The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Celebrities congratulate Mercy Johnson on hubby’s electoral win

    Celebrities congratulate Mercy Johnson on hubby’s electoral win

    Celebrities have massively congratulated actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie on her hubby, Prince Odianosen Okojie’s success at Saturday’s National Assembly elections.

    The politician fondly referred to as Prince Odi won the House of Representatives seat under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to represent Esan North-East/Esan South-East federal constituency.

    Commemorating her hubby’s triumph, the mother of four shared a video that captured them and well-wishers dancing to a victory song.
    In the video, they also visited the palace of the monarch of Uromi kingdom to appreciate him for his contribution to their success.
    She also expressed gratitude to the people for trusting her hubby to duly represent their interest in Abuja.

    Captioning the video, the ace film star wrote: “Congratulations to @princeodiokojie ….it was a huge win and The people of agbazilo have spoken….You will always Lead right and the people will trust and always stand by you.

    “The youths, women and men stood strongly behind him…Agbazilo bha Obulu oooo.

    “Our special gratitude to “The Ojuromi Of Uromi Kingdom”
    HRM Anslem Edenojie

    Read Also ; Release details of how Whitney died, Mercy Johnson urges Chrisland school

    Felicitating with Mercy and hubby on their victory, celebrities hit the comment section of the post to drop off congratulatory messages.

    Regina Daniels said: “Big congratulations mami.”

    Mercy Aigbe wrote: “Congratulations.”

    Babarex stated: “Big congratulations,”

    Mo Bimpe said: “Big congratulations my woman.”

    Uche Elendu wrote: “This one too sweet me ooooooo… congratulations my honourable Inlaw…well deserved … we won.”

    Chizzy Alichi stated: “Congratulations.”

    Ufuoma Mcdermott said: “Tell bros I’m sending over a white male goat!”

    Etinosa Idemudia wrote: “Congratulations my very good sister.”

    Esther Ene stated: “Congratulations sis.”

    Shaffy Bello said: “Congratulations.”

    Real Warri Pikin wrote: “Wow Beautiful. Congratulations.”

    Zicsaloma stated: “congrats.”

    Mimi Orjiekweng said: “Congratulations.”

    Olayode Juliana wrote: “Congratulations, it’s the joy of the people for me.”

  • Dino has so much nuisance value – Cubana Chief Priest

    Dino has so much nuisance value – Cubana Chief Priest

    Celebrity barman and hospitality boss Cubana Chief Priest has employed sarcasm in hailing the Peoples Democratic Party spokesperson, Dino Melaye.

    Melaye, who’s one of the PDP agents at the collation centre in Abuja challenged the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu.

    He caused a stir when he fiercely insisted that the INEC Chairman must not accept the results of Ekiti, alleging that there were incidents of over-voting and electoral irregularities.

    Melaye also said the results presented at the national collation centre weren’t uploaded on the commission’s Results Viewing Portal (IReV) and was immediately supported by other party agents.

    Yakubu, at first, entertained Melaye’s complaints but the former lawmaker sprang up and demanded that the presentation of results by state collation officers for the presidential election (SCOPs) did not in any way translate to the declaration of results by INEC.

    Mahmood, however, overruled Melaye and ratified the result presented by the SCOPs for Kwara and asked those of Ondo and Osun to proceed with their results.

    Read Also ;Dino mobilises agents to walk out on collation of presidential results

    However, Melaye left his seat, stormed the arena right before the INEC chairman, and ranted that the results presented by the SCOPs won’t be accepted by his party.

    “You are being disruptive,” Mahmood instantly cautioned Melaye and announced a one-hour break.

    While the break was on, Melaye decided to mobilise other party agents to lend their voices against the election results, suggesting that they staged a walkout of the collation if INEC failed to abide by their bidding.

    Remarking on the former National Assembly member move, Cubana Chief Priest saluted him for being a ‘correct politician’, urging him to keep boasting the morale of other party agents.

    Still praising Melaye albeit in a sarcastic manner, Dr. Ezemuo noted he possessed a lot of ‘nuisance value’.

    Chief Priest said: “Dino dey mobilise! Mobilise all other party agents. Load their morale, Dino. Confirm!!! But no be Atiku go win o!!

    “@dinomelaye Don Dey Mobilize Other Party Agents To Raise The Volume Of Their Voices As Dem Don Go Break, Correct Politician. He Has So Much Nuisance Value. Peter Obi Is Coming !!!”

