Two men – Matthew Imeh and Aliu Salisu – who allegedly caused the death of a man by pushing him into an oncoming traffic, were remanded at Ikoyi Prisons.
An Ebute Metta Chief Magistrate’s Court which gave the ruling, said the accused should remain in custody pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The accused – Imeh, 25, and Salisu, 29 – were arraigned before Magistrate O.A. Komolafe on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.
Komolafe, however, rejected the bail application of the accused.
The prosecutor, Elizabeth Ekuma, an Assistant Superintendent (ASP) had earlier told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 7 at Aiye Junction on Mushin-Isolo Road.
She alleged that the accused pushed a man, Rafiu Baale, into an oncoming traffic which led to his being crushed by a Mercedes Benz truck.
She said the offences contravened Sections 221 and 231 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
A new advertising campaign by Nigerian Breweries for its premium brand, Guilder, has brought to the fore how the mind of most men meanders when faced certain challenges. Comically, the TV advert, The Ultimate Beer for Men, seems to make jest of the gender, but it raises fundamental questions and provides answers, ADEDEJI ADEMIGBUJI writes.
Storytelling” is a new trend that is sweeping through the entire brands building community like a whirlwind. Born out of the need to depart from the old creative approach of brand owners’ desperate push in selling a brand, more and more creative experts are now buried in the idea of “small stories that can be very powerful communication tools” that can help brands connect with target markets better.
Locally and globally, the wave of brand story, telling creative approach in advertising is unprecedented. Brand builders look out for social issues, explore the plot, the setting and eventually grab a leeway of selling their brands to unsuspecting consumers. For instance, when FirstBank of Nigeria bankrolled a soap opera, B4 30, the aim of the brand was to help young women-single and married- below 30 years of age share their stories on challenges of singlehood and marital life.
Worried that such social issue is a story everyone under this age group shies away from discussing in public as a result of social stigma attached to that age bracket, the bank decided to sponsor the series to raise awareness on this social issue and indirectly position the 120 year old iconic brand as a bank that cares.
It will also be recalled that the Marketing Director at Hyundai UK. Mr. Andrew Cullis, at a point in the lifecycle of its brand, decided to tell a serious storytelling about Hyundai and hunted for an agency to deliver this new creative direction, but could find none until he hired Red Bee, formerly the BBC’s in-house agency, which has a heritage steeped in broadcast media.
The brand explore a campaign theme “Feel like a man”, to convey the product specifications of Hyundai’s Sante Fe car model in a comedic way. Hyundai’s approach also demonstrates that brand storytellers must take account of the art and science of human life but as a marketer, the brand handlers ultimately want emotional engagement to translate into profit.
In a recent case, Nigerian Breweries is towing same storytelling creative strategy to position Guilder as a beer for men. The brewer released a 45 seconds TV commercial ‘The Ultimate Beer for Men’ exploring courage as a theme. Presenting three different stories, the Guilder TV reveals most-dreaded fear of men: fear of losing a job, receiving quit notice from landlord, being underestimated by opposite sex (lover) and confronting a would-be father in-law especially a discipline one.
In the 45 second TV commercials, a young man, Mike, is caught between sitting back and receiving no positive reviews for his stellar performance in the office. As the scene opens, zooming in on staff of his company cheering when the Managing Director of the company presents the annual sales results with 30 per cent growth without recognising Mike’s sterling contribution to the result.
Standing amidst other staff, Mike is not happy, hence, refuses to clap and smile. Perhaps with the thought of resigning, the consequence of such action stares him in the face: Quit notice from landlord, divorce letter from his wife, loss of properties. Rather than take such routes to protest lack of reward for his massive contribution to the growth, he dares the odd. Audaciously, he walks to his boss’s office, but rather than being scolded, his boss gave him a cup of Guilder, signifying recognition of his performance afterall. As he drinks the Guilder-branded cup of the Guilder beer with the foam of the beer lacing his moustache, he smiles and overcomes his worries.
Another version of the commercial, features a young man, John. While shopping for new wears in a boutique, John spots a pretty young lady walking into the shop. Unnoticed, John falls in love with the lady, but finds it difficult to walk up to her to express his feelings. From admiration to fear, fear to imagination, John, finds himself in the web of imagination.
He pictures the lady addressing him as a petrol attendant before her friends who burst into laughter, making John looking ridiculous. Coming back to his senses and undeterred, John walked audaciously towards the lady who gave him a cautious audience, with a glass of Guilder to settle in.
Finally, the brand handler also shared the story of an upwardly mobile and dashing man, Dan who is ready to marry an army general’s daughter. Sets inside a sitting room with a royal décor, an electrifying ambience and a chandelier lightening Dan’s clean shave, the picture frames of would-be father-in-law, dressed in military uniform, scares him; but he pretends as if he is unperturbed. Beaming with a forced smile at his fiancée, a certain photo frame-a hard-look of his father-in-law- hanging on the walls changed his countenance.
He became afraid as the unwelcoming facial expression of the General transits him into an imagination: The General arrives eventually and is ushered into the sitting room by two heavily-built body guards. Standing in the middle of the body guards, the General roars at him, issues a command with façade of fury, that Dan should stay off his daughter- but it is a mere imagination. As he returns to reality, the would-be father-in-law enters the sitting room without any guard and immediately welcomes Dan with a handshake while the fiancée looks on with smile.
