The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • On roll of honour

    The Great Nigerian Awards of Hallmarks of Labour Foundation has been held at the Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI was there.

    The decoration blended with the national colours of green and white. There was some gold design also.

    Guests looked respledent in their traditional and dinner dresses. They converged on the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos for the 17th anniversary celebration of Hallmarks of Labour Foundation. Highlight of the ceremony was the conferment of the Great Nigerian Awards on some role models for the younger generation.

    A bevy of beautiful women in gold dress with high heeled shoes took them to their seats.

    The hall had lights all over and sparkling floor tiles. It was filled to capacity and guests cut across all ages; both black and white people were there including students, academics, lawyers, bankers, doctors and many other field marshals.

    Chairs were stylishly set around tables which had flower in a vase. Many exchanged pleasantries and taking of photographs followed by friends who seemed not to have seen each other for a while.

    One Force Sound and Entertainment led by Chaplain Bovi Mukoro electrified the hall.

    The event also featured the projection of the achievements of foundation.

    The night was one to remember. Awards were given to both individuals and organisations for their accomplishment in time past.

    It kicked off with an opening prayer. It was followed by the National Anthem which was led by Evaezi Ogoro (a.k.a EVAEZI.)

    The Chairman Board of Trustees of the foundation, Prof Umaru Shehu said the foundation is set to change the mind set of Nigerians and awaken the spirit of nationalism and hard work.

    The foundation, Prof Shehu noted, also aims to identify Nigerians, Africans and people of the Black race, who have achieved success through hard work, honesty and integrity in their fields.

    He said the awards was meant for Nigerians who have made giant strides and significant contributions to the nation.

    Chairman on the occasion Mrs Grace Alele-Williams said the foundation has projected hard work, integrity and excellence.

    “The awardees have worked selflessly to deserve this honour,” Williams said.

    Guest speaker Prof Pat Utomi urged leaders to exhibit good leadership.

    The foundation Executive Secretary, Mrs Patricia Otuedon-Arawore clad in a green native skirt and blouse with was head gear to match. She was on the move throughout the event, welcoming guests and ensuring that everything was in order. She could have been mistaken for one of the ushers.

    She told the awardees that they should keep on their good work.

    “They have been identified for the various good things that they have done and we believe that they are good examples for the younger generation, we pray that they should be of good use to Nigeria,” she said.

    “The foundation aims to develop a positive attitude among Nigerians especially the youths and to encourage them to reject fraud, dishonesty and greed as means to success. To help make Nigeria a decent society that deserves the respect of other nations and the attendant benefits,” Mrs Otuedon-Arawore said.

    The award session followed.

    National High School, Benin City got the award of the Best School in WASSCE, 2012.

    Guaranty Trust Bank Plc got the award of excellenceas Nigerian’s Most Outstanding Bank 2013. Dr Josephine Obiajulu Okei-Odumakin got Gani Fahwehinmi Life Time Achievement award for consistent advocacy for human rights and civil liberties in Nigeria. Prof Oyewale Tomori got Umaru Shehu Life Time award for consistent advocacy for positive change within the University system.

    Other awardees were Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, who got Role Model award for outstanding contributions to sports development and the automotive industry. Prof Joseph Ogbonnaya Irukwu (SAN), got Role Model award for outstanding contributions in the fields of insurance and risk management. Prof Adetokunbo Oluwole Lucas got Role Model award for outstanding contributions in the field of Medicine. Ambassador Oluyemi Adeniji got Emeka Anyaoku Life Time award to Nigeria’s outstanding international icon.

    Justice George Adesola Oguntade got the Life Time Achievement award for exemplary/courageous service to the achievement of legal system, particularly in adjudication and Anthony Cardinal Olubunmi Okogie got Role Model award for outstanding contributions to religious harmony and social justice.

    The guest of honour, Chief Emeka Anyaoku congratulated the awardees, urging them to continue their good works.

    Responding, Chief Okoya-Thomas said he was happy for the award.

    Cardinal Okogie described the award as a good one for the recognition of their contribution in morals, good conduct and right living in the society. He was represented by Rev Francis Ogunmodede.

