The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • D’Banj named BoI brand ambassador

    D’Banj named BoI brand ambassador

    MULTIPLE awards winning super star, Dapo Oyebanjo popularly known as D’Banj is not doubt one of Nigeria’s most resourceful entertainers. Today, D’Banj seems to be very happy with the part he chooses as he declares he has no regret. His earnings have increased and he’s gained more international recognition.

    His road manager revealed that D’Banj now charges N8, 000,000.00 and $100,000.00 outside Nigeria. His bank account is about to grow healthier as he was recently named a brand ambassador of the Bank of Industry (BOI).

    D’Banj confirmed the cheering news via his twitter handle recently: “Beginning of a new era. BOI Ambassador… Osheeeee!!! Thank you lord,” he tweeted.

  • Patrick Doyle talks COSON in the Church

    Patrick Doyle talks COSON in the Church

    ACTOR/BROADCASTER, Patrick Doyle, in company of his lovely wife and actress, Ireti Doyle, will compere COSON in the Church, the first of the events of the upcoming COSON Week. The artiste assures that guests are in for a great time and a show to be remembered on Sunday, May 19.

    “COSON in the Church is an event never experienced before, anyone who steps in to the exquisite auditorium of the Household of God Church, Oregun where the event will take place will leave there with memories of a life time. Arrangements have been concluded with several partner stations to beam the event live to the world, NTA Network will be the host station,” Doyle says.

    The big event will feature gospel acts from across the country including Panam Percy Paul, Evang. Ebenezer Obey, Buchi, Bouqui, Rosemary Chukwu, Princess Anne Inyang, Asu Ikiye, Dizzy K Falola. There will also be several of the ministers of the gospel who will be offering prayers and invocation to the Almighty for the Nigerian nation.

    A red carpet ceremony will take place before the main event and Nigeria’s most famous people in music, movies, government, diplomacy and business are expected to grace the red carpet.

  • AGN suspends Edo chair

    AGN suspends Edo chair

    THE financial crisis rocking the Edo state branch of the Actors Guild of Nigeria was during the week laid to rest with the suspension order slammed on the state executives of the body.

    The former chairman of the state branch, Mr. Osagie Alegbe who was alleged to have embezzled about seven hundred thousand naira was suspended for a year from the Guilds activities.

    He was also asked to refund the said money within ninety days and pay a hundred thousand Naira fine before he can be re-absorbed into the Guild.

    The letter of suspension dated May 3, 2013 and signed by its National President, Ibinabo Fiberesima stated that Osagie must write a letter of undertaking to be of good behavior upon completion of his suspension.

    “Sequel to the recommendation of the probe panel set up to investigate the financial misappropriation and embezzlement leveled against you by some members of the Edo state Chapter of our noble Guild during your tenure as chairman, and having been found guilty of all the allegations.

    “I write to inform you of the decision of the National Executive Committee of the Actors Guild of Nigeria to suspend you from the Guild for one year with a fine of a hundred thousand naira.

    You are to refund six hundred and forty thousand naira to the Edo state chapter of the Actors Guild of Nigeria within 90 days”, the letter read in part.

    Others suspended for a year and to pay a fine of fifty thousand naira before they are re-absorbed back into the Guild are Enabulele Austin, Chris Isokpehi, Kelly Eghosa Ogbemudia, Stanley Orobosa and Joe Opute.

  • Yvonne Nelson, Leila Lopez to judge Miss Universe Ghana

    Yvonne Nelson, Leila Lopez to judge Miss Universe Ghana

    MISS Universe 2011, Leila Lopez is expected to make a second visit to Ghana later this month as a judge of 2013 Miss Universe Ghana finals. The Angolan beauty queen was named, by organizers of the pageant, Roberta Annan Consulting (RAC), among five personalities who will judge the finale of the prestigious event. She will be joining Ghanaian actress, Yvonne Nelson; presenter Benny Blanco; Brian D. Hogan, founder of investment firm Paradigm Capital Group; and model Veronica Varekova as judges of the pageant.

    This year’s Miss Universe Ghana finals is scheduled to take place on May 25, 2013 and although organizers have not named a venue for the event yet, sources say the Accra International Conference Centre may host the finale. Leila was crowned Miss Universe 2011 at the 60th Miss Universe pageant in Rio Janeiro, Brazil, and this was the first time in 12 years that an African won the title and also became the second black African woman ever to be a Miss Universe titleholder.

