Category: Entertainment

  • Encomiums as Awka buries octogenarian

    Encomiums as Awka buries octogenarian

    The ancient city of Awka, Anambra State capital last weekend buried one of their own, Reginald Nwokoye, an octogenerian.

    For residents of Ziks Avenue, Awka, Anambra State capital, the day was not just like any other one as the people trooped out to bid farewell to one of their own, Elder Reginald Nwokoye, an octogenarian.

    The activities marking the burial started with a Christian wake at his residence and ended with a church outing service at the Cathedral of St. Faith, Awka.

    Though it was supposed to be a sober period, the funeral turned out to be fanfare as people who came said it was worth celebrating, especially these days that people die at their prime.

    At the wake, it was like a carnival as various dance groups tried to outdo one another in a bid to receive the highest attention.

    But the atmosphere on the following day changed when the siren of the hearse was heard as wailings of relations and friends rented the air.

    The wailing by women and muffled sobs from elderly men showed the kind of man that he was.

    His remains were laid in state until the Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese Rt. Rev Alex Ibezim, covered the casket and commenced the funeral service.

    The bishop urged the people to always face the challenges of life’s greater expectation of having victory through good life.

    He described the late Nwokoye a.k.a Idejuogwugwu as a great father who had affected many lives around him positively and urged his children to ensure that they uphold the legacies he left behind.

    The prelate urged the people never to rest their hopes and aspirations on worldly things and occultic powers, admonishing that such act can disappoint and eventually lead to destruction.

    He placed emphasis on the need for people to place their trust on God, which he said does not disappoint and urged the people to live diligently in this world and have love for humanity.

    After the late Idejuogwugwu was committed to mother earth, members of his kindred commenced the traditional rites with songs.

    The deceased’s son, Ekene said the counsel of his father will remain indelible in his mind, describing his late father as honest and fair in all his dealings with everybody and had always advocated peace and tolerance in any dispute.

    He said people who had come in contact with his late dad will surely miss his generosity and kindness adding that wickedness and hatred was alien to the late dad.

    In his tribute to late Nwokoye, the son-in-law, Mr Obini Onuchukwu, the Public Relations Officer of the Federal Polytechnic Oko, said God used the life of late Nwokoye to change history.

    Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi who was represented by his Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Henrietta Agbata, described the death of the octogenarian as painful but “we take consolation in the fact that he had the good fortune to live up to 87 years.”

    Obi said: “There is no doubt that a vacuum has been created with his exit. However since we neither choose the time of our birth nor that of our death, but only live our lives to the glory of God, let us be consoled by His promise of eternity which His mercy admits us”.

  • A call to serve

    A call to serve

    The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Diocese of Lagos West, has celebrated the enthronement of Rt Revd James Olusola Odedeji as Bishop of Diocese. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI writes.

    It was fun at the Archbishop Vinning Memorial Church Cathedral, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, when Rt Revd James Olusola Odedeji was enthroned as the Bishop of The Diocese of Lagos West, The Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

    The cathedral was filled to capacity; people also sat outside.

    The celebrator was dressed in a cassock. His wife, Olukemi, wore a blue suit and gold hat; she looked smart and gorgeous.

    About 59 bishops across the Anglican Communion were at the event.

    The service began with the procession which was led by the choir, following which the new bishop was led into the church.

    The enthronement of Bishop Odedeji was done by Rt Revd Bishop Awelewa Adebiyi, the Retired bishop of the Diocese.

    The Archbishop of Lagos, Revd Dada Akinade handed over the Pastoral Staff of Office to Odedeji.

    Revd Akinade urged Bishop Odedeji to watch over the flock, encourage the faithful, restore the lost and build up the body of Christ.

    After receiving the pastoral staff of office, the celebrator was led to his throne by the Canon Residentiary, Abraham Olumuyiwa.

    Deputy Governors Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire (Lagos State) and Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori (Osun) presented him gifts.

