The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life and Style

How we’re killing boredom – CELEBS

Kehinde OLULEYE and Paul UKPABIO

WE are in unusual times. Nearly all countries are on lockdown because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Streets are empty. Markets are shut. Hotels and bars are not open. Businesses are at a standstill and schools are closed.

Almost everyone, with the exception of essential service workers, are on a sort of house arrest.

As the world remains on lockdown, people of different tribes and tongues across the globe are dealing with the same problem: boredom! Like most industries, the entertainment industry has been badly hit.

The glitzy life of travels and show business of the industry’s leading stars has also come to a standstill. Actors, actresses, musicians, comedians, OAPs, fashion designers, MCs, to mention but a few, are ‘roasting’ at home because of the restrictions on movement. They can’t go to movie locations because shootings have been stopped and they can’t perform at functions because Owambe has been banned.

So, this week, we present in their words how the A-Listers are coping with boredom, a common problem in this lockdown and how they are using innovative means to keep the connections between them and their fans.

Emeka Asia: Actor, movie producer:

“This has been a forced holiday. It hasn’t been a pleasant situation, even though we know it is a forced closure for the sake of the general public, it is not the best of time for anyone who is a business person. Yeah, I am home with family in Lagos.

“To while away the time, I am trying my best to possibly pen down new creations which I could work on in the future. I also speak and discuss with associates on jobs that we were on to and others we should focus on.

“It is an opportunity for the family to bond, especially since we are together now. But (I think) the first two weeks should have just been the ideal because these next two weeks are a big issue.

“Yeah, there is definitely going to be some changes after this time. Going by history, after every pandemic, the world experiences changes in human interactions. Now that we are in the age of information, a lot is going to change.

People are going to realise that there are more effective ways of meeting up with meetings and schedules other than physical meeting. Also, people are likely to be careful about meeting with others because they will believe that some people may still have the disease. I don’t know if that will be very effective in Africa because even within this lockdown, there are still movements.

“Maybe it is because we are not as unlucky as countries with high fatalities like Britain and the United States of America. It has not really sunk down. What is really on people’s minds now is hunger because it has affected most people that are on daily earnings. I miss my social life, meetings with business associates and generally being with people and rubbing minds and enjoying myself.”

Tee Mac: Musician, businessman

“I am okay and taking it easy with life. I walk my dogs in the morning. Also, I work on my business paperwork till midday. Then, I play the flute for two hours, rest between 4 and 5pm. Then I feed my dogs. Afterwards, I work on some classical composition or play another two hours flute.

I walk a set of dogs and go to bed at 11pm. I have realised that a good schedule is needed. One achieves a lot this way. I am kind of self-content and I don’t need many people around me. I hope my fans out there are safe”.

Ayo Balogun: Musician, businesswoman

“I must say that the pandemic met most of us unprepared and I must confess that it has hit us so badly in the entertainment sector and life. Musicians have been badly affected. You know, we are used to making money weekly through musical performances and other events. All of that has stopped and we’ve been dipping our hands in our reserves!

“The worst of it is that many people depend on us for support at this time because we are celebrities, yet we have our families to take care of too. Sincerely it’s not been easy as the fear of the unknown is starting to grip us all because we don’t have an idea of when social gatherings will be safe and sane again.

We only kill boredom by playing different games with our immediate families (laughs). I spend time praying to God for the healing of our beloved country and the rest of the world. May God come to our aid and help us out of this tough time”.

Femi Lasode: Filmmaker

“Incidentally, I am an introvert, so I welcome the rest of the world to ‘The Introverts’ Club! I’ve been working at my studio and home for more than 10 years now, producing my audio-visual materials, so there’s nothing strange about having to sit at home at this particular time.

I travelled around the world in my younger days; so there’s nothing left out there that fascinates me. From my studio, I can reach the whole world. The lockdown is very important so that the killer disease COVID-19 does not wipe out humanity.”

Sammy Hassan: Poet, writer, film producer

“COVID-19 is truly a novel situation for Nigerians and the world as a whole. For that reason, it’s a cause for concern and anxiety as we await to see the new world we would inherit. As for performances, I’m sure all it will take is ingenuity.

Some days ago, I saw Andrea Bocelli performing in an empty cathedral for free broadcast around the world. Deejays from across the world are beaming themselves and people are tuning in.

All it affects is your platform. In fact, if you want, this is the time to perform for millions at the same time with everyone caught captive at home. So get online, find your platform and perform. Innovate or die.

“So presently, I’m home; I’m reading, studying, dreaming, resting and bidding my time for when the new day will dawn”.

Zakky Azzay: Musician, businessman

“I try to occupy my time by reading, solving puzzles and creating some trivial challenges to keep my brain busy. I am also learning to bake. I try walking in my small compound as exercise to keep the body happy.”

Genevieve Nnaji: Actress, producer

Sexy Nollywood screen diva, Genevieve Nnaji, has been buzzing on social media after joining the trending Tik Tok challenge and her fans were wowed by her dance skills after the footage emerged on social media showing her dancing to controversial singer Naira Marley’s hit song, “Tesumole”. The Tik Tok Challenge was initiated days after most countries around the world went into a lockdown.

Iyabo Ojo: Actress, producer:

Popular Nollywood actress director and producer, Iyabo Ojo, has been constantly sharing videos of how she and her family have been trying to deal with boredom during the COVID-19 lockdown.

