On Wednesday, July 15th, an unprecedented Twitter hack saw the accounts of many influential personalities such as Elon Musk, Barack Obama, Joe Biden, Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Apple, Uber, and more fall into the hands of hackers who used those verified pages to push a bitcoin scam.
Several Bitcoin-related accounts began tweeting what appeared to be a simple Bitcoin scam, promising to “give back” to the community by doubling any Bitcoin sent to their addresses.
Twitter disclosed that 130 accounts were targeted in a significant cyber-attack of celebrity accounts two days ago.
However, Twitter said only a “small subset” of those 130 accounts had their control seized by the hacker(s).
Twitter scrambled to contain the unprecedented attack, temporarily preventing all verified users – those with a blue tick on their accounts – from tweeting.
While Twitter’s internal investigation is ongoing, Twitter did say that hackers had somehow compromised the company’s internal systems and secured employee privileges.
COVID-19 scams…too many victims
The advent of COVID-19 did not only usher in a pandemic but an infodemic. Similarly, many have had to battle a barrage of disinformation via unsuspecting websites seeking to defraud unsuspecting users.
A popular strategy utilised by these charlatans is the “Giveaway” strategy- initially used by businesses or celebrities to engage people on social media, particularly Facebook. But, unfortunately, there are some dubious persons out there who use giveaways to scam unsuspecting victims.
Many people have fallen victim of fake accounts and fake giveaways. Most genuine giveaways come from well-established accounts, with plenty of active followers.
The problem, however, with many of these fake giveaways is that there is rarely a prize. The victim, in some cases, may just be handing out his or her personal information for nothing in return.
Why you shouldn’t fall victim
Unfortunately, many of these scams are also downright dangerous if you or your friends click them. Any of the following scenarios is possible when one clicks the link:
The link can infect your computer with malware;
The website takes you to a site which may try to scam you out of money;
The scammers collect personal details, such as your birthday, that they can use to access other accounts;
The scammer hijacks your profile;
Expose list of your friends, addresses, information devices.
Several Facebook posts from accounts posing as reputable brands, politicians, and celebrities have been shared thousands of times with fake giveaway competitions, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fake pages are always trying to scam people by claiming to offer giveaways from the Nigerian government. Similarly, charlatans used the famous billionaire Aliko Dangote, and his Dangote Industries group of companies to scam for scam purposes. Scammers have also taken advantage of Dangote Cement’s Bag of Goodies promos.
Neither of the pages has the blue tick next to their name to show that they are authentic Facebook pages.
For example, a post on the Facebook page “Dino Melaye Giveaway group” claimed the Nigerian politician would give cash to people who comment on the post and message the page. “Hello Guys MY NAME IS DINO MELAYE DUE TO THIS CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAK I WANT TO HELP THE FIRST 10,000 people to tell me one thing you need from me and I vow to do it for you I promise I will do it. This is another batch for another set of people to apply for, winners will be announced before 11:30pm today!”
Published on 18 July 2020, the post has been shared more than 600 times.
How to be vigilant
We are all potential targets for scammers and need to take cognisance of the fact that scams are real and that scammers exist.
Undoubtedly, the internet offers us a wide range of opportunities but sadly, scammers always devise smart plans to defraud millions of people every day.
One must be alert to the fact that scams exist. When dealing with an uninvited contact from people or businesses on social networking platforms, always consider the possibility that such contact may be a scam.
Also, if you get a text message on your mobile phone from your bank saying “there’s been a problem with your bank verification number (BVN), and that you need to call right away with some account information”, the truth may very well be your supposed “bank” is a scammer hoping you will reveal your account information.
Do not open suspicious texts, pop-up windows or click on links – Be careful not to click on spammed links which could lead to compromising your personal details.
Most importantly, always keep your personal details secure.
The researcher produced this fact-check per the Dubawa 2020 Fellowship partnership with The Nation Newspapers to facilitate the ethos of “truth” in journalism and enhance media literacy in the country.
The Big Brother Naija (Season five) begins today with all excitements in the air. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, organisers of the reality show found a way to make the event hit television screens again.
Since 2017 when the show returned to television, after it left the screens for eleven years, Big Brother Naija has kept fans glued for at least three months with absorbing drama and suspense.
As the show begins today, there are a number of things to look out for:
The arrangements
It is believed that organisers will put into consideration safety measures ordered by the Federal Government to combat the spread of COVID-19. It is therefore impossible to put almost 30 housemates together in the same space.
Fans and viewers should look out for two or three houses. It remains to be seen how organisers will run theshow, especially when evictions begin
The housemates
When the show begins tonight, the housemates will be revealed and the battle for victory will start. The housemates were all selected online as it was impossible to conduct a physical audition due to COVID-19
Ebuka Obi-Uchendu
If not for anything, the host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, is always trending for his dress sense. He is also known for asking housemates questions that “shakes tables” and if not handled well will destroy some relationships.
He was a housemate in 2006 and is expected to be a major highlight again this season, with his dress sense and questions.
The one “toxic housemate”
This usually turns out to be a major highlight of the season. In 2017, T-Boss was the housemate. In 2018, it was Cee-C and in 2019, it was Tacha
This housemate is very difficult to please, gets on every one’s nerve, unfriendly and annoying but somehow gets to the final (except Tacha, who got disqualified after her fight with Mercy)
One housemate might take this role again. It is again predicted to be a female housemate
The fights/strikes
It is impossible to have more than ten adults of different background in the same space for a long time without a fight. One thing that defines Big Brother Naija is the fights. In fact, the show has not recovered from the Mercy/Tacha brawl last year, which has been tagged “the biggest fight so far in the history of the show”
This season is not expected to be different. Fans and viewers look forward to the different fights that will happen in the house
And Bid Brother is expected to issue some strikes to some housemates for various offences
The tasks
Big Brother gives the housemates various tasks to perform every season. What viewers do not know for now is which tasks it will be.
Various sponsors of the show indulge housemates with assignments and tasks, with mouth-watering prizes to follow. This year is not expected to be different
Saturday night party
This offers housemates time to unwind and have fun with selected DJays invited into the house to entertain.
COVID-19 is however expected to play a part here. It remains to be seen how this will play out because this will be in total disregard to the rules of “social distancing”
The controversies
There are controversies inside and outside of the Big Brother House. Housemates will be up against themselves and fans will also later on rise up against themselves.
This will be in terms of votes and banters on social media, in support of certain housemates.
Observers have since tagged this as very interesting to watch
Eighty-five million naira is the total prize all housemates will battle for this year. Mercy Eke is the defending champion. In the next few months, a new winner will emerge, joining champions like Efe Ejeba and Mercy Eke.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Fridau approved the appointment of Mohammed Umar as acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
This followed the suspension of Ibrahim Magu as the head of the anti-graft agency over allegations of fraud and diversion of recovered funds.
