The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Ebuka

  • FULL LIST: Ebuka, Bovi, Juliet Ibrahim, others, honoured at MIPAD 2025

    FULL LIST: Ebuka, Bovi, Juliet Ibrahim, others, honoured at MIPAD 2025

    The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) 2025 Awards and Dinner Night celebrated African excellence, recognising outstanding individuals and institutions across entertainment, media, business, governance, and culture.

    Held at The Library, Lagos, the event highlighted Lagos’ growing reputation as a global hub for African achievement and diaspora engagement.

    Some notable winners included Davido, who was named Artist of the Year, while comedian Bovi Ugboma received Comedian of the Year.

    Arise News anchor Ojy Okpe was celebrated as News Anchor of the Year, and music icon D’banj won Music Platform of the Year for C.R.E.A.M.

    Ebuka Obi-Uchendu was honoured as Media Personality of the Year, and actress Juliet Ibrahim was awarded Actor of the Year (Female).

    Other standout winners included Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who was celebrated as Author of the Year, and Funke Akindele’s blockbuster Everybody Loves Jenifa, which won Blockbuster Movie of the Year.

    Omoni Oboli’s Love in Every Word 1 & 2 was named Movie of the Year, reflecting the growing global influence of African storytelling.

    The ceremony also honoured the MIPAD Class of 2025, as well as past Nigerian recipients who were unable to attend their recognition ceremonies in New York, rounding off a memorable evening dedicated to African excellence, global impact, and diaspora connection.

    Below is the full list of winners:

    ● Activist of the Year: Opeyemi Adamolekun

    ● Actor of the Year (Female): Juliet Ibrahim

    ● Actor of the Year (Male) Deyemi OKANLAWON

    ● Advertising & Marketing Agency of the Year: DKK

    ● Afrobeat Artist of the Year: Mádé Kuti

    ● AI Advocate (Female): Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

    ● AI Advocate (Male): Obinna Okerekeocha

    ● Airline of the Year (Africa): Air Peace

    ● Animation Studio of the Year: Ferdy (“Ladi) Adimefe

    ● Art Festival of the Year: ART X Lagos by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig

    ● Artist of the Year: Davido

    ● Author of the Year: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    ● Auto Company of the Year: NORD Automobiles

    ● Bank Executive OF THE YEAR: Bolaji Lawal

    ● Bankable Media Brand of the Year: The Accelerate Media Group by Colette Osibo

    ● Blockbuster Movie of the Year: Everybody Loves Jenifa (Funke Akindele)

    ● Brand Ambassador of the Year (Female): Beauty Tukura

    ● Brand Ambassador of the Year (Male): Farooq Oreagba

    ● Brand of the Year (Africa): Martell

    ● Business Man of the Year: Ahonsi Unuigbe

    ● Business Woman of the Year: Owen Omogiafo OON

    ● CEO of the Year: Karl Toriola

    ● Chef of the Year: Chef Tolu Eros

    ● Children’s Book of The Year: Zaqonomics; Financial Literacy for Kids by Zaq Isa

    ● Comedian of the Year: Bovi Ugboma

    ● Comedy OG of the Year: Ali Baba

    ● Commercial Director of the Year: Ikechukwu Agu

    ● Commissioner of the Year (Female): Hon. Toke Benson-Awoyinka

    ● Commissioner of the Year (Male): Hon. Dapo Okubadejo

    ● Content Creator of the Year: Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Kie Kie

    ● COO of the Year: “Yewande Adewusi, Alitheia Capital

    ● Creative Director of the Year: Osaru Alile

    ● Crypto Executive of the Year: Jeremiah Mayowa (Jeroid)

    ● Design Festival of the Year: Titi Ogufere

    ● Director General of The year-Female: Aisha Augie

    ● Director General of The year-Male: Obi Asika

    ● Director of the Year (Film): Wale Ojo

    ● DJ of the Year : DJ Obi (Obinna Ajuonuma)

    ● Doctor of the Year (Male): Dr. Julius Kunle Oni, M.D. FAOA

    ● Emerging Leader (Under 40): Nduka Nduka-Eze and Nnamdi Nduka-Eze – Motherland Hub

    ● Energy Executive of the Year (Female): Rolake Akinkugbe -Filani

    ● Energy Executive of the Year (Male): Ainojie Alex Irune (PhD)

    ● Entertainment Executive of the Year: Fela Oke

    ● ESG & Climate Personality Of The Year: “Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos on Climate Change and Circular Economy

