The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Hilda Baci thanks supporters after record-breaking jollof rice cookathon

    Hilda Baci thanks supporters after record-breaking jollof rice cookathon

    Chef Hilda Baci has expressed heartfelt gratitude to her fans, sponsors, and well-wishers for their unwavering support following her achievement of cooking the largest pot of jollof rice.

    The grand cookathon, held at Eko Hotels and Suites in Lagos, was described by Baci as a proof of unity, love, and faith.

    Thousands gathered to witness the historic feat, as her team worked tirelessly to ensure its success despite challenges, including a collapsed pot.

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    In a post on Instagram, Baci wrote, “Support has the power to turn heavy dreams into living realities. What happened here was beyond a record; it was a testimony of unity, love, and faith. People came from near and far, friends, colleagues, fans, and family, all standing shoulder to shoulder with me. My team poured their hearts into every detail, proving that when many hands and many spirits move as one, the impossible becomes possible. I am profoundly grateful. To every single person who prayed, showed up, cheered, and worked, this moment belongs to all of us.”

    Baci’s accomplishment not only broke records but also showcased Nigerian culinary excellence and cultural heritage.

    The federal government commended her effort as a symbol of Nigeria’s global excellence.

  • Yoruba actor Chief Kanran laid to rest in Lagos

    Yoruba actor Chief Kanran laid to rest in Lagos

    Veteran actor Segun Remi, popularly known as Chief Kanran, has been laid to rest following his death on August 15, 2025.

    The 70-year-old, celebrated for his remarkable contributions to the Yoruba movie industry, was buried on Friday, September 12, at his residence in Beckley Estate, Abule Egba, Lagos.

    Though the cause of his death remains undisclosed, his passing has plunged the movie industry into mourning.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Nollywood actor Chief ‘Kanran’ dies at 70

    Videos shared on CityPeopleTV’s Instagram page showed the late actor’s body in a white coffin during the viewing. 

    In a particularly emotional moment, his immediate elder sister broke down in tears upon seeing his remains, before relatives and sympathisers consoled her.

    Fans also expressed their grief online, offering prayers for the repose of his soul and strength for his family.

  • Sanwo-Olu’s aide clarifies meeting with Igwe, Njoku amid culture debate

    Sanwo-Olu’s aide clarifies meeting with Igwe, Njoku amid culture debate

    Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Idris Aregbe, has addressed public concerns over his recent meeting with X influencers Noble Igwe and artist Uzo Njoku (Uzo Art).

    The meeting, which surfaced in a video on Saturday, drew criticism from some Nigerians amid ongoing petitions against an upcoming event by Njoku, which critics believe borrows from Yoruba culture. 

    Several Yoruba socio-cultural groups and thousands of online petitioners have expressed opposition, urging the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture to intervene.

    Reacting to the controversy in a statement on X, Aregbe described Lagos as a cultural melting pot, stressing that his role is to offer diplomatic guidance and solutions, not to escalate tensions.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to protecting Yoruba cultural values while also promoting peaceful coexistence and cultural diversity.

    Aregbe urged the public to avoid misinformation and hasty assumptions, calling instead for dialogue and understanding as a way to strengthen unity.

    Read Also: Lagos creating environment for women to thrive, says Sanwo-Olu

    He wrote, “My attention has been drawn to misleading conversations and posts regarding my meeting with Noble Igwe and Ms. Uzo Njoku, also known as Uzo Art.

    “As an Omolúàbí Yoruba and a public servant, my role is not to fuel controversies but to provide diplomatic guidance and solutions that address concerns while ensuring that the dignity and cultural values of the Yorubas are not undermined.

    “I would like to reiterate that our culture is sacred and enduring, and I remain committed to promoting and protecting it while fostering the peaceful cultural diversity that makes Lagos a true cultural melting pot.

    “Let us not be divided by misinformation or hasty assumptions. Dialogue and understanding remain the best path to strengthening our unity as a people”.

    He concluded by blessing Lagos State, lovers of Lagos, and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “God bless Lagos State, God bless Lovers of Lagos and God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he added.

  • Why I converted to Islam after marriage – Debbie Shokoya

    Why I converted to Islam after marriage – Debbie Shokoya

    Actress and producer Debbie Shokoya has shared her personal journey of embracing Islam after marriage, despite being born into a Christian family.

    Shokoya said that her decision was centered on her individual relationship with God, stressing the importance of love, humanity, and compassion in all interactions.

    According to Debbie, religion should not be a source of conflict or competition but a way of life rooted in peace and love.