Umar was until his recent appointment, the head of operations of the EFCC.
Nigeria is one of the countries yet to implement multi-month refill policies for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) medicines, which allows dispensing longer prescriptions to People Living With HIV/AIDS(PLWHA) for at least for 90 days rather than the usual 30 days.
The non-implementation of a multi-month policy, even in an era of major restrictions on physical movements and travels which the COVID-19 pandemic has birthed, may adversely affect the country’s response to ending the global epidemic.
COVID-19 and its numerous challenges, as well as rife stigmatisation and discrimination against PLWHA, may knock Nigeria off track to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030. Many young HIV positive Nigerians in dire need of drugs, having run out of supplies because they cannot go to their treatment centres, confided in TOBORE OVUORIE that they have never disclosed their statuses to their parents or any family member and will never do so; even in this critical COVID-19 era.
11 of those affected: Opeyemi, Bimpe, Tokunboh, Chiedu, Lawrence, Olamide, Adaobi, Michael, Osas, Beauty and Abdul spoke with me. All are undergraduates in higher institutions between 17-22 years. They are from diverse backgrounds with different orientations and worldviews. Some know each other. Most don’t. But they share two things in common: top secrets, now well-kept with me. I can only share some of their experiences in this three-part series but must keep their identities top secrets, too.
Here are their stories.
APRIL 7TH, 2020 1.34PM
“Haa! It is not possible, ma. My parents will kill me.”
“This is a dicey one. Your parents won’t allow you leave Lagos for Benin without very good reasons since schools are not in session. Ope, see, your parents cannot kill you. Will they be shocked? Yes. But they will get over it and be involved with your accessing care; at least, for your refill and viral load checks.” I was not done with what I wanted to tell Opeyemi before he interrupted my flow. “Not that kinda kill. They will disown me, stop my education and I will become the topic for sermons in church and painted as evil.”
“Your parents are pastors?”
“My dad is. MFM (Mountain of Fire and Miracles).”
“Hmmmmm”
“Now you understand why I can’t and must never tell my parents or anyone in my family that I am HIV positive.”
REWIND THE GENESIS
It all began on Tuesday March 31 after the Federal Government directed all tertiary institutions of learning be shut down to curb the community spread of COVID-19 in Nigeria.
I vividly remember Steven, popularly known as Odogwu Dollars, amongst our peers, started phoning me at exactly 2.54am that day. I ignored his calls and continued with the video editing script I was writing for the first phase of my three-part investigative series on illegal migration for publication on July 30. Odogwu only remembers me whenever he needs assistance. I was forced to answer his call at about 3.10am when it dawned on me he will run my phone’s battery down with his usual but annoying speed-dial.
I wasn’t wrong.
Odogwu needed at least a bottle of antiretroviral. Not for him. It is for Beauty, a 20-year-old third year student of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).
Antiretroviral, also known as ARV, is the medicine People Living With HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) take every day to fight and stop the damages the virus carries out in the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) says the infection attacks the body’s immune system, particularly the white blood cells called CD4 cells.
When affected persons don’t take their antiretroviral medications and consistently, their immunity against infections become weakened because the virus destroys their CD4 cells. This can result in Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS), which can lead to serious illness and death.
While hurrying to pack and leave her hall of residence, as insufficient notice was given to them to exit the hostel, Beauty mistakenly placed her antiretroviral in the wrong box which she had decided to leave behind in school thinking academic session won’t be interrupted for long. She was already at home with her family in Benin, Edo state, when she discovered the grievous error.
“ARVs are not hawked on the streets of Lagos. Neither are they dispensed easily and cheaply like paracetamol in hospitals. But let’s see what happens,” I told Odogwu. I made no promises but was shocked when Beauty phoned me later in the morning same day.
MARCH 31st, 2020 10.05AM
“Please ma, help me. I have missed eleven days already,” Beauty sounded like she would burst into tears.
“It’s not as easy as you think. First, I don’t work in a hospital. Abi did Odogwu tell you I’m a doctor?”
“No, ma.”
“E-hen. So, a doctor friend is the one to help out with the drugs if he can. And, he could lose his job if it’s discovered he gave antiretrovirals to someone who is not the centre’s registered and physically present patient.” Beauty interrupted me.
Her voice louder than before and ladened with sobs. “Ma, please, help me ma. My viral load is not yet good.”
“Secondly, we must look for exactly that which you are taking or something in the same family with it.” She cut me short again but already in tears. “Please ma, or can you help me go to my hostel in school? My roommate and friend has the key to where it is. I will call her to follow you to the hostel.”
“UNILAG is empty. There would be no one in the hostel. You live in Moremi Hall, not so?”
“Yes”
“I was in Moremi Hall on 20th of March when the announcement was made that everyone should vacate the hostel due to coronavirus. Even if we meet someone at the hostel, the hall porters won’t allow us in. What about you simply tell your parents so that they will allow you come to Lagos easily for your ARV, CD4 Count and any other stuff?”
“Haaa. Aunty, it’s not possible! Nobody in my family even knows I have HIV.”
“Why? Your parents will support you if you tell them.”
“Haaaa, Aunty. It’s not possible o. My people don’t believe in girls going to university. In my family, once you have written your first WAEC, that’s it o! You pass, you don’t pass, means nothing to them. They wanted me to learn hairdressing then travel to Spain, Holland or Italy. I hustled for money to write JAMB, passed very well and entered UNILAG without knowing anybody there. Is it people who tell me my going to university is a waste of time that will now support me when they hear I now have HIV?”
I tried to say something but she cut me short again.
“Ordinary to pay only school fees o, they abuse hell out of me that my mates are already in Europe controlling money home to Benin from jand. Aunty, na big excuse for dem nor to pay my school fees be dat o. In short, dem go pursue me comot from house join sef!” Beauty’s pitch was several decibels higher. Her impeccable English thoroughly mixed with pidgin English popularly known as Waffi- in Nigeria.
HIV PHENOMENON IN NIGERIA
Opeyemi and Beauty are two out of the estimated 1.9 million persons living with HIV in Nigeria. A 2019 national survey partnership conducted by the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) and the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) titled: ‘Nigeria National HIV/AIDS Indicator and Impact Survey (NAIIS),’ indicates the national HIV prevalence has reduced to 1.4 percent among adults aged 15-49 years when compared to the previous 2.8 percent, estimate.
The survey states that girls and women between the ages 15-49 are more than twice as likely to be living with the virus than men. A differential ratio of 1.9 versus 0.9 percent is stipulated for both genders, respectively.
