Uche Jombo-Rodriguez, one of the top Nollywood actresses and producers, marked her 34th birthday on Saturday.
She spent the day with her husband, Kenny Rodriguez, at a hotel in New York.
A number of her colleagues and fans were said to have sent congratulatory messages to her on the occasion.
The much-publicized film-in-the-making, October 1, a psychological thriller by young filmmaker, Kunle Afolayan, has won the International Movie Trailer’s Festival (IMTF)’s award in the Best Fiction Trailer category.
In a letter sent to Afolayan yesterday, the California, USA-based organisers of the award stated: “We’re pleased to tell you that “October 1” won the 2013 IMTF award for the best fiction trailer. Your award is $250.”
An excited Afolayan, who spoke to The Nation, stated that the best is yet to be seen of him, as 2014 holds more surprises for his fans.
Although the movie is in its post-production stage, the filmmaker had cried out for financial help when it appeared that the expected sponsorship for the $2million-budget movie was not forthcoming.
With the involvement of the Lagos State government, Toyota Nigeria Ltd. and Deola Sageo in the historical movie, Afolayan hit location last September with less than 50 percent funds, hoping that more help will come as the cameras roll.
With the IMTF prize, the award-winning director of Irapada, The Figurine and Phone Swap has been positioned for the international film circuits.
October 1 stars Nigerian and British actors, including Sadiq Daba of the Cocktail at Dawn fame and David Bailey of the Pirates of the Carribbean fame. Already, it is being programmed for the 2014 edition of the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) in Germany next February. The trailer award, therefore, offers brighter chances for the filmmaker to put in for other competitions.
According to the awarders, the prolific film director cum actor will be emailed ‘’ a digital garland that you can use on your website or other online media. You should receive it by the end of January.”
The award categories, according to Murray Suid, co-founder of IMTF, were determined by a seven-member jury, except for the People’s Choice Award segment.
Suid said, “The judges voted independently and did not see the other judges’ ballots.”
“What a way to wrap year 2013. I’m happy about this award. It’s not about the money, but the recognition of the hard work, the efforts of the cast and crew of October 1. It is a pointer to the fact that the film has great potentials to go places when it is eventually released. I can’t wait to see the complete film in 2014,” said Afolayan.
October 1 pictures September 1960, with Nigeria on the verge of Independence from British colonial rule. It tells the story of a northern Nigerian Police detective, Dan Waziri, who is urgently dispatched by the colonial government to the trading post town of Akote in the Western Region of Nigeria, to solve a series of female murders that have struck horror in the hearts and minds of the local community.
On getting to Akote, more murders are committed, and with local tension high and volatile, Waziri has a race on his hands to solve the case before even more local women are killed. However, matters take a turn for the worse when Waziri discovers that his prime suspect is none other than the highly influential, university-educated son of the King of Akote, Prince Aderopo.
Intelligent, good-looking, charismatic, witty and daring, the prince proves to be a most complicated adversary for Waziri. Set against the backdrop of the national celebratory mood of the impending independence, Waziri and Prince Aderopo indulge in a game of cat and mouse, as they try to outwit each other, thereby leading to the climatic end in which the life of a popular local female teacher and village belle, Tawa, is held in the balance. Waziri has to race against the clock to capture the prince, save Tawa and solve the crime before the British flag is lowered and the Nigerian flag is raised on October 1, Nigeria’s Independence Day.
Chinese film hero, Jet Li, has said that his recent weight gain is due to the suffering from an overactive thyroid.
The 50-year-old Kung Fu-skilled star revealed during a Chinese talent show that he is already being treated for the ailment, for which he is determined to fight head-on.
The actor is said to be having a fuller face and heavier frame.
Li was said to have joked about his weight gain, saying, “I’m fat; I don’t have the time to lose it. It’s a fact.”
He explained that exercise is not advised with the medication he’s taking.