    ● Event Planner of the Year: Oaken Events by Ayiri Oladunmoye

    ● Exhibition of the Year: Fela Exhibition

    ● Film Festival Of The Year: Chioma Ude, Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF

    ● Fintech Company of the Year: Moniepoint by Tosin Eniolorunda, Group CEO

    ● FMCG Executive of the Year: Seleem Adegunwa

    ● Foreign Diplomat of the Year: Jonny Baxter

    ● Foundation of the Year: Lady Mary Dinah

    ● Future Leader of the Year: Toni Fola-Alade

    ● Global Africa Man of the Year: Prof. Benedict Oramah

    ● Global Africa Woman of the Year: Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE

    ● Government Agency of the Year – Federal: SMEDAN Charles Odii, Director General

    ● Government Agency of the Year -State: Adetoun Popoola (Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency)

    ● Governor of the Year: Executive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

    ● Guinness Record Holder of the Year (Female): Hilda Baci

    ● Guinness Record Holder of the Year (Male): Tunde Onakoya

    ● Hospitality Brand of the Year: Paul Onwuanibe, CEO at Landmark Africa

    ● Influencer of the Year: Chinyere Adogu

    ● Intel Executive of the Year: Tanwa Ashiru (Bulwark Intelligence)

    ● Investor of the Year: Iyinoluwa Aboyeji

    ● Law Firm of the Year: Aluko & Oyebode (ALN)

    ● Leading Woman of The year: Abosede George-Ogan

    ● Lifestyle Festival of The Year: ISIMI Lagos Festival by Olawale Ayilara

    ● Lifestyle Personality of The Year: Uche Pedro, Bella Naija

    ● Literary Festival of The Year: AKE Art & Book Festival by Lola Shoneyin

    ● Luxury Personality of the Year (Female): Jennifer Obayuwana,Executive Director, Polo Limited

    ● Luxury Personality of the Year (Male): Alexander Amosu

    ● Man of the Year: Adewale Tinubu

    ● Managing Director of the Year: Alex Okosi

    ● Media Executive of the Year: Stephanie Busari

    ● Media House of the Year: RED Media

    ● Media Personality of the Year: Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

    ● Mental Health Advocate Of The Year: Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri (Dr. May)

    ● Minister of The Year: Honorable Minister, Hannatu Musawa

    ● Movie of the Year: Omoni Oboli, Love in Every Word 1&2

    ● Movie of the Year (blockbuster): Everybody Loves Jenifa

    ● Music Executive of the Year: Samuel “Samo” Onyemelukwe

    ● Music Platform of the Year: Dbanj (C.R.E.A.M.)

    ● News Anchor of the Year: Ojy Okpe

    ● Payment Executive of the Year: Mike Ogbalu iii FCIB

    ● Peak Performer of the Year: Dr. Abiola Salami

    ● Photographer of the Year: Kelechi Amadi Obi

    ● Podcast of the Year: MENtality, Ebuka & Banky W

    ● Policy Advocate of the year: Oswald Osaretin Guobadia

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Business): Mr Mark & Mrs Phillipa Okoye

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Change Makers): Mr Tokunbo & Mrs Omoyemi Akerele

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Entertainment): Mr Dare & Mrs Deola Art Alade

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Faith): Banky Wellington & Adesua Etomi-Wellington

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Politics): Mr Seyi & Mrs Layal Tinubu

    ● PR Executive of the Year: Dr. Bukky George-Taylor

    ● Pressman of the Year: Kayode Okikiolu

    ● Public Servant of the Year: Dr. Jumoke Oduwole

    ● Real Estate Developer of the Year: Rendeavour’s Alaro City & Managing Director Yomi Ademola

    ● Resort of the Year: Koko Beach

    ● SA of the Year (State): Idris Aregbe

    ● Solid Mineral Personality of The Year (Female): Nere Emiko

    ● Solid Mineral Personality of The Year (Male): Segun Lawson, Chief Executive Officer at Thor Explorations Ltd

    ● SSA of the Year (Federal): O’tega Ogra

    ● Tech Executive of the Year (Female): Olatomiwa Williams

    ● Theatre Festival of the Year: Bolanle Austen Peters

    ● Therapist of the Year: Murielle Jean-Michel

    ● Travel Executive of the Year: Adenike Macaulay

    ● TV Executive of the Year: Dr. Busola Tejumola

    ● Unicorn of the Year: Gbenga Agboola

    ● VC of The Year: Danladi Verheijen, Verod

    ● Venture Fund of The Year: Ventures Platform Fund, by Dr. Dotun Olowoporoku & Kola Aina

    ● Venue of the Year: The Library

    ● Waterways Champion of the Year: Oluwadamilola Emmanuel

    ● Wellness Executive of the Year: Joycee Awosika, Oriki Group

    ● Woman of the Year: Olori Atuwatse III

  • How BBNaija transformed our lives- Ex-housemates Ebuka, Laycon, others

    How BBNaija transformed our lives- Ex-housemates Ebuka, Laycon, others

    Some alumni of the Big Brother Najia reality show have shared how it transformed their lives and catapulted their careers.