    Representatives of the cathedral, the laity and the clergy and The See City of Lagos West also gave him gifts.

    Reception followed shortly after at The Haven.

    The hall was decorated in gold and white. There was plenty to eat and drink. Guests were entertained by the choir. Kunle Bamtefa (an actor) was the Master of ceremony.

    Mrs Orelope-Adefulire described Bishop Odedeji as a man of God with a heart to serve.

    “He has the spirit of God and he is well loved by the people. He is young, responsible and I am sure he will lead us right,” she said.

    Otunba Laoye-Tomori urged the people to support Bishop Odedeji.

    The Bishop’s wife, Olukemi said: “The enthronement is a work of God and God will definitely see him through it; God will help us. We made it, not by our works of righteousness, or for what we have done, but by His mercy. If He brought us in, He will take us through”.

    Bishop Adebiyi wished Bishop Odedeji well, praying God to bless him and his family as he carries the mantle.

    The celebrator promised to work for God and humanity.

    In attendance were Lagos State Head of Service, Segun Ogunlewe and former Commissioner for Lagos State Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Allevation, Chief Kemi Nelson among others.

     

  • A monarch  at 50

    A monarch at 50

    The Olusin of Isanlu-Isin, Oba Solomon Olugbenga Oloyede clocked 50 last Saturday. He celebrated his attainment of the golden age with a N200million fund raiser for the rehabilitation of the palace. ADEKUNLE JIMOH reports.

    The atmosphere was conducive. Vehicles moved slowly down the slopy Isanlu-Isin in Isin Local Government Area of Kwara State, last Saturday. The town celebrated the 50th birthday of its monarch, Oba Solomon Olugbenga Oloyede and also held a N200million fund raiser for the rehabilitation of his palace.

    The mighty and the lowly and traditional rulers from different parts of the state came to share in the joy of the day with the Olusin of Isanlu-Isin.

    The agrarian community also hosted Juju maestro King Sunny Ade. The ageless musician enlivened the event with his sonorous voice, danceable lyrics and beats.

    Indigenes at home and in the diaspora with their friends came out in large number to felicitate with the birthday ‘boy.’

    Twenty persons were conferred with honorary chieftaincy titles, including Governor AbdulFatai Ahmed at the event held at the Baptist Primary School, Isanlu-Isin. The governor was conferred with Akinrogun of Isin land.

    Oba Oloyede said he celebrated his 50th birthday in style to raise N200 million for the construction of a befitting modern palace for the community.

    He said: “I want to have a befitting palace that will be an architectural masterpiece so that when we are talking about palaces in Yorubaland, it will be one of those to behold”, he said.

    Funds were raised among the dignitaries, those conferred with honorary traditional titles and wealthy individuals.

    Governor Ahmed, represented by the Commissioner for Finance, Mr Demola Banu, said traditional rulers would continue to be a link between the government and the people.

    “So, I appeal to our royal fathers to always strive to maintain peace, harmony and good relationship within and outside their community. I urge you to always settle all disputes peacefully, especially those regarding chieftaincy and boundary matters.

    “I see this as a further challenge to redouble our efforts towards bringing prosperity, peace and progress to the generality of the people of Kwara State. It is heartwarming to state that Isin people’s reputation for peace, progress and enterprise is worthy of emulation by all,” he said.

    Chairman, Isanlu-Isin Development Association Dr Emmanuel Ibiloye congratulated the monarch, Governor Ahmed and the other awardees.

    Chairman of the planning Committee, Elder E.F Abodunrin said the celebrator chose to mark the birthday because of his affection for his community.

    He said: “It is good to let you know that celebrating this particular birthday in this manner, is a result of the love his royal highness has for Isanlu-Isin community; all his life, he has always strived to make Isanlu-Isin relevant in the scheme of things. Before ascending the throne of his forefathers, everyone knew him as a great philanthropist who has been touching the lives of the less privileged in the society.