Medical analysts say an overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism causes changes in a person’s metabolism and heart rate, among other symptoms, but is generally treatable with medications.
Li was diagnosed in 2010, but kept his condition under control with medication. His condition appears to have relapsed.
The actor landed his first Hollywood role in the 1998 film Lethal Weapon 4, after starring in several Chinese action films.
A martial arts champion at a young age, Li turned to acting and began showing off his kung fu skills on big screens in the 1980s.
He catapulted to fame in the ‘90s with the Once Upon A Time In China films, where he portrayed martial arts master, Wong Fei Hung.
Li confessed that there are times he’s unsure, if he’s able to carry on with work, but he’s determined. He stated: “I’m in pain, but I’m not suffering. I’m happy.”
Fans have been expressing concerns for the actor on social media. Some with the knowledge of the thyroid condition have shared their revelations.
According to one of them, “I have hypo-thyroid. I didn’t realize it was such a big deal since it is so common. Back up in weight now, like normally every year or so. Put it on; it falls off… back and forth. That is the hardest part of the whole thing. I have two wardrobes because of it. Annoying! But that’s life.
“I had an over active thyroid for a few years and was on tablets that didn’t work, then radioactive iodine drink to burn the thyroid away- now underactive and on thyroxin. People under estimate the health complications from thyroid problems; it messes up every part of your body. You’re also more likely to suffer additional auto immune diseases. If not controlled, you can suffer a thyroid storm that can kill you. It’s a hard illness to live with as people can’t see the effects it has on sufferers,” said another.
Nine years after TV presenter and producer, Jide Moronfolu, quit Mainframe Productions owned by Tunde Kelani, a renowned cinematographer, he is now set to produce his first TV series titled Kondo Kingdom.
The theme of the TV series centres on the police reform in Nigeria. Shot at Alaari Village, Idi-Iroko in Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State and some parts of Cotonou, Kondo Kingdom is the result of Moronfolu’s involvement with some civil liberty organisations, Project Alert on Violence Against Women and Network On Police Reform In Nigeria (NOPRIN), among others.
Moronfolu, who recently returned from Alaari Village after one month of intensive shoot with his cast and crew, said, “A community named Kondo Kingdom had a young man called Oga Joe (Sunday Afolabi) who started his career as a security guard. After much torture by the police for various offences, he discovered the policemen make a quantum of money from bail, so he joined the police. After he was enlisted into the police, the whole Kondo Kingdom went on fire. Oga Joe has a brother called Baba General (Jide moronfolu), whom the villagers normally call upon to help them sort out one problem or another with the police.”
The series, which will be premiered in March, 2014, will be aired on all Nigerian TV stations and on some TV stations in African countries.
Although he has so far recorded 26 episodes, he plans to shoot more on the grounds that the “police story is unending”.
Obviously because he intends to draw global attention to the plight of the Nigeria Police, he also revealed his plans to have the French version of the TV series soon.
According to him, the production was successful, in spite of the obvious challenges, which were as a result of the absence of a police station in the village. “Until our arrival, there was no police station or police presence in the town. We rented a whole house, painted it in our own police colour and named it Kondo Police Station. I can tell you even a day-old baby in the community will describe where the police station is. The landlady says we should live it as it is; so, the place is now called Kondo Police Station. We also created our police costumes. Bode Odeyemi was the director of photography, while his company also handled the sound, using radio microphones and booms. We recorded our sound separately and we shot with two cameras,” he further explained.
The production enjoyed a commendable technical support by the Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN), a non-governmental organization committed to providing opportunities for the civil society’s involvement in police reform and the enhancement of safety and security in Nigeria.
Kondo Kingdom, which was directed by Musiliu Sasiliu, features top actors like Yemi Shodimu, Edmond Enaibe, Sunday Afolabi, Ambrose Moses, Jide moronfolu, Godogbo, Bode Odeyemi, Musiliu Dasofunjo(jogun omi), Big Abass, Lambert Dike, Fisayo Ogundele( mama Ijesa), Debo Showemimo, Seyi Fasuyi and many more.
