The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya celebrates fifth wedding anniversary

The union between Taiwo Odukoya and his South African wife, Nomthi, seems to personify bliss. In five years, the love birds have grown together, faced and conquered challenges together and remain as one of Nigeria’s most enviable couples in the Christian community.

On January 5, the love birds celebrated their 5th wedding anniversary. Taiwo Odukoya, founder of the Fountain of Life Church, found love again five years ago in the soothing embrace of Nomthi after he lost his late wife, Bimbo Odukoya in a plane crash on December 10, 2005. Bimbo died with 102 other passengers of a Sosoliso aircraft.

Time indeed heals all wounds. Five years after the incident that rocked the nation to it very foundation and set members of the Fountain of Life Ministry mourning for months, Taiwo mended his broken heart and tied the nuptial knot with Rosemary Simangele Zule. Their union has produced two boys.

Aside being a Pentecostal pastor, Taiwo is a public speaker and an author. His stunning wife took to Instagram to express the marital delight she has enjoyed for five years, saying: “I want to thank God today that we are celebrating our fifth wedding anniversary. God has taught me so many things in this past five years, amongst which is the fact that there are some blessings that come with marriage.

“The truth is that God put some gifts in me but I had to wait until I got married to realize them. Marriage also comes with its trails but always know that you are fighting from a victory point. Every battle has been won before it presents itself to you.”

January 10, 2015
Jennifer Obayuwana engaged at last

If you have a chance to ride a horse in the bowels of one of the flower girls of high society, Jennifer Obayuwana, at the moment, it is unlikely that you would miss a step. After years of her reign as one of the most colourful bachelorettes on the Nigerian social scene, the daughter of Polo boss and billionaire businessman, John Obayuwana, has finally located her missing half.

On December 31 last year, the true definition of ‘classy engagement’ found expression as her boyfriend of nine months, Peter Salah, rented a room at Eko Signature, created an ambience of romance, went down on one knee and ornamented Jennifer’s finger with a canary yellow diamond ring.

It is no news that the 33-year-old mother of one has enjoyed the company of some Lagos big boys before now, and they were believed to include popular music act, Dbanj. But it would seem that her days of broken relationships are finally over.

January 10, 2015
Friends, associates grieve over Adunni Bankole

It has been one week since the Lagos socialite, Chief (Mrs) Aduni Bankole passed on after remaining in coma for five days, but the social circle is still in grief over her departure.

The death of the wife of popular Ogun politician, Chief Olayiwola Alani Bankole, and step mother of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Saburi Bankole, last Saturday coincided with the wedding of her daughter.

Family members, friends and associates have since remained inconsolable over the death of the socialite popularly called Iya Rere (good mother) by her admirers. In 2011, she had cheated death by surviving a heart attack. Two years later, her health deteriorated again and she had to abandon the social scene for some time.

January 10, 2015
Yeye Bola Dare bounces back

Apart from her remarkable skill in developing and maintaining lasting relationships with the first ladies of Nigeria, Yeye Bola Dare seems to have the Midas touch as she effortlessly transforms every deal to a goldmine.

Whenever a need arises to count iconic African women, the Abuja-based socialite cannot be inked out. The Osun State-born power broker is a grassroots woman who is no stranger to Aso Rock. She has since realised the huge benefits that come with being connected to the President. Expectedly, Dare is riding the crest of good times as evident in her new acquisitions. Her newly acquired magnificent building at AIT Junction in Asokoro, Abuja, is regarded as an artistic and architectural masterpiece.

The bigwig was a close friend of Turai, wife of the late former President Umar Yar’Adua. With the death of the former president, Yeye Bola almost lost her ties with the Presidency. Before long, another door opened. She keyed into the aspirations of the Jonathan family and this culminated in her close ties with the First Lady, Patience Jonathan. It has been a jolly good ride for Yeye Bola ever since. The female amazon was recently appointed the Director of Strategy and Logistics of the Goodluck Support Group (GSG).

