The Nation Newspaper

Category: Victor Akande

  • New telenovela, Wildflower, debuts on StarTimes

    Wildflower, a new telenovela series, is set to hit the TV screens from Wednesday April 25, on StarTimes Novela E Plus, channel 128 and 057.

    According to Startimes’ Content Marketing Manager, Abosede Adewara; “The lead character, Lily is a wild flower in a field of roses. In a cruel twist of fate, Lily’s parents die at the ruthless hands of the Ardientes, a powerful political clan. Orphaned at a young age, she is left with no choice but to fend for herself.

    “While the Ardientes thought, she was long dead, she survives, and is taken under the wing of a fearless woman named Prianka, who molds her to be just the same. Lily takes on a new identity, assuming the name of Prianka’s daughter, Ivy.

    “Hungry for justice, Lily returns to her hometown and everything goes according to plan, until she crosses paths with her long-lost childhood friend, Diego Ardiente Torillo and then the twist begins.”

    Wildflower, a 2017 Philippine revenge drama television series which stars Maja Salvador and others, is scheduled to air Monday to Thursday from 5:50pm exclusively on StarTimes.

  • BBNAIJA 3: Pun intended

    If intelligence is what it takes to win a reality show, LOLU would not have been put up for possible EVICTION several times, let alone EVICTED a week before the finale. When his fans consulted an ANGEL, they were told of the ominous nature of Iyabo; saying when a long gone GRANDMA returns as in this case, the situation usually defies logic, as she must drag her lover with her to the House beyond. Her loss became his loss; just as ‘MY WIN IS YOUR WIN’ no matter how short our celebration of 4 was before this DELILAH walked in on us.

    Now that we are FIVE, it was only a matter of time before my MUMU got done. And I was told to my face how much of a GOSSIP I was. All that was understandable, but not to be called ‘OLOSHI’. For once, I thought of using my muscles, but then I thought of Biggie’s STRIKE. This was the devil working a few days to N45MILLION. And to think that like LEO, IFU ENNADA, and my alter ego, I had not won a consolation prize; just Head of House like a million times.

    Like YO, I told myself that MIRACLE is when you have a woman to yourself from DEE-ONE, sorry, Day-One and the society makes a hero of you by putting you on top of the chart every EVICTION WEEK. MIRACLE is when you win Head of House several times, win PAYPORTE task, win PEPSI challenge, scoop the WAGER  that belonged to all in the last week and co-win will close-up task. MIRACLE is when you already have over N2.5million and you are still a high contender for N45MILLION. Indeed, MIRACLE is like eating one’s cake and having it.

    Now, it doesn’t matter who wins the PRIZE MONEY.  After all, a PRINCESS lost her HERITAGE despite spreading her royal part for the world to see. It is no longer a big deal that fans prefer NINA and CEE-C to BAMBAM, after all, I was also showed the way out. It was so shocking I couldn’t cry for myself. Don’t bother asking what happened in the hotel room the night before we left Joburg. Forget the Limo welcome and the magazine cover, we have since moved away from your prying eyes. Yes, even you BIGGIE. I may not have won PAYPORTE Game or PEPSI Challenge, but I did not leave empty handed. My win is Bam, my music is sure.

    Love works in mysterious ways; while a Church girl may fall for a TEDDY, a fashion designer would find none, even at second coming. While another would sprain a leg for being refused a kiss, it took just one kiss to make initial lovers hate themselves to the end. It may not be the sole fault of the ALPHA MALE that Condoms are disappearing; there are chances that other romantic pairs were as HORSE POWER BAD. Do you get?

    Talking about Horse Power, my name is ALEX. I can be as physical as my dance moves because LEGEND keeps me going. Don’t call me a BIG FOOL for jumping around; it is part of the GAME. Legends are not just your companions during SATURDAY NIGHT PARTIES; they refresh you after every meal, even after a dish of SAMVITA and Egusi soup. I may not like to cook for a crowd; we have sure not gone hungry after RICO SWAVEY and his predecessor.

    Hey! Madam agama… sorry chameleon; don’t even mention me in your lousy GOSSIP. Remember I can influence votes against you from here. Yes, cooking and making the ladies’ hair was my strategy. They failed me, but I have moved on. If TEDDY A won’t take it out of me, it may soon be a Rico-Bam-Teddy music triangle.

    Between EBUKA and BITTO, I have learnt the difference between a BULGE and an ERECTION. Between ANGEL and AHNEEKA, I have learnt the secret of separating emotion from the GAME. Between IFU ENNADA and LEO, I have learnt not to be a late starter. Between KHLOE and ANTO, I’ve learnt that what would be would be.