Olumide Ogunade, popularly known as I.D. Cabasa, has not been quite visible in the industry for some time.
But the reason for keeping a low profile in recent time has now been revealed.
The respected producer is reported to have found a new love in Jesus Christ.
According to reports, he was ordained as a pastor over the weekend at the Global Impact Church in Surulere, Lagos.
After a month-long festivity that tuned the business and leisure nub of Calabar, the Cross River State capital, to its peak, the much- publicized Calabar Carnival climaxed in the wee hours of Saturday, with breath-taking performances at the UJ Eseune Stadium.
For a grand finale that began in the early hours of the previous day, it was obvious that only an enthralling variety of tourism events could sustain the endurance level of revelers who, in the hot sun, flowed with the 16-kilometer roadshow that shut the entire city down.
It was a spectacle to behold. Beautiful damsels bearing colourful costumes held sway in feathered bikinis and highly impressive choreography.
It was obvious that a high level of ingenuity was imbedded in the bands, their aesthetic floats and riveting display.
With music machines mounted on long trailers that bore other dancers, the mood for the touted Africa’s biggest street party got a steady rise.
As the various groups paraded the streets, while the road sides were fully taken over by canopies erected by households, it was like taking a party to the door steps of many, whose lunch and dinner took place in the verandas.
Calabar swelled with a potpourri of activities that turned the city into a Mecca of sorts. Thus, it became clear when the state governor, Senator Liyel Imoke, said, “The carnival is a tremendous value-added brand for Cross River State and Nigeria. The image of Nigeria is not about Boko Haram, violence and kidnapping. The true beauty of Nigeria is in the carnival, where everybody in Cross River State is in the band.”
The five bands that competed in the carnival included Bayside, Passion 4, Masta Blasta, Freedom and Seagull.
These bands were the pegs of the carnival, which started nine years ago as a competitive event. But today, it has spread in lips and bounds.
In addition to the competing bands, colourful costumes, music and the fanfare of a16-kilometer distance walk was a cultural parade featuring 18 local government areas in the state.
The show was a class leveller, where kings and princes paraded the streets, alongside the governor and his wife, Barrister Obioma Imoke; Mr. and Mrs. Donald Duke; Minister of Culture and Tourism, Chief Edem Duke and leader of the Seagull Band, Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, among other notable Nigerians.
Imoke said the event was not all about expenditure and that every December, when the event holds, remains the highest revenue- generating month for the state. “It’s not just an event, but one of a commercial value. That is why our theme for the event this year is “Ain’t No Stopping Us,” he said.
According to him, the beauty of the competition is that it makes each carnival better than the previous one, with every band expected to interpret that theme with creativity.
Last year’s champion, the Masta Blasta Band retained its slot as the overall best performer in the senior category. With what it called ‘The Soap Opera’, the band, which was the largest in number, triumphed with a creative story line told in dance drama, magical display and acrobatic prowess. The costumes of the members could simply be said to be out of this world. Its feat was closely followed by Passion 4, while Seagull came third.
In the competition of junior bands, which held on Christmas day, Seagull clinched the overall best, while Passion 4 came second, followed by Bayside.
Also, in both the senior and junior categories of the Best King and Queens, Seagull came tops. Seagull was also adjudged the best in costumes interpretation as well as the best decorated float in the senior category.
Masta Blasta won the best in originality, the reflection of the carnival spirit and interpretation of the ‘Ain’t not Stopping Us’ theme.
Passion 4 won the prize for the Best Interpretation of Theme at the junior level, while Seagull clinched the prize for the Best Reflection of Carnival Spirit and Originality.
In the same junior category, Passion 4 and Seagull ended up in a tie.
