The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Celebrities mourn over death of Peju Ogunmola’s only son

    Celebrities mourn over death of Peju Ogunmola’s only son

    Nollywood celebrities have expressed sadness over the tragic death of Ayomikun Oluwanisola, the only son of actress Peju Ogunmola, who passed away on Tuesday, September 2.

    The heartbreaking news sent shockwaves across the entertainment community as colleagues and fans expressed their empathy.

    Social media has been flooded with emotional tributes and words of comfort for the divest actress.

    Actress Biola Adebayo was among the first to confirm the sad development, describing it as “devastating and heartbreaking” in an emotional Instagram post.

    She prayed for God’s strength and comfort for Ogunmola in this difficult time.

    “This is a big loss. This is devastating and heartbreaking. This is tragic. May God Almighty comfort Mummy Peju Ogunmola, who just lost her only child. May God Almighty be with the family and loved ones at this tough time,” she wrote.

    Toyin Abraham said, “My heart is shattered… l am sending all my love, strength, and prayers in this unbearable moment. May God hold you and your family close”

    Actress Oyebade Adebimpe on her Instagram page, wrote, “Nothing makes sense, this is too much, NO ……Chai! Maami

    Read Also: Actress Peju Ogunmola loses only son

    “Dear Lord, please let this September be good to us. Let’s not cry over our loved ones; let them not cry over us again. This is heart-wrenching, Lord, please strengthen mummy during this tough time.”

    Actor Itele D Icon, via his reaction on Instagram, said, “A mother’s pain in losing her child is beyond words. Olorun ma fi Ina Omo Jo Gbogbo Abiamo. Vanity upon vanity”.

    Odunlade Adekola also extended his condolences. He said, “This is a big loss. God will console you, ma, and the whole family.”

    Kunle Afod admitted that the news left his heart heavy with grief.

    On his Instagram handle, Femi Adebayo expressed his grief and wrote, “Life has written a line too heavy for the stage… Today, we mourn with our dear elder, a thespian whose heart now carries the weight no mother should bear. My thoughts and prayers are with you, ma. May Almighty Allah grant him Aljannah Firdaus.”

    Other Nollywood stars, including Adedimeji Lateef, Yinka Quadri, and Prince Jide Kosoko, have also joined in paying tribute and standing in solidarity with Ogunmola and her family.

  • MiG Arogan stirs debate with new single, “What If”?

    MiG Arogan stirs debate with new single, “What If”?

    Haitian-American rapper, MiG Arogan, has dropped a thought-provoking new single titled ‘What If’, a track that questions everything from religion and history to personal truth and free will.

    The 2025 release, built around the refrain “What if?”, takes listeners on a journey of speculation, blending mythological imagery such as pyramids and cosmic alignments with references to modern headlines, including the ongoing “Diddy case.”

    Read Also: Nigeria’s reward systems in crisis

    With its dark, atmospheric beat and dense lyrical style, the song shifts between cultural critique and personal reflection. In one striking moment, Arogan raps: “What if all the things they told me, ain’t the truth?/What if I was livin’ in a world of smoke and clues?”

    Critics say the repetition gives the song a hypnotic pull, though some argue it risks monotony. Still, Arogan’s choice to structure a track around unanswered questions has been praised as a bold move in a genre often dominated by direct storytelling.

    For fans, What If? Represents more than just another hip-hop release — it is a conversation starter, pushing listeners to confront doubt, uncertainty, and the possibility that not everything is as it seems.

  • ‘Big 3′ conversation needs Tems’ inclusion – Tiwa Savage

    ‘Big 3′ conversation needs Tems’ inclusion – Tiwa Savage

    Afrobeats singer Tiwa Savage has reignited a conversation in the Afrobeats industry by questioning the traditional “Big 3” narrative that exclusively recognises Wizkid, Davido, and Burna Boy.

