The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Celebrities

  • Celebrities to watch out

    Celebrities to watch out

    The Nigerian music industry, in 2023, witnessed a remarkable year and many creatives count their blessings. From music to movies, comedy and reality shows, it was a bumper year. 2024 is here and feelers hints that some celebrities are already pulling strings for what would be a great year for them. The NATION’s ADENIYI ADEWOYIN and ASSISTANT ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR GBENGA BADA look into artists, actors and reality shows that are expected to make news and keep the show on in 2024.

    Wizkid

    Ayodeji Balogun aka Wizkid had a good run in 2023 and the 33-year-old singer started 2024 on a high note even before the end of 2023. In December 2023, barely 10 days to a New Year, Wizkid released a fresh EP entitled, ‘Soundman 2 (S2).’ Since the release, the Elongated Play has been setting records, hence, hinting on many more records to break in 2024. The EP set a record for the highest first day streams on the Spotify daily chart for Nigeria. ‘IDK’, the fourth song off the EP, on which he featured Zlatan, also held the record for the highest first full day filtered streams on the Spotify Daily Chart for Nigeria, with over 600,000 streams.

    Davido

    Just like Wizkid, David Adeleke aka Davido will make so much buzz in 2024 considering all he has in plan with his team. Following his three nominations in three different categories of the 2024 Grammys, it is without doubt that Davido is making a buzz in the year. While fervently praying for a win or more at the Grammys scheduled for February 2024, Davido is currently working on a new project. Sources close to Davido also disclosed that he has promised to give more time to his wife and mother of twins, Chioma.

    CJ Fiery Obasi

    For 2024, Nigerian filmmaker CJ ‘Fiery’ Obasi will make so much buzz on the global film space. In 2023, his film, ‘Mami Water’ got several nominations and got quite a number of awards but failed to make the final OSCARS nomination despite being Nigeria’s representative. Rather than being deterred, Obasi has begun activities for 2024. Already, the filmmaker has been selected to join notable world opinion and industry leaders for the Rockafella Foundation residency. He will be joining several industry leaders  as a resident for the 2024 Bellagio Center Residency Program by the prestigious Rockefeller Foundation. This move will not only catapult Obasi’s visionary acumen but also underscores his commitment to advancing innovative projects that contribute to positive societal impact.

    Burna Boy

    While Burna Boy has been on a winning streak since 2019, it is without doubt that he will again make a buzz in 2024. With his new album, Burna Boy would be embarking on tours that might see him repeating old feats or making new feats. He might also be releasing a body of work before the end of t 2024, a source hinted.

    Rema

    2024 will determine if Rema will take his ‘situationship’ with Selena Gomez to a whole new height or would just ride on their friendship to see what the future further holds. However, it is instructive to note that Rema’s streaming numbers will continue to rise and his strategic performances to gain more fans across the world will continue. Rema might also be releasing another album in 2024.

    Tiwa Savage

    Tiwa Savage will try to make a big comeback in 2024 after ending 2023 on a not so good term following the announcement of issues with her vocal cords. It is projected that the singer will be returning to prove her worth as the African Bad gyal.

    Mo Abudu

    Mo Abudu is definitely going to consolidate on all her efforts of yesteryears and most recently 2023 to make serious buzz on the global film industry in 2024. After being named top international woman executive by The Hollywood Reporter in 2023, joining the jurors of Emmy Awards and sealing her influence as a powerful media guru in Nigeria, Mo Abudu will be the toast of the world in 2024. Aside from several project titles under her watch, she will be taking up more directorial roles in short and full feature films.

    Funke Akindele

    With a seeming knack for closing the Nollywood year in December with big titles that end up emerging biggest films in cinemas, Funke Akindele has become a constant feature in the piece.

    Those close to Funke will readily attest to her preparation for a new project she and her team have already embarked on. Taking over from AY Makun, Akindele now seems to have perfected the act of smiling to the bank at the end of the year after working on many projects through the year.

    Abiodun Jimoh

    Award-winning filmmaker Abiodun Jimoh will also be making a buzz on the film scene with his highly anticipated film, ‘Luwo Gbagida.’ Jimoh is telling the story of the only female Ooni of Ife that ever existed in the new project. Sources maintained that Jimoh is working on the final stages of the film and is scheduled for a 2024 release in the cinema.