Ita-Giwa had promised to shock the world with her band. Indeed, apart from the good show put up by her group, Seagull was the cynosure of all eyes, with a unique selling point that included some notable Nollywood stars like Nkem Owoh (Usofia), John Okafor (Mr. Ibu), Funke Akindele (Jennifa), Fred Amata and OC Ukeje, among others.
The eighth edition of The Headies awards ceremony tagged Save the Best for Last was held last Thursday at the Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos.
The annual event, which celebrates urbane music and hip-hop culture in Africa, was hosted by sensational singer, Tiwa Savage and Afro-pop artiste, Dr Sid.
Olamide emerged the biggest winner of the night with three awards in these categories: Best Street-Hop Artiste, Best Rap Album and Album of The Year.
Sean Tizzle, the “Sho Lee” crooner, was adjudged the Next Rated Artiste for 2013 and he went home with a Hyundai Tucson SUV.
Davido and Phyno bagged two awards each during the event. While Davido was named Hip-Hop World’s Revelation of the Year and winner of the Best R&B/Pop Album, Phyno clinched the Best Rap Single and Best Collabo awards.
Legendary Fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, who closed the event with a captivating performance, was honoured with the Hall of Fame award.
Other winners include 2Face (Best pop single); Banky W. (Best R&B single); Iyanya (Artiste of the Year); Waje (Best Reggae/Dancehall single); Nikki Laoye (Best Vocal Performance, female); Praiz(Best Vocal Performance, male); Mode 9 (Lyricist on the Roll); Black Magic( Best Alternative Song); KCee (Song of the Year); Dee Tunes (Producer of the Year); Jude Okoye and Clarence Peters (Best Video) and Harrysong(Most Downloaded Caller Tunes).
Presenters at the awards included Mai Atafo, Stephanie Coker, Yvonne Ekwere, Koch Okoye, Darey Art Alade, Basketmouth, Kemi Adetiba, Chin Okeke, Seyi Law, Lynxxx, Osas Ighodalo, Mercy Omo London, Toolz, Kelechi Amadi Obi, Funmi Iyanda, IllBliss, Jumoke Awolade-James, Freeze, Tewa Onasanya and Chris Ihidero, among others.
Top music acts, Iyanya, Waje, Olamide, Phyno, Praiz, Seyi Shay, Niyola, Zaina and Yemi Alade also thrilled the guests to pulsating performances during the show.
Notable faces at the event included Majek Fashek, Funmi Iyanda, Mike Okri, Salawa Abeni, Teju and Tobi Oyelakin, KSB, OJB Jezreel, Kunle Bakare, Kunle Afolayan, Tee A, Victor Uwaifo, Funlola Awofiyebi, Gbenro Ajibade, BOJ, Tunde Ednut, Sexy Steel, Shina Rambo, B-Red, Azeezat, JJC, Saeon, Victoria Kimani, Mo Eaz and Hauwa Makun, among others.
Aremu Afolayan, an actor and movie producer, who got married recently in Abuja, has debunked the rumour making the rounds that his brother, Kunle Afolayan, did not attend his wedding.
Some members of his family were said to have stayed away from the wedding because they were allegedly angry with him over his choice of wife.
He, however, said that he doesn’t care what anyone thinks of him, his wife or their marriage.
Afolayan, who claimed that his wife is not as rich as people think, also added that his wedding wasn’t a secret affair as his famous older brother, Kunle, was in attendance.
He said, “People will always say what they want to say. I am not perturbed in any way. I don’t care. If I had married a top politician’s daughter, I am sure you will not be talking to me. My wife’s family is not rich, let alone my wife. I got married to somebody I wanted to get married to and not because of her wealth. I don’t know why people say all they say.
“I wonder how anybody could say my marriage was secret. Some people even said my brother (Kunle) was not at the wedding, but he was there. Anyway, I am not ready for them. When I am ready, I will let you know.”