In one of her videos, the latest one, the sexy mother of two was seen having fun with her kids and some of their friends. They form a musical band while performing with household utensils as instrument. She captioned the hilarious video

“#familyband boredom102 after 18days of isolating….. e don happen #tiktok ”

Davido: Musician

The Omo Baba Olowo (OBO) crooner, Davido, has stayed in touch with his fans, helping them to kill boredom while also catching fun himself. Recently he shared snapshots from the special moments that he had with his father. He has also been bonding with his son, Ifeanyi, since his wife has been in isolation after testing positive to COVID-19:

“davidoofficial Mothers Dey try ooo see my eyes lmao #waitingformommytocomeback”

Bolaji Aromire: Tv director, filmmaker, businessman

“It has been very limiting being at home during this lockdown but, at the same time, every challenge presents an opportunity for innovation. As entertainers, we are coming up with alternative ways to achieve our desired results.

“For film makers like myself, the challenge is enormous because we use locations a lot to tell stories and our production staff are usually above 50 persons and that is against the social distancing directives by the health authorities.

So to cope with meeting pressing needs and also kill boredom, I reply to messages, learn new movie tricks and I watch and spend quality time with my family.”

Mc Pato: Comedian, businessman

“To tell you the truth, this has been a very depressing feeling for me. Never been in this kind of dead-end situation before! I don’t wish this for even my worst enemy, walahi. Coping has been solely by the special grace of God as I appealed to all my debtors and some of them responded positively by paying part of the money they owed me. Also, I got some assistance from close family members, friends and business associates.

“Right now I spend time trying to kill boredom. For me, I have virtually been on the internet creating ideas, watching movies, doing some research works and reading.”

Fiokee: Guitarist

“The pandemic has really affected us in the entertainment sector. As a producer and performer, I am used to having events and recording for clients. Everything is on hold right now!

“So no inflow is coming in from shows and productions. The only way we have been able to cope is from our savings and from our digital sales revenues, which has been exhausted already. I have always been working from home because I have a studio at home. So the isolation is more like part of my lifestyle.

“I am coping very well. But I feel the government really needs to help us because it’s already getting to the point where everyone can’t handle anymore. If the pandemic lockdown continues like this in Nigeria, it might get worse and the citizens might disobey the stay-at-home order”.

Favour Oma: Actress

“I’m surviving! But I pity the less-privileged. How are they surviving? At times I feel like shouting. But I have learnt to align my life to this saying: things you can’t change, let go.

“My case is quite serious because the crisis met me at Asaba where I went filming. This is a place where I do not know people or have a close friend.

You can imagine how boring it has been. All the same, I have just realised I could do a fantastic monologue skits, since all I have to do is to press my phone, work on my laptop, walk around in the room, sleep and talk to my self. Instead of wasting these moments, I quickly turned it into something to keep my fans smiling no matter the situation.”

Oge Kimono, Artist

“I try not to think about what is happening too much as I stay away from too much media noise. I tell myself I am on a break, which is highly needed to rejuvenate, meditate and reinvent myself. Luckily and thankfully, technology has made it easy for us, we can still do what we love to do regardless of our location. One can record a song over the phone till one is able to get it done properly.

“Coping hasn’t been that much of a task as I put my time into good use by meditating on the word of God, reading, exercising and eating freshly made food daily.”

April 18, 2020
COVID 19: Art community groans under huge loss

Over 80 percent of operators in the creative industry are declaring revenue losses amounting to millions of naira as a result of COVID-19 outbreak and have shut down. In Lagos, which is now the epicenter of the outbreak in Nigeria, those still in operation are offering skeletal services at a very huge loss. Assistant Editor (Arts) Ozolua Uhakheme reports.

From art galleries to theatre houses, cinemas, artists’ studios, hotels, viewing centres, book shops, arts and crafts shops have all shut down or running on less than five percent patronage. The coronavirus outbreak has hit the art, hotel and hospitality industries very hard.

The shutting down of these businesses might lead to a higher level of unemployment as the economic effect of COVID-19 continues to take its toll on operations and activities of SMEs especially. This is due to not only the risk to personal health for employees, but also because current travel restrictions within Lagos and other cities are preventing businesses from generating revenue through travellers and consumers using their services.

In the last one week, the pandemic has led to a partial shutdown of government, businesses, airports and markets with a ban placed on a gathering of more than 25 people in many parts of the country. Economic activities are beginning to slow down as units are advised to practise social distancing and proper health precautions to stem the spread of the virus.

Recall that the immediate past National President, National Association of Nigerian Travel Agents (NANTA), Mr. Bankole Bernard, recently said that last year travel agencies sold tickets worth $1 billion (about N360 billion) unlike now when travel agencies cannot make Easter sales as a result of the COVID-19.

Founder and Artistic Director, Crown Troupe, Lagos, Mr. Segun Adefila, is one of the many artistes whose creative fortunes have nosedived no thanks to the pandemic ravaging the globe since last year. His experiences are examples of what many of his colleagues are going through. According to him, like every other person, the pandemic affected and is affecting the art community, which is dominated by self-employed Nigerians.

“As artistes, the pandemic affected us. First and foremost, I was billed to go for a workshop in Netherlands, in a city called Rotterdam. The workshop is International Community Arts Festival. They invited me and everything was booked. I have gotten my tickets and everything including accommodation and I even committed some funds to it, which they were supposed to refund.

“I called the organisers on March 3, to ask if things were okay and in order, and they said ‘yes, everything is okay. We are still doing it.’ On March 12, they sent a message saying, ‘Segun we are sorry, our government said no gathering beyond 100 people.’ Of course, as at that time, this pandemic hasn’t gotten up to this level in Europe. So, they said any gathering above a hundred people is not allowed and that they are sorry to tell me that even though my workshop was already booked, people had gotten tickets for my workshops (it was a sold out workshop) but they had to cancel.