  • Politicians can’t rig elections without INEC – Ruth Kadiri

    Politicians can’t rig elections without INEC – Ruth Kadiri

    Actress Ruth Kadiri-Ezerika has said it’s almost impossible for politicians to rig elections without the help of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    She accused the electoral commission of being excessively fraudulent and corrupt.

    In a video, the mother of two demanded INEC released exact results according to polling units.

    The film star stated that election rigging would not be accepted by the people this year, warning they’ll sue the commission if they did.

    She said: “INEC has proven to be the most fraudulent, corrupt, in fact; politicians cannot rig election without INEC.

    Read Also : Only a ‘mumu man’ gets snatched by lover’s friend – Ruth Kadiri

    “I wonder how we have missed the point all this while. Politicians cannot rig elections without INEC.

    “You know, everybody has their polling unit, they created these polling units. They will not come and tell us Amuwo Odofin. No! No!!

    “I know the number of my polling unit. How many APC is, how many Labour Party is, how many PDP. So, the same way with every other person.

    “So, if INEC is giving us result, they should give us results based on our polling units.

    “The worst that can happen is if they say XYZ number of votes ineligible. But you cannot tell me when I know Labour Party won, you’re now putting APC as the head.

    “This rigging of election this year will not work. We will sue INEC. Make we dey go court.”

  • Kolawole rebukes curses on children over wife’s preferred presidential candidate

    Kolawole rebukes curses on children over wife’s preferred presidential candidate

    Actor Kolawole Ajeyemi, has rebuked the curses laid on his children as a result of his wife, Toyin Abraham’s preferred presidential candidate.

    The actress had publicly endorsed the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Following her public declaration for the former Lagos Governor, critics have continued to lash with some going the extra mile to lay curses on her children.

    Reacting to curses, the actress’ hubby did not only rebuke them but also wished same for the senders.

    Read Also ; Elated Toyin Abraham meets Tinubu, says Jagaban is coming

    He wrote: “Good day everybody, it’s not like I asked anyone of you to vote for any candidate or campaigned for any party and the fact that my wife is supporting a specific party doesn’t mean that I’m supporting her”, he wrote.

    “So, those of you laying curses on my children, I rebuke it all and I wish you all the same. And I repeat, I did not campaign for any candidate.”

  • Akah Nnani: I shield my family away from public

    Akah Nnani: I shield my family away from public

    Akah Nnani is a Nigerian actor, TV host, content creator, and YouTuber. He reached his acclaimed fame after he featured in the highly successful film by Biola Alabi, Banana Island Ghost. His supporting role in the film earned him a nomination at the 14th, and 15th editions of The AMA Awards in the Best Actor in a Supporting Role category in 2018 and 2019. In 2022, again, Nnani got another AMAA nomination for his role in Bolanle Austen Peters’ film, ‘Man Of God’, which premiered on Netflix. In this interview with The Nation’s ‘TUNRAYO ILESANMI, he spoke on his career, roles and family.

    Tell us about your role in the award-winning film, Man of God where you had to depict so much?

    I played the role of a character called Sam and I think that the character basically reflects someone everybody can relate with. Everyone somehow is related to a Pastor or knows someone who knows a Pastor and the character depicted someone we could recognize in the society. The script was about something that happens in our day to day lives. Someone can definitely relate with the character ‘Sam’. It feels like we are dealing with lots of false prophets or pastors who have taken advantage of others because of their kind of position and especially because of the type of country we are, our political leaders also do the same thing so it’s not just excluded to Pastors alone, politicians also take advantage of positions and abuse it. Parents are also guilty of this by taking opportunity and not treating people with respect. So the movie was targeted at taking a deeper look at what’s happening in the church and in some church circles.

    What was the most difficult part of interpreting that role?

    The most difficult part of interpreting my role as Sam was not having enough time to prepare for my Fela act. I have always respected Fela and everything but I have not really been his huge fan. I do not exactly listen to his music but for that film, I  had to delve deep and be like him. I wanted to represent that character well. It was such a huge character and also a huge personality in real life. I did not want to miss the mark. I know he has a lot of fans and those fans are very strong, they don’t joke with the musical legend. I did not want to be a disservice to him or his fans. The producer is also a huge fan of Fela so while on set, I had to prove to her that I could do it.

    What determines the role you take?

    It has to be a story that I believe in what the agenda is, point and role of the script. What character I play also to a large extent determines the role I take. If I also respect the producer and production team and want to work with them, I would take the role. It has to be a good story that has values and I believe in the message it portrays.

    As a married man, how have you been able to successfully shield your family out of the public eye?