However, the difference in HIV prevalence between women and men is greater among younger adults, with young women aged 20-24 years more than three times as likely to be living with HIV compared to men in the same age group. At the national level, viral suppression among people living with HIV aged 15–49 years stands at 42.3 percent. That is, 45.3 percent among women and 34.5 percent among men.
According to the 2019 national data, Nigeria’s South-South zone has the highest HIV prevalence at 3.1 percent among adults aged 15-49 years. The North-Central zone has a prevalence rate of 2.0 percent while the South-East has a 1.9 percent rate.
The survey indicates South-West has a lower HIV prevalence at 1.1 percent while the North-East and North-West Zones follow in same stride with 1.1 percent and 0.6 percent, respectively.
The HIV/AIDS virus remains one of humankind’s greatest global health challenges as it has spread across all countries. The spread is on the increase among heterosexuals and bisexual males but predominantly among young persons in African countries like Nigeria. The rapid growth of HIV positive cases in the last few years globally and in Africa indicates majority of Nigerians infected with the virus are the youths. The UNAIDS says the virus is predominant among young people in Africa because they constitute larger percent of the society.
In November 2016, the National Population Commission put Nigeria’s populations at 182 million people with a widening youth bulge because more than half of these persons were under 30 years of age. However, by Friday June 26th, 2020 at 9.44am, Worldometer elaboration of the latest United Nations data indicates the current population of Nigeria is 206,018,277.
Nigeria has shown steady progress on increasing access to treatment for PLWHA with the adoption of a test- and- treat policy in 2016. This measure has further accelerated referrals to treatment facilities for people who test positive for the virus.
From 2010 to 2017, the country almost tripled the number of PLWHA having access to antiretroviral therapy moved up from 360, 000 in 2010 to more than 1 million in 2018. However, the NAISS indicates that more than half of people living with HIV still do not have suppressed viral loads.
The COVID-19 and its consequent restrictions and challenges may cause a spike in the number of persons without suppressed viral loads, such as young persons who are hiding their status from their parents, guardians and families.
YOUNG NIGERIAN STUDENTS’ HIV PERSPECTIVE
In the last five years, there has been a significant expansion in the country’s response to HIV. The number of hubs providing treatment has tripled with over 201 centres unlike previous years. For instance, the number of centres providing services to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV have increased eightfold and the number of HIV counseling and testing sites has increased fourfold. A total of 11.3 million adults were counseled and tested for HIV in 2016, four times as many as in 2012.
But the country is still lagging behind in provision of counseling, test and treatment centres strictly for young persons. Nigeria has not prioritised tailor-made policy for HIV control for young persons of institutions of higher education.
Undergraduates, who spoke with me for this story, said they were yet to test for HIV because when they walked into some of the centres, they didn’t see anyone in their age group there. So, they walked out, never to return. Some said they didn’t like the way the adults in the place looked at them so they left, while others feared an adult there may know one or both of their parents.
The prize for rendering assistance is more requests for assistance; not thank you. After I successfully got multi-month refill of HIV medicines which would last Beauty for 90 days/three months, my phone started buzzing with calls from students of various higher institutions of learning in dire need of ARVs.
I don’t know who has been sharing my phone number around telling these young undergraduates that I can help them with free ARVs during this period that they are home and still hide their identities and HIV status. Beauty denies sharing my number with other persons. Odogwu, too. But I suspect Odogwu is the culprit. Well, that is how I got to meet Bimpe and other young persons who are hiding their HIV statuses from their families.
Bimpe, 19, a second year student at the Yaba College of Technology, Lagos, would have submitted herself to be tested for HIV since last year. “When I walked into where I was to wait at NIMR (Nigerian Institute of Medical Research), I didn’t see my mates there,” she stated.
“You mean, not even one young person like you there?”
“That day, I didn’t see o. They were all looking one kind. As I entered and sat down, some were even looking at me like television. I became afraid that they possibly know my mom that’s why they were staring at me. See, they were actually gazing, not staring.”
“Why were you afraid they possibly knew your mother?”
“Haa. Ma, you will understand if ever you meet my mom. She is fire!”
“Fire?”
“Yes, fire. Aunty, maami kii n s’eran riro. My mom is tough. Very tough.” I guess she interpreted the Yoruba statement thinking I don’t understand the language. She was wrong.
“So, she will kill you?”
“Aunty, she is unpredictable. But I know everything bad will happen if she hears I am HIV positive.”
“Everything bad, like what?”
“See, my mom refused me accepting admission at UNILAG because she thinks girls that go to universities, especially UNILAG will become corrupt. I passed and my name appeared on UNILAG admission list but my mom refused me going o.”
“Seriously?”
“Yes. She believes boys can attend universities and girls should not. My mom thinks girls who attend polytechnics are better behaved and won’t get corrupt. That’s how I ended up in Yabatech o.”
My attempt at not roaring with laughter was successful. It was my first time of hearing such. And, I found it highly ludicrous.
Curiosity to get checked for HIV because of some tweets about HIV she had seen made her return to NIMR, Yaba at about past 4pm sometime in November last year. But, the person to administer the test on her was closed for the day. That ended her curiosity to be tested for HIV until January 2020 when the doctor who had been treating her for malaria and excessive weight loss for over four months, recommended XYZ test.
She checked online and discovered it meant HIV test. She left her school environment to the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja to get tested because she felt better protected testing somewhere far from school and home.
Bimpe tested positive.
She was later told her viral load was at an abysmal level, immediately placed on ARV and commenced regular check-up appointments at a treatment facility in Lagos (name deliberately withheld). She was already adapting to the new and healthier lifestyle until COVID-19 and its restrictions arrived.
MORAL POLICING AND COMMODITIZATION OF GIRLS AND WOMEN
Bimpe never expected to test positive. Her (now ex) boyfriend was the only person she was seeing. They had been together since the second month of her resumption at Yabatech. And, she never had vaginal sex. So, she found her test result shocking. She went to two other places to retest. The results never changed.
“When you say you have never had vaginal sex, how do you mean?”
“We were doing it from behind.”
“Anal?”
“Yes.” I noticed Bimpe’s voice level had dropped, her countenance changed, her light skin turning red, her head bowed down. Relieving embarrassing, painful and regretful memories, I thought.
“One can contract HIV through anal sex.”
“I never knew until then.”
“I’m sorry to ask, why anal? Please, I’m not judging you; just curious.”
“That’s the only way to make my mom feel I’m still a virgin.”
“I don’t understand.”
“She monitors and checks if my hymen is still intact.” Bimpe paused while I stared at her trying to mask my being shocked. She continued “She wants us to keep the bed undefiled until our wedding nights.”