    They made this known in a recent interview at Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s birthday party.

    For Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the show’s host, he said Big Brother Naija was a launching pad for his career as a TV presenter, crediting the show with helping him discover his potential and noted that without it, he would likely be practicing law instead of hosting one of the most popular reality shows in Nigeria.

    “It [BBNaija] definitely made me a TV presenter. I was never going to be doing this. It was not in my trajectory. I was a lawyer, and I was going to be practicing somewhere today. But I went into the Big Brother house and discovered that I have this thing about speaking. Without BBNaija, I wouldn’t have a career in television today,” he said.

    Actress Bisola Aiyeola echoed similar sentiments, stating that while she was confident of her success in the entertainment industry, Big Brother Naija accelerated her rise to fame. 

    “Big Brother Naija escalated the success that I knew I was going to have either way, but the reality show took it like zillion steps faster to the top,” she said.

    Other former contestants shared their own success stories, Elozonam, an actor and filmmaker, said the show elevated his brand and gave him much-needed exposure.

    “Big Brother Naija elevated my brand. It gave my brand exposure”, he said.

    Mercy Eke, a former winner, attributed her entire transformation to Big Brother Naija, saying it changed her, her brand, and her existence.

    “Big Brother Naija changed me, changed my brand, changed my whole existence. I think you can see it right here”, she said.

    Gideon Okeke, an actor, was more emphatic, stating that without Big Brother Naija, he would still be unknown and struggling.

    Read Also: BBNaija 10: We are celebrating a legacy, says Dr Tejumola

    “Big Brother Naija brought me out to the world, now you know who I is. Otherwise, I would be in the ghetto,” he said.

    TV host KimOprah praised the show for providing a platform for contestants to showcase their talents to a global audience. 

    “BBNaija is an amazing platform; it showcases you to the world. Honestly, you can only go up from there”, he said.

    Podcaster Adekunle and singer Laycon, another former winner, also credited Big Brother Naija with launching their careers.

    Adekunle said the show gave him a platform and introduced him to millions of people, “Big Brother gave me a platform and made millions of people know me”,
    while Laycon said it skyrocketed his music career, remarking that it “took it off the roof.

  • Al Masry to face Simba without Nigerian Ebuka

    Al Masry to face Simba without Nigerian Ebuka

    Egyptian Premier League side Al Masry will be without their Nigerian forward John Ebuka when they face Simba SC in the second leg of their CAF Confederation Cup clash.

    Ebuka, a key figure in Al Masry’s journey to the knockout stage, has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in the team’s last match.

    Read Also: Ex-tennis star plans to feed over 1,000 families in Lagos

    The striker was influential in the first leg of the encounter, netting the second goal in their 2-0 victory over Simba SC.

    His absence will be a significant blow as the team looks to secure progression to the next round.

  • Ebuka mourns Francisca Owumi’s death

    Ebuka mourns Francisca Owumi’s death

    TV host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, has expressed deep sadness over the loss of his colleague and friend, Francisca Owumi.

    Francisca, the runner-up of the inaugural Big Brother Nigeria reality show in 2006, passed away recently, after a brief illness.

    Read Also: Ebuka Obi-Uchendu urges housemates to spice up show

    Ebuka, who was a fellow season one housemate with Francisca, took to social media to mourn her tragic loss.

    He described her as a true reality TV pioneer and sent prayers to her family during this difficult time.

    Ebuka’s heartfelt tribute reads: “Truly sad to hear about the passing of Francisca Owumi, 1st runner-up in the very first season of Big Brother Nigeria in 2006. A true reality TV pioneer… My prayers are with her family as they go through what must be a difficult time. And may her soul rest in peace.”

  • Ebuka: A rising voice in gospel music

    Ebuka: A rising voice in gospel music

    By Ojochenemi Ojone Priscillia

    Ebuka Emmanuel Hillary, popularly known as Ebuka Songs, is a talented Nigerian gospel artist making waves in the music industry with his soulful voice and inspiring lyrics. He is also known for his distinctive spiritual chants, and his music is a testament to his passion for gospel and his desire to uplift and motivate his audience.