“So I said okay, no problem. I felt very pained. Unfortunately, also, we were already preparing for an Easter show here in Lagos, and we have gone ahead to book the National Theatre. The show was in collaboration with the National Theatre management and we booked April 10 till 13 and I was working with 34 young artistes. They come every morning and we rehearse from 7 a.m. It was a musical titled Disloyal Judas and it is an opera. We were so ready, the kids and everybody were happy and we were rehearsing. We thought it was not going to get to Nigeria, and then gradually we heard the virus has cropped into the country.

“And so, it was a painful thing to tell those young people “you know, we are going to put these rehearsals on hold because they said no gathering of more than 50 people”. I didn’t want them to endanger themselves too because they have been coming from their different homes and they will be in public transport. So, I had to cancel that rehearsal. There was this third one. On World Poetry Day, we were billed to perform at an event, a poetic café organised by Providus Bank in honour of Prof Wole Soyinka, which was also cancelled. So, you see me sitting in my compound within my large studio, surrounded by drums, musical instruments, a few of my artists and we cannot rehearse. In fact, we cannot do anything, it is that bad. So, what have we resorted to as artists? We write our poems, they are those solitary arts like poetry, singing alone. We are doing all of that and I hope this works,” he recalled with a heavy heart.

However, Adefila said such losses cannot be quantified in naira or kobo because, to him, art cannot be ‘commodified’. “Unfortunately, the losses cannot be quantified. You know, for some of us, art is not ‘commodified’. It cannot be reduced to naira and kobo even though the catalytic effect of money is undeniable,” he noted.

Assistant General Manager, Terra Kulture, Lagos, Tracy Nnanwubar, decried the impact of the virus on the operations of Terra Kulture, stating that the level of patronage of Terra Kulture since the social distancing order is less than 10 percent. She disclosed that the theatre hall was completely shut down in compliance with the government’s order on social distancing.

She described the shutdown as a real hard time as many of its facilities were almost operating below 10 percent. “Our theatre is currently non-operational amounting to zero percent, while the restaurant is operating between three to five percent. In a day, Terra Kulture incurred about one million naira loss,” she said.

Of particular concern is the planned staging of its popular Saro The Musical as part of its Easter events. This show has been cancelled because of the pandemic, which means a lot of financial losses.

How is Terra Kulture adjusting to the reality?

“We have scaled down operations by keeping only 10 percent of our staff strength to help us minimise operating costs while struggling to remain profitable.

“Our short-term measures include implementing social distancing and good hygiene to ensure none of our team members/their families/our customers contract the virus. Our restaurant and gift shop are open for deliveries only so that we don’t go against the social distancing law. If sales continue to dwindle, we may shut down operations completely until Covid-19 blow is over,” she added.

Painter and proprietor, One Draw Art Gallery, Lagos, Mr. Segun Adejumo, who has shut his art gallery over a week ago, blamed the huge loss on poor response by the government to the index case of the virus, saying the nation’s healthcare system was never prepared to contain such challenges because of its inadequate support facilities.

“We are not thinking of sales now. It is just safety for everyone by social distancing, period,” he added.

He lamented that Nigeria lost so much time to indecision and yet was ill-prepared to contain the pandemic. “We lost so much time. We were ill-prepared. Government is not in tune with the people. Maybe if public servants are compelled by law to use public utilities then they will have a better understanding of situation and this will cause them to act promptly. Business can’t run because this is the situation on ground

“I run an art gallery that makes me see a large set of internationally-connected people. So, my first instinct after noticing the world trend and the lack of desire of the Federal Government to close our borders or plan adequately for medicare was to simply close shop. We closed on Monday March 23, for two weeks to decide what our next step would be. Health is wealth, so, we chose to stay closed until we have a solution.

‘’The social media is full of false information. The head of government should have come out to calm the nerves of the nation by giving a proper appraisal of the situation, showing understanding of this virus and with expert advice on what best to do,” Adejumo said.

April 1, 2020
Enter Nigerian stylish Showbiz’s Twins

Kehinde OLULEYEYOU

surely know about the Aneke twins’ lifelong friendship. These two Nigerian actress are always in the news for the right reasons and always together. What comes to mind when you think of celebrity twins? Famous duos like Peter and Paul Okoye (of the Defunct Psquare) or Taiwo and Kehinde Adegbodu may come to mind.

Fashion, fads and followers are three things common to most celebrities. Most of them are fashionable, they make and follow trends and they are loved by a huge number of people who are always on the lookout for the things they say or do.

There are quite a few celebs that you likely never knew are twins. This week, we take a look at some of the stylish and dapper Nollywood celebrities, who are twins, command large followings and rock their garbs both on and off the red carpet.

Kehinde (Kenny Ogungbe) & Taiwo Ogungbe

One of Nollywood’s most recognisable faces, Kenny Ogungbe, is a broadcast journalist, Nigerian DJ, executive music producer and television presenter.

He is the founder of the label Kennis Music. Kenny Ogungbe’s twin brother, Taiwo Ogungbe, is a Disc jockey known as DJ T. He is also Kennis Music label executive and artiste manager.

Kehinde (Kenny Ogungbe) & Taiwo Ogungbe

Mary & Joseph Lazarus

You may know Mary Lazarus as a Nollywood actress, TV personality, model and an entrepreneur, but did you know he also has a twin brother? While her twin brother opted for the oil and gas business, Mary pursued acting instead.