    Justice Oguntade congratulated the foundation and other awardees. He urged Nigerians to take it as a habit to comply with the laws on the country and also teach their children the same, saying “that this is one of the ways we can reduce our problem as a nation.”

  • Sex for roles okay for Nollywood, says actor Ugezu

    Sex for roles okay for Nollywood, says actor Ugezu

    Contrary to the views in some quarters about the danger of ‘sex for roles’ in Nigerian movies, Ugezu J. Ugezu, a movie director in Asaba, Delta State, said “the situation is a positive development for the industry.”

    Ugezu, who is also a writer and actor, was spotted in Tinapa, Calabar, during the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF).

    According to him, there is nothing wrong in the highly -criticised sex for roles.

    He said: “Since those who need roles in films see nothing wrong in going for it that way, I also see nothing wrong in it. Artistes are different in the way they approach things to get what they want.”

  • No Christmas for Pa Kasumu

    No Christmas for Pa Kasumu

    Veteran actor Kayode Odumosu, popularly known as Pa Kasumu, walked slowly into his living room after having his afternoon shower. His steps were painful and deliberate, as he tried to get his eyes accustomed to the dimly-lit living room.

    He smelt fresh, though his face still had drops of water drizzling unto the cape of his white Kaftan. After a while, he wiped off the drizzle on his forehead with his left hand. It was Christmas day, but there was nothing in the household of the popular actor to suggest that there was anything merry in the day.  Save for a few visitors, who paid him a visit that day, Pa Kasumu slept throughout Christmas, only getting up in the evening to take a shower and attend to his health.

    When The Nation visited him in his one-bedroom apartment on Alayaki Street in a rundown neighbourhood of Mushin, Lagos, Pa Kasumu said although the worst seems over, he is still very ill.

    “I am seeing two of you as we speak. My left pupil is bad. When I turn my eyes, it goes straight into my eyelid and it is very painful. There are still so many issues wrong, which I think a proper medical help outside the country can fix. But today, what I desire most are the prayers of Nigerians, which I believe are the most important,” he said.

    About two months ago, Pa Kasumu was diagnosed with different kinds of ailment and has appealed to kind-hearted Nigerians to help him offset his huge medical bills. Although about N5 million was raised for the ailing actor, it was far from what he actually needed. However, the Ogun State-born A-list actor is weary of calling Nigerians for help as some have abused that opportunity.

    “I am very careful about talking to journalists. Many of them, who have come here, write derogatory things about me and my family, but  they claim they are trying to help me. What I will appeal for is prayers from Nigerians, because that is what I need now. If there is help for me to travel abroad, that will be welcome,” he added.

     

  • Joy in Uchenna Nnanna’s family

    Joy in Uchenna Nnanna’s family

    Nollywood actress Uchenna Nnanna-Maduka is in a joyous mood. This is because her parents, Chief and Mrs. V.O. Nnanna, will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary next Monday.

    The beautiful actress, who travelled to Spain a few weeks back to see her husband, has sent out invitation cards to her friends, fans and well-wishers for the three-in-one celebration: wedding anniversary, birthday party and presentation of an autobiography.

    Her words: “Did I hear you scream, ‘Waoh’? That’s exactly the feeling, as my siblings and I have decided to honour this world’s best couple in a grand style while they are still alive on Monday. Sure, it is gonna be fun all the way; so, don’t be told about it.”

  • New feathers to their caps

    Dr Segun Badipe and his wife Bukky were installed as the Otunba and Yeye Tadeshe of Oguduland by the Ologudu of Ogudu, Oba Waidi Fashola at a colourful ceremony last Friday. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    Small wonder how funny it sounds for one to leave America and come home to receive a chieftaincy title. Many think its strange and diabolic. Others see it as an opportunity to give back to their fatherland. Among those who took a step of courage is United States based medical practitioner, Otunba Segun Badipe and his wife, an auspice nurse Bukky.

    In their own little ways, they have been contributing to the development of their community in their primary area – medicines.Their good works did not go unnoticed as their community recognised them and added another feather to their caps last Friday.