  • Tinsel airs 1000th edition as season 5 wraps up

    Tinsel airs 1000th edition as season 5 wraps up

    IT was a season of intrigue and counter conspiracy in the fifth season of highly rated sitcom, Tinsel, an Mnet production. For the couple, Chuks and Ene, it was one of struggle. After Ene graduates from University, Chuks feels pressured to prove himself a man and an able partner to his wife and intensifies his efforts to become a success as a fashion designer. Then Ene gets a job at Odyssey and essentially becomes the bread winner of the family. Ziggy’s death has a huge impact on Chuks as his nephew but it also creates a leadership vacuum at Ziggys due to Ziggy’s co-owner Dan being in jail.

    At the start of the season Angela breaks up with Emil after his mother, her boss, tells her he is 17. However, after he sees her at her worst and nurses her through a manic episode while she is off her medication, the two agree to revisit their relationship as soon as he is of legal age.

    For Fred, the season was one of critical decisions as he broke things off completely with Laide, baby or no baby; but before he does so Laide tells Sheila about their engagement. Weary from battle fatigue, Sheila leaves her home in the middle of a party that Fred is throwing for her and moves in with Amaka before she can find out that Fred really did break up with Laide.

    Season Five finds Kwame a recent divorcee determined to put past mistakes behind him and move forward. Unfortunately, some of his past mistakes are not so easy to relegate to the background, like ‘Black Ananse’. When Brenda returns from her period of rehabilitation from alcoholism in Ghana, her driving motivation is to find out just exactly what Kwame has been up to as she is still reeling from disapproval over his sudden marriage to Telema Duke the star actress and Kwame’s long time obsession.

    Excited at the journey so far, producers of the soap opera say that the 1000th edition airs May 23.

  • ‘I am not too small to be pregnant’

    ‘I am not too small to be pregnant’

    Budding Yoruba actress, Bose Arowosegbe, has caught the fancy of many who are moved by her talent and her ability to interpret roles. On the other hand, the heavily endowed actress is not in short supply of admirers who are crazy about her boobs. The ravishing actress, whose passion for acting was encouraged by her friend, Lepa Shandy, says she is looking forward to producing more movies in the near future. In this interview with AHMED BOULOR, she opens up on her marriage, new movie and her sex life.

    HOW many movies have you featured in?

    I’ve lost count. I have lost count. I can’t begin to mention the number of films I have been part of. There are quite a lot of them. I’m popularly known as Anikisaya by most of my fans in the movie industry. I’m also a movie producer.

    How many movies have you produced?

    I’ve produced two movies, Karenibarin and Anikisayain. The third movie, entitled Ika Abuku will be released soon. My debut movie was produced in 2009, while the second was in 2011.

    There was a story that you failed to pay back the person that loaned you money to produce your first movie, is it true?

    That’s not true. It is true that I was sponsored by a guy to produce the film, but I’ve paid the loan.

    When did you discover your acting talent?

    I’ve always had a passion for acting. And my dream eventually came to reality when Lepa Shandy featured me in her film. I was, and I am still a ticketing and reservation officer.

    How many years did you work with Lepa Shandy before you became independent?

    I worked with Lepa Shandy for years. She featured me in her films and also encouraged my acting career.

    Tell us about your new movie?

    The movie, Ika Abuku, is a story of a woman dating her friend’s son. It’s a story of love, passion, romance and arrogance. Watch out for the film. It was shot at Odongunyan, Ikorodu, Lagos State. The movie is marketed by Toymax.

    Who are the major faces in the movie?

    We had actors like Fathia Balogun, Lola Idije, Kamilu Kampo, Faliwerepe, Biodun Okeowo, Kunle Adegbite, Sikirat Sindodo, Aina Gold, Baba Balogun, Ope Olusanya and my humble self.

    When will it hit the market?

    The movie will be released in two months time. We all have to keep our fingers crossed.

    What are the challenges you encountered when started your acting career?

    I didn’t really face any challenge because I didn’t lobby for jobs from male producers.

    Who are your female friends in the industry?

    They are Biodun Okeowo, Sikirat Sindodo, Biola Adebayo, Ope Olusanya and Bisola Badmus to mention a few.