    And now, if you move from RED PEPPER STUDIO to the LOUNGE, ARENA, GARDEN asking for a LoTo, CeeBi, MiNa, Tolex, PriTo, AngelIfu, VanDee, K-Square, you are simply living in the past, and have just been DISQUALIFIED.

    This is not a TWIST. You may scream hell at the sound of the buzzer; it is not the business of DELLOITTE. It also doesn’t matter if you think Biggie is a Science Student; but I can assure you that Big Brother is fine… Big Brother is always fine.

  • ENIOLA BADMUS: The ghetto star turned heroine

    Born September 7, 1983, Nollywood crossover actress, Eniola Badmus, came into limelight in 2008 after featuring in the popular movie ‘Jenifa’, produced by Funke Akindele. She played the role of Gbogbo bigz gal, a moniker which follows her even till date.

    Prior to playing that role, Eniola’s professional career in acting started in the year 2000 but she didn’t get the recognition she desired until 2008 when she starred in two Yoruba films titled ‘Jenifa’ and ‘Omo Ghetto’.

    Both movies can be linked to her rise in the Nigeria entertainment industry which has since seen her star as both lead and supporting actress in several Yoruba and English films.

    The indigene of Ijebu Ode, a Local Government Area of Ogun State, South-Western Nigeria where she completed her basic and secondary school education, then proceeded to the University of Ibadan where she studied Theatre Arts and then Lagos State University as a graduate of Economics.

    The actress is known for a particular role, the street urchin; she does not play the gentle girl roles. The actress who is also reported to be very active, despite being a plus size is talented for playing the ghetto babe, who is either fighting for the community or making trouble as a figure to be respected in the slum.

    “If I were like the character you see on television, by now I am sure you would have heard series of news about me fighting on the streets. But I am not like that. I am an easy going person and can be a clown at times,” she was reportedly said in a major publication.

    However, the actress recently crossed over to anchor a radio show titled ‘Your Head Dey There’, a question-and-answer program that focuses on the Lagos environment. She also launched a new radio show called ‘Just Talk Radio with Eniola Badmus’, sponsored by Etisalat.

    Some of her works after her contract include, starring in Wale Adenuga Productions family television sitcom, “Papa Ajasco Reloaded”, ‘Basira in London’, her personal production which she premiered London and according to report was attended by most of her colleagues in the industry.

  • Uti Nwachukwu rises to Cee-C’s defence

    The 2010 winner of the now rested Big Brother Africa reality show, Uti Nwachukwu, has posited that the road to self-control is often a horrid one. He was weighing in on BBNaija contestant, Cee-C’s Wednesday outburst.

    While admitting that there is no excuse for her behaviour he acknowledged that CeeC has flaws and weaknesses noting that she shouldn’t be judged by them.

    Recounting his days as a two-time contestant at the now rested Big Brother Africa reality show, Uti said that during his first outing in 2008, he was extremely brash. However, on his return in 2010, he came back a lot better.

    “Even after winning, my temper was still at dangerous levels and I knew there was a problem. Does this mean that I was a Bad horrible person? HECK NO! I grew and i am still growing! Most of us that wear our emotions on our sleeves find it hard to conceal Love, Loyalty, Excitement and of corse the worst emotion-RAGE! No one is perfect! Again, I am NOT JUSTIFYING HER BEHAVIOUR FROM YESTERDAY. No matter the poking or deliberate provocation, No one should react that way in public or in private.. BUT THIS CAN ONLY BE LEARNED THROUGH EXPERIENCE,” he wrote.

    According to Uti, although we try to be better versions of ourselves daily but during this process sadly, we might still fall.

    “The ability to rise is what makes us victors. Cee C we see you struggling to do better and in the process you fell..its all part of the process.its UR JOURNEY.. What saddens me more is the trolling/insults.A lot of u say she needs psychological help.so is this how u treat someone that needs help? With abuses/ridicule? COME ON!! WE CAN DO BETTER. FROWN UPON IT BUT DONT TROLL!! Its dehumanizing.Temper justice with mercy.Dont act like what you have been condemning,” Uti adds.

    On her behalf, he also pleaded for understanding, forgiveness and mercy, especially seeing as she has apologised.

  • BBN: What manner of plenty in confinement

    I do not know that glorious thing that can be exchanged for freedom. Even the flesh confinement that religions urge believers to espouse is measured basically in relation to sex (outside marriage), food (when you need to fast), lucidity (of thou shall neither hate nor kill) etcetera. But a long period of custody that divorces you from the daily sun, the moon at night, the rain, visitations, longtime friends and family members – leaving you absolutely with no idea of what time of the day or night it is – is indeed a different and dreaded experience.

