The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Twin celebration for oldest monarch

    Twin celebration for oldest monarch

    THE rich culture of the Urhobo was on display when the traditional ruler of Olomu marked his 96th birthday and 25th anniversary on the throne. The Owhorode of Olomu, Ogbon Ogoni-Oghoro is the oldest member of the Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers and the longest serving monarch in the history of Olomu in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State. The Olomu community was agog as the cream of society came to celebrate with the monarch and his subjects. For the nonagenarian, it was another feather in his cap.

    The monarch was in 2011 installed by the Anglican Communion as the Anglican Royal in the World, a title solely held by him, according to palace sources.

    Decked in an all-red ceremonial attire, with a beaded Royal Canon cone-shaped crown, white ajuju (fan) in his hand, the monarch, accompanied by Queen Grace Ogbon, moved from one end to the other with grace that belied his nearly one century on earth.

    Olorogun Moses Taiga, one of the highest- ranking chiefs of Olomu Kingdom and president-general of Olomu, led other chiefs, including Chief Emmanuel Aguariavwodo, former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), to welcome the monarch with the customary traditional homage, singing and dancing. Clasping their wrists and elbows, the chiefs paid obeisance to their king, sang his praise and reeled out his various titles.

    The Oloroguns (chiefs) were resplendent in their flowing wrappers, traditional attires and ivies (beads). Men and women in ceremonial wrappers eulogised the monarch. shouts of Adjuvwe, Adjuvwe rent the air as the monarch rode majestically into the Otorere-Olomu Secondary School, venue of the event.

    There were goodwill messages, from President Goodluck Jonathan and Delta State Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan. Jonathan described the day as a celebration of “twin glorious occasions.”

    He prayed that the legacy of peace, harmony, prosperity and steadfastness, which the Olomu Kingdom is witnessing under the monarch, would endure forever “even as Almighty God blesses you with robust health and many more years of fulfillment.”

    Uduaghan, represented by his deputy, Prof Amos Utuama (SAN), an indigene of Olomu said: “Today is very special and historic, Owhorode is a king who is a recorder of affairs; he is the longest-serving Owhorode. His reign of 25 years has witnessed unprecedented development; we have many sons and daughters of Olomu who are well placed. What else does he need? On behalf of the government of Delta State, we congratulate you.

    “Of course, for being the oldest reigning king in Delta State, we congratulate you. The celebration is a worthy one, I am here representing Delta State people.”

    Ijaw leader Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark, had kind words for the monarch. He described the Owhorode as a peace-loving man, whose words and actions epitomise his love for his people. The monarch’s reign, he said, had led to an era of peace and development and praying that God would continue to extend his grace to the monarch to reach a century and beyond.

    The chairman of Delta State Traditional Rulers Council and Olu of Warri Kingdom, Ogiame Atuwatse, led over 30 high class and top profile traditional rulers to the ceremony.

    The traditional rulers included Orodje of Okpe Felix Mujakperuo; paramount ruler of Seimbiri Kingdom Pere Charles Ayemi-Botu; Agadagba of Egbema Pere Gold Tiemo; Ovie of Uvwie Emmanuel Sideso; Ovie of Agbarha-Otor Richard Ebelle, and Ovie of Evwreni Eruvwedede, among others.

    Also in attendance were former military governor of defunct Midwest Region Maj-Gen. David Ejoor; pioneer Governor of Delta State Olorogun Felix Ibru; Prof. Godini Darah; Prof. Onigu Otite; Olorogun Okiemute Oviri Okwagbe; Olorogun and Mrs. Oscar Ibru; Transition Committee Chairman, Ughelli-South, Olorogun Oviri Uto and Justice Thompson Dugbo.

     

  • Memorable farewell to a sweet mother

    Memorable farewell to a sweet mother

    Hers was a life of struggle. The late Mrs Hannah Folorunso Osuntokun became old while barely 30 as she shouldered the responsibility of mothering her siblings as the first child following their parents death. She died on December 24, last year.

