The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Bimbo Oshin pays tribute to late husband four years after death

    Bimbo Oshin pays tribute to late husband four years after death

    Actress Bimbo Oshin has penned an emotional tribute to her late husband, Ola Ibironke, popularly known as Dudu Heritage, marking four years since his sudden passing.

    In a heartfelt Instagram post, Bimbo expressed how deeply she and their children still miss him, describing the void his absence has created in their lives as “unfillable.”

    She noted that while their children continue to grow stronger each day, they still yearn for their father’s love, guidance, and presence.

    Fondly recalling their shared laughter and conversations, the actress prayed for God’s mercy, forgiveness, and eternal peace for his soul.

    Read Also: Actress Bimbo Oshin pays tribute to late husband two years after

    She wrote, “My husband, exactly this time four years ago you left us but the pain of your absence remains as raw as ever. Our children miss their father, their guiding light, and their Hero. I miss our laughter, our conversations and our life together. Your absence has left an unfillable void in our lives, but we’re trying to navigate this new reality together.

    “The children grow stronger each day. Your love, guidance, and presence would mean the world to us right now. Though you’re gone, your memory lives on in our hearts. May God forgive you all your sins and continue to rest your precious soul Oko mi We love and miss you more than words can say Simi laya Jesu Olugbala wa DUDU HERITAGE!!! Your legacy lives on. we love you till eternity CAPO!!!”

    Dudu Heritage died on September 12, 2021, after collapsing while playing golf at the Ibadan Golf Club, an incident that led to the suspension of activities at the club.

    Bimbo and Dudu married in 2005 and had two children together, Michael and Iyanuoluwa. 

  • Jumoke Odetola defends Hilda Baci amid criticism of record-breaking jollof rice cookathon

    Jumoke Odetola defends Hilda Baci amid criticism of record-breaking jollof rice cookathon

    Actress Jumoke Odetola has spoken out in support of chef Hilda Baci after her record-breaking Jollof Rice festival came under criticism, as some critics claimed the food “wasn’t sweet.”

    In a post on Instagram, Jumoke described the backlash as “heartbreaking when negativity overshadows greatness,” stressing that pulling off such a feat requires immense courage as well as mental, emotional, psychological, and financial strength.

    She questioned why some people feel unsettled by another person’s success, especially that of a woman, urging critics to reflect on the reasons behind their reactions instead of tearing others down.

    She wrote, “The Jollof Rice no sweet. I have been angry since yesterday, and if I don’t express my thoughts, I won’t be fine.

    “It is heartbreaking when negativity overshadows greatness.

    Since yesterday, my timeline hasn’t rested, posts, and banters everywhere, people saying things like “e no sweet”, cooking na achievement? And I keep asking – what is going on with us? What has changed in our mindset as humans?

    “It takes real courage to attempt something extraordinary. It takes courage to dream big. But bringing that dream into reality takes even more than courage. It demands a whole lot of preparedness mentally, psychologically, emotionally, and financially.

    Read Also: Hilda Baci thanks supporters after record-breaking jollof rice cookathon

    “I have just been angry since yesterday. Go somewhere private, where no one can distract you. Place your right hand on your left chest. That’s where your heart beats. Now ask yourself, slowly but honestly:

    “Why am I triggered by the success of a woman trying to make a mark in her field?

    “Sit with that question. Your answer might just be the doorway to your healing.

    She prayed for God to give critics peace and happiness that surpass human understanding and heal them from past pains that may have led to bitterness and toxicity.

    “May God give us peace and happiness that surpass human understanding, and heal us from past pains that have transcended into bitterness, tox!city, and hatr€d”, she added.

  • How Sound Sultan’s death affected my music career, by Seyi Shay

    How Sound Sultan’s death affected my music career, by Seyi Shay

    Singer and songwriter Seyi Shay has revealed how the death of her mentor, Sound Sultan, deeply affected her music career and personal journey.

    In an interview with TVC, Seyi Shay described Sound Sultan, who passed away in 2021 after battling angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, as a father figure who played a pivotal role in her career. 

    She said his passing left her feeling lost and directionless.

    According to her, at the time of his death, she was filming Nigerian Idol and had to push through the project despite her grief. 

    What hurt her the most, she noted, was not getting to see him before he died, as she had planned to visit him in New York with a gift he had requested.

    She added that the loss, coupled with the toxic pressures of the music industry and intense public scrutiny, made her decide to take a step back from music. 

    The singer noted that around that period, she also discovered she was pregnant with her daughter, which further strengthened her decision.

    Read Also: Why I left my former church, by Seyi Shay

    Seyi Shay remembered Sound Sultan as a kind and supportive mentor who introduced her to key industry professionals and stood by her career from the start. 

    His death, she said, pushed her to prioritise her mental health and overall well-being.

    She said, “During the filming of Nigerian Idol, my mentor, also my best friend, who is like a father figure to me, and also the person who brought me to the Nigerian music industry, died. He passed away; Sound Sultan.