    Rain Pryor, Bola Attah

    The relationship between American filmmaker and actress Rain Pryor and REDTV boss, Bola Attah is set to take the Nigerian film industry to a whole new height. The two are working on a new film that will see popular Nigerian acts like Odunlade Adekola being on the same set with established Hollywood actors and actresses. The project which kicked off with the preliminaries in 2023 will be in full swing in 2024.

    Read Also: Celebrities, VIPs who died in 2023

    BBNaija

    Nigeria’s most popular and biggest reality TV show, BBNaija will return for another season. While there are no information from the organisers of the show, sources revealed that the show is planned to return for another season in 2024. The show’s last edition wowed fans when it had ex-housemates returning to the house. The 2024 edition is expected to thrill fans of the show while South Africans can’t wait for a collaborative effort on BBTitans again.

    Nigerian Idol

    The annual music reality TV show, Nigerian Idol, will be in its ninth season in 2024. And already, organisers have hinted that the show which has produced eight different winners is billed to return for the ninth season. Fans and budding singers hoping to get a chance at fame, fortune and stardom can also prepare ahead of auditions.

    Kizz Daniel

    Kizz Daniel is known to have continued to dominate the industry with hit songs year after year. He is famed for not recording bad songs since he made it to fame. It is believed that he will repeat his winning streak or break his own record with the release of more hit songs in 2024.

    Femi Adebayo

    Femi Adebayo has emerged one of the acclaimed filmmakers since his success with two features that caused major stirs on two different streaming platforms in two years consecutively. Already, fans are yearning for a sequel to his epic monster ‘Jagun Jagun’, on Netflix and fans can’t wait for what Adebayo comes out with in 2024.

    Tobi Bakre

    Tobi Bakre is one actor that many did not see coming. The former Big Brother Naija housemate showcased his versatility in movie roles so much that he has made a name for himself as a particular self-made Nigerian hero character. From playing the character of ‘Obalola’ in Jade Osiberu’s ‘Gangs of Lagos’ to ‘Brotherhood,’ and recently ‘Edafe Majemijesu Umukoro’ in ‘Slum King,’ Bakre is no doubt going to make a buzz in 2024. His hard work was rewarded with an award at the 2023 AMAAs and he doesn’t seem like slowing down in 2024.

    Layi Wasabi

    The lanky funny man is one of the most promising talents in the skit making industry having proven himself even with less collaborations with his peers. Layi has been able to build a fanbase in a short period of time with different skit series like Mood, University Skits, GNCC and The Law. All aforementioned episodes are built on different characters that are very relatable to his audience.

    Wonder D Talk

    Mostly seen in Sabinus’ skits, Nduka or Wonder D Talk is one of popular skit maker Sabinus protégés who has also carved a nitch for himself in the skit industry. The Port Harcourt based comedian has since started his skit series where he adopts the lifestyle of a street scammer who takes no chances in scamming locals even with zero knowledge of the business. Wonder D Talk has broken even from just being behind Sabinu but also creating a new character of his own building a fanbase with over 216,000 followers on TikTok alone.

    His slang, “I’m the don of a praying mother” is fast gaining popularity among young people.

    Mr Lyf

    Another breakout star from the Sabinus crew, he plays different characters in skits and has also decided to create a path for himself while adopting a blue shirt and red tie. Going by Mr Lyf’s skits, he tends to have a promising career in 2024.

    Pastor Kasala

    Often dressed in white garment robe and broken eye glasses, Pastor Kasala is another skit maker to watch out for in 2024. With his use of Yoruba Ondo dialect, Kasala is fast gaining popularity among TikTok users and skit lovers. Going by his skits, Kasala has worked with the likes of Mr Macaroni, Mummy Wa, Nollywood actors, Kemity and Apa. Her has over two hundred thousand likes on TikTok alone.

  • Seven Nigerian celebrities you don’t know are twins

    Seven Nigerian celebrities you don’t know are twins

    In Nigeria’s entertainment industry, it is not uncommon to come across popular celebrities who have twin sisters/brothers who are not public figures. However, there are also twins who are both involved in the entertainment space.

    Below are some celebrities you may not know are twins:

    1. Kehinde and Taiwo Bankole:

    They are successful Nollywood actresses and models who debuted in the 2003 Miss Commonwealth Nigeria beauty pageant before moving on to the 2004 Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria competition.