    Her funeral last Friday brought the high and mighty to Okemesi-Ekiti, a town believed to be located at the bottom of a vast mountain. By 9a.m., guests in dainty cars had started arriving for the funeral. Mrs Osuntokun’s remains were wheeled into the church, accompanied by her children led by Chief Akin Osuntokun and his uncle, Prof Jide Osuntokun.

    The officiating Anglican Archbishop of Lagos Diocese, Most Revd Adebayo Akinde, gave a brief account of Mama’s life, noting that she got used to making sacrifice early in life.

    According to Revd Akinde, Mama was made a chief in the town because she gave freely.

    “If you are not good or have a legacy of selfless service towards the family, your community cannot honour you. Mama left a legacy of selflessness for generations. She was not a Delilah who betrayed her lover, Samson. These legacies are all there for us and anyone who desires to learn. You are either here or there. Let the wise Christian make a choice,” he said.

    He urged the congregation to learn from the humble life of the late Mrs Osuntokun who, according to him, “chose a life of devotion to God and total commitment to family despite trials and tribulations.”

    Prof. Osuntokun, while acknowledging the august gathering said:“I just cannot afford to continue sitting down without expressing gratitude for such a humbling presence as we have here today in the church.”

    The deceased’s son, Chief Osuntokun, a onetime Managing Director of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said the funeral enabled him to convert two prominent Muslims in the gathering to Christianity for two days.

    He was referring to former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) chair Mallam Nuhu Ribadu and Chairman, Bi-Courtney Consortium Dr. Wale Babalakin.

    Osuntokun said: “People talk of the embarrassment of riches but I talk of embarrassment of goodwill. Mama also told me ‘tell your uncles not to keep me too long in the refrigerator.’

    “But she was kept in the refrigerator for four months. The Anglican Church share a bit in that responsibility on the account of the Lenten period as they said they would not conduct an interment service during the period.”

    He asked the church to use the occasion to make demands, cautioning that his phone and that of his wife should not be demanded “as both got missing that morning.”

    Osuntokun said: “These (that is the missing phones) you cannot demand as much as I do know. Any other thing you can ask from me.”

    Responding to an earlier request that the family should endow a fund specifically for the growth of the church, Osuntokun donated N1 million. Others among the congregation supported the move with various sums.

    The congregation retired to the Anglican Church Primary School for the reception.

    Music was supplied by the inimitable King Sunny Ade-led band.

    In attendance were: Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko; former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode; Mr Segun Oni who represented President Olusegun Obasanjo and Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on media, Dr. Reuben Abati.

    Others are former Commonwealth Secretary General Chief Emeka Anyaoku; former Secretary to Government of the Federation, Chief Olu Falae; representatives of Ekiti State Governor; former governor of Ekiti Mr Ayo Fayose; representatives of the Ooni of Ife and Ewi Ado-Ekiti; Senator Babafemi Ojudu; former Health Secretary Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi and Dr Jimi Oke.

     

  • 50 hearty cheers to a ‘disciplinarian’

    50 hearty cheers to a ‘disciplinarian’

    Big banners at the entrance of the hall of the Lagos Country Club, with birthday messages for Alhaja Afusat Ibirogba, a cloth merchant, welcomed guests to the event. Alhaja Afusat, wife of Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Alhaji Lateef Ibirogba, was marking her 50th birthday.

    Posh cars were parked in and outside the club. The cars showed their owners’ class.

    The hall was filled.

    Cloth merchants from within and outside the country came to rejoice with the celebrator.

    Alhaji Bashir Adisa (Baba Gboin), the emcee, thrilled guests with jokes and songs. The band of Seyi Crown entertained the gathering.

    Prayers were offered earlier for “long life and prosperity” for the celebrator and her family.

    Wife of Lagos State Governor Dame Abimbola Fashola said the day was for merry making and thanksgiving to God Almighty.

    She said attaining the golden age called for celebration and giving thanks to God.

    Mrs Fashola also officiated the cutting of the cake.

    Secretary to the Lagos State Government Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule prayed God to grant the celebrator long life and prosperity. She described her as a discipline and contented woman.

    “She and her husband have been very good friends; I have known them for quite long; they are good people and contented with what Allah gives them,” she said.

    Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was represented by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere.