    According to Savage’s recent interview, she said it’s unfair to omit Tems from such discussions, given her impressive achievements, including a Grammy Award and a spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

    Read Also: Tiwa Savage seeks fans’ support to promote new album

    Tems has collaborated with major international artists and has been a driving force in Afrobeats’ global popularity

    “I also feel like it’s unfair to have that conversation about the Big 3 and not mention someone like Tems,” Tiwa said, calmly making her point while seated in a black leather jacket during the chat.

  • Mary Njoku questions social media misuse, advocates for reflection

    Mary Njoku questions social media misuse, advocates for reflection

    Actress Mary Njoku has questioned the growing misuse of social media, lamenting the shift from empathy to content creation.

    She made this known on Wednesday via her Instagram handle, stating, “What exactly are we turning into? Social media should be a powerful tool. Around the world, it has been used to rewrite narratives, to expose injustice, to amplify activism, to spark nation-building. It has united communities, toppled corrupt systems, and given a voice to the voiceless.

    “But here at home, we seem to be using it differently. For us, the hunger for clout, for virality, for instant fame has started to cloud our humanity. It has drowned out empathy”.

    Read Also: Mary Njoku condemns Ibom Air’s treatment of Comfort Emmanson

    Mary condemned the transition of tragedy and pain into entertainment, with suffering packaged as skits.

    “Sometimes I open my feed and all I see is noise. Pain broadcast like entertainment. Suffering is packaged as skits. I find myself logging off, choosing instead to face my real world. To solve real problems, with real people, in real time,” she added.

    “What are we becoming, if every tragedy must first become a trending video? What are we becoming, if every cry is just background noise for someone else’s content calendar?” she questioned.

    She further urged Nigerians to reflect and reason before creating or sharing content online.

    “We must pause. We must breathe. We must search inside for the human we are at risk of losing. Before you type, before you record, before you upload, STOP. Please STOP and ask yourself: Am I amplifying humanity, or am I stripping it away? We are still human in this country… aren’t we?” she concluded.

  • Nwabufo defends Phyna amid rumours of N1bn demand from Dangote over sister’s accident

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

    Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) ambassador Michael Nwabufo has debunked rumours surrounding Phyna’s sister’s case about an alleged one billion naira demand from Dangote.

    Nwabufo, popularly known as Mike Premium, revealed this on Wednesday via his Insta story, alongside screenshots of his conversation with Phyna.

    “On no occasion did we talk about ₦1 billion as a demand! False narrative. I was the one handling this case underground since the news broke out, without social media. This was my direct appeal to Phyna and the legal counsel I provided to support her in seeking justice for her sister because she really didn’t know how to go about it.

    “The first and most urgent demand was that her sister be flown abroad for emergency medical treatment, because it was clear from the beginning that her condition required advanced care that wasn’t available locally. But instead of receiving compassion and immediate action, she was met with delays, excuses and now… tragedy,” he wrote.

    Read Also: FRSC mourns Phyna’s sister Ruth, pledges enhanced road safety measures

    He further stressed that the death of Phyna’s sister, Ruth, was due to negligence, and ‘not natural’.

    “Let it be known: This was not a natural death. Her life was forcefully taken not by fate, but by human negligence and disregard. This case? Phyna will get justice.

    Mark my words: No one born of a woman can stop it. Not in this country. Not anywhere,” he said.

    The demand statement was titled, ‘Demand for compensation and medical intervention for victims of the Dangote cement truck accident’.

    It encapsulated six items covering medical expenses and proper care, advanced prosthetics, and rehabilitation therapy.

    He further threatened to sue bloggers and online platforms who reported the information if they don’t provide clear evidence of such a claim.

    “To all blogs and online platforms pushing lies: any blog or page posting that Phyna demanded ₦1 billion if you don’t present credible evidence, I will personally make sure you spend some of your clickbait earnings in court.

    “You people are trying to push a young woman into depression, after everything she went through fighting to save her own blood sister, a sister whose school fees she’s been paying for years!” he noted.