    They earned the Revelation of the Year award at the 2009 Best of Nollywood Awards 2009.

    Kehinde and Taiwo Bankole are identical twin sisters who have won several Nollywood awards for their roles as actresses, models, and television hosts in Wale Adenuga’s TV series “Super Story.”

    2. Eniola and Kehinde Ajao:

    Eniola Ajao is an actress and model who has appeared in over 75 films. On set, she is noted for her dynamism and diversity in role delivery. She is well-known for her acting versatility and ability to play any character that is cast for her. Kehinde Ajao, her twin sister, is a wealthy entrepreneur.

    3. Chidinma and Chidiebere Aneke:

    Chidinma and Chidiebere Aneke are famous Nigerian identical twin sisters who work as Nollywood actresses, movie producers, models, business owners, and television personalities. They are commonly referred to as the Aneke twins.

    They first appeared in Nollywood in 1999 in the film “Ebuka.” They rose to prominence in 2004 after acting in the Nollywood hit film “Desperate Twins,” which catapulted them to fame. They garnered a nomination for Most Promising Acts to Watch at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards.

    4. Peter and Paul Okoye:

    Peter and Paul Okoye, better known as P-Square, are famous Nigerian identical twin brothers who are also singers, songwriters, and recording artists. They were born on November 18, 1981, in Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria. 

    Read Also: Actress Sonia Ogiri blasts celebrities, says they’re misleading masses

    5. Georgina and Kessiana Edewor:

    Georgina and Kessiana Edewor are identical twin sisters from Nigeria who work as television celebrities.

    They are two of Nigeria’s most well-known media celebrities, having worked in the television industry for many years. They are not your typical celebrity but a force to be reckoned with.

    Georgina and Kessiana Edewor were born in London, England, in 1986 to a British father and a Nigerian mother.

    6. Elozonam and kanso:

    Elozonam is a social media influencer, most famous for his time in the Big Brother house and his relationship with fellow Big Brother housemate, Diane. A little known fact people often don’t know about Elozonam though is that he is in fact a twin. Yes. Elozonam has a twin brother named Kanso and although they are not identical twins, the twin ship is undeniable.

    7. Mary and Joseph Lazarus:

    Mary Lazarus and her twin brother, Joseph are the last of their parents’ six children. Mary Lazarus is one of the most popular names in Nollywood. The Abia state born actress rose to stardom in 2009 when she starred in the movie ‘Waiting years.’ Since then Lazarus has starred in several big movies in the country.

  • 13 Nigerian celebrities who have been blessed with twins

    13 Nigerian celebrities who have been blessed with twins

    Children are often seen as a divine gift and a blessing in various cultures, and twins, being a distinct form of this blessing, hold significant value, particularly in a culturally rich country like Nigeria.

    Many notable figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry have also experienced the joy of welcoming twins, with Davido being the recent addition to this league.

    Here are 13 Nigerian celebrities who have been gifted with twin children:

    Davido

    On October 10, 2023, the internet was abuzz with the news that Nigerian superstar Davido had become the proud father of twins with his wife, Chioma, in the United States.

    It is no news that the celebrity couple lost their son, Ifeanyi, on October 31, 2022, in the cold hands of death.

    Paul Okoye (Rudeboy)

    Musician and dancer, Paul Okoye, one of the members of the R&B duo P-square, welcomed twins with his wife, Anita Okoye in July 2017. Rudeboy was blessed with a boy and a girl.

    Kizz Daniel

    One of the Nigerians’ most loved singers, Kizz Daniel, welcomed a set of twins sons named Jelani and Jalil. In May 2021, the music star announced the arrival of his boys on his birthday, adding to his celebration.

    Adeniyi Johnson

    Popular Nollywood star and his wife, Seyi Edun recently became proud parents as they welcomed a set of twins after 7 years of marriage.

    Adeniyi announced the arrival of the twins on February 28, 2023. In an online post, the duo disclosed the names of their children as Ayomikun and Ayomiposi.

    Femi Adebayo

    Renowned Nollywood actor, Femi Adebayo, is among the Nigerian celebrities fortunate enough to have twins. Over a decade ago, the Yoruba film icon welcomed his twin boys with his former wife. Impressively, he has managed to shield his sons’ identities from the spotlight of social media.

