The Nation Newspaper

Category: Victor Akande

  • Why I supported ‘Onise’ –Adiboye Amosun

    Alhaji Abidoye Ajani Amosun, elder brother to Ogun State governor, has stated the reason he supported Mosun Adeleye’s movie project, ‘Onise’, which is currently being shot in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    The philanthropist, who recently celebrated 70, revealed to The Nation in a chat at his house in Abeokuta that his love for assisting hard-working people made him throw his weight behind the work in term of financial assistance.

    “I got to meet her through an honorable,” he said.

    “She told me she has worked in the past, but due to some reasons had to take a break. Now she is back and needs to start work back, as this will make her gain back her feet in the industry. I asked her how much she needed and she told me and I gave her what I had and ask her to also seek financial assistance from other helpful people.”

  • Jim Iyke, Waje, Rico Swavey others support La Mode’s Green October

    Nollywood actor, Jim Iyke, songstress Waje and other celebrities like Big Brother Naija season 3 housemate Rico Swavey, founder of Kokun Foundation, Olukokun Adepeju, Belinda Effah and Dr. May Ikeora have thrown their weight behind the fourth edition of La Mode Magazine’s ‘Green October Event.’

    The event, which usuallly takes place on Nigeria’s Independence Day on October 1 at the Oriental Hotel, Lekki, Lagos, is an annual project to create awareness, appreciate and support persons living with disabilities. The theme for the event is ‘Beyond Disabilities.’

    The event promotes made in Nigeria fashion through the fashion show and exhibition and fashion awards are given to deserving Nigerians.

    According to the organisers, one of the aims of the edition is to inform individuals and communities that people should embrace each other’s differences.

    “One of the major goals of ‘Green October Event Project,’ aside the annual event, is to establish a multipurpose disability job recruitment unit, awareness, advocacy and information centre,” said Sandra Odige, publisher of La Mode Magazine.

    “Giving people living with disabilities job opportunities, all the information, support, training and education they deserve.”

    The Green October event recognises people that have contributed significantly to humanity in their various fields of endeavour without prejudice on grounds of gender, sexual orientation, religion or ethnicity. The annual event is also a platform to showcase African fashion and designs. In 2015, the event focused on Down Syndrome, in 2016 on Autism and in 2017 on Cerebral Palsy.

  • Paschaline Alex opens lingerie shop

    To commemorate her birthday, which held on July 3, rising actress Paschaline Alex, known as Cordi in the comedy series, Jenifa’s Diary, has opened a lingerie shop.

    The new business, Bold Kay, according to the actress, is an online store for beautiful selection on lingerie.

    Speaking on having a business of her own, she wrote on Instagram: “I am a tale; I am a book, written in different languages and styles. Congratulations to me, on the arrival of my new baby.

    “We are official; almost every woman will tell you that knowing she is wearing pretty lingerie under her cloth makes her feel ‘beautiful & confident’. That’s why you should shop at Bold Pkay! Lingerie that embodies every woman’s daily dream”.

    She started out her professional career in 2010 with the movie titled, ‘Definition Of Love.’

    She, however, had her breakthrough in the sitcom titled ‘Jenifa’s Diary’ where she played the role of Cordelia, alongside the producer, Funke Akindele, and other cast.

  • Nollywood actress to wed secret U.S. lover

    Nollywood actress, Oghenekaro Itene, better known as Karo, has been secretly enjoying a romantic time with her lover for a while now.

    Karo has been in the U.S. for some time now and gist from grapevine has it that the actress is planning to settle down with her U.S. who based lover.

    Unlike many who would have been flaunting their man on the social media, the actress chose to keep everything to herself, perhaps, like they say; to avoid stories that touch the heart.

    It is not certain if the wedding will be taking place abroad or her man will have to move down to Nigeria with her but whichever is the case; we wish her happy married life in advance.

    Meanwhile, the actress’ absence is said to be attending a film school in Los Angeles, to equip herself more on the nitty gritty of movie making.

  • And Macron markets Nigeria to the world

    The memories of late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, as a musician, culture promoter and social crusader somewhat became highpoint of the visit to Nigeria by President Emmanuel Macron of France, leading to a new narrative about the place of African tourism, arts and entertainment in the global space.

    From his body language, unreserved passion for the Afrika Shrine where he was hosted into the night on Tuesday, and his interactions with entrepreneurs from different sectors of the Nigerian economy, Macron exuded the qualities of a new breed of politician from Europe whose desires for Africa is for the continent to free itself from neo-colonialism from France and Europe. His fresh democratic ideology appears to be one that sees how big the world can become with Africa at its full potential.

    For the creative industry, the 40-year-old leader is spearheading an African Cultural Season to take place in France, in year 2020.

    According to him, “This Season is a unique one and it will be the new face of Africa in Europe… It is about a team of young creatives coming from different parts of Africa. You’ll have contemporary artistes, painters, people involved in Fashion, movies, visual arts, architecture… all the different arts existing and present in Africa, especially Nigeria. It will be about a young generation of artistes coming from Africa.”