“How do you mean by US?”
“My sisters and I”
“How many are they?”
“We are three girls.”
“Is your father aware of this?”
“He is dead.”
“I’m sorry to hear about this.”
“It’s ok ma. Mom has been the only one fending for my sisters and I.”
“She didn’t remarry?”
“No. She never did notwithstanding she was young when my daddy died.
“Please, how long ago is this?”
“He died three months before I was born.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss.”
“Thanks ma.”
I noticed she was already sniffling, so ended the session with her.
Two days later, I got her three bottles of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate PDM Schedule 2; the exact antiretroviral she is on. They will last her for 90 days. I have been on the lookout for when schools would resume so she wouldn’t be under her mother’s lock and key while I can urge and monitor her going for the proper HIV treatment regimen.
COVID-19: IMPACT ON YOUNG PERSONS’ VIRAL SUPPRESSION
Studies so far indicate when PLWHAs are virally suppressed, they remain healthy and transmission of the virus is prevented. This can be achieved through consistent treatment / taking their antiretroviral medication daily and at the exact time recommended. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 and subsequent restrictions are making this almost impossible for many young persons, such as Adaobi because schools are not in session while their parents are in the dark about their HIV status.
In 2018, Adaobi, 21, now a 400 level engineering student at the Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA), was in Lagos shopping for clothes she planned to sell on campus when representatives of a nonprofit organization came to inform her about an ongoing free HIV test session. The screening point was a walking distance from her. She was reluctant but eventually agreed to get tested.
Adaobi fainted on seeing her result.
She comes to Lagos every month for monthly refills of her HIV medicine and CD4 count check. This is the test through which her viral load is monitored and has been doing this for the past two years. She chose Lagos because it is far from school and home, so reduces the possibility of a school mate seeing her in a facility for persons living with HIV.
Adaobi has been able to manage her schedule between school in Akure, Ondo state, treatment in Lagos and being with her family in Onitsha. She still finds it hard to believe that “just a mere disease” (COVID-19), can mess her plans and wants to ruin her “little secret.” Her exact words.
Running out of her medication is not her only challenge. Being able to consistently take the ARV at exactly 8.30pm while with her family has been a huge challenge.
PLWHAs are advised to take their HIV medicines not only daily but at the exact time they took it for the first time. If, for instance, a person took the ARV for the first time at 9pm, he or she must always take it at that time. Not even a minute late. Adaobi has been faithful with taking her medicine until the compulsory long stay with her family in Onitsha due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“I take my antiretroviral at exactly 8.30pm. No matter what I am doing, I leave it and sleep for the day. But it’s been difficult since my being with my people.”
“Why?”
“Always, we start preparing night food at past seven in the night. So, the time I should have eaten and take my medicine is affected. At some point, I found a way to eat early and take my medicine, but when I’m already drowsy and sleeping is when my mom will wake me to come and make soup, serve my father his food, run some errands or join everybody for night prayers. And, prayers are always very long.”
“How do you intend to manage this if I’m able to send you the medicine you need?”
“I don’t know. My father has started complaining that I sleep like a chicken. My mom asks questions anytime she sees me taking the medicine. I tell her its multivitamin supplement for my eyes. I have been having problems with my eyes so she believes me.”
“Believes you? Even with what is written on the bottle of the ARV?”
“No o. I always put the medicine inside a multivitamin supplement bottle. That way, no one knows its HIV medicine.”
FEARS CONFIRMED
Beauty’s fears that her parents will end her education if her HIV positive status is uncovered turns out to be true. June 20th, 2020, I contacted her father on phone claiming I am a regular customer at his food store situated near one of the higher institutions of education in Edo state.
I then subsequently sent a two-question survey to him via WhatsApp wanting to know what he will do should his child who left home for the university with a HIV negative status subsequently tests positive to the virus after settling on campus.
“If my daughter who left my house HIV negative when going to university for the first time, returns home with HIV, then she should not bother going back to school. I won’t allow her waste my money. Na book I send her go read. I no send her go flex. And, if she thinks say she fit flex so tey she rock HIV join sef, na red card be that for her.”
“Sir, but HIV doesn’t affect learning. She can still live a normal life, don’t you think so?”
“Which yeye normal life? Which man go free marry woman wey don catch HIV?
“They do o. I know of HIV negative men who are married to HIV positive women.”
“E no possible. Stop lying to yourself.”
“I’m not lying sir. They are people well known to me.”
“That’s the problem with you girls wey too read book. Una think say una fit yarn dust and everybody must believe you. I dey always talk am, secondary school (education) don do for woman. When dem go university, dem go become know-know, waka-waka and catching HIV go be the certificate dem go bring come house.”
(PICTURE 5A)
Mr. Obatunde Oladapo, Executive Director, PLAN Health Advocacy and Development Foundation, Oyo state, says persons who believe that HIV is contracted only through sexual intercourse are still living in stark ignorance about the basics of how people get infected and the risk factors. He questions the quality of parenting of the young PLWHAs featured in this story.
“If your child cannot confide in you, then, there is a problem. Parents should also always realise that they have responsibility over their children. If your child is not doing things right, at a point in time, there must be somewhere that you have lost it,” he said.
A day before sending the two-question survey to Opeyemi’s father, I phoned him to say hello introducing myself as one of the students he ministered to at the University of Ibadan two semesters ago. Opeyemi was 100 percent correct about what would become of him should his parents, particularly his dad, be told about his being HIV Positive.
“God forbid! No child of mine will have HIV in Jesus name.”
“Sir, it’s only an assumption for research purpose”
“I will not answer such demonic question. Are you really sure you are born-again?”
“I am, sir. And spirit filled.”
“I doubt it. No spirit filled person will imagine and ask such about another child of God. My children are purified and anointed for supernatural exploits. They will never end up with such evil result. Only carnal people end up with HIV.”
“Sir, it’s only a survey.”
“That is not a question to be asked. I refuse to partake in such demonic survey. I consider this conversation over.”
(PICTURE 6A)
According to Oladapo, the parents of young persons featured in this story need help because they are the problem. He said in the long run, it is an opportunity for parents such as Opeyemi’s father to realise that he has been fooling himself and come down from his high horse to face the reality of life.
“It is not a matter of faith. It’s not a matter of being holy. It’s not a matter of being religious. It’s a matter of life and HIV is a biological thing, it is not a spiritual thing. He does not understand it. He (Opeyemi’s father) does not understand it.”
According to him, PLWHAs being consistent with their treatments is what is needed, not praying the virus away.
“There are things that are within the control of man (human beings) that we don’t have to put before God… For God sake, one tests positive, and he is talking about being carnal?