She is also reputed as a philanthropist with a soft spot for orphans. She founded Mother Theresa Children’s Home in Abuja and has helped to transform the lives of many homeless children.

January 10, 2015
Sadiq Daba, Oge Okoye, Ivie Okujaiye in new Africa Magic drama

A new television drama series, Hotel Majestic, was premiered Monday on Africa Magic. Starring Sadiq Daba, Oge Okoye, Ivie Okujaiye, the sitcom focuses on the Emeni family, as they fight each other to protect a hotel that has been in their family for decades.

The hotel, which is situated in a beautiful and flawless riverside community in Nigeria, has been in the family since the late 1800’s, and is currently run by the children of the original owner, running into the fourth generation.

Regional Director, M-Net (West), Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu, describes Hotel Majestic as yet another addition to the content line up on Africa Magic. “This new and exciting telenovella features a fresh storyline and the cast, an impressive mix of established and up and coming names in Nollywood, brings to life, all the intrigue, suspense, ambition, betrayal and love that make it a must-watch,” Wangi said.

Other cast members of the movie include the likes of Gloria Young, Tina Mba, Bukky Ajayi and Anne Njemanze. The telenovella also features Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) nominee Ivie Okujaye, playing Alero, in the lead role.

January 9, 2015
Producers rebrand Coke with names of celebritries

Coca-Cola Nigeria, in its launch of the much-anticipated ‘Share a Coke’ campaign, has revealed that it is complementing its iconic logo with popular names in Nigeria.

These name imprints are expected to appear on all its packaging, including returnable glass bottles, disposable cans and PET bottles, from January 10.

“By swapping our iconic Coca-Cola logo with personal names, we give all our consumers a unique opportunity to connect and share their personalised Coke with the people who matter the most to them- friends, family and loved ones, either in person, or virtually,” said Patricia Jemibewon, Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited.

Jemibewon, who was speaking during the media launch of the campaign at the Protea Hotel, GRA, Lagos, Wednesday, noted that ‘Share a Coke’ transforms the global Coca-Cola brand into a special, personal experience for consumers of the brand.

She added that consumers who are unable to find their names in-store will have the chance to create their own personalised Coke, during the nationwide activation which will commence February 2.

According to her, the campaign recognises Nigeria’s culture and diversity as 600 popular names have been selected from the rich array of names across the various regions of Nigeria.

“‘Share a Coke’ does not only reinforce our ongoing commitment to refresh the world, but also to inspire shared moments of optimism and happiness,” she added.

The ‘Share a Coke’ campaign was first introduced in Australia in 2011. Since then, the company has replicated the experience in over 50 countries around the world, including New Zealand, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Great Britain, Turkey, Germany, Spain and Chile.

January 9, 2015
Mercy Johnson apologises to fans over poor dressing

Last year saw Nollywood star actress, Mercy Johnson, receiving several flaks from fans and fashion enthusiasts over what was considered the actress’ poor sense of style. Popular designer, Emmy Collins, was one of those who publicly scolded the actress, calling her ‘tacky’ for not dressing in a way befitting of a celebrity. His comment followed a circulated picture of Mercy that was tagged ‘sexy’.

“Mercy Johnson looks so cheap here that if cheap were to be animated today, it would most definitely not want to be associated with Mercy Johnson…I don’t even know where to start or end; the N3k Tejuosho dress, akpola shoes, the ‘mgbekerish’ pose, the walls behind her, foot mat, et al, yet some bloggers deemed it appropriate to tag this picture right here “sexy”. Kai, sexy don suffer ni…” These were some of the words used by Emmy, to describe the actress in his article.

Interestingly, Johnson, who is never known for throwing tantrums, decided to use the new year to address the issue. Rather than make excuses for her shortcoming, the actress has vowed to work on her sense of style. She pleaded with her fans to understand that she is just like any other human being, who learns from shortcomings and make improvements.