    “He intends to channel the proceeds of this birthday to the upliftment of our palace to a modern day one. Therefore, the most priced honour you can give him today is to contribute your quota to this project and our Kabiyesi and the entire Isanlu-Isin community will forever remain grateful to you as you do that.”

    Among those in attendance were immediate past Deputy Governor Joel Ogundeji; a member of the House of Assembly, Mrs Felicia Ojeleye; Commissioner for Planning Chief Tunde Adeoti.

    Traditional rulers at the event included the Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi; Olupo of Ajase-Ipo, Oba Sikiru Sanni and Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Charles Ibitoye.

  • Tears as Ozako is buried in Lagos

    Tears as Ozako is buried in Lagos

    The reality of the passing on of popular entertainment industry lawyer, Efere Ozako brought many to tears, as the man was being interned yesterday, at the Vaults and Gardens funeral home, Ikoyi, Lagos. The storm of tears had gathered the previous night, during a tributary session at the MUSON Center, where the several good deeds of the deceased were being relayed by family members, friends, entertainers and barrister colleagues, including Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola.

    Anne, the widow of Ozako, had maintained a steady smile, the previous night, as everyone eulogized her late husband during the Service of Songs. She probably chose to be engrossed in the beautiful testimonies from outsiders who had not spoken to her about her husband before. But as the body of her late husband was being lowered at the morgue, whatever courage she had gathered as a reason to live on failed her momentarily. In a flash of the moment, she gravitated towards the tomb, and only had to be held back by many. She cried uncontrollably, clutching her two kids; Omaina, a teenage girl and Omanesi, her younger brother.

    Anne’s expression of her agony steered emotions at the morgue. The artistes wept behind dark glasses, and so were several others whose connection to Ozako was only imaginable. Any opne who was at the tributary night knew how much the late lawyer had affected positively, the lives of people who crossed his path.

    His sister in-law, Bose Gloria Ozako said he was protective of her to a fault. She said her husband would never think of cheating or misbehaving to her. “Efere would take the next flight to Warri.” She mustered amidst tears.

    For Federal Government College Warri Old Students Association, he was a rallying point for members. Few weeks before his demise, Ozako was said to have donated generously to the widow of a late member, and had urged others to do the same. To the Bikers Association, he brought innovation to the club by forming the cruisers sub wing, saying that riding was a bit too fast and risky. To the entertainers, Ozako, according to Richard Mofe Damijo, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Delta State, was at the center of some of the successes they enjoyed today, by fighting for performers’ rights. To the lawyers, Ozako was a man who reduced the boredom in the practice and interpretation of law, through creative articles.

    The late Ozako was prominent for his law magazine, named Takkai. He was also well known in the entertainment industry for his workshop series; Wetin Lawyers Dey Do … Sef?. He started the workshop series in 2006, through Dtalkshop, an agency he co-run with Kaine Agari, his cousin. The workshop was meant to awaken filmmakers and musicians to the possibilities of earning well from their artistic endeavours. Ozako in his life time frowned at the activities of pirates and similar right infringers. He died on April 18, 2013, at the Havana Hospital, Surulere, of a stress related ailment.

  • Fashola, entertainers eulogise late lawyer

    Fashola, entertainers eulogise late lawyer

    Encomiums, yesterday, appeared inexhaustible at the Service of Songs for late entertainment industry lawyer, Efere Ozako, who died on April 18, 2013, of a stress related ailment.

    The Shell Hall, MUSON Center, venue of the tributary event, was full to capacity, as friends, family members, entertainers and Barrister colleagues of the deceased, including Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola and his wife, Dame Abimbola, gathered at the ceremony that got the crowd laughing amidst tears.

    Given the various tributes that came in for the deceased, it appeared difficult to summaries what Ozako stood for while on earth. His life, as it were was filled with the valuable impacts he had on everyone who crossed his path. Like a mother hen, Ozako was said to have lived his life, fighting for everyone’s right as a lawyer, friend and acquaintant.