    Basically, by not giving too much or trying to do too much. I don’t talk too much online. I don’t share my daughter’s image online until she grows and gives me permission to do so. I document my daughter and family life and I don’t have to share with the world. What I share with the world is what I have agreed with my wife.

    For you, what determines success?

    Success is being able to touch people’s lives while having an impact in the society and also in people’s hearts. For me, success is when God says well done. It has nothing to do with how many movies I do or how much is in my bank account. I feel like when I am able to be of service to humanity and God, and do what God wants me to do, that’s success. Also, when I set a goal and I achieve it, no matter how small, that is success.

    Stage plays, TV series or film, which would you say is most rewarding financially and which one is the most tasking?

    For me, film is the most rewarding financially while stage play is the most tasking. It also depends because TV series like Africa Magic series of over 200 episodes are a lot of tasks. Going on set everyday is very tasking. Generally, stage plays are very tasking and require huge commitments.

    Have you ever used your  fame to get anything free? If yes, what was it? It is not always intentional but I could go to the supermarket and someone would pay for my groceries. This has happened more than once but it was not intentional. Also going to the supermarket and not getting my ATM in time and maybe because I am a known face, I am allowed to pay later.

    What are the disadvantages of being famous?

    Well basically, I would say my normality was taken away from me, I don’t have it anymore, I can not show up at public places like I would like to or even go to the beach with my family. I also cannot go to crowded places with my family. I can’t even go to the supermarket with my Pyjamas or slippers anymore or even the market. Even the ‘agberos’ know my name, it’s crazy!

    What level do you aspire to get to in acting?

    Well, to be Nigeria’s number 1 not just in number but in quality. I want to be the face that draws people the most to cinemas in Africa and to Hollywood. I want Hollywood to see me and want to work with me because I am good. I want people to want to work with me because they trust my work and craft.

    What’s the most challenging thing about being an actor?

    I would say maybe getting a script and feeling at first I can’t crack the character, that could be very challenging. Also breaking down a character and getting that character into your body could be hard sometimes.

    How has being an actor changed your perspective about life?

    I would not say being an actor has changed my perspective about life, I would say acting is work for me. The way a banker and an engineer goes to work everyday is the same way acting is for me. Acting is just something I love to do.

    As a married man, how do you deal with the opposite sex?

    I deal with the opposite sex with respect and also acknowledge the fact that I am a married man and do what is expected of me.

    I just respect myself as well as the other person and also respect my wife and I think that gives me different layers of boundaries. I also do not objectify. When you talk to me, you very much know I am not objectifying you.

  • Kate Henshaw bashes INEC over poll

    Kate Henshaw bashes INEC over poll

    Actress Kate Henshaw has expressed disappointment over her inability to vote.

    The respected actress complained the Bimodal Voter Accreditation (BVAS) could not recognise her though her name was on the list and INEC official website.

    “INEC, I registered, I transferred my card. I picked up my PVC now your BVAS is saying I’m not registered but I have seen my name on the register on the wall and on your website,” Henshaw said in a video shared on social media.

    Read Also ; Kate Henshaw, Okanlawon others canvass turnout at poll

    “What are you guys doing? It’s like you people want problems with me. CNN, BBC, anybody watching this video from outside the country, INEC is playing games, it’s not just me but there are so many people here who have not been found on the Bivas, please whoever is in charge of Inec Lagos needs to come and sort it out in the polling unit here, I beg you.”

  • OJ Posharella: We’ve strong personalities as Real Housewives of Abuja

    OJ Posharella: We’ve strong personalities as Real Housewives of Abuja

    OJ Posharella, one of the cast of Real Housewives of Abuja has opined that the reality TV show has five strong personalities.

    In a recent chat with The Nation, OJ Posharella said she wants fans and viewers of the show to know that they are about to change the narrative that the Abuja edition is better than other franchises.

    “I want people to know that we have vibes, we have strong personalities. We have all sets of women. We can do fashion as well. We are intelligent, we are strong. We have it all going on because everyone you see how Lagos people are like, Abuja, that kind of just the same thing. We just changed the narrative, I guess,” she said.

    In the same vein, another member of the cast, Arafa said, “I think one thing I want people to take away would be never judge a book by its cover. Yeah, that’s the one thing. Never judge a book by its cover. People think Abuja is very mellow, low key. Especially going into this, a lot of people were like, oh, I don’t think Abuja has anything to offer, but we have a lot to offer. So basically, never judge a book by its cover.”

  • Nigerians still find way to laugh amid hardship, says Mc Fantasy

    Nigerians still find way to laugh amid hardship, says Mc Fantasy

    NIGERIAN comedian, Samson Adeleke, aka Mc Fantasy, has commended citizens for still finding a way to laugh, despite the hardship in the country.