Mary & Joseph Lazarus

Eniola(Taiwo) Ajao & Kehinde Ajao

Nollywood actress, Eniola Taiwo Ajao, has a twin sister, Kehinde, who is a successful business woman.

Elozonam & Kanso Ogbolu

Former Big Brother Naija housemate (Pepper Dem Gang), Elozonam, is one of the popular contestants to come out of BBN (2019) show. But you may not know he also has a twin brother called Kanso. Elozonam and his twin brother, Kanso, dropped a music video to mark their 34th birthday on March 4.

Taiwo & Kehinde Aromokun

Famous Nollywood actress and movie producer, Taiwo Aromokun’s career is just one part of her life; the other part, perhaps, the most important is family. That includes her fraternal twin sister, Kehinde. It’s worthy to know that Taiwo gave birth to two sets of twins!

Eku & Kessiana Thorley

Popular Nigerian actress, television presenter and model, Georgina Chloe Eku Edewor-Thorley, well known as Eku Edewor, has a twin sister, Kessiana, who works as an interior designer / fashion & marketing consultant.

Eku & Kessiana Thorley

Kehinde & Taiwo Bankole

Award winning actress, model, singer, TV host, Kehinde Bankole’s twin sister, Taiwo Bankole, is into event planning but also acts occasionally.

Chidinma & Chidiebere Aneke

Chidiebere and Chidinma Aneke are identical twins in the Nollywood industry, popularly known as the Aneke twins.

Chidinma & Chidiebere Aneke

DNA Twins

Identical artistes, Blair and Clinton Roberts, popularly known as the DNA Twins, first gained popularity when they auditioned for the Glo X-Factor competition. DNA was signed to Mavin Records, a music record label owned by Don Jazzy in February 2017.

March 21, 2020
Behold celebs who have been married more than once

Kehinde OLULEYE

GETTING married the second time is not always easy, especially when the first breakup happens in the public eye. Celeb divorces and re-marriage have a way of dominating headlines for days or months and years, feeding Nigeria’s thriving gossip mill. None of these favourite showbiz persons planned for breakups, divorces and re-marriage but things happen and life has to go on. Some, however, have to remarry because death took either of the spouses away.

So, it’s no secret that Stella Damasus, Funke Akindele, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Foluke Daramola,Clarion Chukwura, Mercy Aigbe, Shan Goerge, Segun Arinze, Stephanie Okereke, Monalisa Chinda, Regina Askia, Toyin Abraham, Femi Adebayo and Kenneth Okonkwo have been married more than once.

But this is no crime. Some of these Nollywood favourites didn’t plan to be married more than once. It just happened and the beat goes on. Over time, these movie stars have made such a good job of parenting and their careers that they are now seen as sources of inspiration by thousands.

However, whether it was a simple friendly breakup or a messy parting of ways, these Nollywood notables have found a formula for keeping things together after re-marrying. Some of them are still as hot as fire. And today, they are still at it and waxing stronger than ever.

Here are some famous Nollywood celebs who have been married more than once.

Stella Damasus

Nigerian US- based Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus, is at present involved with Nollywood producer & director, Daniel Ademinokan. Stella got married to her first husband, Jaiye Aboderin, in 1999 for whom she had two daughters before Jaiye’s sudden death in 2004. Damasus re-married in 2007 to Emeka Nzeribe, but the marriage lasted for just seven months. And in 2011, she became romantically linked to Nollywood producer and director, Daniel Ademinokan.

Funke Akindele

Nollywood actress, Funke Akindele-Bello, popularly known as ‘Jenifa’, is one of the most loved stars. Funke was married before but went through a messy breakup and divorce. In May 2012, Funke married Adeola Kehinde Oloyede. Barely a year after they wedded, the marriage crashed and the couple divorced in July 2013.And in May 2016, Funke got married to London-based Nigerian rapper, Abdul Rasheed Bello, popularly known as JJC Skillz, in London. The couple is blessed with twins.

Richard Mofe-Damijo

Handsome Nollywood thespian, Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), tied the knot with former TV personality,Jumobi (Nee Adegbesan) on the December 29, 2000. Mofe-Damijo was earlier married to Nigerian journalist and publisher, late May Ellen-Ezekiel (MEE).But she died in 1996.

Foluke Daramola

Nollywood actress, Foluke Daramola, has been married once before her current husband,Kayode Salako. She was married to Babatunde Sobowale in 2005 but the union ended in 2008 after two children, on allegations of wife battering and infidelity.

Clarion Chukwura

Nollywood actress, Clarion Chukwura, once had a relationship with Afro Juju legend, Sir Shina Peters, which produced a son, Clarence Peters in the 80s.

She later got married to her first husband, Mr Tunde Abiola and ended the marriage in 2003. After her divorce from late Tunde Abiola, the actress went on to marry another man, Femi Oduneye, popularly known as Femi Egyptian on February 14, 2004. The marriage collapsed after a while. Clarion tied the knot with the present husband, Anthony Boyd, an American in 2016.

Mercy Aigbe

Nollywood actress and director, Mercy Aigbe, married her first husband when she was young and they had a daughter before divorcing. Mercy married her second husband, Nigerian hotelier, Lanre Gentry, youin 2013 with whom she had a son. In 2017, she shared photos of herself after allegedly being assaulted by her husband. She consequently separated from her husband due to claims of domestic violence.