    He wished the celebrator more meritorious and prosperous years ahead.

    Alhaji Ibirogba described his wife as a virtuous woman.

    “Adesola is a role model to a lot of women. She is also a gift to me and avoids things that will smear her reputation,” he said.

    He said the family had every reason to thank God for they have been enjoying their union.

    “ Perhaps what is only left for me, my big boys and the entire Ibirogba family is to thank God for giving me a friend and wife. Adesola has been a source of joy to us since becoming part of the family,” he said.

    To the birthday ‘girl’ the day was a reunion with friends she last saw in their school days.

    Guests included Lagos State Commissioner for Culture, Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaji Oyinlomo Danmole; his Education counterpart, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye; Hakeem Kosoko; council chairmen — Hon Abiodun Mafe (Mosan Okunola); Hon Yussuf Shakiru Adisa (Ayobo-Ipaja); Hon Abdul Fatah Oyesanya (Ikosi Isheri); Hon Hakeem Bamgbala (Itire-Ikate) and Hon Taofeek Adaranijo (Orile-Agege).

    Others were Commissioner for Special Duties Dr Wale Ahmed; wife of Action Congress of Nigeria Lagos State Chapter Chairman Mrs Adetoun Ajomale; and actor Adebayo Salami (A.k.a Oga Bello), among others.

     

  • Imo to mark Freedom Day

    Imo State government has disclosed plans to celebrate what it described as ‘Imo Freedom Day’ as well as the second year anniversary of Governor Rochas Okorocha.

    The planning committee chaired by the Deputy Governor, Prince Eze Madumere has lined up several activities that will ensure maximum participation of Imo people in the event which will commence on May 6 and culminate into two-year anniversary celebration of the Okorocha-led rescue mission administration on May 29.

    Okorocha urged political appointees to ensure that Imo people are well mobilised for the event.

    The governor noted that much has been achieved in the area of infrastructural development and other critical sectors which will be show-cased to the people during the celebration.

    In his remarks, the Mayor of Owerri, Dr. Kachi Nwoga used the occasion to intimate the governor with what his committee has done so far preparatory to the launching of the New Imo Projects.

    Those projects, he said, include the physical environment, repainting of structures in identical patterns, relocation of artisans to industrial clusters and re-organising various motor parks.

     

  • ‘She is very kind’

    ‘She is very kind’

    They met four years ago. The relationship culminated into marriage last Saturday. To Fatimah Abiodun Danmale and Yusuf Omotayo Onilogbo, it was their day.

    The expansive hall of the Anchor Events Place, Ikeja, Lagos, was filled to capacity. Guests wore white and blue lace attires.

    The couple looked resplendent in theirs, too.

    Earlier in the morning, Alhaji Yaya Adekoya led other Islamic clerics for the Nikkah.

    He declared the lovebirds husband and wife following the fulfilment of the requirements for the solemnisation.

    The reception was held at the same venue.

    The couple, changed to English wears for the reception. The groom wore a black suit; Fatimah wore a white gown.

    They were accompanied by their friends to the hall. The couple danced for some minutes before entering the hall. Guests rose for them when they entered the hall.

    The occasion was chaired by Osun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Alhaji Sikiru Adetona.

    Adetona advised the couple to love each other and live with wisdom.

    “It is just a new beginning and I pray God to give you the wisdom to manage it,” he said. He urged the couple to live by the teachings of the Quran and never allow a third party in their lives.

    The commissioner also advised the couple’s parents to allow them live their lives on their own.

    The cutting of the cake followed immediately after the chairman’s speech.

    They moved to the dance floor after the first assignment of feeding each other was concluded.

    The band of Kolade Onanuga was on stage, dishing out melodious songs. They were joined on the podium by family members and friends.

    An elated Yusuf was full of thanks.

    “I am overwhelmed with the turn out, I am short of words, I give Allah all the thanks,” he said.

    Describing his better half, Yusuf said: “She has a good behaviour, very gentle; very kind, prayerful and a good Muslim”.

    The bride, Fatimah, could not hide her feelings; she was all smiles. She described the day as her happiest.

    “It is my happiest day,” she said.