    Funke Akindele

    Prominent actress, producer, and politician, Funke Akindele-Bello, is also among the Nigerian celebrities graced with twin children.

    The actress has twin boys and has skillfully maintained their privacy, keeping their images away from the public eye. She gave birth to her sons in 2018 with her ex-husband, JJC Skillz.

    Bimbo Success

    Popular Nollywood actress, Bimbo Success also welcomed her first set of twins on November 17, 2021, with her partner Oscar, a renowned Yoruba movie director. They got married in 2016.

    Damola Olatunji

    Popular Nollywood actor, Prominent Nollywood actor, Damola Olatunji, along with his estranged wife, Bukola Arugba, welcomed twins—a boy and a girl in 2017.

    Damola frequently shares moments with his children on his social media, proudly showcasing their bonding moments.

    Sola Sobowale

    Nollywood sensationalist, Sola Sobowale aka Oba / Toyin Tomato birthed twins

    Taiwo and Kehinde Sobowale were born on August 3, 1990, to Oludotun and Sola Sobowale.

    Read Also: Twins arrival: Sophia Momodu faces backlash for not congratulating Davido, Chioma

    Mikel Obi

    Nigerian former professional footballer welcomed the arrival of his ‘babies’ in 2015, birthed by his Russian girlfriend Olga Diyachenko. The proud father readily displayed his twin daughters – Ava and Mia on his social media pages.

    Teju Babyface

    Renowned comedian Olateju Oyelakin, popularly known as Teju Babyface, is the proud father of two delightful children. He and his wife, Tobiloba, were blessed with twins nine years ago.

    They are among the select Nigerian celebrities fortunate to have twins, a girl, and a boy, the actor is known for rarely showcasing his young twins to the public.

    Desmond Elliot

    Prominent Nollywood actor and Politician, Desmond Elliot is one of the 10 Nigerian celebrities blessed with twins. In fact, the movie star was not blessed once, he welcomed two sets of twins with his wife, Victoria Elliot.

    They welcomed their first set of twins- Desmond Jr and Denzel in 2007. The second set – a boy and a girl were announced in 2010.

    TY Bello

    Nigerian singer cum celebrity photographer, Toyin Bello aka TY Bello, and her hubby Kashetu welcomed a set of twins in the United States of America on 10th October 2014.

  • Six celebrities who died in September 2023

    Six celebrities who died in September 2023

    • By, Olaoni Folakemi 

    Death is the irreversible end of all biological functions. It is inevitable and it cannot be explained. 

    In September 2023, it has taken away quite a few celebrities. 

    Here are six Nigeria’s celebrities who sadly passed away in the month of September. 

    1. Ilerioluwa Oladimeji Aloba:- Ilerioluwa Aloba was a rapper, singer, and songwriter from Lagos professionally known as MohBad. 

    He was known for his hit songs Feel Good, Peace,  Ponmo, Beast and Peace, Sorry, KPK (Ko Por Ke), among others.

    The singer died on 12th September 2023, at the age of 27 after being treated for an infection by an unlicensed nurse. Even though there are other controversies.

    2. Akintola Williams:- Chief Akintola Williams was the first Nigerian to qualify as a chartered accountant, he pioneered Nigeria’s accounting profession and was instrumental in developing the country’s financial sector,

    He died at his home in Lagos on 11th September 2023 at 104.

    3. Pa Yemi Lawrence Adeyemi :- Yemi Lawrence Adeyemi was a veteran actor popularly known as Suara, he was known for his role in Super Story in 2001, one of Wale Adenuga production’s series of the Super Story.

    He died on September 24th, 2023.

    Read Also: Celebrities storm K1 De Ultimate’s installation ceremony

    4. Pat Nebo:- Pat Nebo was a veteran Nigerian production designer as well as an art director. He worked as the production designer in films including October 1, Being Mrs Elliot and Okafor’s Law. He also worked as a set designer in few films.

    He died on 14th September 2023, after battling a long-standing illness.

    5. John Oboh (Mighty Mouse) :-  John Oboh was the pioneer of Ajegunle Music, he was considered the godfather of music in the Ajegunle environs, Lagos and he was known as Mighty Mouse. 

    He died on 18th September 2023, in the metropolitan city after allegedly battling cancer.