    Certain that Africa is capable of upholding its business independence, Macron believes that providing the window for African ventures to thrive might just be what the continent needs in the meantime.

    “European leaders are not here to lecture African leaders. African leaders are here to take care of their people. They are not there to lead the young generation to believe that their future is outside Africa. They have to build their future here in Africa,” he said.

    According to Macron, the Africa Cultural Season 2020 will be organised by Africa and for Africa “in order to show France and Europe the real culture of Africa. It is going to be financed by African leaders and businesses. It’s not going to be sponsored by European or French businesses, but by African businesses, it is brand new.”

    Macron decries a situation whereby the international media appears to dictate the narratives about Africa.

    “Some people say this is a tremendous continent; this is a unique place. And at the same time, some people say Africa is a place of terrorism. These two messages are true at the same time. But I believe it is possible to change all these negative messages because what we need is for African people to speak about Africa. Because you always replicate, mirror Europeans impression about Africa. When I say we need new narratives, what I mean is that we need you people to make these narratives. I see a new generation of artistes, of entrepreneurs, of people coming from civil societies, of journalists, of intellectuals coming from Africa and explaining, speaking about Africa in Europe and everywhere.”

    For spending 95 percent of his time in Lagos – a historic visit to the Afrika Shrine for a ‘Celebration of African Culture’, the official unveiling of Alliance Francaise in Ikoyi, and his engagement with over 2,000 Tony Elumelu Foundation (TEF) alumni – Macron has strengthened the Shrine as a tourism attraction, promoted Lagos as a tourist destination and pepped the Nigerian entrepreneurs to make a difference in the world.

  • SHINA PELLER plans big for Aquila Records’ third anniversary

    Come July 15, Aquila Records is set to celebrate its third anniversary with a bang.

    Already, plans are in the final stage to hold an event at the Balmoral Event Center to appreciate Nigerian music industry pathfinders. And the Aquila Records team will be releasing an album of self-composed songs featuring all their artistes as well as having a few collaboration from other acts as well.Aside the Aquila Acts that would be performing, stars like Olamide, Burna Boy, Phyno, Slim case, 2Baba and Tiwa Savage are expected to grace the stage.

    Speaking in Lagos, CEO of Aquila Records, Shina Peller, said: “I started the Label about three years ago. I saw it a means to be able to give the young and talented Nigerians an opportunity to develop their talents and show them to the world. A lot of Nigerians are talented, but they don’t have that platform. If you look at something about Aquila Records, you’ll discover that all the artistes are fresh. They are artistes that I discovered myself and it’s not easy to actually groom an artiste from zero to becoming a superstar. But with all we’ve had in three years, I give thanks to God Almighty who has helped us achieve all we’ve been able to achieve so far.”

  • BOSE AREGBESOLA: I don’t borrow to pose

    To look like a celebrity is quite expensive and tasking and this has been made known by most celebrities.

    However, Abeokuta-based Yoruba actress, Bose Aregbesola, has said she is not one of those actresses who go out of their ways to look good.

    “I don’t give what I don’t have,” she said.

    “You will never see me go out of my way just so I can look like a celebrity. But I make sure that I look presentable wherever I am present. I am comfortable with the work I am doing. I am also happily married and living comfortably with what I am being provided for with my kids by my husband.”

    The actress denied insinuations that she is romantically involved with popular actor and filmmaker, Segun Ogungbe, saying he(Segun) is her boss and the person behind her success story today.

    Bose attended schools and had lived all her life in Abeokuta, Ogun State. She studied Catering and Hotel Management and worked briefly  till 1998 before she started acting.

  • Juliana Olayode kicks off ‘Rebirth’ tour

    Rising actress Juliana Olayode, known as Toyosi in Funke Akindele comedy series, ‘Jenifa’s Dairy,’ has kicked off her secondary school project tagged ‘Rebirth’ tour.

    According to the actress, the tour is to share her story and also give out copies of her book, ‘Rebirth.’

    “I have been longing to start touring secondary schools, to share my story and give out some of my books,” she said.

    “The ‘Rebirth secondary school tour’ starts in my Alma Mater. I am open to more sponsors as I plan to visit more schools. Together, we would keep making a difference in lives.”

    So far, she has visited Ojodu Junior School and Babs Fafunwa School, both in Ojodu, Lagos.

    Olayode, who is also an ambassador of SCAF Nigeria, initiated ‘Hope Campaign’ to raise funds to support people living with Sickle Cell Disease.

    “Please join the @scafnigeria Hope Campaign Fundraiser by donating to support people living with Sickle Cell Disease,” she said.

    “Regardless of negative perspectives on SCD, there is HOPE for warriors and with your support we can create a better future for them!”

    As an actress, Olayode is also known as a critic of sex before marriage among Nigerian youths.

  • Winners emerge in ‘My Indomie My 
Remix’ Video Contest

    Noodles brand, Indomie has presented a winning prize of a million naira to online artiste, David B-Online, winner of the ‘My Indomie My Remix’ Video competition.