  • LG redefines home entertainment

    TV viewing is a popular pastime in Nigeria. This relaxing activity serves as a way of rewarding oneself after a hard day’s work.

    75 years ago, television was introduced with skepticism and awe. No one truly believed it would change the way we view the world. Now more than ever people are more attached to their television. A TV set is now being considered as a status symbol by householders; and increasingly a lot of attention is being paid to the quality of TV adorning living rooms.

    In the early days of TV, a tube delivering images in black and white was considered to be okay. But with the advent of colour TV and availability of contents for colour TV, the black and white TV has lost its charm. it is no more relevant as globally there have been a mass migration to colour TV. Over time, there has been advanced introductions such as the LCD, LED and 3D TVs, which has brought about tremendous improvement in picture quality.

    Recently I was at the atrium of the Ikeja shopping Mall in Lagos to witness the unveiling of the 84-inch Ultra High Definition TV by LG Electronics, a global leader in Consumer Electronics. the launch of the TV which is the world’s first 84-inch Ultra Definition (UD) Cinema 3D Smart TV as well as the first of its kind to be introduced into the Nigerian market was witnessed by a mammoth crowd.

    The LG 84-inch ULTRA-HD TV, also known as 84LM9600, is the world’s largest Ultra High Definition TV. The sheer size of the display, which is equal to 4units of 42-inch TVs, delivers an unparalleled picture resolution of 2160p which is 4 times higher than full HD. It is incredibly vivid and crisp, even when viewed from close distances.

    The LG 84-inch ULTRA-HD TV comes complete with an enhanced sound which no other TV currently offers. Its 2.2 speaker system delivers a sound output of 50W, boasting two woofers, which delivers an incredible depth and energy, bringing eye-encompassing visuals to life with exhilarating sound.

    Speaking on this milestone achievement, the General Manager, Home Entertainment division, LG Electronics, Mr. Steve Ryu said: “It is obvious that our industry is driven by innovation and Ultra Definition which is our latest invention will transform viewing experience.

    “This is indeed a watershed moment in TV history because the Ultra HD 4K technology will make it possible for consumers to enjoy crystal clear picture quality. The LG 84-inch ULTRA-HD TV offers quadruple the detail of a full HD 1080p unit, with 8 million pixels.”

    The new LG 84-inch ULTRA-HD TV uses LG Resolution Upscaler Plus hardware which delivers higher detail from the existing SD/HD external sources. It provides the most convincing 3D viewing experience currently available outside of a movie theatre. The TV’s Triple XD Engine comes with a TruMotion of 240 Hz with the benefit of fast screen refresh rate which guarantees quality viewing of fast movies and sports.

    The LG 84-inch ULTRA-HD TV also has Smart TV ecosystem, featuring well over 1,000 applications. It comes complete with 3D glasses as well as LG’s Magic Remote, now upgraded to understand voice commands allowing users to intuitively access and navigate the Home Dashboard with ease.

    Guests at the event, with the aid of the LG 3D glasses, were able to try out the device for the first time; they were enthralled by the breathtaking viewing experience the massive display gives with many admitting that with a new technology like the LG 84-inch ULTRA-HD TV there is bound to be a resurgence in family time which has been recently observed to be waning.

    For tech enthusiasts wanting to put themselves at the cutting edge of what’s possible. The Ultra HD is a compelling trend. They are able to reproduce colors that can’t be seen in the color space of their HD counterparts. Most importantly, they are simply stunning to look at.

    There is a growing concern about the lack of Ultra HD content. While this will undoubtedly change in the future, LG is already offering very sophisticated resolution upscalers to convert 1K content to 4K. Indeed, Ultra HD is the next step towards the future where we have truly lifelike video at home and LG is passionately leading the pack.

    In the early vestiges of the display industry, technology paths were fairly evident. The move from black and white TVs to color TVs was a no-brainer. The landscape is more complex now, and it is not always clear which direction the industry will take. Manufacturers are well aware of this, and have turned to the one source that probably has the clearest idea of which directions the industry should head in: consumers. Big companies like LG Electronics have invested a lot in Research & Development with the consumer in focus in order to find out which concerns are most important to them. The insights gained help manufacturers to better understand the market and be more competitive in terms of developing technologies that will be embraced by the public. The results are fascinating; despite the plethora of supplementary features and options, the foremost concern of the average consumer remains the same as it always has: picture quality.

