The Nation Newspaper

Category: Celebrity

  • Advocacy film on albinism premieres

    Advocacy film on albinism premieres

    Athematic film – ‘Beyond the Complexion’ – which advocates against the stigma and discrimination associated with albinism has premiered at Pefti Film Institute, Lagos.

    The film which features Nollywood stars like Saheed Balogun, Ayo Adesanya, Olatunji Amin and Similoluwa Hassan was produced by Onome Akinlolu Majaro Foundation (OAM) and Ada Ossai Production and aims to enlighten that albinism is purely a genetic condition.

    The film made by Michael Azano is an adaptation of a true life story, which attempts to put in perspective myths and misconceptions of albinism. It also throws a light on the trials and triumphs of persons living with albinism, emphasising that albinism is a disorder in which a person has partial or complete loss of pigmentation (colouring) of the skin, eyes and hair. Genetic mutations affect the production of a pigment called melanin and there is a cell called the melanocyte that is responsible for giving skin, hair, and eyes pigmentation.

    At the premiere, Ossai who is also a Person With Albinism, (PWA) said the short film shows the resilience of the Albino child when encouraged by family and the society. Ossai says her growing up was full of challenges as a PWA. She explained that albinism is a range of disorders varying in severity and has no spiritual link. Statistics available have shown that the condition affects an estimated one in 17,000 people globally.

    Speaking on what inspired the movie, Ossai said: “The discrimination and stigmatisation against persons with albinism is so much in our society. And this has to stop. In terms of relationship, the men really show you love but it is their family that rejects and insists on the rejection.”

    Co-producer, Miss Onome Majaro says the specific message in the film is that albinism is a genetic condition and not witchcraft, or as a result of infidelity.

    “It is purely in the gene,” she said.

    “One of the parents has to be carrier for you to have an albino child, that is the specific message, and we are also trying to say that albinos deserve love and respect; albinos can do anything they set their mind to achieve.

    “We are using ‘Beyond the Complexion’ to create awareness; we are not selling it. Eventually, we will put it on the Youtube for anyone that may be interested in watching it.”

    Commending PEFTI for its assistance on the film, Onome’s mother, Mrs. Rita Okagbare, said: “Although it was expensive, I am glad it is successful. I commend Pefti for its assistance. I will also encourage parents with albino children to care and love them as they are special gifts from God.  When these children are not loved by their parents, others will begin to treat them badly but when they are loved by their parents, people outside will love and respect them as well.

    “Parents of children living with albinism also need to understand that the sun is the number one enemy of their child. Once the sun can be avoided, 80% of the job is actually done. Their eyes also need to be taken care of. Parents should also ensure that their children have a good self-esteem.”

  • Shina Peller celebrates mum at 70

    Shina Peller celebrates mum at 70

    For Alhaja Silifat Adeboyin Peller, the head honcho of Popular Lagos hangout Club, Quilox, Shina Peller is a beloved son in whom she is most pleased. Ever since her husband, the renowned magician, Professor Peller, passed on, Shina has taken up the mantle of man of the house, catering to her every need and making sure she lacks nothing.

    Last week, the Aquila Records boss took his love and care to a whole new level when he threw a classy birthday shindig for his mother as she clocked 70. The high octane event held at the Gaso Event Centre in Ibadan on December 16 and overflowed with the crème de la crème of high society.

    In an act of homage to Madam Silifat for all her labour of love in the days of yore, the chairman Aquila Group of Companies pulled all the stops to make the day one to remember for his mother. Choice food and wine flowed freely as the hired bands dished out classic numbers for guests’ enjoyment.

  • Dangote, Otedola, others converge on Abuja for Dogara @ 50

    Dangote, Otedola, others converge on Abuja for Dogara @ 50

    The busy roads of Abuja parted like the Red Sea last Sunday as the blue blood of high society converged on the capital city for the beginning of the golden jubilee celebration of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Dogara.

    The spectacle of a hundred thunderclaps would hardly compare to the majesty on display as power brokers vied with dons and doyens of the private sector for bragging rights in a novelty football match that kicked off the birthday festivities. It was a sight to behold as deities among men huffed, puffed and whooped like mere mortals, while other deep-pocket spectators momentarily lost their heads to the rush of the occasion.

    On hand to chair the august event was the Chairman of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, ably assisted by the likes of Forte Oil boss Femi Otedola, Sam Iwuajoku and Oscar Onyema. Also in attendance were Senate President Bukola Saraki and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, among others. The proceeds of the novelty match will be channelled into helping internally displaced persons in the Northeast.

  • Omosede Igbinedion under attack

    Omosede Igbinedion under attack

    Omosede, a daughter of the Esama of Benin, Sir Gabriel Igbinedion, got the shock of her life a few days ago. Some unruly parents in her son’s school went berserk after accusing her of trying to intimidate them by driving into the school’s premises in her customised Rolls Royce.

    Although Omosede’s marriage to Benin prince, Aven Akenzua, collapsed like a badly-constructed building a couple years back, she retained custody of their only son, Prince Alexander Akenzua, who she had gone to pick him from school on the fateful day when she was ambushed by some women who were irked by her alleged decision to “show off” with her choice car.

    In an apparent fit of envy or inferiority complex, the women were said to have proceeded to abuse her with unprintable words. But the younger sibling of former Edo governor Lucky Igbinedion and member of the House of Representatives representing Ovie Federal Constituency, decide not to descend to the level of her attackers. Rather, she simply ignored them and zoomed off with her young son.