    With women (in the case of men, usually moved by sight); men (in the case of women usually smitten by attention) locked in a common room that leaves little privacy to the sanctity of either sex, and with plenty alcohol as willing companion, containing or endorsing the riotous feelings depends on the individual. May your loyalty never be put to test.

    Beyond mere imaginations, I have been in the Big Brother House twice in the past, playing the game of confinement with fellow journalists (the first with a set of 14 from different countries in Africa, and the second with five others from Nigeria), albeit without a prize. And I can tell you for free, that one night, as in the case of the two experiences, was enough to understand the importance of freedom; even when you have plenty to eat and drink.

    Yes, the house is indeed beautiful too, the colours endearing. The Jacuzzi, recycling its warm water invites one to royalty; the lawn, dotted with beautiful flowers makes for a garden of meditation; the early morning games and exercises reminded me of my days as Man o War cadet; the music, once played transformed me into the deluxe club mood. Yet, it is a customised studio that hosts one of the best reality shows in Africa.

    In a digital age where we are indulged daily with news around the world; in a social media age that has brought people closer through audio visual chats; in this mobile telephone era where talk has become common and business-inclined, you can imagine how far-away and exiled one would feel without the cell phones, note books, laptops, watches and any other gadgets that could connect you to the outside world. We surrendered them all.

    Being locked up with these relative strangers, you get to know them better (either by liking a habit or being irritated by one). But perhaps one night was too short to pick a quarrel; after all we weren’t competing for a prize. But you go home with an impression of someone whom you think is either lousy, or lazy, or unkempt, or lacks decorum, or someone whose point of view you never agreed with. That way, impressions are created and alliances are formed.

    I found friendship with James Chavula, Sam Banda, Chiku Kimani (all from East Africa); there was so much to learn from these guys who are great journalists in their own rights. Thobelo from South Africa made my day on the second occasion. The football enthusiast is moved by a passion to better the society through a child-development initiative. He introduced two books to me – ‘Who Moved My Cheese?’ by Ken Blanchard and Spencer Johnson and ‘Breaking the Jewish Code’ by Perry Stone. The guys from Nigeria I was already familiar with, and because we share the same political challenges, I leaned towards the strangers just to have a better understanding of other clans and relate their experiences with what obtains at home.

    Big Brother thought I was politically-inclined. Well, I got into some political discussion with Thobelo and Niyi, prodding the former more about what an average South African thinks the government is not doing right. That I think may be the last thing a Nigerian citizen will consider an error against its government. I think that in Nigeria, we are in the eye of the storm.

    Well, there was a lot of sharing! We had to cook and share meals, share a bathroom and share either one of the two bedrooms with beds like that of secondary school pupils.

    But this was just a visit by journalists. The real show is one that takes the real contestants on a journey of three months where depression might likely lead to outburst that often gives whatever strategy of winning away.

    This time, there is N45million as the total package for the eventual winner. It is not a game for the faint-hearted. As much as you don’t want to lose the game, there is a kind of relief in the eyes of contestants when they are evicted.  Confinement is no child’s play. I was glad to leave after only one night on both occasions.

  • Africa’s Tourism Indaba beckons

    Plans have been concluded to hold what has come to be known as one of the largest global travel trade show for the continent, Africa’s Travel Indaba. With tourism businesses from 21 African countries and 12 African tourism authorities already confirming their attendance, conveners of the showcase, South African Tourism say that it is working to secure further countries

    Speaking on the upcoming showcase, Sisa Ntshona the CEO of SA Tourism and organisers of Africa’s Travel Indaba says that tourism in Africa is a sunrise sector for many African countries, and this is reflected in the wider range of exhibitors at the show each year.

    Ntshona says that tourism is also driving job creation in Africa with an estimated 6.5% of all employment on the continent being in the sector.   These figures are based on Africa currently attracting just 5% of global travellers.

    “South African Tourism has a vested interest in collaborating and partnering with other countries to create desire and demand for Africa and is part of the 5 in 5 country strategy for growth.

    “The future success of tourism as an economic driver depends on the presence of policies and continental strategies for trade and investment that meet the needs of the sector and an overall business environment that is conducive to growth. It depends too on the abilities of all players from across the continent to meet, engage and support initiatives and the three-day Africa’s Travel Indaba is one of the key places to start that conversation,” says Ntshona.

    He adds that “There is no reason why the continent cannot double its share of the global tourism market in the next decade with a collaborative approach to the destination.”

    African country products confirmed for this year include established tourism players as well as developing destinations such as the Central African Republic, Sudan and the DRC.

    Registration is currently ongoing at Indaba’s website.

  • I haven’t touched my N25m –2017 BBN winner Efe

    BBNaija Winner 2017, Efe Ejeba, who posted a video on April 12, 2018, thanking those who have made it possible for him to become a brand to reckon with also revealed that he is yet to make use of the N25m, he won a year ago.