    She also highlighted that she doesn’t discriminate between religions, and her approach to worship is based on personal comfort and connection with God.

    Read Also: Parents built me to feel unshaken – Actress Debbie Shokoya

    She wrote on her Instagram page: “Christianity By Birth Muslim By Marriage Over Here… God Is Love! Humanity Always. I Have Never Being A Discriminator Of Any Of The Religion… God Is Love Always! Humanity Comes First When You Think Of Religion. I Speak To My God The Way I Am Comfortable With, My Relationship With God Is What Matters The Most And How I Treat My Fellow Human…..

    “It’s Not A War, It’s Not A Competition. Neither Is It A Debate… Preach Love And Act In Love First. No Matter The Religion, No Matter The Color, No Matter The Tribe!!!Love Comes First Because God Is Love.”

  • Hilda Baci distributes leftover jollof rice to Lagos residents

    Hilda Baci distributes leftover jollof rice to Lagos residents

    Chef Hilda Baci is giving away the massive amount of jollof rice left over from her Guinness World Record attempt for the largest pot of jollof rice.

    The event, held at Eko Hotel in Lagos, on Friday, produced thousands of kilograms of rice, and despite packaging and distribution efforts, there’s still a significant amount available.

    Hilda has invited Lagos residents to come and collect the food, encouraging them to bring containers or coolers to take home.

    She assured that the food is well-prepared and abundant and is committed to ensuring none of it goes to waste.

    In a video message, she stated that she would remain at the venue until the giant pot is emptied, stressing that everyone in Lagos is welcome to partake in the meal.

    Read Also: Hilda Baci completes jollof rice challenge, awaits Guinness’ verdict

    She said: “We’re still packaging food. There is still so much food. Please, you guys, come through and come and get the food. It’s a lot and we cannot waste it. Please, the food is good. I promise you, a trial will convince you. Just come through, you can bring your coolers. See, we still have so much food.

    “Even with all the packaging, there is still so much food. Please, I beg you, you guys, you can come to Eko Hotel. This is 6 a.m. I’m not leaving this place.

    “I’ve been here since the day before yesterday. And I’m not going to leave this place until this pot is empty and until everybody in Lagos has eaten from this food. So, please, you people should come and get this food.”

    Her team has already started distributing food to road users in Lagos and she’s urging everyone to come and collect some.

  • Temi Otedola, Mr.Eazi’s had ‘wedding of the century’ – DJ Cuppy

    Temi Otedola, Mr.Eazi’s had ‘wedding of the century’ – DJ Cuppy

    Media personality DJ Cuppy has bragged about her sister Temi Otedola’s wedding to Mr Eazi, describing it as “The wedding of the century”.

    According to Cuppy on X, the wedding was a perfect blend of subtlety, intimacy, and elegance, stating that it was “pure magic from start to finish”.

    She also noted that everyone in attendance couldn’t help but feel inspired by the special day.

    She wrote: “My sister @TemiOtedola had THE wedding of the century… subtle, intimate, and effortlessly elegant.

    “LoveIsEazi was pure magic from start to finish. Anyone there couldn’t help but feel inspired. Argue with your group chat”.

    Read Also: DJ Cuppy features on Tatler magazine

    Cuppy’s tweet has sparked reactions online, with some fans praising the wedding and others joking about her own relationship status.

    The wedding, which took place across three countries, was a grand affair that featured a civil ceremony in Monaco, a traditional Yoruba ceremony in Dubai, and a church service in Iceland.

    The reception in Iceland was particularly memorable, with a performance by John Legend and a breathtaking display of the Northern Lights.

  • ‘Baddy of Lagos’ shares leg post-surgery progress

    ‘Baddy of Lagos’ shares leg post-surgery progress

    Twitter influencer David Obadiah popularly known as Baddy of Lagos has shared an update on his recovery journey after undergoing corrective leg surgery in Egypt.

    The social media personality received millions through a crowdfunding initiative led by fellow influencer Wizarab, which made it possible for him to undergo the much-needed medical procedure.

    The Nation reported that Afrobeats star Davido also contributed N3 million to support Baddy’s surgery.

    According to Baddy, doctors successfully operated on his right leg but postponed the procedure on his left leg, explaining that his body might not be able to endure the pain at once.

    He stated that the second operation would be scheduled once his right leg had sufficiently healed.

    Baddy recently unveiled his right leg without bandages, showing visible improvements compared to its condition before surgery.

    Read Also: Actress Etinosa Idemudia celebrates liposuction surgery

    As observed, his right leg is still swollen due to stitches but he expects the swelling to subside in about three weeks.