    Did your parents support your acting career?

    As girl born and bred at Ojodu Berger area of Lagos, my parents didn’t support it initially because they believe actresses don’t have stable marriages. But for the fact that I have a passion for it, I had to convince them that I am really talented. Now, they are happy with me because I have not disappointed them.

    Are you married?

    I’m married now. I had my engagement in a secret ceremony recently.

    Who is the lucky man who won your heart?

    I don’t want to say anything about him on the pages of newspapers.

    Why are you not wearing an engagement ring?

    We are done with family introduction and very soon, we will invite people for our wedding this year.

    How then have you been coping with advances from men?

    I always tell them that I’m engaged.

    How true is the rumour that you are pregnant?

    I’m not too small to get pregnant. Moreover, I’m engaged to my hubby.

    Is your hubby staying with you now?

    He is always on one business trip or the other abroad. Most of the time, we speak on phone.

    Why do Nigerian actresses prefer to marry men that are not based in Nigeria?

    I’ve known him before he started travelling abroad.

    When did you meet him?

    I met him about 15 years ago.

    How do you cope when your husband is away on a business trip abroad for months?

    We are always talking on phone..

    What’s your definition of s-e-x?

    Sex is an emotional feeling between two lovers.

    Where do you see your career in years to come?

    I see myself on top of my career.

     

  • Kunle Afolayan screens works in Tokyo

    Kunle Afolayan screens works in Tokyo

    MULTIPLE award winning actor, director and producer, Kunle Afolayan announced his entry into the Asian movie market as he screened his recent works Figurine and Phone Swap in the city of Tokyo in Japan.

    The moviemakers foray into the Asian market was on the invitation of Cinema Africa, a non-profit organisation established in 2006 to develop understanding and appreciation of Africa in Japan through African films made by African filmmakers or producers.

    Billed to take place between May 18-23, 2013; the festival would see the screening of the movie Phone Swap on May 17 and Figurine on May 18 at the auditorium Shibuya, Tokyo.

    Kunle will also be hosted to dinner by the Nigerian High Commission in Tokyo, Japan for his immense contribution and recognition of his works on the day the festival opens.

  • Asa escapes car accident

    Asa escapes car accident

    SOUL singer, Asa is about now thanking her stars after she narrowly escaped an auto crash some days ago. The journeying songstress survived the car accident in Nashville, Tennessee and she explained how it all happened via her twitter handle:

    “I’ve just been in an accident in Nashville. I was crossing an intersection going for a walk, a car turning didn’t see me and boom sent me flying. Thank God I landed on my padded butt. The only thing that got crushed was my water bottle. Incase why you are wondering why Nashville; it is the song writing capital of the world. So I am writing; I will be in the studio in June”, she tweeted.

  • New fellows on the block

    New fellows on the block

    Despite last Saturday’s rain, guests still turned out in large number for the 2013 Batch A induction for graduating students of the Chattered Institute of Purchasing and Supply Management of Nigeria (CIPSMN).

    The programme, which started at 11am, was held at Excellence Hotel, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.

    The event featured award of certificates, award of final professional graduate diploma and investiture of academy fellows.

    No fewer than 202 were admitted into graduate membership, two, professional fellows and eight, honorary fellows.

    CIPSMN Zonal Co-ordinator, Southeast, Prof Augustine Madu said the ceremony was a major item in the Institute’s calendar.

    CIPSMN President, Mohammed Aliyu, who presented certificates to the inductees, urged them to contribute meaningfully to various organisations and to develop the institute.

    Aliyu advised them to ensure that they applied the knowledge gained during the training in handling assignments for the benefit of the organisation.

    He noted that the institute still requires more serious development in terms of the offices in Abuja and Lagos, lacking equipment, communication facilities, finance, library facilities, operational vehicles and ICT facilities among others.

    “The challenge in the nation has been that there are no professionals. Now that we have churned out over 200 professionals who are skilled enough to handle the job appropriately, the problem of procurement would be minimised’’, he said.

    He said more needs to be done by the Jonathan administration and the political class to ensure that those not qualified in handling procurement activities are not given job.

    ‘It is wrong for non-professionals to be in the field of procurement and supply chain management, saddled with the responsibility to manage the bureau of public procurement. It is in the light of this that the institution has graduated qualified professionals to handle procurement’’.