If Julius ‘The Genius’ Agwu, one of the celebrated stand-up comedians in Nigeria, decides to pen his memoirs, some events in 2013 will certainly be fore-grounded. How? In 2013, he marked his 40th birthday at an elaborate shindig; he published his first book titled Jokes Apart-How did I get here?; he celebrated his 20 years on stage; he reunited with Globacom on Glo Laffta Fest and he also had a baby boy. But beyond this, the humour merchant, in this interview with MERCY MICHAEL, opens up on his most embarrassing moment, style and marriage, among other interesting issues.
WHAT does style mean to you? Style is who you are. Everybody can afford to be fashionable, but style is what you make out of it. So, style defines you.
Who is your favourite designer?
I am a very spontaneous buyer. I do not believe in the idea of having someone as my best designer. I could meet you on the street, see what you’ve done and start to wear your designs. I have some Nigerian designers who walked up to me and we hit it off immediately. The most recent one was Vans Kere. I have been watching him from a distance and have seen stuff that he’s done. He came up to me and said, “Julius, I want you to wear me.” I am very choosy, but because he has impressed me, I now wear his designs. What he does is that he makes them pro bono and I wear them because he understands I can help him showcase his designs. As expected, people see it and they ask me who made it for me.
Another young man is David Bowler. He is a Nigerian, but when you see his stuff, you will marvel at what the young boy is doing. There is this white suit I wore recently, which everybody has been talking about. It’s on instagram. He made the jacket that I wore to the Africa Magic@10 event.
I’m a spontaneous buyer; so, I just walk into shops like Fusion, Message, Wardrobes and Fomula.
How often do you change your wardrobe?
At times, I change my wardrobe weekly. It used to be bad when I was single. But now that I am married, I had to tone it down because of my wife and growing responsibilities. Truly, it is called show business and you need to show. I have clothes, shirts, shoes and trousers that I haven’t worn.
How many pairs of shoes do you have?
I can’t count.
What do you do with the excess ‘luggage’?
I give out and relocate some home. At times, I bring them out and call my staff to select. I do this from time to time.
What would you not be caught wearing?
I have won a skirt on stage before. Hmm! I can’t be caught wearing a G-string.
You seem to have a preference for local designers because you have not mentioned any big international name.
Well, the truth is there are so many big names that I’ve worn.
How much is your most expensive pair of shoes?
You know, I can’t really tell now. I have Giuseppe Zanotti shoes – original one, not the Nigerian made. Seriously, the man is planning to come to raid Nigeria very soon. Which other expensive shoes do I have? I have Louboutin for men. Now, most times, when my wife is around, I buy and sneak them into the house. So, anytime I now put them on, she asks me when I bought them; and trust me, I claim that I’ve had them since.
When I got married, I had to tone it a bit because whether you like it or not, you have to cut down on your shopping so that you can pay school fees, take care of the children and take care of the family. But then, she knows that it comes with the job.
Which outfit gives you the most confidence?
I don’t joke with my suit. I am not particularly tall, so the only thing that can stand me out is my dress sense. The only way I stand out is to be outstanding. And how do I become outstanding? It is to look different. I have been to a wedding, where I was the MC, and when it was time for the cutting of the cake, the bride got carried away; she was admiring what I wore and the groom got very angry.
I can see you always take your time to look good?
Funnily, I really don’t take my time to look good. I don’t plan what I wear. I could just enter, pick this and that or mix and match. You know, I have to stand out, even if it’s casual. So, that is me.
I have seen you wear some crazy belts…
(Cuts in)You remember the one that has a cup; it is still there. I am planning to open a mini museum. The reason is that my wife, most of the time, will say something like ‘I don’t think these clothes can stay here again’; so, she will just pack them in a box and give them out.
I plan to do a one-man show next year and the idea is to get some of those costumes I wore even in Okombo, including the wardrobe and drum set, on the stage. It will just be something like ‘Julius the Genius Agwu Live.’ I want to have a show, where Julius will be live on stage rough, rugged and raw. But it will be for 18+ only. It’s probably going to be the last vulgar, raw performance I am going to have before I finally answer the call of God. Because I believe God is calling me, except that I have been waiting for a direct call, so I don’t want any flash or text message.