“Don’t we have pastors that are HIV positive? At least, I know two medical doctors that are HIV positive, as we speak. I know two ex-Governors, apart from slapping Senator that everybody knows. I know other Senators that are positive and ex-Senators, too. And, Pastors, too. So, what’s the point!? Does HIV care about anybody’s status? It’s a biological thing,” he added.
He said the church is grossly uninformed about HIV. The faith- based response is very weak and uninformed. He said for the faith- based response to be effective, there should be a clear line of delineation from the science of HIV and the religious and spiritual aspect of caring for a person and being able to help young persons with information to prevent themselves from being infected.
“…MY MOTHER DOESNT KNOW I HAVE BEEN HIV POSITIVE FOR OVER 10 YEARS!”
Many factors make Nigeria’s population, especially young people vulnerable to contracting HIV. These include Nigeria’s low income socio-economic status, illiteracy, hypocritical, contradictory and negative cultural beliefs about sex, unemployment and large population living mostly in rural parts of the country.
There are over 45.5 million young persons in Nigeria. This is more than half the population of all West African countries. Nigeria has the largest population in Africa. This is why young persons are at the centres of the HIV/AIDS challenge in Nigeria and several others.
Researches indicate persons age15-24 years are the most affected age group. Female undergraduate students are highly vulnerable to contracting the virus and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) mainly because poor access to sexual and reproductive health education and commodities have resulted in low condom use during sexual intercourse.
However, studies repeatedly indicate Nigerians discriminate against, reject and stigmatise persons living with HIV. Such is very common even within families. Reason many persons living with the virus such as Grace, keep their statuses secrets from their families, though they all live under the same roof, eat and laugh together.
Grace, who will be 28 later this year, has been living with HIV for over 10 years. And, her mother is in the dark while Grace has no plan of informing her. “Because my mother will stigmatise me if she knows my status,” she tells me in this video interview she granted but with her identity protected.
Unfortunately, due to stigmatisation and lack of youth friendly testing centres, most of the young persons I interviewed for this story are unwilling to subject themselves for HIV tests.
THEATRICS AND FEMINISATION OF HIV
“If my child is having HIV, there is no need of attending school. I will have to withdraw the child from the school….”
This was the reaction of Mr. Ehigiator Nosakhare, a taxi driver in Benin city, Edo state. He wasn’t talking about his son. He thinks letting “her” go to school with the virus residing in her is risky. Though no specific gender was referred to in the question posed to him, he automatically felt only a girl-child will test positive to HIV. He would protect others- the school community, by keeping her at home. Questioned about her right to education, he said she will school at home. He would get her a home teacher.
Nosakhare is not the only father with this mindset. Some parents out of the numerous whose thoughts and ideas about HIV I have sampled, share same sentiment.
He described himself simple as Osayimwense, a business man. To him, HIV will not spread in schools if girls living with the virus don’t prostitute themselves. “When she knows fully well that she is such a person, if she can keep herself, she cannot spread it,” were a part of his words.
“… if that child is a female child, if she continues prostituting, she can spread it. When she knows fully well that she is such a person, if she can keep herself, she cannot spread it.”
Mr. Osayimwense, Businessman
“NO SCHOOL FOR OUR CHILDREN WHO TEST POSITIVE TO HIV!”
Mr. Gentle is an automobile repairer at Jakpa, in Warri, Delta state. He says should his younger brother tests positive for HIV, he wouldn’t give a damn. But he fears contracting the virus from him. He however says he will inform the school about the brother’s HIV status only after he has been withdrawn from school. That way, according to him, the school can check other students.
Mr. Gentle believes withdrawing his brother from school is the only way to prevent spread of the virus in the school community.
“People living with HIV do not live long,” he says. He doesn’t know there is a medication- antiretroviral, for HIV. Though he has been seeing it on TV, he doesn’t know it is real.
Many parents interviewed in Lagos, Ogun, Edo and Delta states respectively as well as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, feel ending a child’s education is the only way to curb the spread of HIV. Mary, a trader at the Sapele, joined other parents in saying she would withdraw her child from school for testing positive to HIV.
“I won’t allow her go to school if she tests positive for HIV. She will be at home. If contracting it was not of her making (through sex), I will look for solution for her. I am sure there are herbs that will help her. It would be combined with whatever we are given at the hospital,” Baba Tosin, a plumber based in Ekpoma, the part of Edo state, which hosts the Ambrose Alli University, said.
Baba Tosin says if the daughter contracts it through sex, he will abandon her for sometimes after being withdrawn from school. This is to teach her a lesson. Then, “will look for solution for her.” His belief? A combination of herbs and visits to the hospital, he thinks, is the surest way to keep the daughter alive.
“When she is alright, I will enroll her as an apprentice to a tailor. That is the price to be paid for being wayward and contracting HIV in the process. At least, there’s good money in sewing business,” he says in a combination of stammering English, fluent Yoruba and pidgin.
Asked if it were his son who tests positive, what will he do? “It is mostly females who contract it,” he retorts. “Boys don’t prostitute like girls do.”
NIGERIA’S VERY WEAK MEDICAL REFERRAL SYSTEM AND UNCONNECTED HIV TREAMENT CENTERS
The investigations carried out so far amongst several young People Living With HIV, and majority of them being students studying in 16 different higher institutions of education in the country, reveal Nigeria has a huge gap and challenge of medical referrals in her HIV treatment programme.
In countries where there is a good medical referrals system, patients simply go to centres at the new place where they located or wherever they are stranded, and the centers where they are coming from are contacted for verification, then medications are dispensed to them at their new locations.
This is made possible because, for instance, in more advanced countries, all the clinics are connected and patients’ medical information are rigorously defended. But investigations for this story reveal that in Nigeria there is no system of referral, whether electronically held, or in hard copies.
Findings so far in the course of this investigative series reveal patients on treatment programmes for ailments such as HIV and Tuberculosis, which need monitoring, do not have reference numbers on anonymous cards which shouldn’t indicate them being for HIV clinics; so that whenever they change locations, especially if suddenly as caused by the COVID-19 outbreak, they can still have access to treatments and medications at facilities closest to them in their new locations.
The plights of these young persons in this story exposes gaps in Nigeria’s treatment programme as the referral system is weak, and the treatment centers are not connected.
WAY FORWARD
Oladapo said the solutions to these problems during and post COVID-19 era is delivery of HIV services and treatment through taking the HIV medicines to the doorsteps of persons living with the virus, if possible. Or, close to them, if they do not want the medicines brought to their homes.
He also recommended Nigeria should adopt mobile phlebotomy services during and post COVID-19 era. This involves taking the samples of People Living with HIV for viral load or CD4 monitoring and this can be done without people around knowing. It can be done through getting the person living with HIV to sit at the back of the car, as if the tester and the person are chatting, take his or her sample and the person goes back home.