Shan George

Nollywood actress, singer, film producer and director, Shan George, first got married in 1985, when she was just 16 years old. She had two sons for her first husband, but the union ended four years later.

She later encountered and married Anthony Nwosisi. This marriage too did not last. Shan went on to marry her third husband, Momoh Osigwe, and it didn’t work; she later became Mrs Jaiyeola at a stage.

Segun Arinze

Famous Nollywoood actor, producer, director and TV personality, SegunArinze, was once married to popular “Domitilla” actress, Ann Njemanze, but the marriage crashed two years later due to what they termed “irreconcilable differences” on both sides. Segun got married to his second wife, Julie, in 2008 and they are still happily living together.

Stephanie Okereke

The Nollywood star, Stephanine Okereke, was once married to ex- Super Eagles player, Chikelue Iloanusi, in Lagos on August 31, 2004 but the union did not work out. Okereke moved out of her matrimonial home on January 14, 2007. She went on to marry Linus Idahosa in 2012 in Paris, France.

Monalisa Chinda

Monalisa tied the knot with her first husband, Dejo Richards, the Question Mark label boss, and it ended in 2019 over allegations of domestic violence and abuse. The union produced a daughter. On February 20, 2016, Monalisa wedded her second husband, Victor Tonye Coker.

Regina Askia-Williams

Beautiful ex-beauty queen and actress-turned-nurse was once married to Charles Orie, but she later moved on and married an American man, Rudolph ‘Rudy’ Williams, nephew of Ron Everette and grandson of Fess Williams, in Lagos.

Toyin Abraham

Nollywood actress, Toyin Abraham, was briefly married to her first husband, Nollywood actor, Adeniyi Johnson, in 2013 but the marriage lasted barely a year. Interestingly, the duo have moved on with their lives as Toyin Abraham is now engaged to Kolawole Ajeyemi, also an actor, and the couple recently welcomed a baby boy.

Femi Adebayo

The prolific film maker, Femi Adebayo, married his second wife, Omotayo Maimunat, on October 9, 2016 and the couple have been blessed with a son. Femi and his first wife, Khadijat,got separated after eight years of marriage.

Kenneth Okonkwo

Kenneth Okonkwo’s first marriage was to Ogechi Ezekiel. She’s the daughter of Pastor Ezekiel,the General Overseer of Christian Pentecostal Mission International. The marriage took place in 2000. They lived together for two years and got divorced in 2002. He got married some years later to his current wife, Ifeoma Okonkwo.

March 14, 2020
Fear of dying from dementia

Kehinde OLULEYE

THE Football Association will limit how often young players can head balls in training, to address growing health fears.

An outright ban is not expected, rather a reduction in how many times players under 18 can head the ball, according to reports.

It comes after mounting pressure on the English football’s governing body to acknowledge research linking moderate traumatic brain injury – such as that caused by heading the ball – and a higher risk of developing dementia.

Last October, a landmark study found that professional footballers have a much-increased risk of dying from dementia and other serious neurological diseases.

It prompted plans from The Scottish Football Association to completely ban primary school children in Scotland from heading the ball.

The FA said at the time there was not enough evidence to change its stance, but appear to have backtracked.

The FA confirmed to MailOnline they are finalising to confirm its plans later this month. The guidance will vary for different ages.

The change comes after talks with the Scottish FA, The Times reported.

Many officials and sports players believe a limit on heading is a necessary precaution in light of existing research.

October’s study, which was funded by the FA and the PFA, the player’s union, showed that former players are three-and-a-half times more likely to die of dementia than normal people of the same age.

The 22-month ‘FIELD study’, conducted by the University of Glasgow’s brain injury group, also found a five-fold increase in the risk of Alzheimer’s, a four-fold increase in motor neurone disease and a two-fold increase in Parkinson’s.

February 8, 2020
‘I thought I would be a fisherman in Madeira’

Kehinde OLULEYE

CRISTIANO RONALDO has revealed that he envisaged becoming a fisherman on the shores of Madeira as a boy — not one of the greatest players to have ever graced the game of football.

The Portuguese superstar turned 35 on Wednesday and took a moment to look back on his incredible career, which has seen him win nearly all there is to win in the sport.

But today’s reality wasn’t even a pipe dream when he was a child, admits Ronaldo, who believed he would instead spend his day-to-day life on the coast of the small island where he grew up.

When asked where he thought he would be the age of 35 as a kid, Ronaldo told Canal 11: ‘I thought I was going to be a fisherman in Madeira.

Read Also: Ronaldo eyes Hollywood after retirement

‘This never came into my mind. I wanted to be a professional football but I didn’t think I was going to win everything I’ve won.’

Now in the twilight of his career, Ronaldo is still as hungry as ever to further his legacy and he has set his sights on winning a sixth Champions League title.

‘To play at Juventus gives me the chance to win it again,’ he continued. ‘We know it’s difficult, it depends on many factors, but it’s possible because we have a good team. We must take one step at a time going forward.’

Ronaldo is a five-time Ballon d’Or winner and has won league and domestic honours wherever he has played.

February 8, 2020
Behold Stylish female CEOs
Kehinde OLULEYE

HARDLY will you turn the pages of any of our major newspapers without running across the names of these power females in the course of a week.

We are talking about the likes of Mo Abudu, Uju Ifejika , Folorunsho Alakija, Chantelle Abdul, Bola Shagaya, Stella Okoli, Shade Okoya, Toyin Sanni, Ibukun Awosika, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Nike Ogunlesi, Dr Ola Orekunrin and a host of others.