    He further said that the policy on procurement should not be treated half heartedly. “90 per cent of corruption in Nigeria comes from procurement of goods, works and services. It is, therefore, disturbing that the legal system of this country is held to ransom by a few persons kicking against the full implementation of the law,” he said.

    Deputy Registrar of the institute, Felix Aribiade said procurement is one of the key ingredients to effective budget implementation in Nigeria.

    Nigeria, Aribisala said, is in need of people who will drive and reflect the activity that will bring productivity to the economic development and revival.

    A fellow of the institute, Mr Kayode Tinubu said except experienced and certified procurement professionals were given greater roles in governance, concerns over the dividends of democracy will constantly be a question.

    The involvement of more procurement professionals in the running of the nation, Tinubu said, would correct major pitfalls in the national development.

     

  • Honoured by royalty

    Honoured by royalty

    HE is a son of the soil who has done well. Even though he is a governor, he has not lost the common touch which endeared him to the people as president of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC). Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole is today reaping his good deeds.

    Last Saturday, he was conferred with the traditional title of Oshiosimua (Divine Redeemer of his people) by monarchs in the state.

    The Oba of Benin, Omo N Oba N Edo, Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba Erediauwa was represented by the Crown Prince and Edaiken of Uselu, Prince Eheneden Erediauwa. The prince, who rarely leaves the Benin palace, was the chairman of the occasion.

    Crown Prince Erediauwa, said by honouring Oshiomhole, “his people in Edo North and indeed all people of Edo State appreciate him for his achievements and say they are solidly behind him to do more for the state.”

    The prince described Oshiomhole as the Messiah of Edo State urging the people to pray to God and the ancestors to give the state another Oshiomhole after the governor’s tenure.

    The Otaru of Auchi, Alhaji Haliru Momoh, on behalf of the Edo North traditional rulers, said the reception was in recognition of the performance of a son of the soil and Edo State at large.

    “We are here today to celebrate a young man who has served his nation. God says you look at the past to determine the future and the present. Now, what is the past of this young man. He is the foremost pioneer of a detribalised Nigerian Labour Congress and the famous pioneer of the fight to the finish for the rights of man.

    “He has delivered this most successfully before ever he thought about going into politics. Like I said this occasion is grounded in the spirit of Edo State that is why we invited the Crown Prince to be the Chairman of this occasion to analyse and itemise the profile of the governor which he has delivered today.”

    “All I need now to say is that in tandem with the Almighty Allah, we have here in Edo North what the Crown Prince described as a messiah and he has analysed three areas to demonstrate, crystallise and pinpoint his speech.

    “The man we are celebrating today is not Oshiomhole, it is not Adams, not the comrade but Almighty God who has made him what he is and given him the soul to do what he did in the NLC and his first term in office which everybody in the state has bought into,” he added.

    Oshiomhole promised to do his best to meet the people’s expectation. The governor said the honour would propel him to do more for the people, saying “we may not have gotten to where we want to be but we will get there. We will build more roads, hospitals and employ more of our youths, build industries for our people to work. But we must be vigilant about the forces of darkness. They are not resting but with God they are powerless. The people’s will must prevail.

    “Let me thank our royal fathers from different local governments in Edo North for your decision to honour me this afternoon and like the Crown Prince said, it is not everyday you find respected royal fathers from various kingdoms and domains coming together in unison to acknowledge and to give honour to their son.

    “By your action, you have increased my burden because as they say to whom much is given much is expected. Last year I had the fortune of being recognised and appreciated by the royal fathers from Edo Central, from Esan land when they all agreed to confer on me the Adolor of Esanland. When I understood the full interpretation in English and that which you confer on me today it will appear that the minds of our royal fathers are working the same way.

    “I am humbled and I am grateful, I am indebted and committed to continue to do my best using the instrument of my privileged office to deliver joy and happiness and prosperity to the greatest number of our people in Edo State.”

    Other royal fathers at the event include Aidonogie of South Ibie, Kelvin Danesi; the Ogieneni of Uzairue kingdom Alhaji Kadiri Imonikhe Omogbai among others.

    Members of the National Assembly, state House of Assembly, the six council chairmen from Edo North the academia, notable Afenmai indigenes and people from other parts of the state and beyond were also there.