    6. Hakeem Alamutu :- Akeem Alamutu is a veteran actor popularly known as Eba. 

    He died on September 18 at 63 following a protracted battle with illness.

  • Four single celebrities who became parents in 2023

    Four single celebrities who became parents in 2023

    Popular indigenous rapper, Chibuzor Nelson Azubuike, known as Phynofino welcomed a newborn baby, on Monday, August 28.

    Apparently elated to announce his new status as a father, the Igbo rapper broke the news via his Instagram page, though he didn’t mention anything about the baby’s mother.

    He, however, shared a loving photo cradling his newborn while stating his reason for being off the music scene for a short while.

    Phynofino said: “I took some time off to be a Father and also work on new music / Album and it’s been a wholesome experience. Now it’s time to get back to what I do best.”

    Apart from Phyno, there are some other known single celebrities who welcomed babies in the year 2023.

    They include:

    Bella Shmurda

    The previous month, the singer and songwriter welcomed a baby boy. The new dad announced the arrival of his son in an elated post on the X app (formerly Twitter).

    The ‘Cash App’ crooner reminisced on how he lost his child at birth last year, a few days before the release of his debut album.

    However, a year later, before the release of his sophomore project this year, Bella welcomed another son and his joy new no bounds.

    Read Also: Nigerian celebrities who went through weight loss transformation

    Sharing the news, he wrote: “A few days to the drop of my album last year, I was an emotional and mental wreck. I’d just gotten to the UK, where I was scheduled to do some promotional activities when I heard the news that I’d lost the child I was expecting at birth.

    “At the same time, I started getting threats to my life. The mere fact that I was in the UK was an opportunity for certain people to hurt me, and I saw a video of a group of guys that had been sent to a location where there was supposed to be an attack on me.

    “I was hurt, angry, and confused. It was the darkest place I’d ever been in my life, but somehow, light found its way through to me in that tunnel. It is a few days to the drop of my project this year. This time, I got news that my little boy is here.”

    Maria Chike Benjamin

    Motherhood came calling for former Big Brother Naija ‘Shine ya Eye’ star, Maria Chike Benjamin.

    She welcomed her first child, Jonathan Anthony Adegbotolu with her lover, Kelvin on July, 17, 2023.

    The reality TV star stunned many when she announced that she and her lover were expecting a baby.

    In the captivating video, she prayed her unborn child possessed a heart like the father’s, informing the baby of being the resulting outcome of the boundless love shared with the dad.

    Many expressed surprise at her becoming pregnant for the same Kelvin who got her called out by the Cubana Chief Priest in 2022 and accused her of trying to snatch his sister’s husband and threatening her (his sister) while at it.

    Others simply gushed over the video with her baby daddy and urged her to “press necks.”

    Queen Atang

    Big Brother Naija ex-housemate queen, Mercy Atang stunned the online community in December 2022 when she revealed that she was expecting a child while flaunting her baby bump.

    Early January, the ‘Shine Ya Eye’ star had a private baby shower with close friends and family members.

    “PRIVATE BABY SHOWER. A private baby shower with the team and family. Sharing my happiness with the ones that love me genuinely”, she captioned the video.

    Although, she had kept her baby’s gender and arrival date from the public; it’s reported that she welcomed her child in January, 2023, soon after her private baby shower.

    The father of her baby is also reported to be popular skit maker, Kelvin Anagbogu, popularly known as Lord Lamba.

  • Nigerian celebrities who went through weight loss transformation

    Nigerian celebrities who went through weight loss transformation

    Veteran actress, Ronke Oshodi-Oke, explained in a recent interview the secret behind her shocking weight loss. 

    She revealed that since 2021 she had been going through a weight loss programme, which helped her shed weight from 110kg to her current size which is between 86 – 87kg.

    Here are some other Nigerian celebrities who have undergone weight loss transformation:

    1. Eniola Badmus

    Actress, Eniola Badmus’ weight loss left fans in awe when she posted before and after photos of her weight journey. She has spoken in the past about how she went through gastric bypass surgery and the ordeals of working out and dieting.

    2. Lepacious Bose

    Comedienne Bose Ogunboye, popularly known as Lepacious Bose lost a lot of weight in 2018. She was unrecognizable as she went from a size 32 to a size 14 and lost 80kg in about 18 months. She trended for months and shared how she lost weight on different news outlets and TV stations.