Beautiful, bold and brainy, these female Chief Executive Officers do not only dominate their turfs in a world where men rule the roost, they also inspire millions of men and women with their outstanding accomplishments, bold decisions, unique sense of style, gravitas and elegance.

They have legions of fans within Nigeria and all over the world. Each time they grace events, everything about them is noted as sources of fashion, fad and style inspiration by thousands of women.

This group of women do not merely bask in the glow of their career accomplishments; they are powerful speakers, able leaders and successful businesspersons, at a time when the Chief Executive Officer position appears to be dominated by men.
- Mo Abudu
Mosunmola Abudu, popularly known as Mo Abudu, is a Nigerian media mogul, media personality, philanthropist, who has been described by Forbes as Africa’s most successful media woman.

Mo founded EbonyLife TV, a network airing in more than 49 countries across Africa, as well as in the UK and the Caribbean in 2006. EbonyLife TV has offices in Lagos, Abuja and the Tinapa Resort, Calabar, Cross River State. She is a class of her own fashion-wise. Uju Ifejika

Catherine Uju Ifejika is a Nigerian lawyer and Chairperson/CEO of Brittania-U Nigeria Limited (BUNL), an indigenous petroleum company for upstream exploration and production, and Brittania-U Ghana Limited (BUGL).

She has received both national and international awards for best practices in business leadership. She is believed to be one of the most powerful women in oil and gas industry in Africa and one of the richest women in Africa. She is a leader in the fashion- dictating women population.

Mo Abudu founded EbonyLife TV
- Chantelle Abdul
Chantelle Abdul, a fashion pace-setter, is the Managing Director and chief executive of Mojec International Limited, a conglomerate with subsidiaries in the energy, real estate, retail and power sector with operations across Africa and Asia.

The company’s power sector has a meter assembly facility, which produces indigenous smart pre-paid meters, the first of its kind in the country.

Chantelle Abdul, a fashion pace-setter, is the Managing Director and chief executive of Mojec International Limited
- Stella Okoli
Stella Chinyelu Okoli is a Nigerian pharmacist, entrepreneur, founder and chief executive officer of Emzor Pharmaceutical, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company.

Prior to the establishment of Emzor Pharmaceutical, Stella had worked in several pharmaceutical firms, including Middlesex Hospital, London, Boots the Chemists Limited and Pharma-Deko.

In January 1977, Stella started Emzor Pharmaceutical with the initial name, Emzor Chemists Limited as a small pharmacy retail shop in Somolu, Lagos State.

Emzor Pharmaceutical has since become one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Nigeria with over 50 products since its incorporation in 1984. She is one of the most stylish women in the country.

Stella Chinyelu Okoli is a Nigerian pharmacist, entrepreneur, founder and chief executive officer of Emzor Pharmaceutical, a pharmaceutical manufacturing company.
- Folorunso Alakija
Folorunsho Alakija is a renowned and well respected Nigerian entrepreneurial woman. She is involved in the fashion, oil, real estate and printing sectors.

She is the group managing director of The Rose of Sharon Group, which consists of The Rose of Sharon Prints & Promotions Limited, Digital Reality Prints Limited and the executive vice-chairman of Famfa Oil Limited.

She also has a majority stake in DaySpring Property Development company. A powerful dresser, Alakija is ranked by Forbes as the richest woman in Nigeria with an estimated net worth of $1 billion.

As of 2015, she is listed as the second most powerful woman in Africa after Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the 87th most powerful woman in the world by Forbes.

Folorunsho Alakija is a renowned and well respected Nigerian entrepreneurial woman. She is involved in the fashion, oil, real estate and printing sectors.
- Bola Shagaya
Hajia Bola Shagaya is a Nigerian businesswoman and the managing director of Practoil Limited, one of the largest importers and distributors of base oil in Nigeria, serving local lubricant blending plants.

Her businesses also include huge investments in real estate, spanning across major cities in the country with over 300 employees.

She started her career with the audit department of the Central Bank of Nigeria before venturing into commercial activities.

An eye turner even at her age and a highly fashionable woman, her business experience started with the importation and distribution of photographic materials and she introduced the Konica brand of photographic materials into the Nigerian market and West Africa.

Read Also: BEHOLD showbiz’s most stylish grandads

Hajia Bola Shagaya is a Nigerian businesswoman and the managing director of Practoil Limited
- Toyin Sanni
Founder and CEO of the Emerging Africa Capital Group, Toyin Sanni is a lawyer, chartered secretary, stockbroker and author with over 30 years’ experience in senior management positions in investor services, law and finance.

Prior to her appointment as the Group CEO of United Capital, highly fashionable Toyin Sanni was CEO, United Capital Trustees Ltd (formerly known as UBA Trustees Limited), a United Capital subsidiary and market leader in the Trustees business.

With a background in securities law and extensive experience in corporate finance, trusts & asset management, she leverages networks and relationships across markets & her extensive experience working on leading transactions to achieve development goals.

Founder and CEO of the Emerging Africa Capital Group, Toyin Sanni is a lawyer, chartered secretary, stockbroker and author
- Tara Fela-Durotoye
Nigerian beauty entrepreneur and lawyer, Tara Fela-Durotoye is the founder and CEO of House of Tara International and creator of the Tara Orekelewa Beauty range, Inspired Perfume and the H.I.P Beauty range.

Tara is a pioneer in the bridal makeup profession in Nigeria, she launched the first bridal directory in 1999, set up international standard makeup studios and established the first makeup school in Nigeria.