    He wrote: “I just woke up because I got knocked out (sedated because of pain) after I had my dressing changed. I was bleeding a little after the surgery (which is totally normal btw) but I’m a lil better now.

    “My right leg as you can see is still swollen because of the stitches and after 3 weeks it’ll subside but everything is perfect thanks to God”.

    Baddy expressed gratitude for the support he’s received from well wishers.

    Fans and well-wishers have been sending prayers and encouragement as Baddy begins his recovery process.

    Some fans have praised his bravery, while others have expressed optimism about his complete recovery.

  • Akon’s wife Tomeka files for divorce days before 29th anniversary

    Akon’s wife Tomeka files for divorce days before 29th anniversary

    Tomeka Thiam, wife of Global music icon Akon, has filed for divorce after nearly three decades of marriage.

    According to court documents filed on September 11, 2025, in Fulton County, Georgia, Thiam is seeking to dissolve the union due to irreconcilable differences.

    The couple, who share a daughter, were set to celebrate their 29th wedding anniversary.

    Thiam is requesting joint legal custody of their daughter, with primary physical custody and visitation rights for Akon.

    She is also seeking spousal support for herself, while denying Akon’s request for the same.

    Neither Akon nor Thiam has released an official statement since the filing.

    This development comes as Akon continues to defend his views on polygamy, a practice he associates with his cultural background.

    Read Also: How I helped pioneer Afrobeats – Akon

    In a 2022 appearance on The Zeze Mills Show, he described polygamy as natural within his heritage, saying, “(Polygamy is) part of our culture. Absolutely. For me, it looks normal, because it’s culture for us. We didn’t go outside of our African culture when we got to the Western world. See, the flaw that the Western world made is they created all these rules without putting nature into account.”

    He has nine children and has spoken about balancing family responsibilities with his demanding career, emphasising financial support and utilising technology to stay connected with his family.

    He said: “My job ain’t to be doing all that extra stuff and these holidays and recitals,” he said in the same 2022 interview. “While I’m taking care of my responsibility to make sure the family has a roof over their head and food, if I have the time to do that and show love, yes, I will do that.

    “Me showing up for my children is me being there for them financially. I’m there if I’m around. But it’s impossible to be everywhere and every place. And technology allows me to be there every day, FaceTime and other methods.”

  • Phyna’s sister buried in Ogun after tragic accident

    Phyna’s sister buried in Ogun after tragic accident

    Reality TV star and actress Phyna has laid her younger sister Ruth Otabor to rest.

    Ruth passed away on August 31 after a road accident involving a Dangote truck on August 13.

    The 24-year-old had just graduated from Auchi Polytechnic six days before the incident and suffered severe injuries, including the amputation of her leg.

    The burial ceremony, held on Saturday at Ruth’s residence in Ogun State, was attended by friends and fellow ex-BBNaija housemates Christy O and Groovy, all dressed in black to show their support.

    Read Also: Nwabufo defends Phyna amid rumours of N1bn demand from Dangote over sister’s accident

    The atmosphere was emotional as Phyna and the mourners paid their last respects to Ruth.

    Ruth’s death was met with an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues, and friends, who later turned up in numbers to honor her at the burial.

    The family had earlier appealed for privacy as they mourned their loss.

  • Hilda Baci’s giant jollof pot collapses during record attempt

    Hilda Baci’s giant jollof pot collapses during record attempt

    Drama unfolded during Hilda Baci’s Guinness World Record attempt for the largest pot of jollof rice. 

    The massive pot unexpectedly collapsed while being lifted for weighing at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos. 

    Fortunately, no injuries were reported. 

    The incident occurred after a full day of successful preparation and cooking, with thousands of attendees and celebrities in attendance.

    Hilda Baci had aimed to cook 4,000 kilograms of rice, enough to feed over 20,000 people. 

    The cooking process took almost nine hours and the event was the culmination of nearly a year of planning. 

    The event was described as a festival of Nigerian jollof, celebrating West African food, music, and culture.

    The collapse of the pot has raised questions about whether the record attempt will be recognised by Guinness World Records as the final measurement is crucial for certification. 

    Nevertheless, Hilda Baci’s effort has been widely praised.

    The Nation reports that the event, which began on Friday, drew a huge crowd of Gen Zers, millennials, food lovers, and celebrities, and it has been described as a festival of Nigerian jollof. 

    Baci, who previously earned global recognition for her Guinness World Record cooking marathon in 2023, said the goal of this record attempt is to showcase Nigerian cuisine on the world stage.