What has been your most embarrassing moment on the red carpet?
Hmm! Interesting, you know, I really can’t remember anyone because if I bumped into any red carpet that I didn’t prepare for, I would rather not go on it. I would prepare to just sneak into the show. It has happened only once. I think it was the premiere of a movie, but I can’t remember the name now. I didn’t know they were having the premiere. You know how the paparazzi do; everybody was trying to get me to come on the red carpet. I told them that I didn’t come for this, but they thought I was probably posing. I didn’t want to get interviewed on the red carpet, so I dodged them. Next year, I am going for the Grammy.
And what do you plan to wear to the show?
I don’t know yet. I haven’t settled for any particular outfit, but I am going to dazzle them.
Which is your favourite perfume and how many do you wear at a time?
With perfumes, I combine. In my bag, you will find one and in my car, there is another one. I have them everywhere. I love bottles; I just look at a bottle and if it is catchy, I buy it. So, that is it. I have different collections.
How about your favourite wristwatch?
The one I am wearing is a TWS and is a limited edition signed by Kelly Rowland. She’s like their brand ambassador. I think they did just 100 of this.
Who styles you?
You know, people meet me and ask me, “Do you have a stylist?” and I always say no. So, I just do my thing; I just combine. My father was very fashionable. I guess I took it from him. I’m very eclectic. Though I could go wrong at times, I don’t care. The thing about it is that if you are bold enough to wear anything or if you are bold enough to make that statement, go ahead. Whether you like it or not, I do not need to impress anybody now.
Can you remember any particular occasion you ‘missed’ it?
Yes, it was at Kate Henshaw’s book launch. I was in a hurry; the shirt was flowered, yes! The tie went well with my jeans and the jacket was violet, so I just threw it on. I said let me just confuse people a bit. Then, my wife, who was in America, started ‘yapping’ me because na she be my greatest fashion critic. Meanwhile, at the event, people were hailing me because it’s Julius. But deep down, I knew I wasn’t particularly looking good because my shoes were brown. I wanted to block, but I come over block.
How would you rate the year 2013?
You know, I can’t thank God enough that I am alive. My wife is alive and God added another bundle of joy, a boy! That makes me a man. I just thank God. I can’t just ask for more. He’s been too nice to me. Glo has not used me for about eight years and finally they called me and I became part of the Glo Laffta Fest after a very long time. During those periods, different gists were said about me. And after so many years, God just spoke to them to remember me. I just give God the glory. He has just been too nice to me. You know, in life, we can be age mates, but not ‘grace mates’.
Would you say celebrity marriages are different in some sense?
My dear, the truth is no two marriages be the same. Everybody’s marriage has its own peculiarity and every relationship in life depends on what you ‘PUT’. I propounded this theory when I was in the university. Whether in your relationship with your father, mother, daughter, neighbour and God, it depends on what you ‘PUT’; and the ‘PUT’ stands for ‘Patience, Understanding and Tolerance’. You must understand these terms; otherwise, that relationship can never succeed. You must be patient at all times, you must understand each other at all times and you must be tolerant. If you don’t have those qualities, e no go work.
You should know that no two people are the same. I’m a very difficult person and I sometimes wonder how my wife, with her quiet attitude, copes. I am the most difficult husband anybody can have. I snap easily. Sometimes, I wonder how she copes because she’s the nicest wife anybody can have. But she sometimes annoys me too. She’s the most stubborn woman on earth. I know I am difficult and for any woman to cope with me, I raise hand for am.