Nigerian beauty entrepreneur and lawyer, Tara Fela-Durotoye is the founder and CEO of House of Tara International and creator of the Tara Orekelewa Beauty range, Inspired Perfume and the H.I.P Beauty range.
- Nike Ogunlesi
Nike Ogunlesi is the proud founder and creative director of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble-one of the best manufacturers of children’s clothing in Nigeria. Nike is a Nigerian fashion entrepreneur, a leading designer, manufacturer and retailer of designer children’s clothing. She is a force to reckon with in children’s fashion industry in West Africa

Nike Ogunlesi is the proud founder and creative director of Ruff ‘n’ Tumble-one of the best manufacturers of children’s clothing in Nigeria.
- Sade Okoya
Sade Okoya, a fashion pace-setter and wife of billionaire industrialist, Chief RASAQ Okiya, is the Chief Executive Officer of manufacturing giant, Eleganza Industrial City Limited, which produces various sizes and designs of plastic chairs, luggage boxes, coolers, baby diapers, ladies’ sanitary products, hair threads, stainless water tank, shoes etc. Eleganza group of companies has a market reach spanning Western Africa.

Sade Okoya, a fashion pace-setter and wife of billionaire industrialist, Chief RASAQ Okiya, is the Chief Executive Officer of manufacturing giant, Eleganza Industrial City Limited
- Dr Ola Orekunrin-Brown
Olamide Orekunrin is a British-Nigerian medical doctor, founder and managing director of Flying Doctors Nigeria, a leading air ambulance service and charity based in Lagos, Nigeria.

After graduation, Olamide worked for a short period of time in the National Health Service, United Kingdom. As a helicopter pilot with specialised training in aviation medicine, she pioneered the first air operated emergency medical services in Lagos, Nigeria; Flying Doctors Nigeria Ltd.

Ola, a fashion icon, was motivated to start the charity after experiencing the loss of her sister under difficult circumstances and to improve medical services in Nigeria she successfully established Flying Doctors in Lagos in 2007.

Olamide Orekunrin is a British-Nigerian medical doctor, founder and managing director of Flying Doctors Nigeria, a leading air ambulance service and charity based in Lagos, Nigeria.
February 8, 2020
CELEBS who sport skin haircuts

Kehinde OLULEYE

SEGUN ARINZE, Sola Sofudo, 2face, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Alex Usifo, and Ik Ogbonna. What is that singular shiny thing that the following celebrities have in common, besides being famous, handsome and masters of the tube and large screens? Clean, smooth and shiny shaven heads!

Ike Ogbonna

You must probably have noticed that the popular ‘gorimapa sahara’ style, popular in the 90s and sported by a wide variety of celebrities and superstars, is back in fashion.

This fad is not only back, it is trendier than ever. As we all know, fads and fashion never truly go out of fashion, they simply fade away to return with a bang. Sometimes such a return may take a few years, but other times, it will take a decade.

There are a dozen reasons why some men may decide to sport a completely shaven head. One of the biggest reasons of course is baldness. But then, there are also men who just love to go hairless because of the distinctive and stylish look it gives a man.

Read Also: Celebs to look out for this year

The shaved head hair cut is one trend with a long staying power. It is now quite popular among celebrities and hardly would you get to a social or corporate event without finding more than one brave soul wearing a clean haircut in a sea of dreadlocks!

Banky W

But before now, some famous celebrities had been constantly rocking this style religiously for decades. It is also remarkable that these men have stayed true to their style, even as the fashion scene changed and people embrace other haircuts the way politicians switch political parties.

Today, we will be throwing a long salute at some of the most popular Nigerian celebrities sporting this unique look. We are talking about veteran actors like Richard Mofe-Damijo (RMD), Alex Usifo, Segun Arinze, Jibola Dabo and Yemi Solade.

The list also includes prolific dramatist, director, critic, film actor and scholar Sola Fosudo; Nigerian comic actor, Afeez Oyetoro, fondly called “Simply Saka” by his teeming fans,; singer, songwriter, record producer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and activist- Innocent Ujah Idibia, known by his stage name 2Baba/2Face; Soul-singer, rapper, actor and politician, Olubankole Wellington, popularly known by his stage name, Banky W, and film and television actor, Model, Director and TV Personality Ikechukwu Mitchel Ogbonna, professionally known as IK Ogbonna; rappers, 2Shot and Ikechukwu; and multitalented music maestro Don Jazzy.

February 1, 2020
OAPs who make the difference

Kehinde OLULEYE

TALENTED, pretty and super-smart, this week’s On-Air-Personalities (OAPs) are some of the brightest presenters in radio. Their power assets include their voices, charm, presentation skills, intelligence, sensuality (when needed) and several other plusses.

Gone are the days when OAPs make a living by interviewing and mingling with celebrities. Nowadays, the best and the brightest of our dazzling array of OAPs are powerful celebrities in their own right. It is the reason we can’t stop trolling them and the paparazzi will not allow them to rest.

So, this week, we shall be going through a long list of our coolest OAPs who make our entertainment sector to glitter so brightly.

Toke Makinwa

Nigerian radio personality, television host, blogger, lifestyle entrepreneur and author, Toke Makinwa, is one of the most popular radio persons in Nigeria. Confident, sure-footed and bold, Toke shines always. Whatever she wears, the author and branding genius sure knows how to dot her i’s and cross her t’s.

Nancy Isime

One of the hottest OAPs and actresses, Nancy has a very peculiar snazzy look that sets her apart. A model, she has worked with Ade Bakere, Adebayo Jones, Zizi Cardow, Shakara Couture among others.