    Thus far, reactions to the stunning display have been extraordinary, with observers dazzled by the breathtaking picture quality.

    LG’s mammoth 84-inch Ultra HD TV puts LG firmly in the driver’s seat in terms of ushering in a new Ultra HD era and taking a leadership role in encouraging the adoption of the technology. LG’s Ultra HD TV have received recognition from around the world for its achievements in furthering display technology and harnessing sensational, life-like picture quality.

    LG pays close attention to the needs and wants of consumers; in many ways, it is the consumer that influences LG’s decision making paradigms. The result is a range of products that have immediate appeal among consumers.

    With this state-of-the-art panel, LG has once more demonstrated leadership by spearheading the ULTRA-HD TV technology.

    LG Electronics is committed to making consumers happy through its products and services with the goal of improving on its technology for better performances that meet the end users’ peculiar needs.

     

     

  • ‘Marriage is a blessing from God’

    The marriage of Adedapo Adekunle Titiloye and Oyeronke Temilade Oyedeji has become the talk of town in Offa, Kwara State. It was held at the First Baptist Church, Station Road, Offa.

    The officiating ministers were Rev A. G Odediran; Rev Canon Tayo Fayemi; Pastor Kunle Ogungboye, and Deacon Yinka Olayonu, among others.

    Reception followed at the Offa Grammar School Sports Stadium. The stadium was filled to capacity.

    It was like a competition when the twin brothers of the groom, Taiye and Kehinde Titiloye, took on themselves on the dancing floor.Their performance added glamour to the occasion.

    The groom’s father, Mr Femi Titiloye, the Registrar of Rainbow College, Surulere, Lagos also displayed his dancing skills to the admiration of guests. “It (dancing) runs in the family”, some guests whispered.

    The reception was chaired by Mr Sunday Pinmo, a friend of Mr Titiloye.

    He urged the couple to listen to each other in order to build a successful home.

    He also advised those in attendance to pray for the couple.

    Adedapo, a graduate of Industrial Chemistry, described his wife, Ronke, as a “ friend and somebody I trust”.

    Mr Titiloye’s Social Club Iledun Club Oke Onigbin presented a banner gift to the couple.

    The bride’s father, Prince Oyetunji Oyedeji, urged the couple to be patient with each other and put God first in whatever they do.

     

  • Omotola on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list

    Omotola on TIME’s 100 Most Influential People list

    Top Nollywood actress, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, popularly called Omosexy has been name among 100 most influential people worldwide.

    Described as “Africa’s most renowned leading lady”, 34 year old Omotola was named in the 2013 icons segment of the list alongside young Pakistani activist; Malala Yousafzai, US first lady Michelle Obama, Burmese democracy leadey; Aung San Sun Kyi, RnB diva; Beyonce, Justin Timberlake and Italian footballer; Mario Balloteli.

    Others in the category are Duchess of Cambridge; Kate Middleton, Chinese tennis champion; Li Na, three times Oscar award winner; Daniel Day-Lewis.

    In her profile written by Richard Corliss, a movie critic, Omotola was described as the “Queen of Nollywood.”

    “Called OmoSexy by her fans, she has made 300 or so features, from the 1996 Mortal Inheritance to the 2010 super production Ijé, shot partly on location in Los Angeles. Married to an airline pilot she wed on a flight from Lagos to Benin, Jalade-Ekeinde brings a juggler’s grace to her roles as actress, singer, reality-show star, mother of four and philanthropist (the Omotola Youth Empowerment Programme)”  Corliss stated.

  • Entertainment industry lawyer Ozako dies

    Entertainment industry lawyer Ozako dies

    The entertainment industry has been hit by the death of another vital stakeholder, Efere Ozako, a lawyer, whose frantic agitation for ‘the right of the entertainer to profit’ has changed the showbiz orientation in Nigeria.