For instance, my wife is the kind of woman that doesn’t call me. She no send. At times, we could be in the house and she will be quiet all through. Usually, in that circumstance, I will be the one to be worried. But that is my wife and me. At times, we keep malice for one month. We would be together in the same house and keep malice. So, no two marriages are the same. But that is the fun of it. When it is sweet, it is very sweet. But in Nigeria, we pretend a lot. Husband and wife will just come out and laugh, giving the impression that all is well. But the truth is, at times, you quarrel.
I saw this Christmas picture of you and your family. What does Christmas mean to the Agwus?
Christmas, for us, is a time of celebration. I actually didn’t want to do the picture you just saw, but a lot of people insisted I do it. I put up the one we did last year. Remember, it was when we took that picture that celebrities started snapping. Na we start am. Everybody come begin snap. This year, I was just going through my BB and I just put on my DP ‘Memories of last year’s Christmas’. I put up the picture of my wife, my daughter and me and people started saying something like “This is cheating! Where is Zadok, your son?” Meanwhile, I went to see them in October, which was when my wife gave birth. I just had to tell my graphics guy to use one of the pictures we took there. I know we didn’t quite go to the studio to pose and prepare, but some people liked it. My wife wore a green; so, the whole thing like blended.
Do you see yourself going into politics now or in the future?
I don’t have anything like that in mind. If I get an appointment, fine! But for me to go and print posters (pauses)…Nigerian politicians are deadly. Politics is deadly.
You have not achieved, if you have not impacted on the society. I believe strongly that a real achiever is one that has given back to people; one who has succeeded in building brands or one who has impacted on other peoples’ lives. That is exactly the reason we have created a platform over the years.
This year marks the 13 years of Crack Ya Ribs. And I have been able to create a platform where so many of the up and coming talents have been showcased to the world in London, America, Abuja, Port-Harcourt and Lagos. That is what we’ve been doing over the years. And that is why God has always renewed his grace upon my life. This year, I celebrated my 40th birthday and published my book. Also, this year, I celebrated my 20 years as an entertainer. My first film, Rattle Snake, was in 1993. So, what more can I ask for? People have come and gone, but I am still here. This is just the beginning of my career because my best is yet to come.
Canada-based Nigerian, Ngozi Ugoh, is the proud publisher of NIGERIAN CANADIAN NEWS, a Nigerian community newspaper that has chronicled Nigerian interest news and culture in Canada for seven years. Taiwo Abiodun caught up with her during her recent visit to Nigeria, where she bared her mind on journalism and publishing in a foreign land, and what has kept her going.
HOW did you get into publishing a Nigerian newspaper in Canada? What motivated you?
To start with, I left Nigeria for Canada in December 1986. I had a background in banking, having worked with the Bank of Commerce and Industry in Nigeria before leaving. In Canada, I became a publisher; I started a Canadian-Nigerian Business Directory but because of immigration, family and other factors, I was unable to continue.
So I decided to go into health care. I specialised in children that are challenged.
But being one who has a passion for information dissemination and believes strongly that we should be writing about ourselves, I started this journalism stuff. Prior to that, a lot had been written about Nigerians in the mainstream newspapers over there (Canada); I had also seen several other African newspapers, but we as a people didn’t have our own outlet. It was the same reason that made me start the business directory; but I only published three editions before starting the Canadian-Nigerian News, also known as The Third Eye Of The Community. At the moment, it is the only Nigerian newspaper in Canada. Earlier, I had gone to college to study healthcare and now I am studying Political Science at York University, as well as taking an RN programme (Registered Nurse).
What’s your print-run like and why exactly did you venture into it?
Let me start by saying that ethnic papers don’t sell. It’s usually given out free, so it’s not something you can depend on to survive. You have to have another job. I considered all these before I ventured into it. I print about 10, 500copies every fortnight and before you know it, Nigerians and non Nigerians would have exhausted them. I have Socials, Editorials, Children Section, Arts and Life stories, Sports, Feature stories, articles written by popular columnists and what have you. All these made the newspaper very attractive because of the quality of its contents. So many factors made me start the paper, but paramount is interest. If you don’t have the interest and passion for it, you cannot go into it. If it is because of money, then you have missed it. Before I started the newspaper, would you believe that a Ghanaian guy wanted to start publishing a Nigerian newspaper? But I raised my voice and said ‘this is wrong.’ How could a non-Nigerian be writing about our country? What would I tell my children in the future? How will I stand to defend it? So I said no way. I gathered money and started publishing. Now it is seven years old and it is the only Nigerian newspaper in Canada and thriving.