He urged the Nigerian government to ensure HIV medicines and treatments get to persons living with HIV irrespective of the restrictions caused by the COVID-19.
One of the respondents whose opinions was surveyed for this story, a student of Babcock university, Ilishan, Remo, Ogun state, who simply described herself as Nehi, suggests that schools or the government should introduce HIV e-learning through academic libraries which will enable young persons like her to learn about HIV/AIDS at their own pace and “away from prying nosey adults.”
She says there is the need for the provision of health information services through libraries to high-risk population such as young persons in Nigeria’s higher institutions of learning because they are increasingly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS through alcohol and drug abuse, peer pressure, unprotected and risky sexual behaviour. Neri also suggests awareness campaigns on campuses should address the intense social stigma attached to the disease.
Mr. Oladapo suggests biometric registration of persons living with HIV as a solution to ensure medical doctors and key health personnels at other treatment centers are able to access a patient’s records, though registered and receiving treatment at a different facility. He said protocols should be put in place to guard against the information falling into wrong hands. In addition to this, unique numbers should be given to various persons living with the virus at their treatment facilities; that way, they can receive their medications and treatments at other facilities and states.
The former Executive Director of UNAIDS, Michel Sidibe says Nigeria should not let her guard down. He called for better focus on delivery of HIV prevention, treatment and care services to those in direst need of them. That, way, Nigeria will be on the path to ending AIDS in the country by 2030.
Ms. Winnie Byanyima, current UNAIDS Executive Director calls on everyone globally to get involved in the HIV/COVID-19 response and recovery. She urges “All African leaders and citizens to join hands with others and advocate that a global problem finds a global solution.”
Ms. Winnie Byanyima, current UNAIDS Executive Director
Rotimi Sankore Development Journalist, Rights Advocate and formerly Coordinator of the Africa Public Health Alliance and 15%+ Campaign elaborated that “The problems faced by these youth reflect the lack of a well organised health referral management system in Nigeria which can help all patients moving from one location to another maintain treatment.
“When we launched the Africa 15%+ Health Financing Campaign with Nobel Laureate Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu as Chair, one of our demands was that governments introduce referral systems as a way of reducing inefficiency and ensuring anyone requiring continued treatment for TB or HIV due to re-location can do so. Aside from unnecessary stress and inefficiency, one of the risks of interrupted treatment is development of drug resistant variants of diseases which is making Africa’s disease burden even heavier and more expensive.
“It’s a real shame that 19 years after the Abuja AU Heads of State Health Financing Summit, COVID19 has again exposed the lack of a basic referral system in Nigeria. This problem has to be fixed to strengthen Nigeria’s health systems from Primary to Tertiary levels. We have an estimated 15.8 million young people in Tertiary institutions. Imagine just 10 percent of them needing to continue with any treatment outside school and finding out they cannot.”
The names of the students living with HIV featured in this report were changed for their privacy in accordance with HIV reporting ethics. It is unethical for parents/guardians to learn about their children/wards’ HIV status through this story.
This report was facilitated by the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ) under its COVID-19 Reality Check Project.
Over the years, Nigeria’s reputation has constantly been dragged in the mud, especially for fraudulent activities and cyber-crimes.
Meanwhile, social media has turned out to be the destination of choice for many suspected fraudsters to exhibit and display their ill-gotten wealth for internet users.
Many flaunt their wealth, thereby creating a false impression with the aim of deceiving their followers.
The likes of Hushpuppi, Mompha, Invictus Obi, Woodberry and many other suspected fraudsters show off their luxurious lifestyles with expensive vehicles, meals with celebrities and spread pictures of their glamorous state-of-the-art homes on social media.
Here are few things to know about these suspected fraudsters and how they flaunt their wealth on social media platforms:
Mompha
Ismaila Mustapha‘s style of flamboyance cannot go unnoticed especially on Instagram.
Mompha, as he is popularly called, shows off fleets of luxury cars, designer wears and a host stupendously expensive item.
However, Mompha was arrested on Friday, 18 October 2019 by the EFCC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja while he was on his way to Dubai.
EFCC also added that Mompha camouflages as a bureau de change operator and used his firm-Ismalob Global Investments Limited-to launder about N14 billion.
Invictus Obi
Obinwanne Okeke aka Invictus Obi, the CEO of Invictus was arrested between the 2nd and 6th of August, 2019 by the FBI for conspiracy to commit computer fraud and wire fraud.
He was accused of receiving $11 million (N3.9 billion) under false pretense.
The FBI opened their investigation in July of 2018, which led them to Okeke who was about to leave the US when he was arrested.
In 2016, he was named in the Forbes’ “30 under 30” list which profiles young, up-and-coming entrepreneurs under the age of 30.
Hushpuppi
The 38-year-old — whose real name is Raymond Abbas — was arrested on June 10, alongside 11 Nigerians for alleged crimes committed outside the UAE, including money laundering, cyber fraud, hacking, impersonation, scamming individuals, banking fraud and identity theft.
His Instagram page, which boasts of over 2.4 million followers, consists of posts of him posing all over the world with luxury bags, a fleet of Rolls Royce’s, private jets, helicopters, yachts, posh watches and also chilling in five star hotels.
Abass, who has been accused of cyber-fraud in Europe, America and Nigeria, had once told his followers that he posts about his luxury life to inspire others to make more of their lives.
Kaduna Governor of Malam Nasir El-rufai on March 28, 2020 tweeted: “ I submited a sample for the COVID-19 test and the result came in this evening and I regret to say that it is positive.
He is the index case of the state.
El-Rufai status scared many because of his underlying illnesses.
But the Governor proved to be a fighter.
After almost four weeks of treatment, he reported the good news on April 22.
According to him: “I am delighted to report today that after nearly four weeks of observing a strict medical regime, I have now received the all-clear after two consecutive test results.”
2. Seyi Makinde
On March 31, 2020 Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde was confirmed positive.
It was hours after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) rally, which he attended in Ibadan.
He tweeted: “I just received my COVID-19 confirmation test result. It is positive. I am asymptomatic and will continue to self-isolate.”
But after days of treatment, he recovered from the virus.
He said: ” I have been in isolation myself, yes I lost a little bit of weight, which I think is good because when you are in isolation, the tendency is to just watch television and eat, but I have been using the treadmill.”
“It has also been a period to reflect, look at the programmes, the policies and the things which we want to do for the people of Oyo State and also reflect on how Covid-19 is going to affect us socially and economically.