    Ozako, a Multichoice Nigeria’s Legal Adviser and prominent participant at various entertainment conferences, made a debut with a business forum, Dtalkshop, in 2006, which he ran with his cousin, Kaine Agari, author of Yellow-Yellow.

    One of Efere’s closest allies, Mrs. Amaka Igwe was too stunned to say a word, when contacted on telephone. She wept quietly. Agari’s phone continued to ring unattended.

    Efere, was said to have suddenly fallen ill yesterday, complaining of a headache, after returning from a trip to South Africa. He was rushed to Havana hospital by his wife. He was later referred to the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, where he gave up the ghost. Unconfirmed reports say he died of cardiac arrest. He was 49-year-old.

    The mood at his Surulere residence, this morning explained how much he was loved by many; neighbours cried inconsolably, so were the entertainers who thronged the house. Spotted at the residence were comedy merchant, Opa Williams and actor Fred Amata. Others where Charles Inojie, Emeka Osai, Fidelis Duker and Kate Henshaw.

    Reports say the late lawyer had been penciled down for honours in the next edition of Ojez Monthly Entertainment Forum. The forum rewards celebrities who have been outstanding in their chosen careers.

    Ozako was the co-founder of Dtalkshop, a legal agency ran with Agari. The agency publishes TAKAii magazine, Nigeria’s premier law tabloid. Ozako came to prominence with a workshop series tagged, Wetin Lawyers Dey Do … Sef?; a forum meant to awaken the filmmakers to the reality of their right to live and feed well through their artistic endeavors. The group frowned at the activities of pirates and similar rights infringers.

    The second edition of Wetin Lawyers Dey Do… Sef? had a symposium under the theme: “The Entertainment Industry; Where is the Money? The Role of the Lawyer and other Professionals Explored and Defined”.

    Ozako’s pursuit of a commercially viable and respected entertainment industry was unequalled. He saw the commercial potential of the Nigerian film industry as a situation that is largely untapped. Through Dtalkshop, he had engaged various economic experts through workshops and seminars sought to educate stakeholders on how to harness the business and professional ends of the emerging industry which has been rated in terms of quantum.

    The first edition of the Dtalkshop workshop series tagged “The Law, The Lawyer and Business of Entertainment” which held on July 27, 2006 in Lagos, Nigeria had over 100 participants who were also treated to topics like “Understanding, Owning, Recognising and Enforcing Intellectual Property Rights”; “Finance 101 for the Entertainment Industry”; “A Walk Through Contracts”; and “Comparative Lessons from the UK and South Africa”.

    The second event was being supported by agencies like the Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian Film Corporation, National Sports Lottery, NewAge Communications and Brickwall Communications. These agencies and organizations also presented papers on their plans for the development of the industry. The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) for instance, as part of its continuing effort to enlighten the public on taxation and contribute to the development of non-oil industries, addressed taxation issues in the entertainment industry.

  • Ibinabo Fiberesima searches for Miss Earth Nigeria 2013

    Ibinabo Fiberesima searches for Miss Earth Nigeria 2013

    Beautiful actress, Ibinabo Fiberesima, is walking a familiar path as she has began spreading the message all around for her beauty pageant, Miss Earth Nigeria 2013.

    The actress, who has many sides, was once a beauty queen and this must have spurred her undying interest in consistently hosting the Miss Earth Nigeria pageant.

    According to her, the Miss Earth Nigeria beauty pageant is focused at preparing a brighter future for teenage girls who are interested sheltering the environment, catering for the environment as well as making a career in the fashion and beauty industry.

    The pageant, which has since been gathering momentum, is slated for the third quarter of 2013, where the eventual winner will represent Nigeria at the World Miss Earth Pageant in the United States later this year.

    When asked, Ibinabo said, “We are not leaving any stone unturned in ensuring that this year’s pageant becomes a success. We have been hosting this pageant for a while now and I can tell you that this year’s edition would be different because we are currently in talks with top dignitaries who are passionate about the environment and the earth at large. Furthermore, the Lagos State government have lend us a listening ear.”

    Ibinabo’s reputation as a workaholic has been putting the pageant on a firm stead and she has been busy travelling around to ensure it succeeds.