  • BBNAIJA S10: Zita slams Doris, Sultana, Big Soso as ‘old, angry women’

    BBNAIJA S10: Zita slams Doris, Sultana, Big Soso as ‘old, angry women’

    Big Brother Naija housemate, Zita, has openly criticised fellow contestants Doris, Sultana, and Big Soso, describing them as “old and bitter women” who embody the stereotype of “older and angry women.”

    Speaking in a conversation with Faith, Zita accused the trio of being the main instigators of gossip in the house, labelling them as “foolish.”

    Read Also: Ex-BBNaija star Praise: Fame combines blessing and challenges

    Although she admitted disliking stereotypes, Zita maintained that Doris, Sultana, and Big Soso perfectly fit this one.

    “The major culprits are Doris, Sultana, and Big Soso. Those three are very foolish, and I hate foolish people,” she said.

    “I hate stereotypes, but they are following a certain stereotype. The stereotype of older, angry women, I hate it. I would have fought tooth and nail that it is not true, that it is not everybody. And it is obviously not everybody, but why are they (Doris, Sultana, and Big Soso) pushing it?”

  • Shoday: Portable’s fame thrives on personality, not just music

    Shoday: Portable’s fame thrives on personality, not just music

    Singer Shoday has credited Portable’s lasting relevance in the entertainment industry to his personality and bold social media presence rather than just his music.

    In an interview on the Echo Room podcast, Shoday said that Portable’s Instagram posts, which he likened to WhatsApp status updates, play a crucial role in keeping him in the spotlight.

    He noted that despite early predictions that Portable would fade quickly, the singer has defied expectations and remained a constant topic of discussion.

    Read Also: BOI reaffirms commitment to N75bn MSME fund, targets 225,000 jobs nationwide

    Shoday stressed that Portable’s influence extends far beyond his songs, adding that artists like him must be understood beyond their music.

    “Artists like Portable, before he will go down and not trend again, it will be long. Music is far beyond song. You can’t just be putting out music; people need to know who you are. People need to know your personality, and this person doesn’t care. He posts on Instagram like WhatsApp. When he came out, people thought he was only going to trend for a year and that’s that, but till today he’s still buzzing…”, he said.

  • Nini: Movie pushes realistic African storytelling – Producer Idiagbonya

    Nini: Movie pushes realistic African storytelling – Producer Idiagbonya

    …as Jide Kosoko, Keppy Ekpenyong lead star-studded cast

    A new Nollywood film, Nini, is set to make waves in the Nigerian entertainment industry with a powerful story of betrayal, resilience, and life lessons.

    Written, produced, and directed by Dr. Samuel Idiagbonya, the film aims to reintroduce realism and decency to African storytelling while addressing pressing parenting gaps in society.

    Shot across scenic locations in Abuja and Nasarawa State, the 1-hour, 57-minute movie blends family drama with fast-paced action.

    The star-studded cast includes Nollywood legends Jide Kosoko, Keppy Ekpenyong, and Francis Duru, alongside lead actress Maria Ogwuashi, who plays Nini, among others.

    It follows the journey of a young woman whose dreams of marital bliss are shattered by unforeseen circumstances, forcing her to confront her mother’s rigid beliefs about celibacy and life choices.

    “There are a lot of gaps in parenting, and this movie hopes to bridge those gaps,” said Dr. Idiagbonya, who is also the Chief Creative Officer of FEDMAS Studio.

    On why the story revolves around the African child and parentage, Idiagbonya noted that Africans seem to have taken telling their own stories for granted.

    “With all the experiences we’ve had, I believe it’s time for Africans to tell their own stories the way they’re meant to be told, rather than having outsiders define them for us. Every story we create is meant to inform, inspire, and entertain. What drives me is the profound depth of life itself,” he noted.

    Describing Nini as unconventional and deeply rooted in African realities, he said, “This project is very different from what we are used to. I’m a realistic writer and storyteller. It’s about bringing back a sense of realism and reminding us not to put too much on children. That’s why they are called children.”