“I want to take this opportunity to say thank you to the people of Oyo State for all your prayers and support. God answered your prayers on my behalf. All our aspirations for the good people of Oyo State shall be fulfilled.”
3. Bala Muhammed
On March 24, 2020, tension arose in Bauchi when Senior Special Assistant on Media to Governor Bala Mohammed,, Mukhtar Gidado,announced the former Minister of Federal Capital Territory(FCT) has been confirmed postive of COVID-19 virus shortly after the day he had contact with son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who was confirmed to have been infected with the virus.
The Governor assured he was sound, calm and in good spirit despite his status.
He however regretted not been there to perform his duty, which is to serve the indigenes of the state due to his condition.
He was treated with chloroquine, Zithromax, zinc, iron and vitamin C, according to him.
On April 29, he announced he has been confirmed negative and free from the virus.
4. Rotimi Akeredolu
Ondo Governor Rotimi Akeredolu on June 30 confirmed his COVID-19 positive status via his Twitter handle.
The Governor tweeted: “ I tested positive for #COVID19. All is well. I’m asymptomatic and have been self -isolating.
“Work continues. Your continued prayers over my wellbeing are most appreciated.”
There has been controversies between he and his Deputy.
Less than a week later, Akeredolu, who said he was asymptomatic, announced doctors confirmed his negative status of the covid-19 virus after running the test twice.
5. Dave Umahi
On July 4, Ebonyi Governor, Dave Umahi disclosed that the result of the test conducted by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) came back positive.
The Governor directed Kelechi Igwe, his deputy, to take over the frontline coordination of the state’s fight against the pandemic.
The governor is still in 14- day isolation.
6. Ifeanyi Okowa
Delta State Governor Dr Ifeanyi Okowa
One of his daughters was first to be reported positive.
By July 1, Delta Governor Ifeanyi Okowa reported he had been infected too with his wife.
The Governor and his wife are still in self-isolation undergoing treatment.
7. Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu
Abia Commissioner for Information, John Okiyi Kalu, announced on June 8 that Governor Okezie Ikpeazu had tested positive for coronavirus.
He directed his Deputy, Rt Hon Ude Oko Chukwu, to act on his behalf pending his full resumption of duties.
On July 4, Ikpeazu reportedly tested negative for COVID-19.
RATS!!! How I hate them. I don’t know about you, but I detest every bit of those pesky little chucks of frustration and annoyance.
I have once seen a rat bite through a bottle of oil. What manner of sorcery is that? Laugh all you want but I am going on a rat extermination mission. I join the Spanish to say No mas meaning no more. And this is how I am doing it:
*Onions: Apparently, those irksome rodents do not like the pungent smell of onions. That is because its smell is odious to them. All that is needed is a slice of onion placed inside their hole or where they usually pass. From now on, I will add onions to my weapons of mass destruction, they come in handy.
*Ammonia: Ammonia smells like the urine of a possible predator and so is very irritating to the rats. I will need two spoons of detergent, a quarter glass of water and two cups of ammonia.
Then, I’ll mix all ingredients together and pour it in a spray bottle and spray it where rats frequently appear. Rats cannot stand the smell of ammonia and so it so chases them away.
*Bay leaves: If you are joining me on the rat extermination mission, we can set a trap with leaves for them. They think bay leaf is food and so eat it with all joy.
However, it kills them eventually as they are highly poisonous for them. For the ambush, all we need are some dried bay leaves. We’ll grind them and sprinkle them on the suspected area they come in through and get satisfactory results. This can be done every 5-7 days for best results.
*Baking soda solution: Baking soda is known to keep rats away from the area they like to frequent. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1 cup of sugar or powdered chocolate and 1 cup of baking soda together.
The sugar or chocolate will attract the rats and the baking soda will soon kill them after they have been consumed. Fill some jars with it to bait them and place them in suspected areas.
*Peppermint essential oil: The beauty about this is that it has a beautiful smell. All we need to do is put some drops of peppermint oil on cotton balls and place them in the suspected rat-prone areas.
We will need to replace the cotton balls after 5-7 days depending on the quantity of oil we put on it. Alternatively, we can make use of citronella and castor oil or grow mint plants around the boundaries of our home.
If you are still thinking twice about joining the rat extermination movement, I’ll leave you with this, Lassa fever is real.
It’s sad that sexual assault is recurring in our society and the media holds the responsibility to educate people about morality beyond the news.
While nothing justifies the illegal act, here are some tips that may help the vulnerable to avoid sexual abuse:
1. Scream! Scream!! Scream!!!
Evil thrives in silence but escape can be earned when attention is drawn. If an attempt to be sexually-abused is made, be sure you don’t lose your voice. Shout until you can get attention. One of two things will likely happen – the culprit(s) would do everything to first ensure you’re cautioned from calling people’s attention – that may be a bit unpredictably violent any way but it still saves or the culprit(s) gets forced to run away to avoid being apprehended.
2. Apply caution in isolated places
As hard and unbelievable you may find this, nowhere is safe anymore, not even your homes. We live in a precarious world. If you must go to any isolated place, do NOT go alone. It’s somewhat better to go with at least a friend. Have police and any other people you trust on speed dial on your mobile phone. That also means your phone must be at a very close proximity. All of these will help if you are alert and stay conscious of your immediate environment though solitary. If you get any wind of someone or a group trying to invade your privacy in that location, opt for the options stated here.
3. If you’re in a party, try this!
It gets so lively in party and so extra folks (guys or ladies) may find you attractive that they can’t forget their senses. It’s not your fault that you’re gorgeous but help yourself to ensure that some frivolous persons don’t impress themselves on you. Take your drink or food even to the dance floor. Oh..!!! You get that, right? Desperate folks may want to poison your food or drink with some sleeping drugs and take advantage of your unconscious state. Also, ensure you are not drunk in a public place. If you are about to be, quickly excuse yourself before you’re noticed by anyone. You will become powerless when you’re tipsy.
4. Extra measures call for extra actions
When it gets violent, try harder! Trying harder may mean protecting yourself first. Can you grab something to wade off your offender(s), go for it? A rapist is capable of killing you, so your safety is paramount at that point. Find the fastest escape route and head straight to a police station. This is your first and legal action to take. Go to the police to report the situation with all on your as they are as the evidence, irrespective of how the attempt turns out, either one of the offenders gets injured or even dead.
There have been many cases of gas cylinder explosions and when this happens, lives are lost and properties worth millions are destroyed.
However, there are so many danger signs we need to look out for while using a Gas cylinder.
Some of these factors are:
Cooking gas cylinders must not exceed five years: most people using gas cylinders hardly remember when it was bought. It is important to keep track of the days and replace them as soon as possible.
Do not buy used Gas cylinders.