    Read Also: 18 things to know about Wagner boss Prigozhin

    3. Elvina Ibru

    Nollywood actress, Elvina Ibru, lost a dramatic amount of weight. She went from 210 kg to about 115kg. 

    4. Ime bishop Umoh

    Popular Nollywood actor and comedian, Ime Bishop Umoh popularly known as Okon Lagos, shocked fans when he posted a picture of his signature pot belly now missing, replaced by a flat stomach.

    5. Uche Ogbodo

    Nollywood actress Uche Ogbodo began her weight loss journey in 2018 after the weight she gained from the birth of her child. The actress decided to hit the gym to shed a few pounds but has become taken to working out and now actively works out in the gym.

  • CELEBRITIES COME TOGETHER ON TRAFFIC RULES

    CELEBRITIES including comedian Bolaji Amusan, known as ‘Mr Latin, Abisola Aiyeola, Bro Shaggai, Sound Sultan and others have shared a video on the need to obey traffic rules.

    In the video posted by Bisola, the entertainers are seen in the popular Lagos bus taking the wrong route to beat the heavy traffic only to have officers of the Lagos State Transport Management Authority (LASTMA), apprehend the bus driver and towed the bus.

    Speaking on the effectiveness and strict order to prosecute law offenders, Bisola stated: “One way, No way. It’s no longer business as usual. There’s a new sheriff in town and traffic offenders will be met with a heavy hand. Let us all Obey traffic laws for #AGreaterLagos.”

    She also pleaded that motorists should obey the traffic laws.

    “My dear Family I am very happy to lend my skills and voice to #TheLagosPledge. It’s time to start over. Let’s #LOVE & care for #Lagos. Let’s respect our laws & one other. I will obey all traffic and sanitation laws in Lagos State. You should too. Let us build the Lagos we want Pledge and post. Tag a Friend to make a pledge to build a Greater Lagos.”

  • When celebrities tax their goodwill

    LIFE is indeed sweet. And no matter the sorrows within, living is sacred. Thus, it is believed that those who took their lives have not explored every option available to remain alive.

    It is true that no man begged to come to this world, but fighting to remain alive is an obligation that comes with earthly responsibilities. No matter how we choose to look at it, these responsibilities demand that we live, not just for ourselves, but for others, including the Creator, that we may serve Him until such a time when it pleases Him to call us home.

    Several people are dying around the world because they do not have the opportunity to stay longer than they desire. But there are others who, by virtue of their position in the society, will enjoy public concerns and sympathy when in distress. Celebrities fall in the latter category, which is why we have instances of public donations to ailing actors and musicians. In some cases, governments, politicians and corporate organisations have risen to the occasion to offset medical bills of celebrities. In view of the goodwill that celebrities enjoy, some of them have also used their clout to influence charity towards ordinary people who are in need. But at what point did the goodwill they enjoy become a right?

    We all have served their fatherland in different capacities, but I have not seen people in other professions arrogate so much national importance to their services like the entertainers. Yes, not even the soldiers. And I ask; were those services rendered for free?

    We pay to see movies in cinemas; we pay to enjoy music at concerts, even when we are not paying, some companies are paying as part of their social responsibility projects. No doubt, we enjoy the movies, the music, and football. We have created a fan base for you among ourselves. We have even made role models of you, sometimes for the wrong reasons. Our children idolize you, they scramble for selfies and autographs at the sight of you.

    When you are sick and in need of help, we give our widow’s might, just to keep you going for us. But when did these privileges you enjoy are taken as rights or obligations we must fulfill for you? The kind of rights that farmers never claim for ‘feeding’ the nation, the kind that soldiers never claim for fighting ‘our’ battles, the kind that doctors never claim for ‘saving’ lives, the kind that engineers never claim for ‘giving’ our lives a spark.

    I have often quarreled with a mindset among some entertainers who feel that government owe them a huge debt for developing the creative industry without its (government) support, forgetting for a moment that it is a personal profit-making business they are engaged in. Footballers too have held government by the jugular, for what they consider national service on the pitch of play.

    The carry-over effect is that when these celebrities suffer personal losses, they still expect government or the public to pay damages. Whatever happens to their salaries, allowances and personal savings…

    A celebrity who was reported recently to be suffering life-threatening sicknesses has called the bluff of everyone who should help because he does not want to be seen as begging to stay alive. The seeming arrogance stems from his long service to the nation, for which there are no accounts of being owed salaries or performing for free.

