Hollywood – Omoni Oboli

    Nollywood has more original stories than Hollywood – Omoni Oboli

    Actress and filmmaker Omoni Oboli has said that the Nigerian film industry possesses original stories that can stand shoulder to shoulder with those from Hollywood.

    In a video shared online, Oboli addressed criticisms of predictability in Nollywood films, noting that the true magic lies in the storytelling journey, not necessarily in an unexpected ending.

    “A story can be predictable, but if it’s well told, people will still watch it and enjoy it,” she said, emphasising the power of strong narrative and character development.

    Oboli also pointed to the global appeal of Nollywood, revealing that YouTube analytics show diverse international viewership. “It’s not just Nigerians or Africans watching. People from all over the world are tuning in to enjoy our stories,” she added.

    Oboli said, “Stories have never really been our problem. I feel like in this part of the world, we have actually more original stories than outside of Nigeria. I dare say that Nollywood has more original stories than Hollywood.

    “I hear people say, Oh, these movies are predictable. I’m like, name five or ten Hollywood movies that are not predictable. We all know the superhero is going to win the day.

    If it’s a romantic comedy, you know the girl is going to get the guy or the guy is going to get the girl. So it’s not about the predictability of a film. What you’re watching is the journey.

    Read Also: Choose a kind, supportive partner— Omoni Oboli advises

    “What you’re watching out for is the process. How do they get there? If the journey is not interesting, that’s when you start saying, Oh, so predictable. That is because you didn’t enjoy the journey.

    But if the journey is interesting, you know where it’s going, but the journey is just so interesting. It keeps you glued. It keeps you, you know, staying and watching and loving it, right? So we have a lot of very original stories.

    “Our journeys are getting more and more interesting. And the truth is the audience are loving it. And I’m not just talking about the Nigerian audience.

    I’m talking about an audience from all over the world. Like, I mean, YouTube is special in a way that it can show you where people are watching from. So your back end will show you where people are watching from.

    “And people are literally watching these movies from all over. Sometimes you see some countries like, really? Do they watch our movies there? People are watching from all over the world. And it’s not even just Nigerians or Africans in those places. It’s literally that people are getting more and more interested

  • Celebrities were never icons, says Erigga

    Celebrities were never icons, says Erigga

    Rapper Erigga has argued that celebrities were never true icons, but rather an illusion created by the music industry. 

    According to Erigga, talented singers aren’t rare, but rather the ones the industry could manipulate rose to fame. 

    He wrote on X: “Celebrities were never icons… it was an illusion.

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    “When you see talented singers everywhere, you notice they weren’t that rare, just the ones the music industry could manipulate…”

    This perspective has sparked a mix of reactions, with some agreeing that fame doesn’t necessarily equate to greatness, while others argue that certain artists have earned their iconic status through talent and hard work.

  • I had a memory loss after major accident – Actor Lekan Olatunji

    I had a memory loss after major accident – Actor Lekan Olatunji

    Actor Lekan Olatunji has recounted how he survived a life-threatening accident. 

    In a recent interview, the Yoruba actor said he spent three months in the hospital with memory loss and undergoing multiple surgeries. 

    He expressed gratitude to God for his survival and praised the doctors, noting that a doctor friend was shocked he survived after seeing his skull. 

    Read Also: Actor Lekan Olatunji pays tribute to late wife

    Olatunji emphasised giving credit to both divine grace and medical professionals for his recovery.

    He said: “There’s was a time I had an accident and it’s wasn’t easy, because I was in the hospital for three months with a memory loss, so I thank God for his grace. Here I am doing well, we should give the doctors their own praise and God his glory, even my doctors friend were shocked and said they wouldn’t believe me if they hadn’t seen me because they saw my skull because I went through series of surgeries but I thank God because it wasn’t easy.”

  • Davido cancels UK show at Tottenham Hotspur stadium amid production issues

    Davido cancels UK show at Tottenham Hotspur stadium amid production issues

    Grammy-nominated singer Davido has announced the cancellation of his upcoming performance at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 3rd. 

    In a statement on Instagram, he cited unresolved issues with the event’s execution, particularly regarding key elements necessary for a high-quality performance. 

    Davido emphasised that despite strong fan support and ticket sales, his commitment to upholding the integrity of his craft and respect for his fans and culture stands. 

    He added that the rest of his summer tour dates, however, remain on schedule.

    The statement reads: “Over the past few weeks, I have extended my full support and professionalism to The Necto Future Group, promoters of @iconicpresents, with the sincere intention of delivering a performance that meets the high standards my fans deserve.

    Despite strong fan support and impressive ticket sales, there have been major misalignments regarding the event’s execution, particularly concerning key elements required to uphold the integrity and quality of my performance. 

    “Unfortunately, these issues remain unresolved. As a result, I regret to inform you that I will no longer be performing at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on July 3rd. Please note, the show still holds, but without Davido.

    Read Also: VDM: Nigerians have not benefited from Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid

    “My team and I have worked tirelessly in preparation, and I am incredibly grateful to the thousands of fans who purchased tickets in anticipation. This decision is not a reflection of turnout or support; it is a matter of principle and respect for my craft, my fans, and the culture I represent.

    “London, I’ll see you guys soon, I promise! Rest of the shows this summer are still happening. 5ive is still alive! See you guys in Germany, Portugal, Belgium, Canada and the US! Africa must be respected.”