    A cheque was presented to him along 28 other winners who won cash prizes of N500, 000, N200, 000 and N50, 000 at Indomie Head office in Lagos State.

    The promo, which started barely a month ago and was judged by Sound Sultan and Vector the Viper, required consumers to create their own original and creative version of the #MyIndomieMyStyle theme song while cleverly infusing one or more packs of any of the Indomie flavours. They had to then upload on social media with either the hashtag #MyIndomieMyRemix or #MyIndomieMyStyle and get followers to like, comment and share the video link.

    Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony at the company’s head office in Lagos, the Group Public Relations and Event Manager, Ashiwaju Temitope, said; “We are celebrating creativity and rewarding originality. As a brand we are constantly searching for creative ways of expression and more exciting ways to reach out to our consumers.”

    He also stated that the Indomie brand was committed to “putting its customers first, because Indomie consumers aren’t just ordinary consumers, but brand ambassadors, and they should be treated as such.”

  • …As President Emmanuel Macron meets Nollywood

    I have made references to the importance of films as a tool for cultural exchange and international diplomacy in several articles. And as the number one man of France, President Emmanuel Macron visits Nigeria this July; his coming presents another opportunity to look at the possibility of a co-production or any other form of collaboration that Nigeria can make with France.

    Apart from the fact that Nollywood filmmakers are enamoured of the 71-year-old Cannes International Film Festival (Festival de Cannes), and have somewhat participated, French government agencies in Nigeria are known for financing creative cultural endeavours by Nigerians in the past.

    Through the Fonds Sud Cinéma established in 1984, several film projects from Africa, Asia, America, and eastern European countries like Albania, former Yugoslavia and the former Soviet Republics of central Asia, have benefited from the scheme.

    When, in 2012, the fund was replaced by Aide aux cinémas du monde (World Cinema Support) – it was to rejig the scheme as a fund dedicated to international co-productions – jointly created by the Ministry for Culture and Communication and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, and managed by the Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée (CNC) and the Institut français.

    Some of the Nigerian filmmakers that benefitted from the grant from France include Francis Onwochei who in 2006 got funding from the French Ministry of Foreign Cooperation to produce ‘Claws of The Lion,’ a story about HIV/AIDS. ‘Dog on Lion’s Trail’ (in the works) and the culturally acclaimed ‘Arugba’ by celebrated filmmaker, Tunde Kelani also received funding from France, just as Chike Ibekwe’s film, ‘Eternal’ about two faithful Nigerian friends and ECOMOG soldiers, which won the Golden Screen Best film prize at the 14th Ecrans Noire Film Festival in Cameroun was also funded by France.

    Although foreign film funding has been criticized in some quarters owing to the domineering tendencies of donors, it is safe to say that from the few examples of Nigerian films funded by France, it is a win-win situation for the beneficiaries and Nigeria, as the projects, if anything, are about social development and cultural values.

    While it is normal for France to promote French cinema through export support and close collaboration with the French cultural network abroad, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs has continued to provide support to sectors with potential for bringing Africa to the international cultural scene. Nigeria belongs to this category, despite being an Anglophone African country.

    The caveat for the beneficiaries here is not about French language or culture, but about a STRONG AFRICAN CULTURAL IDENTITY for which Nigeria, ala Nollywood, is eminently qualified.

    Here are seven areas I think Nollywood can have a remarkable story to tell, from Macron’s visit:

    1. As President Macron is coming to Nigeria for business, one business that must be taken seriously is Nollywood – and this is so true because the Nigerian film industry has been described by government as a viable alternative to oil.
    2. It is therefore instructive for Macron to match this economic position with politics, and put it to our policy makers that there is no viable government agency in Nigeria that is clearly charged with promoting and supporting Nigerian films; like what UniFrance is to France and Kofilms to Korea. Every major film-producing nation in the world has an agency that supports and promotes it.
    3. We should let Macron know that our priorities are more for capacity building and co-productions than financial grant. And that we have a growing market where such co-productions can thrive.
    4. We must relay our long-standing challenges with piracy and see how we can jointly boost alternative means of distribution, and tackle the menace of piracy once we start doing business together.
    5. Macron, who would most likely be addressing senators and members of the House during his visit, must help us tell these politicians that one of the things that have been working well for his country is not playing politics with the creative sector. They must identify the challenges of this new oil well called Nollywood and evolve policies that will aid its growth.
    6. As it appears that the President of France has youth development and talks on cultural exchanges between the two countries in mind as agenda of his visit, it must be emphasized that the creative industry is a huge employer of labour in Nigeria, reason a boost through co-production and capacity building is a sign of better tomorrow.
    7. While his visit would involve talks on expanding current relations beyond security between the two nations, we are hoping that Macron who was able to convince French voters to elect him, not minding his young age, would be able to convince the National Assembly to give legislative backing to all bilateral agreements that would be signed between Nigeria and France during his visit.