There have been talks about online media taking over from newsprint; what’s your take on this?
It all depends on your audience. Your market and audience matter a lot. For us over there, we have easy access to all the news online, but people also don’t have the time. Most of what you read there are not really for our people (Nigerians); they are for the general public. So what we put in our paper is what will interest our people. We have thousands of Nigerians who really love to hear from home and want to read and have the hard copy. I understand that one popular international magazine has gone back to printing, which it earlier stopped; that is the power of hard copy. We all need it. The electronic online cannot really have that impact. That is why the government over there encourages us. The Indian community has over 50 ethnic newspapers; Ghanaians have only one, while we (Nigerians) didn’t have until I started mine. I learnt some Nigerians tried it but couldn’t survive, but this is my seventh year of publishing.
So how do you make money if the newspaper is not profitable?
That’s why I told you earlier that I work all night. At times, I get bored. As I said earlier, when my paper is running late, I get calls to remind me that they have not seen it, and this is what motivates me. The proceeds from the adverts are peanuts while some adverts, especially those placed by Nigerians, don’t get paid for. But the County or Government of Canada pay when they place adverts; they do this to encourage us. Thank God I have another job that earns me money to keep the paper going. It’s not easy to distribute in the winter, but my kids help. And when they owe you on advert, you don’t want to take them to court because it is in community. Also, I don’t carry bad news; what I try to do is portray my community, show the good sides and inform people about our food, culture, fashion. We have sports, we have marriage issues and we get
feedback from the public.
Tell us of your challenges.
First, I would say my paper is among the best newspaper around; it has some glossy pages for socials, but very expensive. I know a popular Nigerian magazine that is all glossy, sold in Canada but they stopped because it is expensive. It is not easy but the Canadian people like to encourage us by placing adverts. If they have issues, they would call us and pay us to cover their conference. We have access to all the Canadian government officials but it is a different story with Nigerian officials who visit Canada. To see the Nigerian High Commissioner in Canada is difficult because we don’t have access to him. Even when President Dr Goodluck Jonathan came, we were not allowed to see him, not to talk of interviewing him. We don’t know the Nigerian High Commissioner here and he does not know us, and that is wrong. When the governor of Kaduna came here, it was difficult to see him and interview him. But we want to know what is happening back home! Some people want to go back home to invest, but these government officials don’t want to see us. They ask you to come at ten o’clock, but they’re not there until twelve!
Why do you think the media is always crumbling?
Many go into the business because of money rather than passion. A lot of those who establish media are just out for the money and would be expecting returns immediately; but that is wrong because it is a long-term investment. One needs perseverance. I have been publishing for seven years now, yet this newspaper can’t pay my bills. But for Nigerians, it’s like a microwave – they want immediate result. A couple came from Nigeria to settle in Canada; they opened a grocery shop and sit there every day, but I told them that there is no way they would sit in one place and be doing that. I said if they continue like that, they would fold up within six months.
Let’s talk about journalism ethics in Canada
It is a pity most of the younger generations don’t want to write. They are just not interested. Here, our people used to volunteer; the government sends people to media houses and pays them. Journalists are respected and honoured in Canada. You need to meet them, and then you will appreciate the profession. No insult, no beating and we have access to information. We meet the top politicians and government officials while the government sends us press releases .There is nothing like brown envelope, but if you are invited, you charge them and they pay. Same thing with advertisement; they are happy to see us and our paper thriving, so they support us by giving us advertisement.