    Governor Fashola, who revealed how close he was to the deceased, said they not only attended the University of Benin (UNIBEN) together, but that they were also neighbours in Surulere, before he became governor. Fashola said that while dealing with the physical separation, the memories of his times with the deceased will put a smile on his face always.

    “This morning when the storm for the rains began to gather, I said to myself, this man is not going to go away quietly… And I am sure that in his own unique way, he has connected with every one of us. You know what; if there is life after death, Efere will live it – that I am sure. And he probably has started to live it. All the lawyers he would meet there, he would probably have started to publish a magazine for them to read. This was a prince of the Niger Delta who made Lagos his home. He was my friend and my brother. Efere was my next door neighbor in Surulere and we were at UNIBEN together. And I remember that I was always running off somewhere and wouldn’t come back until 1am or 2am; from one club to another. And the day I became governor, Efere said: “You see, I told you to let me go out at night; this man has become governor.” The crowd roared with laughed. “I am sure my wife has a lot of stories to tell; the long hours she spent with Efere; it was about people who are faithful to their wives. This was the community in which we lived in Surulere.” The governor said, paused and changed his mood slightly.

    “I know this is a very difficult situation to deal with. I think that we are dealing with the physical separation… Efere is not dead. He has just moved on to fulfill a covenant that all of us will fulfill. Yes, we would struggle with this physical separation, but I will remember the very funny times and memories I shared with him, and he will keep a smile on my face. And I know he will on the face of Ann too, who was really his soul mate. She would understand it better and so are his children. Well done my brother. Warri no dey carry last. Move on. God bless you.”

    Other speakers after the governor though he had captured everything that the late speaker was. His sister in-law, Bose Gloria Ozako said he protective of her to a fault. She said her husband will never think of cheating or misbehaving to her. “Efere would take the next flight to Warri.”

    For Federal Government College Warri Old Students association, he was a rallying point for members. Few weeks before his demise, Efere was said to have donated generously to the widow of a late member and urged others to do the same. To the Bikers Association, he brought innovation to the club

    by forming the cruisers club, saying that riding was a bit too fast and risky. To the entertainers, Efere was at the center of some of the successes they enjoyed today as a fighter for performance rights.

    Ozako was well known for his workshop series; Wetin Lawyers Dey Do … Sef?; which he began in 2006, through Dtalkshop, an agency he co-run with Kaine Agari, his cousin. The forum was meant to awaken filmmakers and musicians to the possibilities of earning well from their artistic endeavours. Ozako in his life time frowned at the activities of pirates and similar right infringers.

  • HRF brings TV show for prison inmates

    HRF brings TV show for prison inmates

    THE Human Rights Foundation, in line with its mission to rehabilitate, educate and provide opportunities for inmates of Nigerian prisons to be productive citizens, recently launched a reality television programme tagged Take it Back.

    Throwing light on the TV show and its expected impact on the lives of inmates, Executive Director of the Foundation, Victor Fakunle, explains that Take it Back is basically a means of gaining lost grounds because, according to him, a lot of the times, after going through the rigours of getting the inmates released, they have nowhere to go.

    “Take it Back is basically a reformation project, a rehabilitation project that focuses on behavioural change and at the same time brings entertainment to the public. Basically, we will be giving the inmates a platform where they will be showcasing their creativity,” he says.

    Set to begin airing in the third quarter of the year, Fakunle says that auditions start in this month of May. “The competition will be within Lagos State. Lagos State is the pilot project and we have five major prisons here and so we will have contestants who will be competing with each other within all these prisons. We believe that a lot of people for the first time will see what goes on inside the prisons,” Fakunle adds.

    Lending her voice to the project, the Deputy Comptroller of Prisons Leticia Onwuli, who represented the Lagos State Comptroller of Prisons, said that Take it Back falls in line with their activities. “We are doing our bit so far, but he came with this explanation that he wants to take our inmates to the television. We are looking forward to it. We have been trying in our own little way to reform them. We have been doing this by training them in various vocations,” she said.