    “When I first came to Nigeria, I was living with him and his wife in FESTAC for a year. He was the one who co-signed me and introduced me to everybody in the industry to make sure that those who were his people look out for me.

    “So, when he passed away, it was really hard for me to complete the filming but I made it to the end. What hurt the most is that I didn’t get to see him before he passed away. I was supposed to fly to see him in New York that weekend when we had a break. He asked me to bring him something specifically. It just torn me apart. I felt like I didn’t have the will to continue to do music without Sound Sultan, my peace of mind, and my mental health. So, I decided to go on a little break.

    “Also, during that period, I got pregnant and I told myself there’s no way I’m going to have my child in the toxic music industry that I’m in and under the scrutiny that I was constantly under. So, I just thought I should take a break.”

  • Five2 Media’s Extra Mile wins best film by female filmmaker – Nollywood at TINFF 2025

    Five2 Media’s Extra Mile wins best film by female filmmaker – Nollywood at TINFF 2025

    Extra Mile, the inspiring feature film produced by Five2 Media and Entertainment, has been honoured with the Best Film by a Female Filmmaker – Nollywood award at the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival (TINFF) 2025.

    The powerful production, spearheaded by Executive Producer Solate Ovundah-Akarolo and produced by Joy Grant alongside Ovundah-Akarolo, captivated audiences and judges alike with its heartfelt storytelling, stellar performances, and innovative approach to Nollywood cinema.

    The win cements Five2 Media and Entertainment’s reputation as a force within Nollywood, reinforces the industry’s growing presence on the world stage, and highlights the creative power of women behind the camera.

    The film tells a stirring story about friendship and the choices that test it. Mercy Johnson, Jim Iyke, Lilian Esoro and other Nollywood veterans deliver performances that bring both weight and tenderness to the screen.

    What carries the film beyond its star power is its honesty, the way it explores betrayal and resilience with a clarity that is at once intimate and universal.

    Read Also: Seven nollywood stars who ventured into politics

    “TINFF’s recognition is an encouragement for female voices in Nollywood to keep breaking boundaries and telling stories that matter,” Producer Joy Grant said.

    The award was received on behalf of Five2 Media and Entertainment’s by Canada-based communications lead Oraye St. Franklyn, who conveyed the company’s gratitude and dedication of the award to every member of the cast and crew who worked tirelessly to bring the moving story to life.

    For the film’s Executive Producer Solate Ovundah-Akarolo, the award goes deeper than prestige. It signals a turning point for the industry, where female filmmakers are not only participating but leading and being celebrated for the powerful stories they tell. In Toronto, where African cinema and the diaspora meet an international audience, that message could not have been clearer.

    Nollywood has long commanded attention for its sheer output, but moments like this extend its reach into global cinema, opening doors to new audiences, wider distribution and fresh conversations. Extra Mile stands as proof that Nollywood stories travel well, carrying the weight of local realities while touching on themes that resonate across cultures globally.

    The award is not just a victory for one film or filmmaker. It is a marker of Nollywood’s steady rise and a reminder that when women step into the frame as storytellers, the view is broader, bolder and richer. Extra Mile is both a celebration of craft and a promise of what is yet to come.

    Among the galaxy of stars who attended the star-studded award and Gala event from across the world, were Nollywood’s Ayo Makun also known as AY and Julius Agwu.

  • Koyin wins week eight Head of House title in BBNaija season 10

    Koyin wins week eight Head of House title in BBNaija season 10

    Koyin has emerged as the Head of House (HOH) for week eight in Big Brother Naija Season 10.

    He outperformed fellow finalists Faith, Bright Morgan, Kola, Thelma Lawson, and Zita in a two-part competition that tested the patience of all 17 housemates.

    With his new role, Koyin gains a major strategic advantage in the game. 

    Read Also: Seven nollywood stars who ventured into politics

    He selected Jason Jae to share the privileges of the HOH lounge, a move that could reshape house dynamics.

    Koyin will hold the position until Monday, when the next challenge will decide whether he retains the title or passes it on to another housemate.

  • Seven nollywood stars who ventured into politics

    Seven nollywood stars who ventured into politics

    Nollywood is more than just a movie industry, it has become a springboard into diverse careers, including politics.

    Over the years, some of its biggest stars have stepped out of the spotlight to contest elections and take up public office, proving that their influence extends well beyond the screen.

    Here are seven Nollywood actors who made the leap into politics:

    1. Kate Henshaw

    In 2014, Kate Henshaw declared her intention to contest for the Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal Constituency seat under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She lost in the primaries.

    2. Funke Akindele

    Funke Akindele, popularly known in her popular film series, ‘Jenifa diary’, contested in the 2023 Lagos State gubernatorial election as the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but lost the election.

    3. Richard Mofe-Damijo 

    Richard Mofe-Damijo served as Delta State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism from 2009 to 2015 under Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan.