    With songs like “I Will Pray,” “New Generation” (feat. Moses Bliss), and “Jesus Oh” (feat. Moses Bliss), as well as other standout tracks like “Soaked Worship” and “Midnight Cry,” Ebuka showcases his ability to craft spiritually uplifting and heartfelt music. His vocals are emotive and sincere, pouring his heart into every song.

    In “New Generation,” his collaboration with Moses Bliss, Ebuka talks about God raising a new generation of men and women who will serve Him wholeheartedly. The song is a call to action (especially to the youths of this generation), urging listeners to embrace their purpose and fulfill their destiny in God’s plan. Ebuka and Moses Bliss trade vocals, creating a powerful and uplifting anthem that resonates with listeners of all ages.

    Ebuka Songs has carved a niche for himself in the Naija worship genre, creating music that resonates deeply with his audience. His unique approach to worship music is characterized by his ability to skillfully alternate between slow, soulful rhythms and upbeat, energetic beats, creating a captivating listening experience.

    Read Also: Lagos’ youth tennis tourney inspires new generation

    His vocals are heartfelt and emotive, conveying the intensity of his worship and passion for God, and his ability to seamlessly transition between slow and fast tempos makes his music appealing to a wide range of listeners.

    In “Jesus Oh,” his collaboration with Moses Bliss, Ebuka expresses his overwhelming gratitude for God’s love. The song is a beautiful expression of devotion, with Ebuka’s powerful vocals and heartfelt lyrics capturing the essence of his worship experience. He sings about the transformative power of God’s love, acknowledging the impact it has had on his life.

    Through his music, Ebuka aims to inspire and encourage listeners, offering hope and positivity. As a rising artist, Ebuka’s music is likely to continue growing and evolving, exploring new themes and styles. With his unique sound and inspiring message, Ebuka Songs is definitely an artist to watch in the gospel music scene.

  • How advice from people fueled my entertainment career – Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

    How advice from people fueled my entertainment career – Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

    Popular TV host of the famed reality show, Big Brother Naija, Ebuka has revealed how the encouragement and support of others helped him land his first job in the entertainment industry.

    The Nation reported that Ebuka had participated in the first season of the reality show where he failed to emerge as the winner and departed from the show both popular and financially strained.

    During an interview on the Menisms podcast, discussing his path to becoming a successful host, he disclosed that it was only after the competition concluded that he entered the entertainment scene, initially driven primarily by financial motivations.

    Read Also: I auditioned for Big Brother Nigeria on a dare – Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

    He said: “Of Course, I didn’t win and then everything went left. I had gotten the fame and I wasn’t enjoying being a lawyer and I was kind of broke. And that’s how this started, people kept telling me that I had a great voice and I looked good, so I started going for auditions and then I got my first job with NTA. I started doing this strictly for the money.”

    Ebuka has since become one of the most popular media personalities and TV hosts in Nigeria, and the host of the very reality show where his career began.

  • Obi-Uchendu: How I suffered depression for joblessness in 2012

    Obi-Uchendu: How I suffered depression for joblessness in 2012

    Television host and reality star Ebuka Obi-Uchendu has recalled how 2012 was tough and it almost led to him being forgotten in the entertainment scene. 

    He narrated how he was trying to sort and balance his life after he left the United States foe Nigeria.

    The multifaceted media personality disclosed this in a recent interview on Channels ‘morning brief’ show.

    “I had this bright idea to get into intellectual property law degree and I will come back and set up this entertainment law firm and be the greatest entertainment lawyer at that time. But I came back and I had spent all my money in school and I didn’t have a job. 

    Read Also: Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, wife celebrate 8th wedding anniversary

    “2012 was hard because it was a time when people have sort of,let me use the word, mostly forgotten me cause I was off the screen for two years and Nigerians,they don’t waste time. They say that who dey hot ,they move on to the next best host and so because I’ve been off screen for a while, I didn’t have the money to set up entertainment law anymore.

    “People don’t even believe in entertainment that much anymore. Cos why do I even need a lawyer,is it not just to read contracts and sign it myself. We just happen to see all of these artist drama with their management that was going on at the time.

     “So nothing I planned sort of worked out eventually so I spent about a year and a half unemployed.”

  • I’m not getting divorced, says Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s wife

    I’m not getting divorced, says Ebuka Obi-Uchendu’s wife

    Cynthia, the wife of Big Brother Naija show host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, has disclosed that she is not insecure despite her husband’s job.