  • I will marry my fianceé  when the time is right  —Katung Aduwak

    I will marry my fianceé when the time is right —Katung Aduwak

    After what turned out to be a sabbatical of some sort, Big Brother Nigeria winner, Katung Aduwak, is taking the scene by surprise. The multi-talented Kano State indigene has made bold strides in movie and music video productions in recent times signalling his intent to further promote his brand. Katung desires to shoot big time Nollywood movies that are beyond the regular which he has demonstrated with his latest movie project titled Heaven’s Hell. He opened up on his love life, his encounter with ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, his short spell in New York and other sundry issues in this interview with AHMED BOULOR.

     

     

    WHAT was the experience like as an associate producer for the movie Unwanted Guest?

    Unwanted Guest was actually my first shot at working on a feature film. It was exhilarating, and it was right after film school. I took on the role of producer and director of photography; though I was a directing major, my love for cameras and lights led me to learn the technical aspect as well. I had to make things happen in the midst of impossibility.

    I helped to ease the director, Daniel Ademinokan, into the New York lifestyle and work environment. It was a dream come true, working with experienced actors like Chett Anekwe (who also is in my Heaven’s Hell project) and also worked with new talents with burning desire. The zeal, desire, belief and unity made it work so well. I’ll do it again in a heartbeat.

    Was the movie your biggest project at the time?

    Yes, Unwanted Guest was the biggest for me at the time. It blew up more for me when we got four nominations at the African Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), and it definitely played a part in building my confidence towards the Heaven’s Hell project.

    In 2006, after emerging winner of Big Brother Nigeria, you were hosted by President Olusegun Obasanjo at the time. Could you recall the experience?

    Big Brother Nigeria is something I will never forget, and when President Olusegun Obasanjo hosted me, it was epic. Imagine me being hosted by the leader of the biggest black nation. He spoke to me with details of what happened during the show; I was convinced that he found time to watch us during his free time. It is what will make every young individual want to do more to excel in his or her field of work.

    You were also an on-air-personality at a time; tell us about it?

    Radio helped me find and establish myself even more than I already had done. I started with Cool FM where I won the first radio reality show in Nigeria which was known as ‘the broadcaster’; I became a voice to listen to and a reference point for many even after I moved to Rhythm FM. Radio helps to preserve your privacy when you want to be heard and not seen. It has changed a lot now as I know the faces of most of the people I hear on radio; thanks to social media.

    How has the streets of Brooklyn in New York toughened you as a person and otherwise?

    Brooklyn New York just helped me relate to other people’s struggles I heard of through rap music and movies. I lived on Green and Classson, five blocks east from where Christopher Wallace (Notorious B.I.G.) grew up. I got a chance to relate first hand with most of what he said. So I won’t say my toughening came from Brooklyn, it just opened up my mind more. My mother, Lagos and Air Force Military School are responsible for most of the toughening I have been through.

    What was the experience like at the film school you attended in New York?

    Film school in New York was so exciting, it was hands-on; we learnt on the job and were on the move at all times. The pace of the city and the practice of the art did not allow for a lot of time wasting and ignorance. It’s very different from Lagos, because of the logistic problems we face; no light, bad traffic, etc.

    Did you miss home during the two-year duration of studies in New York?

    I missed home a lot, but I had a mission which helped balance things out. Besides, I had my parents come visit me a couple of times, so it helped.

    How did you develop your skills in script-writing?

    I have always had love and interest for writing. I wrote poetry and plays as a kid; I went to school in New York to hone the craft. It is and will further yield magic.

    Do you still occupy your post as the Media Director at Chocolate City?

    Yes, I still occupy my post at Chocolate City, it was a dream started by my partner when we were in the University of Jos; they ran with it and gave people like me a chance to be among the decision makers. I can’t thank Audu Maikori, Paul Okeugo and Yahaya Maikori enough.

    What’s your take on Jesse Jagz’s recent exit from Chocolate City?