    They were conferred with the title of Otunba and Yeye Tadeshe of Oguduland by the Ologudu of Ogudu, Oba Waidi Fashola.It is the monarch’s own way of reaching out to those outside the country to come back home to contribute their quota to the development of the country.

    It is also a way for the monarch to honour and acknowledge them based on their contributions to the community.

    The ceremony held at the palace ground.

    It began when the Badipe’s came in with a ram, kola and gin that were presented to the Oba to kickstart the event.Clad in a uniformed yellow and red agbada to match the white lace which they wore underneath, they were the cynosure of all eyes as everyone who entered the palace ensured they caught a glimpse of the new chiefs.

    They bore a white big calabash with their crowns and beards in it. It bore the inscription: Yeye and Otunba.

    On presenting the calabashes to the traditional ruler, they knelt for prayers and on many occasions, the Yeye, who is a professional Master of Ceremony, sang praise songs to the monarch to make him stop his subjects from asking them for dollars.

    They were decorated with beads on their wrists, Oba Fashola blessed the celebrators with a bunch of leaves several times on their foreheads. As he did so, he kept muttering some words, after which he placed the beaded caps on their heads.

    The caps blended well with their dressings.“These are whom the caps fit”, whispered one of the guests.

    The couple went round and gave everyone each a handshake. The excited guests eagerly stretched out their hands, waiting for turn.

    Chief Badipe, a Lagosian, told The Nation how the honour would spur him into doing more for the country, having spent over 30 years in the U S.

    “My wife and I have finally made up our minds to comeback, redouble our efforts and contribute to the upliftment of the country.

    I have plans of delving into politics, starting with the local government chairman or Lagos State House of Assembly,” he said.

    He thanked the monarch and promised to do more for the community.

    The Yeye, also a professional events planner, just got an award as the most fashionable female MC in Houston, Texas. She plans to come home to use the knowledge acquired there for the country.

    “Home is home anytime. We do what we do in the US, voluntarily help people so it hasn’t been difficult doing it here.

    The only problem people complain of is lack of support for those who have the resources,” she said.The proud father of the new Otunba, Elder Ebenezer Badipe, said he was proud of his son and the achievements he had made. He described his daughter-in-law as a pleasant socialite.

  • Honour for Shina Peters, Tony Okoroji, others

    Honour for Shina Peters, Tony Okoroji, others

    Music lovers from across the country converged on Eko Hotel and Suite onVictoria Island, Lagos last Sunday fors “The Headies Veterans Nite”.

    The event attracted old and new musicians. It afforded them the opportunity to network in a cozy atmosphere.

    As more veterans arrived, the gathering came alive, as music that ruled the airwaves in the ‘80s was reenacted.

    Popular Nigerian singer and song writer, Sidney Onoriode Esiri, a.k.a. Dr Sid, set the tone for the evening ss with Sir Victor Uwaifo’s evergreen, Mammy Water. He was, indeed, a delight to watch, as he glided into the song effortlessly.

    Mike Aremu, Sound Sultan, Tosin Martins also performed a number of hit songs by some of Nigeria’s music veterans.

    Shina Peter, in his characteristic style, also didn’t disappoint the audience, as he also put up a superlative performance. When he performed his hit song, Ace, he successfully brought back memories of how he once held the entire social circuit spellbound.

    Still in the euphoria of the moment, humour merchant, AY, recalled how he had included the Afro-Juju exponent on one of his shows abroad and how he didn’t disappoint him or the fans.

    He also stated that he would continue to bring Shina Peters on his show as long as the terms were right.

    Omoge crooner, Mike Okri was not left out of the frenzy. He performed Omoge to loud applause. Also, Ayuba thrilled the guests with Bubble.

    The highpoint of the event was the presentation of awards to the veterans for their contributions to the Nigerian music industry.

    Among those honoured were Tony Okoroji, Eddy Lawani, Laolu Akins, Stella Monye, Shina Peters, Adewale Ayuba, Dele Momodu, Ras Kimono, Miko Okri and others.

  • Controversy trails  D’Prince’s new car

    Controversy trails  D’Prince’s new car

    Mavin Records singer, D’Prince, recently was celebrated for acquiring the 2013 edition of Benz Coupe.