    “For the interest of you all those who have shown me support so far; and because of your love. I have not touched my 25m; I know even know where the money dey.”

    This is contrary to what he revealed in October 2017, months after leaving the house, stating that the most expensive thing he bought with his N25 million was ordering for a lot of shoes from a friend via WhatsApp.

    “And that should be the most expensive thing I bought since winning 25million,” he said.

    The entertainer also noted that April 9, will remain a memorable one, when he was announced as the winner of BBN 2017.

    He stated, “Thank you Multichoice Nigeria, @dstvnigeria , @GOTvng, @Payporte, and @BigBroNaija for giving me the rare opportunity of showcasing my talent and achieving my dreams.

    Stating further, “Thank you Nigeria and to my fans in Africa and the whole world. I am truly grateful for your enormous support. You’ve gotten me to where I am today. God bless you all. April 9th would forever be a special day in my life. I also want to use this opportunity to say i’m sorry to those I may have offended knowingly and unknowingly in one way or the other. God bless you too.He also revealed that some video for singles he has released will be out soon, noting that Warri video is about to reach 1M hits.

  • You are stronger than you know, says Sensei Uche

    Nigerian OAP, Uche Agbai, who has been battling cancer, appears to have survived its worst stages. Popularly known as Sensei Uche, the OAP posted a gray scale photo of himself looking fly in a simple outfit.

    He captioned it; “For Life given to me, I will forever be thankful! Not by my power, but by your Spirit! Don’t be afraid, you are stronger than you know!”

    According to information, his battle with cancer began in December 2016, when he realised that he was losing his sense of hearing. Following persistent nasal congestion and a recurring sore throat, he sought medical attention.

    After visiting a number of hospitals and carrying out several tests, he was told he had an infection and begun treatment for it. Having undergone surgery, a biopsy of the mass revealed that he had a stage 3 nasal lymphoma.

    In July 2017, the former City 105.1FM presenter announced that he had cancer, and appealed for a sum of $21,000 for his treatment.

    His treatment plan consists of six courses of chemotherapy and intermittent radiotherapy spread over a seven-month period.

    A few days back, the OAP bowed out of City FM after putting in six years.

  • MTV Base to air ‘Celeb Living’

    MTV Base is set to start airing a new show, ‘Celeb Living’, which will show what it’s like to really live like a celebrity.

    According to information, the show will give fans a glimpse into the homes, flashy cars, fast cars and off the chain shoes as well as the vulnerable sides of everyone’s favourite A-list celebs.

    The channel’s VJ’s Folu Storms and Ehiz will be taking viewers all over the continent on a thrilling ride into the lives of the biggest Nigerian celebrities.

    “On this show, there will be no hiding place for the celebs, as we’ll be snooping on everyone from Skales to Praiz to Mr P. You’ll get to see everything inside your favourite celebrities’ closet. Ever wondered what’s inside Mr P’s house? How about what’s lurking inside Reminisce’s house? The show is the only place where you can get a tour of your favourite Nigerian celeb’s guarded home a statement from MTV Base reads.

    The new show on will start airing on MTV Base on Tuesday, April 17.

  • Jeff Akoh drops visuals for ‘Halima’

    Nigerian singer and vocalist, Jeff Akoh, has released the video for his track, ‘Halima’ which features Kenyan rap sensation, Khaligraph Jones.

    The video was shot in the stunning Kenyan capital, Nairobi by prolific music video director, Enos Olik.

    Presented by Temple Music, the Halima video is the second music video off Jeff Akoh’s debut music album.

    The music sensation rose to prominence after winning the eighth season of Project Fame West Africa which was held in late 2015.

    A talented singer and sound engineer who trained at SAE Institute, Cape Town, South Africa, Akoh, together with his brother, Fred Akoh, contested on Glo Naija Sings in 2010 at the age of 13 finishing in the Top 10.

    He has released a single titled ‘Never Let You Go’ as well as a feature with Yemi Alade titled ‘Kissing’.

    Brian Robert Ouko, alias Khaligraph Jones, is a Kenyan Rapper and the CEO of The Blu Ink Corp Record label. He is also the founder of The Baba Yao Foundation.

    His journey as an artist began at a young age, listening to a wide range of music. He found a particular interest in the Hip-Hop/Rap genre and when an opportunity presented itself in the form of The 2009 Channel ‘O’ MC Africa Challenge, the then 19 year old took it up and went all the way to the finals. From this particular competition, the rise of Khaligraph Jones has been evident and undisputed.

    He is currently the Brand Ambassador for brands such as Redbull, Belaire, Dominos, Safaricom, Tusker and he lit up the TV boxes on his appearances on Coke Studio Africa.