    However, the unsavoury incident has left her wondering what example the errant women were setting for their kids, some of whom were witnesses to it.

  • Tony Elumelu wows guests at Xmas party

    Tony Elumelu wows guests at Xmas party

    Last Saturday, those who thought they knew everything about billionaire businessman, Tony Elumelu, were shown the errors of their assumptions. It was at the annual UBA end of year Christmas party that the brilliant chair of Heirs Holdings and Group Chairman of UBA Group took to the stage to mesmerise staff and customers with a dance performance reminiscent of the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.

    The usually serious-looking Elumelu was in his elements as he paid a hilarious tribute to Michael Jackson with amazing footwork that reminded many of Jackson’s iconic dance steps. Not only did he nail the King of Pop’s unique style of dressing, including his trade mark hat and gloves, he also aped his mannerisms to the letter as he performed on stage.

    The cerebral banker had on numerous occasions publicly stated his love for the late pop icon and he took the opportunity of the bank’s end-of-year bash to show everyone just how much MJ means to him. The staff and customers who witnessed the amazing performance couldn’t have asked for a better way to usher out the waning year.

  • Abayomi Finnih mourns eldest son

    Abayomi Finnih mourns eldest son

    The best-laid plans of men are always at the mercy of the tides of fate. Sometimes, the plans, hopes and expectations are borne till journey’s end. At other times, they are overwhelmed by the vicissitudes of life, hence they sink into the depths.

    While popular obstetrician and gynaecologist, Dr Oluyomi Abayomi Finnih, was busy making plans to take his medical practice to the next level, the grim reaper was also busy concocting a bitter pot of pain for the family. Like a silent assassin, it snuffed out the precious life of their first son, Bolaji.

    The deceased was only 42 years old and was already making waves as one of the up and coming enterpreneurs in the country.

    Vibrant and vivacious, he founded TechPreneur Africa and co-founded the acclaimed Impact Hub Lagos, an incubation spot for global technological innovations.

    Since the sad incident occurred a few days ago, the chairman and Chief Medical Director of the famous Finnih Medical Centre, Ikeja, Lagos as well as other members of the family have been inconsolable.

  • Dele Belgore adopts low profile

    Dele Belgore adopts low profile

    Two-time governorship candidate in Kwara State, Muhammed Dele Belgore, has not only vanished from the political scene. He appears to have bid a hasty goodbye to the limelight and withdrawn into his  cocoon.

    Ever since he lost in his bid to rule the state, he has found solace in solitude. While he was once a fixture at high octane events in and around Ilorin, the state capital, these days, he seldom makes public appearances and is quick to slip away from the few ones he shows up at.

    As his disappearance from the social scene continues to generate whispers in some circles, some say he has vowed never again to step into the fire of political contests for fear of getting burnt. Others say he has learnt from his experience and is biding his time mapping out strategies to make sure that history does not repeat itself in 2019.

  • Ayo Karim joins guber race

    It is becoming a case of the more the merrier in the political terrain of Oyo State as one more distinguished son of the soil has thrown his rat in the ring in the race to replace Governor Abiola Ajimobi in Oyo State Government House come 2019.

    The new entrant is none other than the Chief Executive Officer of Costain Plc, Ayo Karim.

    The entry of the young man is basing his candidacy on the three pillars of competence, development and service.

    Not one to waste time on empty words, Karim has already launched the ‘Ayo Ni O’ movement to capture the hearts and minds of voters through empowerment initiatives which he hopes will give the electorate a taste of things to come should they choose him as their next governor.

  • ..as Victoria Awomolo turns 60

    ..as Victoria Awomolo turns 60

    While many are giving up on principles in pursuit of luxury, the love Mrs. Victoria Olufunmilayo Awomolo has for justice and equity remains as constant as the northern star. With nearly two decades of a distinguished career in the legal profession, she has built a reputation for honesty and total dedication to humanity. That much came to the fore at her 60th birthday celebration a few days ago, where the mother of four was celebrated and extolled by family and friends.

    In keeping with her core vision of giving back to the society, the erudite Senior Advocate of Nigeria, who is married to Asiwaju Gboyega Awomolo, also a SAN, went round the Abuja metropolis, visiting orphanages and motherless babies’ homes and helping to spread some Christmas cheer to the needy.

    Not content with merely aging gracefully, the soldier of justice and defender of the downtrodden is in no mood to slow down as she champions cases of injustice that come to her attention. In her own words, she has dedicated the remaining of her years “to God and humanity”.

  • Another giant stride for Nsima Ekere

    Another giant stride for Nsima Ekere

    Great leaders do not come around often. And when they do, it usually takes time for the rest of the world to acknowledge their greatness. This aptly captures the case of the Managing Director of Niger Delta Development Commission, Nsima Ekere, who is only just beginning to get the recognition his efforts have long deserved.

    He recently announced to a jubilant staff of the NDDC plans to finally move into their permanent head office in Port Harcourt next year, after decades of making do with a temporary head office.

    As part of his unquenchable desire to better the lot of the people of the Niger Delta region, Nsima has been at the forefront of the commission’s recent moves. Like an experienced driver navigating a familiar terrain, he has been steering the activities of the NDDC in a direction that is sure to yield the greatest possible dividends to his people.

    One of the fruits of this new direction is the recent partnership with SMEDAN to create jobs for the youths. Another is the impending N5 billion partnership with the Nigerian Import-Export Bank (NEXIM) to boost agriculture and SME development in the region. With all these moves, it is no wonder that Ekere is quickly becoming a symbol of hope to the people of the South-south.