    In a recent chat, Mc Fantasy said that comedy was the only thing that would keep Nigerians together at the moment.

    “If not, some people would have lost their minds. Comedy is the only therapy that is helping us with the current situation going on in Nigeria. Even the politicians themselves are comedians. Our leaders are indeed acting more like comedians than doing what we voted them to

    do,” he said.

    Continuing, Mc Fantasy said, “In the midst of the hardship, people still find a way to laugh with content and that is why apps on social media like Instagram and Tiktok Facebook are getting more popular and entertaining,“ he said.

    The comedian, who had shared the stage with the likes of Ali Baba in Chicago, also urged Nigerian comedians to grow beyond the shores of the country by collaborating with their colleagues across the globe.

    “Being in America is an eye-opener for me and seeing the good efforts put in by

    comedians. Americans receive our jokes very well, they are very attentive to jokes, so they get jokes easily and you sometimes don’t stress yourself.

    “Americans don’t have that much problem in their life, as long as they can relate to it, our

    gesticulations especially, make them laugh easily. Comedy structure can be improved in Nigeria basically by trying to bring bigger international comedians, the likes of Trevor Noah, Kelvin Hart, Dave Chappelle in Nigeria, that way it will be easier to collaborate. I think collaboration with international artists is just the best way to help the comedy structure,” he said.

    Mc Fantasy also urged Nigerians to vote for the most credible candidate in the forthcoming elections saying “With the 2023 general elections already here, Nigerians should vote for the most credible candidate, irrespective of tribe or religion. Nigerians should vote for the candidates of their choice, by what their manifesto presents rather than the gifts they tend to get.”

  • Nigerian animator selected for 2023 Durban FilmMart

    Nigerian animator selected for 2023 Durban FilmMart

    CHEKWUBE Okonkwo’s ‘The Passport of Mallam Ilia’ has been selected for the 2023 Durban FilmMart.

    The animation, which is produced by Ferdinand Adimefe joins six other animations from South Africa, Egypt, Kenya and Tunisia in the 2023 edition of the annual Durban FilmMart (DFM).

    Other animations selected for the festival are ‘Azania Rises: Season 1’ from South Africa, ‘Boy Boi’ from Kenya, ‘Between heaven and earth’ from Tunisia, ‘my BIG name’ from South Africa, ‘Naledi,’ from South Africa, ‘Spiky to the Core’ from Egypt, and ‘Sola’ from South Africa.

    According to the organisers of DFM, the film market is perfectly placed to provide a platform for animation content creators to meet potential collaborators and financiers, thereby contributing to the continuing growth of animation on the continent.  

    Each team has been assigned an individual mentor who will give them the tools to pitch and the confidence to navigate the market, which includes one on one meetings with decision-makers from across the world. In addition, each team has access to an 8 week masterclass series,  after which the selected teams will then be invited to participate in the Road to Annecy Animation Incubation Programme.

  • Jaypee: I was more of celebrity than Lukay

    Jaypee: I was more of celebrity than Lukay

    JAYPEE, one of the 12 Nigerian housemates that participated in the ongoing BBTitans has shared her experience in the house, which is situated in South Africa.

    After her eviction, Jaypee said the Saturday night parties were some of the high moments she enjoyed most in the house.

    “The high for me was the party; I was always referred to as the life of the party even outside the house. Making friends and connecting with people in the house as well as the games, getting into the arena was always a vibe for me and a huge deal.”

    Continuing, she said, “My lows would be the fact that I had to be in the arena every morning for the exercise. I felt isolated many times, also anytime I came close to winning any game and maybe the head of the house challenge and I lost with a narrow margin.

    Jaypee was paired with a South African housemate, Lukay during her stay in the house. On her thoughts about the pairing, Jaypee said she believed she would have stayed longer if she wasn’t paired.

    “I believe that if we were not paired, we would probably have stayed longer in the house. For starters, I will say that I was more of a celebrity than my partner Lukay is, and had more points than he does. So, if I was standing alone, I would have stayed longer in the house. However, I feel the pairing made it easy for other housemates to eliminate the housemates they saw as threats,” she said.

    Jaypee also spoke on her observation of the remaining housemates saying, “If Kanaga jnr continues with his strategy,  manipulativeness and his calculative moves, I think he just might win the show. It’s not like I want him to win the show though. Honestly, I am rooting for Ebubu, he deserves this win because he is a true hustler. So, if he could really get far, it will be amazing to see him win.”