    A medical doctor turned filmmaker, Idiagbonya said his transition into the movie industry was driven by a passion for storytelling as a tool for societal change, adding, “There’s a lot of potential in the creative industry, and I’m here to tap into it”.

    On casting, Idiagbonya stressed that only seasoned actors with depth could interpret the film’s complex themes, “A deep story requires a deep actor. I hunted for the deepest in character and knowledge. Anything about FEDMAS is underscored by decency,” he said.

    Read Also: BBNaija’s Saga engages ex-housemate Nini

    The filmmaker disclosed that Nini cost about ₦100 million to produce, with filming completed in two to three weeks and six months dedicated to post-production.

    “Every song in this film had to be indigenous. It takes time to cook a sweet soup,” he said.

    Duru said he accepted his role because of the film’s strong message about child protection, particularly the vulnerability of boys.

    “We talk a lot about the girl child and ignore the boy child. The worst thing that can happen to a parent is to nurture your girl child and have someone tamper with your efforts,” he said, adding that life is like a sandwich with sweet, sour, and bitter layers.

    Ekpenyong emphasised that good parenting remains key to societal transformation. “Parents should always have conversations with their children to prevent sad stories,” he said.

    Ogwuashi echoed this sentiment, urging parents to show more love and support to their children.

    Nini will premiere in Abuja on September 28, 2025, before hitting cinemas nationwide on October 3, 2025.

    According to Idiagbonya, the premiere will attract top government officials and other notable personalities, marking a major moment for Nollywood and African storytelling.

  • Nkechi Blessing decries use of influence to sabotage others’ progress

    Nkechi Blessing decries use of influence to sabotage others’ progress

    Actress and producer Nkechi Blessing has condemned those who use their connections and influence to frustrate other people’s success, urging them to desist from such acts.

    In an Instagram video shared on Wednesday, she reflected on the struggles many face, including depression, illness, and untimely death, questioning why anyone would deliberately try to hinder another person’s progress.

    “There you are, putting calls to terminate people’s contracts, badmouthing others, taking food from people’s mouths… all this influence and power you think you have, it only takes one sleep you’ll never wake from, and everything is gone. So to what end?” she lamented.

    Blessing stressed the need for kindness and forgiveness, reminding people that no one leaves life alive. 

    Read Also: Actress Nkechi Blessing launches talk show

    “The least we can do now is to be kind to one another. It doesn’t take anything from you to genuinely support others without being in competition,” she added.

    She also recounted personal experiences with individuals who attempted to sabotage her but insisted she was never at their mercy.

    “Over the years I have had my own fair share of these people that I talked about. But to the glory of God, I never came out to beg for food. Because God, where they run am, never tire. And why I say, thank God, say man no be God.” she said.

  • I am one of Nollywood’s most decent actors – Rose Odika

    I am one of Nollywood’s most decent actors – Rose Odika

    Actress Rose Odika has declared herself as one of the most decent actors in the industry.

    “To burst your bubble, I am one of the most decent actors you have out there”, she said in a recent interview with Biola Bayo.

    She also shared her experiences with marriage, revealing a five-year wait for conception and a separation when her child was just one-year-old.

    “We got married and unfortunately the children weren’t coming. I didn’t get pregnant for the first five years.

    “My baby was one-year two months when we separated finally. That’s the only child I have”, she said.

    Odika emphasised the importance of avoiding toxic relationships, saying “No need for toxic marriage, it isn’t worth it. It isn’t worth your life”.

    Read Also: I’M SET TO REVAMP YORUBA CULTURE AMONG YOUTHS –ROSE ODIKA

    She advised that a man who meets a woman as an actor should accept and support her career, or it’s best for him to leave.

    “A man who met you as an actor, should marry you as an actor. If he cannot stay with it, then he should go”, she said.

    Reflecting on her career, Odika noted that she started acting professionally in 1989 but rose to prominence in 1993.

    “I started acting professionally in 1989, but I came into the limelight in 1993”, she said.