She said: “As per the style, I have received all your complaints and I will try and improve, but please, do not forget I am just a down-to-earth-girl-next-door. Thank you.”

In the same New Year message where Mercy addressed the issue of her dressing, she thanked her fans, producers and marketers for showering her with love over the years, while also adding that her husband had been very supportive of her career.

“I want to also say a very big thank you to my husband for giving me room to fly. Some men out there would probably have clipped my wings, but Odi is not some kind of man. I want to say thank you for being so supportive and understanding,” she said.

January 9, 2015
Rift between Cynthia Morgan, Queen Ure heightens

Following a court injunction preventing music artiste, Cynthia Morgan from using the song title, Popori, a title similar to the one first used by fellow singer, Queen Ure, tagged Porpori, there appears to be an uneasy calm, as the former is not taking the court order in good fate.

Putting her words on the social media, Morgan said: “I was going to keep quiet about this so-called Queen Ure’s madness, now I see she isn’t worth it. First of all, I never knew that this lady existed because, obviously, she is not my generation. I bet she started singing in the 1980s. My mum doesn’t even know you because you weren’t relevant in your time not to talk of now. First Poporiis a slang from the South where I hail from. Now madam, you are saying you own the word…You are a failed artiste.”

Although Ure had claimed the word, Porpori, is her coinage, Morgan said her own version, Popori, is a common slang in the South-South which does not need to be copyrighted. She likened the word to ‘love’, explaining that it is ridiculous for anyone to claim ownership of the word, ‘love’. She also condemned the judgement in unprintable words.

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagaos, had, on December 29, 2014 passed an injunction restraining the airplay and distribution of the song on account of copyrighted title.

Queen Ure’s first video which was released in November 2012, was titled Porpori. Her 15-track album which she released the following month was also titled Porpori.

Going by the title of the songs which sound alike, the court reasoned that Morgan, an artiste under Jude Okoye’s label, cannot continue with that title, as it amounted to passoff.

Things however took a new turn Wednesday morning, when Morgan lashed at Ure on her Instagram page, stating her obvious displeasure.

“You want attention, get your nudes out like you always send to young boys…I know your story and it is super,” she ranted.

January 9, 2015
‘What Tuface told me about women,’ by Saviour Oldskul

Saviour Akpiri, aka Saviour Oldskul, is relatively new to the entertainment world, but he has had the privilege of rocking the same stage with some of the biggest comedians and dancers in the industry.

A member of the defunct comedy/dance group, Oldskul Naija, the entertainer said although he has performed alongside top artistes, one of his best encounters was working with pop singer, 2Face Idibia.

In a recent interview, Oldskul, a graduate of Mass Communication from the Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu, spoke about his journey into comedy, his encounter with 2Face among other interesting issues.

“I remember the piece of advice 2Face gave to me the last time we were together. He said a lot about life and I almost cried. He told me that I have to be humble, loyal and gentle to females, because they can bring me down when they want. He also said I have to be very faithful to my woman, which I have always done. I love my woman so much that she will soon be my wife by the special grace of God. I pray that any other woman will not come and destroy what she has worked for and what we have built for some years now,” the artiste said.

As a result of 2face’s advice, he said he had come to respect women so much, especially because they have really helped his career in a great way.

January 9, 2015
AFRIFF Red Carpet Photos

For the last edition of the annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) which took place in Calabar, Cross River State, the opening and closing ceremonies are special segments of the week-long event, which celebrities usually look forward to. The Nation gathered that Nollywood actors and actresses usually shop for what to wear, far ahead of the event. Here are some of the celebrities’ trendy looks at Calabar Cultural Center, venue of last year’s closing event.

Chinedu Ikedieze

Blossom Chukwujekwu

Rita Dominic

Tonia Nwajiugo with the ushers

South African actress, Xolile Tshabalala

Kunle Afolayan being interviewed on the red carpet

Ushers

Mo Abudu (1)

Linda Ejiofor

January 5, 2015