    Jesse Jagz remains one of the best musicians and producers I have been privileged to come across; we miss him at Chocolate City, but we support his decision to want to venture off and grow to find higher grounds. He has my full support. It can only get better for him. He is in a very good place.

    Let’s talk about Ice Prince’s video “Superstar”; as the director of the video, what was the major inspiration behind the video?

    Ice Prince, the happy boy, inspired the video. His energy and positive nature is unmatchable. I fed off his energy in trying to conceptualise the video. Indeed, everybody loves Ice Prince.

    What do you have to say about the senseless killings which have been the order of the day in Plateau State and other parts of Nigeria?

    Being that I went to secondary school and university in Jos, I consider it home; I spent a large part of my formative years there. It is sad to see a once heavenly and peaceful place harbour these gruesome acts, but I see hope coming back to Jos; it will regain its glory. I believe things will get better in the long run. It won’t be easy but it will get back to its natural peaceful nature. I just pray that peace reigns in our beloved country because like the saying goes “united we stand, divided we fall”.

    Are you working in collaboration with your other colleagues in the industry to preach against violence and wanton destruction of lives and property in the Plateau?

    Friends of mine like Kevin Pam, Tuface and Ice Prince have done work to raise awareness about the injustice in Jos; we intend to even make a bigger impact with what we have in the works. We will see the end of violence in Jos. It doesn’t matter how long, we won’t stop.

    How do you also cope managing your night club in Kaduna?

    My nightclub is presently being run by an entertainment consultancy firm and I think it’s one of the wisest decisions I have made. They handle the hassles while we share the proceeds. We can’t always do everything by ourselves; outsourcing helps to maintain stability and sanity.

    Is the night club enjoying good patronage with the menace and fear of Boko Haram in the state?

    Yes, my uncle helped with about 60 percent of the financing for the night club to get on the road, it has been indeed a profitable partnership. The fear of Boko Haram has not affected business; things are going on smoothly by God’s grace.

    Are you from Kaduna or Plateau State?

    I am actually from Kaduna not Plateau, I just schooled in Jos, Plateau State

    Do you run other businesses too?

    Yes, I run a farm in Abuja and Kaduna. I also run One-O-Eight Media; it’s my multi-media company co-owned by Yakman Wuyep, my very good friend and brother. I am a partner in Chocolate City as well, God has been good.

    Why is it taking so long for you to finally get hooked to your fianceé Raven Taylor?

    Raven and I love and cherish what we have; we will get married when we feel it is right, we do not believe there is a standard and time span to tie the knot. We are very much looking forward to a great life ahead together.

    Has she gotten used to the Nigerian environment since she relocated from Chicago?

    She actually relocated from New York but is from Chicago. She is one strong individual. I will be with her if given 10 more life times. She is more rooted here than many can imagine.

    What’s the most interesting book you have read?

    Game of Thrones; that’s the most interesting book I have read till date.

    Is there any latest development about you that you’ll like the public to know?

    I have grown in many ways; the movie Heaven’s Hell is about to change lives and I am sure it will make a lasting impact in the minds of many a viewer.

  • Fun time for bankers

    IT was an evening of style, humour, unwinding, mingling and entertainment at Mimshach Centre, Lagos as Pearls Entertainment Limited presented a show tagged: Bankers Do Laugh.

    Pearls Entertainment Limited, an organisation poised with the aim of entertaining through different mediums, one of which is creating comic relief for the banking sector, had bankers family and friends grace the occasion.

    The event which was held on Workers’ Day featured music, comedy and a hilarious stage play titled Yoruba Romance which thrilled the crowd with severe laughter.

    Speaking to The Nation reporter, Uduak Akrah Egom, actress and CEO of Pearl Entertainment, said the event was specially organised for bankers, to enable them slacken off and enjoy tremendous relief.

    She added that “The idea behind it is that we want bankers to loosen up a bit, because there is no package out there designed for them, and they are always very busy. I thought we could do something for bankers to enable them come out of their shell, get them to laugh, relax, wine and dine.