    She made this known while responding to a fan who asked about her getting divorced from her husband.

    The wife of the media personality hosted a question-and-answer session on her eponymous podcast, where she spoke on her marriage and other issues.

    Responding to a curious fan inquiring whether she was considering divorcing Ebuka, Cynthia replied, “Why would you even ask such a question?” I truly want to know why you’re asking.

    Read Also: Ebuka is only reality star who earns more than me from events, says Comedian Deeone

    “No, I am not getting divorced, and I will never get divorced. That’s a bizarre question. Are you wishing me a divorce? I reject you. I’m naturally not insecure. So his job is his job. It is just like any other job. I don’t think that his job makes me insecure.”

  • I cried most in 2012 – Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

    I cried most in 2012 – Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

    BBNaija celebrity host, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, has revealed how 2012 was a year his mental health was affected badly adding that he cried the most that year in his entire existence.

    The former Big Brother Naija contestant, who many feel does not suffer any challenges, proved netizens incorrect, as the media star, like the average person, faces various mental fights.

    Read Also: Footballers whose relatives were kidnapped

    When asked about his most difficult year with mental health, Ebuka Uchendu said that 2012 was his hardest.

    According to him, 2012 was the most difficult year of his life.

    He tweeted: “2012. Cried more in that year than my entire conscious life combined.”

  • Ebuka leads Nollywood stars in prime video original travel series

    Ebuka leads Nollywood stars in prime video original travel series

    Celebrated Nigerian Television star, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu takes Prime Video audiences on an exhilarating journey through Africa with his guys, including Nollywood stars Timini Egbuson and Zubby Michael.

    The Arican Original Travel-Reality Series from the stable of the Streaming Giant, Amazon Prime Video  set to debut in 2024 will take audiences on an exhilarating journey across Africa, uncovering hidden treasures and testing loyalties and friendships.

    Ebuka Turns Up Africa is a captivating showcase of camaraderie and adventure, as Ebuka undertakes the journey of a lifetime with his guys: Timini Egbuson, Zubby Michael, Jimmie Akinsola, Onoja Adole, and Alistair Englebert Preston. Together, they embark on an unforgettable VIP adventure across Africa, in a compelling series that not only transcends borders, but reveals the men behind their celebrity personas. As all-star cast ignites their spirit of exploration, personalities clash and tempers flare in a journey across the continent that isn’t always smooth sailing.

    In a statement by the management of Prime Video, The Adventure will take the team of intrepid travellers through a variety of experiences, from exploring Africa’s most desirable destinations to delving into daring, high-adrenaline activities. Friendships will be tested, as the guys discover the magic of unity that comes alive when they … Turn Up Africa!

    Read Also: Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, wife celebrate wedding anniversary

    “This is Ebuka and Africa like you’ve never seen before! It’s an invitation for audiences to immerse themselves in the heart and soul of Africa,” said Ned Mitchell, head of MENA Originals, Prime Video. “Ebuka Turns Up Africa Is a unique celebration of Africa, brought to life by Ebuka and his top squad.”

    “This journey was not only an exciting exploration of Africa, it was an opportunity for audiences to see a different side of me and the guys,” said Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. “Whilst we had a huge amount of fun and plenty of laughs, there were also some pretty intense conflicts—it was one wild adventure!”

    Ebuka Turns Up Africa is a Prime Video Original produced by Rapid Blue Productions Nigeria, and executive produced by Ziyanda Ngcaba and Erika Klopper.

    Ebuka Turns Up Africa builds on Prime Video’s commitment to delivering local and authentic African series and films to a global audience, including an exclusive overall deal with the director and producer Jáde Osiberu and her production company, Greoh Studios; and an exclusive commissioning slate deal with Nemsia Films, beginning with Breath of Life, launching later this year. Prime Video is also the home of some of Nigeria’s biggest theatrical movies, with exclusive licencing agreements with Inkblot Studios and Anthill Studios, bringing customers box-office hits King of Thieves, Hey You!, and Palava!, as well as other TV series Beyond the Veil and Grind, and Prime Video’s Nigerian Originals, Gangs of Lagos, LOL: Last One Laughing Naija, and SHE Must Be Obeyed, all for 2,300 NGN per month.

    The Nigerian content joins Prime Video’s selection of global Amazon Original and Exclusive series and movies, such as Gen V, The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, The Wheel of Time, Riches, and Coming 2 America.The streaming giant, Prime Video offers customers a vast collection of TV shows and movies all available to watch on practically any device.