    Read Also: Be patient with Tinubu’s reforms, prosperity will come — Akpabio tells Nigerians

    4. Bob-Manuel Udokwu

    In 2022, Bob-Manuel Udokwu was appointed Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism to the Governor of Anambra State, Chukwuma Soludo.

    5. Kenneth Okonkwo

    Kenneth Okonkwo, known for his role in Living in Bondage, joined active politics and became a spokesperson for the Labour Party during the 2023 presidential campaign.

    6. Desmond Elliot

    Desmond Elliot was elected as a lawmaker into the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2015 to represent Surulere Constituency 1. He was re-elected in 2019 and continues to serve in the Assembly.

    7. Tony Muonagor

    Tony Muonagor, popularly known as Tony One Week, was elected into the Anambra State House of Assembly in 2011 to represent Idemili North Constituency.

  • BREAKING: Tracy Evicted from Big Brother Naija Season 10

    BREAKING: Tracy Evicted from Big Brother Naija Season 10

    Tracy has become the latest housemate to be evicted from Big Brother Naija Season 10, following a tense week marked by the dramatic search for an immunity card that left 14 housemates up for possible eviction.

    Her exit came shortly after Denari’s eviction, making her the second housemate to leave the show tonight.

    Kaybobo emerged as the ‘Most Influential’ housemate for week six, securing his safety, while Head of House Thelma Lawson and three fake evictees, Rooboy, Dede, and Joanna, were also spared.

    Read Also: BBNAIJA S10: Faith crowned ‘Most Influential’ housemate for second time

    Despite her efforts to remain in the competition, Tracy received the lowest number of votes, sealing her fate.

    With her departure, the remaining housemates will now be forced to rethink their strategies as the battle for the grand prize intensifies.

    As the show progresses, alliances will be tested, new ones may emerge, and the pressure to survive each eviction will only grow stronger.

  • BBNAIJA S10: Faith crowned ‘Most Influential’ housemate for second time

    BBNAIJA S10: Faith crowned ‘Most Influential’ housemate for second time

    Faith has been crowned the “Most Influential Player” in the Big Brother Naija house for the second time.

    This is a proof of his exceptional skills and contributions to the game.

    His fellow housemates voted for him based on his energy, effort, and entertainment value, recognising his impact on tasks, house chores, and overall competitiveness.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Denari evicted from BBNaija ‘10/10’

    The recognition not only highlights Faith’s strengths as a housemate but also secures his position in the house for another week.

    With his influential status, Faith continues to be a key player in the competition, shaping the dynamics of the house and navigating the challenges that lie ahead.

  • BREAKING: Denari evicted from BBNaija ‘10/10’

    BREAKING: Denari evicted from BBNaija ‘10/10’

    Denari has been evicted from Big Brother Naija season 10.

    Following a dramatic search for an immunity card, 14 housemates were put up for possible eviction, and Denari ultimately became the latest housemate to leave the show.

    The eviction came after Kaybobo became the ‘Most Influential’ housemate for week six, securing his spot in the house for another week.

    However, Thelma Lawson, the Head of House, and three fake evictees, Rooboy, Dede and Joanna were saved for the week.

    Read Also: Hilda Baci thanks supporters after record-breaking jollof rice cookathon

    Despite his efforts to stay in the game, Denari received the lowest number of votes, leading to his departure.

    After Denari’s exit, the remaining housemates will need to regroup and reassess their strategies in the battle for the grand prize.

    As the competition intensifies, alliances will be tested, and new ones may form.

    The housemates will navigate challenges and twists to stay in the game and claim the top prize.

  • Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton dies at 46

    Former world boxing champion Ricky Hatton dies at 46

    Renowned British boxer and former world champion Ricky Hatton has tragically passed away at the age of 46.

    He was found dead at his home in Hyde, northwest England, with no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death, according to Greater Manchester police.

    A police spokesman said, “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45 am (0545 GMT) today (Sunday), where they found the body of a 46-year-old man. There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances.”

    Hatton’s legacy in the boxing world is undeniable.

    A two-weight world champion known for his aggressive fighting style, he captivated fans with his determination and grit.

    His notable bouts against Kostya Tszyu, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao showcased his skill and tenacity in the ring.

    Read Also: Mediacraft Associates named most outstanding reputation management firm in Nigeria

    Beyond his achievements in boxing, Hatton was open about his struggles with mental health issues following his retirement.

    His candor helped raise awareness about the importance of mental well-being, particularly in sports.

    Tributes have poured in from the boxing community, with former world champions Tyson Fury and Amir Khan paying heartfelt respects. Fury described Hatton as a “legend,” while Khan highlighted his role as a mentor and warrior, emphasising the need for mental health support in sports.

    Hatton’s impact on British boxing is lasting, and his passing has sent shockwaves through the sports world.

    Despite his struggles, he remained a beloved figure, celebrated for his achievements and his courage in speaking out about mental health.

    His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of boxers and fans alike.