    “Relaxation helps individuals, including bankers, to be skilled. There’s something about relaxation, when you relax it helps you to be more productive. So if we get them to relax, we can expect more from them.”

    Being the first of its kind, she decided to start the show with a comedy stage play, Yoruba Romance, as the main order of event. She hopes to spread across to other professions.

    Though there were few celebrities in attendance, Uduak said she used this medium to encourage upcoming artistes to showcase their talents. “I didn’t bring in major acts; I discovered that there are young talents out there that have not been given an opportunity, so I brought them in to showcase their talents.”

    The actress who holds a degree in Theatre Arts said she started from the stage, adding that from the stage more knowledge is acquired. She also disclosed that children won’t be left out because at the end of May something of such will be introduced to mark Children’s Day.

    Popular comedian and on-air-personality, Yaw, also buttressed the point that bankers need to come out and have fun.

    “Stage is not financially rewarding unlike the television, but once you do the stage you have this fulfillment as an actor and then you deliver your punch lines and the crowd is laughing and you’re happy they are laughing. But for me it’s still the stage,” said Yaw.

    Cast of the stage play Yoruba Romance were Kris Ubani Roberts, Omololu Sodia and Uduak Akrah Egom.

  • Bisi Ibidapo’s latest confession

    Bisi Ibidapo’s latest confession

    BEAUTIFUL actress Bisi Ibidapo-Obe has revealed that the day her daughter, Destiny, was born was the happiest day of her life. She made this revelation at the ‘Celebrity Night-Out’, a programme put together by Odua TV.

    Despite the controversy surrounding the birth of the child, the Omologbalogba actress said her birth gave her joy beyond measure. It would be recalled that the alleged father of the girl, Hon. Dino Melaye, refused to take responsibility for the child and denied the paternity in the media and on social networks.

    The event which started with red carpet appearances by 5pm had celebrities like ace comedian Gbenga Adeyinka, fellow Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo, amongst others, in attendance. It was a fun-filled atmosphere as friends and fans alike trooped in to have a fantastic time with the beautiful Nollywood star. Media executives, reporters, entertainment personalities and select guests also turned out to party with the actress. It was a night of excitement and merrymaking.

    Speaking on the happiest day of her life, Bisi enthused: “The day my daughter, Destiny, was born was, and is still, the happiest day of my life. I experienced love, greater than anything I had ever felt before, and I don’t think it can ever be replaced.”

    Host of the event, Mr Soji Omotayo, spoke on the event. “It is our custom to host celebrities regularly because we believe they should be celebrated and appreciated for the effort they put in entertaining us. Besides, their fans want to get to know them for who they really are, and so we try our best to make that happen,” he said.

    Celebrities like Mercy Aigbe and Taiwo Hassan, otherwise known as Ogogo, have earlier been hosted by the entertainment channel.

  • Banky W maintains lead  in ‘Official Naija Top 10’

    Banky W maintains lead in ‘Official Naija Top 10’

    VOCALIST Banky W enters his second week as number one at MTV Base Official Naija Top 10 chart, and closing in on Banky W is Phyno featuring Olamide with Ghostmode, which moves from the third to second position after a slow but steady climb up the chart. Other climbers this week include Tiwa Savage’s Without My Heart which moved to number five and Asiko from Darey featuring Ice Prince & Jozi now settles in at the number six position.

    After two weeks at number 10, Davido’s Gobe gained two places to end the week at number 8. While Lynxxx’s Ezioku stays at number 4, former number 1, 2Face’s Ihe Neme, drops one position to number 3 and Bad Boy P by L.O.S. slips back to number 9.

    The eighth episode of the Official Naija Top 10 premiered on the MTV Base block on NTA on Friday 26 April. Every week the Official Naija Top 10 is put together by a panel of judges comprising Nigerian broadcasters, music specialists and tastemakers, working with MTV Base to pick the winners and losers in the week’s chart.