  • Why Niyi Akinmolayan sought my husband’s approval for ‘Elevator Baby’, by Toyin Abraham

    Why Niyi Akinmolayan sought my husband’s approval for ‘Elevator Baby’, by Toyin Abraham

    Actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham has recounted how filmmaker Niyi Akinmolayan took permission from her husband, Kola Ajeyemi before shooting award-winning movie ‘Elevator Baby’. 

    In an interview with PulseNG, Abraham said she was seven months pregnant with her son, Ireoluwa while she filmed the movie. 

    Unaware of her pregnancy, Toyin said Akinmolayan reached out to her for a role that required a pregnant character. 

    She said after Niyi’s request, her husband, did not only agreed but also attended the shoot to support her. 

    To ensure her comfort and safety, two nurses were present on set and despite the challenges, Abraham said she enjoyed the experience and recalled the special moment fondly.

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    She said: “I was pregnant with Ireoluwa, and Ire will be 6 in August, when we shot this movie. When I got pregnant, I didn’t want people to know. So, I got a call from Mr Niyi and he said there is a scene that I would do and they would do make-up for me as a pregnant woman. It is actually not my movie, it is Antar Hills, and I am like ‘Did you know I am pregnant?’, and I was like 7 months. I told him he had to ask my husband if he would agree. He came to the house and spoke to my husband, and he agreed. My husband was on set, and two nurses were on set. It was a crázy shoot but I enjoyed myself.”

  • D’Banj names top three artists, excludes Wizkid

    D’Banj names top three artists, excludes Wizkid

    Afrobeats singer D’banj has named Rema, Davido and Burna Boy as his current top three music stars, which have stirred significant online buzz, particularly due to the exclusion of Wizkid.

    In an interview on Adesope Live podcast, D’Banj praised Rema’s energy, Davido’s humility and consistency, and Burna Boy’s intentionality and stellar live performances.

    “Shout out to Rema. I like his energy… Then there is Davido. People should learn from the way he carries himself, like he doesn’t have a penny, yet he’s so consistent. Burna Boy is too intentional, his live shows are amazing,” D’banj said.

    Read Also: D’Banj set to embark on joint tour with 2baba, Timaya

    His response resonated with many, who appreciated the acknowledgment of these artists’ unique strengths.

    However, Wizkid’s omission, given his global influence and Grammy-winning status, triggered backlash from some quarters.

  • Israel DMW hails Davido as ‘savior’ amid feud with Phyna over ex-wife

    Israel DMW hails Davido as ‘savior’ amid feud with Phyna over ex-wife

    Davido’s logistics manager, Israel DMW, has expressed deep gratitude and loyalty to the singer, referring to him as his “savior, benefactor and president” in an Instagram post.

    “Calling 001 my friend is absolutely wrong. He’s my savior, benefactor, my oga and my own president, my everything. If I should come another life again, I’ll be with him,” he said.

    This statement follows a public feud with BBNaija star Phyna, sparked by her friendship with Israel’s ex-wife, Sheila Courage.

    Read Also: VDM: Nigerians have not benefited from Burna Boy, Davido, Wizkid

    The drama escalated after Phyna and Sheila vacationed together in Mauritius, prompting Israel to send Phyna a WhatsApp message where he insulted her and expressed displeasure about her bond with Sheila.

    He also admitted to warning other celebrities, like Mercy Aigbe to stay away from his ex-wife, while making derogatory remarks about Sheila’s past and character.

    Phyna responded by leaking their chats on X, calling Israel unprintable names and accusing him of being the problem in his failed marriage.

    She also claimed Israel said he spent 30 million naira on Sheila and would never forgive her for allegedly cheating.

    Israel, in turn, doubled down on his loyalty to Davido, emphasising the singer’s significant role in his life amidst the ongoing social media clash.

  • How I knew I’d be successful, by Wizkid

    How I knew I’d be successful, by Wizkid

    Award-winning singer Wizkid has spoken about his success, attributing it to his clear vision.

    In a recent interview at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York, where his documentary “Wizkid: Long Live Lagos” premiered, he shared that envisioning one’s goals is crucial to achieving them.

    According to Wizkid, one must “dream it before you achieve it.”

    The interviewer asked: “Did you always know that you would make it to this point? Did you see the vision before it happened?”

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    Wizkid replied: “Yeah, absolutely, man. You have to dream it before you achieve it. So, yeah, [I’ve] always [known I would be successful].”

    He also offered valuable advice to young people, emphasising the importance of staying true to oneself, working hard, and maintaining faith.

    The singer’s words of wisdom come as no surprise, given his own journey to success.

  • Ojude Oba returns with vibrant colours, glamour

    Ojude Oba returns with vibrant colours, glamour

    The 2025 Ojude Oba festival has kicked off in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, bringing together people from all walks of life. 

    This annual celebration, which dates back to the 19th century, is a revered tradition where the people of Ijebu pay homage to their monarch, the Awujale of Ijebuland. 

    The festival’s origins are rooted in the Muslim community’s gratitude to the Awujale for allowing them to practice their faith freely.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s deliverance will not come from Aso Rock, Archbishop Bassey declares

    During the festival, various age groups, known as ‘regberegbe’, showcase vibrant displays of traditional attire, while horse-riding competitions and rich cultural performances add to the excitement. 

    The event showcases the community’s heritage and unity, highlighting the beauty of Yoruba culture through music, dance, and art.