Nancy Isime

Toolz

Beautiful from whatever angle you look at her, Tolu Oniru-Demuren, popularly known as Toolz, is bold, beautiful and blessed with near-perfect natural curves. Toolz is a smart dresser,wearing only things that make her comfortable and add to her gorgeousness.

Toolz

Read Also: 11 Nigerian celebrities nominated for 2020 Grammy

Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi

Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi is as popular as the celebrities she interviews. She is stylish and smart. She is one of the anchor presenters on Cool FM and Beat 99.9 FM. She always nails it at events with her stylish outfits.

Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi

Do2tun

Oladotun Ojuolape Kayode, better known as Do2tun, is a Nigerian on-air personality, video jockey, actor and media entrepreneur. Do2tun is both sexy on and off air. Whether he is posing for a quick photo or walking on the red carpet, his bold expressive style reflects his fun-loving character.

Do2tun

Helen Paul

Popular Tatafo presenter from the show,“Wetin Dey,” on 102.3FM, Helen Paul-Bamisile is an actress, comedian, OAP, business woman and singer. Now known as Alhaja Don Jazzy, Paul is one to bring her entire repertoire of skills to play whenever she is presenting or interpreting a role. In addition to all this, she also has a cute fashion sense.

Helen Paul

DJ Spinall

Sodamola Oluseye Desmond, professionally known as DJ Spinall, is a Nigerian Disc Jockey, record producer, songwriter, label executive, and media personality. DJ Spinall created a style that is unique to his outfit, known as TheCAP. His dressing is not complete without this trade-mark African style-inspi red cap.

DJ Spinall

Yaw

Steve Onu, popularly known as Yaw, is a Nigerian comedian, actor, master of ceremony and radio personality with 95.1 Wazobia FM. This charming OAP has a wide mass appeal that has made him one of radio’s biggest personalities. And when it comes to looking good, you won’t find him in the middle.

Yaw

Moet Abebe

Who doesn’t know Moet Abebe? Laura Monyeazo Abebe, popularly known as Moet Abebe, is a Nigerian video jockey, television presenter, actress, catering executive. She’s everything rolled into one! Two words describe her: daring and smart.

Moet Abebe

Kaylah Oniwo

This on-air personality with Cool FM, Kaylah Oniwo, is a multi-talented brand ambassador and stage artiste. Kaylah is one woman that you’ll never find lacking confidence and smartness.

Kaylah Oniwo

January 25, 2020
Culture bond across border

Our Reporter

Royal splendour, the rich Yoruba culture and Ghanaian hospitality were in full display in Accra last weekend as the Yoruba community in Ghana honoured some members of its race from Nigeria.

Chieftaincy titles were conferred on 14 honorees by His Royal Majesty, Oba of Yoruba in Ghana, Alhaji Hamzat Peregrino Brimah V111. Among them, is city businessman and former Nigerian lawmaker, Hon Moshood Mustapha, who bagged the title of Oluomo of Yoruba in Ghana.

The ceremony which took place at the prestigious State House, Accra on Sunday, January 18, 2020 was attended by the Ghanaian Vice President represented by the Vice President, Dr. Mahmoud Bawumia and the Nigerian Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Femi Michael Abikoye.

Foremost Yoruba monarch, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, led the royal train, which included the Olofa of offa, Oba Mufutau Gbadamoshi Esueoye11; the Olusin of Isanlu Isin, Oba Solomon Oloyede and the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao.

Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, was at the head of a team that included current Federal Lawmaker from Kwara State, Hon. Abdulganiyu Olododo; Special Adviser to the governor on special duties, Alhaji Yinka Aluko; former Commissioner for Information, Kwara State, Oloriewe Raheem Adedoyin; businessman Mallam Mohammed Sidi; media chief Mallam Nurudeen Abdulraheem and former Kwara State lawmaker, Hon. Adamu Sabi.

Vice President Bawumia, who represented President Nana Akufo, acknowledged the contribution of Yoruba people to the socio-economic development of Ghana. He urged the Yoruba community to continue living in harmony with other tribes in the country.

Oba Adeyeye enjoined the Yoruba race worldwide to foster unity among themselves and congratulated the honoree “on behalf of all Yoruba tribe on earth.”

Read Also: AbdulRazaq, minister say culture, tourism promotion will attract investors

Oba Adeyeye took the audience back to the 18th Century, where there was nothing like Ghana or Nigeria, but just the black race living together in harmony and love.

He admonished the Yoruba race: “Yoruba as a tribe has had a long standing historical connection with Ghana as one of the black tribes on earth. We are all one from the same source. I urge everyone of you to continue seeing yourselves as brothers and sister here in Ghana and anywhere we found ourselves in the whole world

“We appreciate the government and all Ghanaians for their love and peaceful co-existence with the Yoruba living on their land, which brought about this historical event in the life time of the Yoruba community in Ghana.”

Oba Adeyeye also lauded the recipients, saying: “I rejoice with all the recipients, especially the popular Nigerian politician, Moshood Mustapha, who has been honoured as Oluomo of Yoruba in Ghana.

He urged the new chiefs “to continue the good behaviour and generosity that earned you these titles,” adding: “We are proud of you as Yorubas.”

Giving historical background of the Yoruba in Ghana and reason for honouring some individuals His Royal Majesty, Oba Hamza Peregrino-Brimah VIII, said: “The present Yorubas are the 5th generation of Yorubas in Ghana, and it is right time to honour some carefully selected individuals who had contributed significantly to our community and the Republic of Ghana in general.”

January 25, 2020