    The Omoba crooner is said to have got the N13 million car as a gift from his girlfriend, Inorie Fotso.

    Fotso is a New York- based Camerounian dancer and actress. She is the daughter of one of the richest men in Cameroun, Victor Fosto.

    A dance/house singer and actress, she has now stretched her tentacles to Nollywood.

    According to findings, both artistes are said to have been together for two years and are already planning to take the relationship to the next level.

  • Artistes unite for Mandela

    Artistes unite for Mandela

    The lineup of artistes at “The Legacy Lives” concert, organised by EbonyLife TV for the late South African president, Nelson Mandela, was overwhelming.

    The crowd went wild listening to hits from some of his favourite artistes.

    It was a night of soul-stirring music, engaging comedy and profound words in honour of Madiba, as the late freedom fighter was fondly called.

    Stars at the show included D’banj, Tuface, Tiwa Savage, Ikechukwu, Waje, Darey Art Alade, Burna Boy, Timi Dakolo, Julius Agwu, Nikki Laoye, Victoria Kimani, Nneka, Joseph Benjamin, Olisa Adibua, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, K Switch, Niyola and Chuddy K, among others.

    That night, the power of love and hope over discrimination and despair was also celebrated. It was time to celebrate some alsoof the finest qualities that Mandela lived and died for.

    Nikki Laoye set the stage for what turned out to be an amazing night, with a rendition of the National Anthem.

    The anchors of the show, Olisa Adibua and Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, did a good job to keep the crowd engaged all through the night,. They coordinated the artistes’ appearances and shared what they knew or thought of the late Madiba at intervals.

    Godbless and the Ebony Band dished out popular African tunes like Miriam Makeba’s Pata Pata; Brenda Fassie’s song of celebration, Vulindlela; Flavour’s Ada Ada and Robin Thicke’s Blurred Lines.

    The presence of ace comedian, Julius Agwu, was a comic relief to the show. He did not disappoint as he cracked several jokes and expressed a few thoughts on the African hero. The comedian described Mandela as “the Nigerian we never had”, lauding him for turning the world’s perception of Africa from the negative to the positive.

    There were screened interviews by Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola and his Cross River State counterpart, Liyel Imoke. There was also a mini-documentary on Madiba.

    According to the CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu, the inspiration for the concert “came from the fact that this man (Mandela) has given so much to Africa. He has given so much to everyone of us.”

    Abudu said, “The Legacy Lives” Madiba tribute concert was put together by some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars and some notable brands in collaboration with EbonyLife TV.

    She noted that in the spirit of ‘Ubuntu’ (meaning humanity and selflessness in South Africa) that Madiba embodied, all contributions towards the event were given gratis, including the venue of the concert, performances by the artistes, technical support, food and drinks.

  • Mercy Aigbe weds

    Mercy Aigbe weds

    Actress Mercy Aigbe and her husband, Lanre Gentry, got married at the Ikoyi Registry in Lagos during the week.

    The couple had their traditional wedding a few years ago and the union is blessed with a three-year-old son.

    The beautiful actress recently joined the league of actresses clutching the expensive Chanel Lego clutch bags, which costs $10,000( about 1.5million). other actresses known to use the bags are Genevieve Nnaji and Ini Edo.

     

  • Glo, D’banj reunite

    Glo, D’banj reunite

    Globacom, a leading telecommunications company, has officially unveiled top Nigerian music act, D’banj, as its brand ambassador.

    The launch of the Glo Nokia Asha 210 and the unveiling of the new Glo Ambassador took place at the Mike Adenuga Towers, Victoria Island, Lagos on Tuesday.

    An excited D’banj later tweeted: “Eyin boys, kokolets & mamalets… autographed package from me, Ejanla, coming to you this season. Dont dull.@GlobacomLimited @NokiaNigeria #GloNokiaDBanj. All I see is green, green, green…We are back again…for the 2nd time around.. .#RenewedPartnership. This time,  we together 4eva. Baba God Oooshe. Big big things are about to happen over the next few days. Teaming up with some big players in the game. #BigThingsAreGwan #Lol #UnlimitedThings.”

    The Glo Nokia has 50 songs by the Koko Master,. Fifteen of the songs are new.