Watch out for the expiry dates: The steps to check the expiry date are very simple and basic. The expiry of LPG cylinder can be found on one of the metal strips that connect the body of the cylinder to top ring (handle). It is mentioned on the inner side of the strip. The strip has any of the alphabets from A to D painted on it along with a number. Decoding the expiry date is simple. The alphabet represents the month it expires while the number indicates the year. A year is divided into four quarters :
A – January to March
B – April to June
C – July to September
D – October to December
For example, your cylinder has ‘A 18 painted on the metal strip. The alphabet A represents month March and 18 indicates the year 2018.
· Use gas cylinders in a vertical position, unless specifically designed to be used otherwise
· Securely restrain cylinders to prevent them from falling over
· Always double check that the cylinder/gas is the right one for the intended use.
· Before connecting a gas cylinder to equipment or pipe-work make sure that the regulator and pipe-work are suitable for the type of gas and pressure being used.
· When required, wear suitable safety shoes and other personal protective equipment when handling gas cylinders.
· Do not use gas cylinders for any other purpose than the transport and storage of gas.
· Do not drop, roll or drag gas cylinders.
· Close the cylinder valve and replace dust caps, where provided when a gas cylinder is not in use.
· Where appropriate, fit cylinders with residual pressure valves (non-return valves) to reduce the risk of backflow of water or other materials into the cylinder during use that might corrode it (e.g. beer forced into an empty gas cylinder during cylinder change-over).
· Ensure the valve is protected by a valve cap or collar, or that the valve has been designed to withstand impact if the cylinder is dropped.
· Store gas cylinders in a dry, safe place on a flat surface in the open air. If this is not reasonably practicable, store in an adequately ventilated building or part of a building specifically reserved for this purpose.
They are popular and acknowledged practitioners in Nollywood. They charge in millions and appear in top movies. But they are yet to be verified on Instagram.
To be verified means the account owner is real and authentic. It is a symbol of prestige and recognition.
It doesn’t mean they are not popular. But it could mean they are not active on the mirco-blogging platform or have not engaged enough to get the seal of verification
Below are Nollywood actors/actresses yet to be verified on Instagram:
1. Ebelle Okaro Onyiuke
Ebelle Okaro Onyiuke was born on 19 January. The actress is a also a film producer.
Okaro was born in London and raised in Enugu. She began acting while attending the Santa Maria Primary School and continued while at Nsukka’s Queen of the Holy Rosary Secondary School. After beginning studies of Education at the University of Calabar, Okaro found her passion for the dramatic arts and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Arts. Her mother was a full-time television producer and her father, an engineer, had great interest in arts and literature.
2. John Ikechukwu Okafor AKA Mr Ibu
John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr. Ibu, is a leading actor and comedian. Okafor is considered to be one of Nollywood most talented comic characters. His humorous acting is often characterised by stupidity, hilarious imbecility and a sharp disconnection from reality.
He hails from Nkanu West L.G., Enugu State. After elementary school, in 1974, Okafor moved to Sapele to stay with his brother after his father’s demise. In Sapele, he did menial jobs so he could sponsor himself to school and support his family. He then worked as a hairstylist, ventured into photography and also worked in a company that produces crates. After secondary school, he was admitted into the College of Education, Yola but pulled out due to financial difficulties. He later enrolled in the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) as soon as he was financially able to.
3. Chiwetalu Agu
Chiwetalu Agu was born 1956. He is a veteran actor, comedian and movie producer who won the 2012 Nollywood award for ‘best actor in indigenous movie (non-English speaking language)’. His usage of specific language slang, phrases or clichés in each film has made him uniquely a household name in Nigeria and among Nollywood admirers abroad. While asserting that comic genre is a unique vehicle in projecting local culture globally as well as establishing the Nollywood brand, Agu is listed as one of the outstanding comedians who have contributed to the development of Nollywood comic genres by Prof. Femi Shaka of the University of Port Harcourt.[4] Agu is married to Nkechi and has three sons and two daughters.
4. Anayo Modestus Onyekwere
Anayo Modestus Onyekwere popularly known as Kanayo O. Kanayo, was born on March 1, 1962 in Mbaise, Imo State, Nigeria. In 2006 he won the African Movie Academy Award for Best Actor in a leading role. In 1992, Kanayo made his debut movie appearance in the film Living in Bondage. Kanayo has starred in over 100 films.
He is a United Nations ambassador and bears the title of MFR. Kanayo, along with Kenneth Nnebue (producer of Living in Bondage), Olu Jacobs, Enoch Adeboye, Queen Elizabeth and Fela Kuti were among those honoured by the government in 2014 during the centenary celebration
5. Bob-Manuel Obidimma Udokwu
Bob-Manuel Obidimma Udokwu was born on 18 April. He is an actor, director, producer and politician. In 2014, he received the lifetime achievement award at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards. He was nominated for Best Actor in a supporting role at the 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards for his role in Adesuwa.
He is from Nkwelle-Ogidi, Idemmili North LGA of Anambra State, Nigeria. He was also famous for anchoring the Gulder Ultimate search.
6. Emeka Ike
Emeka Ike is a Nigerian actor who was born on 22 March 1967.
Emeka Ike is one of the actors famous for his roles as a lover/ play boy in movies.
He has acted so many movies, including: After My Heart, Test My Heart, Strength of a woman, A Can of Worms, Love Affair, Stigma, My Love, Secret Act, Housemates and the man, The Snake Girl.
7. Zeal Chigozie Atuanya
Zeal Chigozie Atuanya is a actor, producer and entrepreneur.
Chigozie Atuanya was born in Aba, Abia State but hails from Agu-Ukwu Nri in Anambra State. He holds a B.Sc. in Public Administration from Enugu State University of Science and Technology.
He made his screen debut in a 1998 film titled King Jaja of Opobo and has since gone on to produce and star in several films.[3] He was once a model for Delta Soap, appearing in one of their television commercials.
8. Elizabeth Omowunmi Tekovi Da-Silva
Elizabeth Omowunmi Tekovi Da-Silva was born on June 10, 1978. She is a Nigerian born actress and movie producer of Togolese descent featuring predominantly in the Nigerian Yoruba movie industry. In 2016 Da-Silva was nominated for City People Movie Award for Best Supporting Actress of the Year (Yoruba) at City People Entertainment Awards and in 2018 won the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role at Best of Nollywood Awards.
9. Rita Edochie
Rita Edochie comes from Nigeria in Anambra state. She started her acting career as an actress in 1997. She is a famous face in the Nollywood movie industry.
She studied at Onitsha for her secondary school education. She got married to Tony Edochie of Anambra Broadcasting Service soon after completing her secondary school education.