    There have been such cases where initially, a celebrity keeps their health status in secrecy, dispelling reports about their indisposition until it becomes late.

    I thought they say that a man drowning does not care who saves him. We must fight to stay alive, even if it requires begging. Begging to ‘live’ is different from begging to ‘feed’; only God gives both, but the former no man can boast of, so there is no shame in asking.

    Banky W was happy he got another chance to live. Many of us have been given multiply chances, and we appreciate life better.

    “For those who’ve been wondering why I’ve been away so long; I had my third surgery on a rare strain of skin cancer tumours in my shoulder last month,” he said.

    According to him, “The first two times were over ten years ago, then it recently resurfaced. But this isn’t a sad story as much as it is a reminder and a testimony.

    A reminder that you should never take life for granted.”

    Yes, we should never take life for granted. We treat it like a trash when we don’t bother if we lose it, by feeling too big to keep it, no matter what it takes.

  • Comedian decries celebrities’ fake lifestyles

    A comedian, Chidi Uzoma, popularly known as “Baba de Baba’’, on Tuesday warned celebrities that were fond of living fake lifestyles to deceive the public to desist from it.

    Baba de Baba told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that several celebrities had died in the past due to their indulging in fake lifestyles before the public.

    He said that such celebrities while in difficulties did not have anybody to assist them.

    He added that the public would also not take such embattled celebrities serious because they would not be able to differentiate when the celebrities were having challenges or not.

    “Many celebrities had died either at home or abroad because of what they called ` packaging’.

    “When they are sick and needed help, it will not come because of the fake lifestyles they might have led in the past.

    Baba de Baba also said that fans and clients should be blamed for the phony lives of some celebrities.

    He said that many clients would not hire the services of celebrities who failed to pose with exotic cars to impress most clients.

    “These clients do this as if it is the exotic vehicle that will crack the joke or do the job they had given to the celebrity.’’

    He also warned celebrities to stop posting on the social media the pictures they snapped with expensive cars that did not belong to them.

    The comedian told NAN that he used to get his inspiration from God and from true life stories.

    NAN reports that Baba De Baba from Ahiazu Mbaise in Imo was a graduate of |Computer Science from the Ile-Ife Polytechnic, Osun.

    He also trained as a journalist at the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria’s Training School, Lagos.

    He had won over 20 awards both in Nigeria and abroad as well as produced no less than 50 videos and three compact disks

  • Celebrities grace YEEP event

    Nigerian youths from  across the country as well as entrepreneurs from all walks of life gathered at the International Conference centre, Abuja for the National Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment programme, (YEEP) organized by Love Idoko’s Activate success International foundation.

    The event was aimed at teaching youths practical steps on how to become entrepreneurs through exposure to achievers who have done it and empowering youths with great ideas.

    ‘START NOW’ being the theme was targeted at promoting the spirit of entrepreneurship among Nigerian youths as no fewer than thirty(30) youths with business ideas and plans will be empowered with grants.

    Among the panellists were Bassey Eyo: CEO Pay Porte, Dr Ola Brown: founder Flying Doctors West Africa, George Okoro: an award-winning photographer and Adewale Aladejana: CEO Sapphire Scents. Others are Onyeka Akumah: CEO Farm Crowdy, Seyi Adekunle: CEO Vodi Tailors, Ogwa Iweze: CEO DZYN, Ucy Rochas, an entrepreneur and humanitarian and Tosan Jemide: Africa’s top celebrity baker.

    There was a special appearance by  2face Idibia: Africa’s music maestro, Nollywood film maker and legislator: Desmond Elliott and Namure Ediomioya: G.M AIT network operations.

    Besides, cash prizes of N200,000 will be given as empowerment to 30 youths whose business ideas are selected.

    “To wait until you are old to pursue your dream is to waste the person that you are,” Love Idoko said.

    “We all have only one life to live, therefore, we must give it our best shot.”

    The one-day event was sponsored by Nestle, Airtel, School Me Lottery, Belanova apartments,2 BaBa foundation, Sapphire Scents, Crown Allied and BBB media.

    The National Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment programme, YEEP is a brainchild of Love Idoko, whose desire is to help people discover their talents as well as purpose and to fan them to maximization.