Positioned as “The Ultimate Beer for Men” in the pay-off of the TV commercial, the advert tells a story of courage and men in their daily encounters in a bid to position Guilder at a beer for men of guts. Like in the psychology of minds played out by Guilder’s “The Ultimate Beer for Men” TV Commercial, portray men as being prone to certain fears, such as security in workplace, chasing girls, or approaching would-be life-partners and meeting father-in-laws.
This scenarios confine them into various imagination that could dampen their aspiration if not well handled, but the Guilder brand is positioned as a beer that helps men remain the men in the face of potent fear, hence, making the brand meet the needs of the target audience: Men. “This means that for the brand, there is “MAN” in every man and it only needs discovering for such to lead to accomplishments and conquests of fears, career and even the opposite sex (love). And Guilder inspires this,” said a creative expert who viewed the TV commercial.
According to an expert at Smart Marketing Strategy, Jean Gian-fagna, storytelling is fundamental to every culture. He said stories work in marketing because everyone understands what a story is about. “When the story is highly relevant to the needs and interests of the audience, it’s a powerful and persuasive way to convey information,” he said.
Guilder has always explored story-telling to encourage men to achieve great exploits and remain strong-minded. Through one of its sponsored radio programmes called The Ultimate State of Mind (TUSOM) on various radio stations across the country, the brand owners explores this to draw the attention of men to the challenges of survival and the can-do spirit that enables men to conquer. While the brand launch of the Ultimate Search, Nigeria’s first reality show is also meant to inspire courage among men and later extends the same message to women when it started featuring women in the show, reviewers are not surprised by the new creative trajectory of the Guilder brand. Last year the brand handler launched new bottle. As a result of the features of the new bottle which comes with a masculine shoulder, some industry observers said the brand is offering strength and character to his consumers.
The Managing Director, Nigerian Breweries Plc., Mr. Nicolaas Vervelde, said the Guilder re-launch was in tandem with the company’s penchant for innovation, which has sustained its leadership in the brewery sector.
He said: “In 1946, the story of innovation started with Nigerian Breweries Plc. We launched the Guilder brand in 1970 in a unique brown bottle with a unique logo and unique recipe. This unique beer is loved by millions of Nigerians who savour the taste every day, every week, every month and every year. Gulder was the first beer to be launched in cans, which is a further sign of its innovativeness.”
Vervelde described Guilder’s new bottle launch as revolutionary. He further said: “It is a historic moment for the Guilder brand. The new bottle which was contained in the Cube reflects that this celebrated brand, Guilder, is at the forefront of advancement and I can assure that what you are going to see is the result of several years of hard work and skill that the brewery industry has seen in a long while.”
The Marketing Director, Messrs Walter Drenth, described the bottle as the most innovative in Nigeria. He said: “What we have done is to take Guilder from a 1970 bottle and transformed it to a 2020 bottle. I can tell you that this is the most innovative bottle in the Nigerian beer market today. Let me also assure that despite the efforts and resources committed to giving our esteemed consumers of Guilder this classy bottle, the price and the taste remain the same.”
According market survey, Guilder is the second highest selling beer in the country. It spent about N0.7 billion on above-the-line advert last year trailing behind Guinness Extra Stout’s N1.6 billion and Star Larger beer’s N1.5 billion in the same media category.
Police in Enugu are working hard to unravel the whereabouts of gunmen who shot and killed three youngmen from the same family three weeks ago, on a disputed piece of land in Amechi Awkunanaw, a bustling suburban town, south of the coal city.
The victims were identified as Nnaemeka Agbo (Alias Echidime), Sunday Nnamani, and Nnamani Ikpa. The disputed land lies directly opposite government-owned Millennium Estate under construction, along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, some five minutes drive away from the Enugu State capital.
Since the killings on May Day, tension and uneasy calm enveloped Amechi Awkunanaw, home town of notable political celebrities including former governor, Jim Nwobodo and former Senate President, Ken Nnamani: “It has been a big challenge to restrain agitated youths from any form of reprisal action”, an elder told reporters.
According to an informed source, the three youngmen who were killed on the day in question, had been part of a delegation of about 15, sent by a faction of those laying claim to ownership of the land, to undertake an on-the-spot inspection of the swath of hilly land, and report back to the larger family.
Curiously, the two factions locked in the bloody dispute are from the same kindred-the Umuaniebos of Isiagu, Amechi Uwani.
Traditional Ruler of the town, Igwe Joseph Aniebonam Ogbodo, had to cut short his over-seas trip to rush home to behold a restless kingdom.
“We have no doubt that the police can do the job; let them fish out the culprits and bring them to book, if they (police) have difficulty, they should get the headship of the affected family (Umunengene) to assist them”.
According to knowledgeable insiders, the three families of the Umuaniebo kindred namely, Umunwakum, Umunogo and Umunengene, originally jointly owned the disputed land and several other swats of land in various parts of what now constitutes the Enugu Capital territory area, especially Achara and Independence Layouts and Awkunanaw areas.
The source said the Umunengenes suddenly turned round to claim exclusive ownership of the piece of land on which the fatal shootings, took place on May Day.
The contest now pitted them (Umunengene) against the two other families – Umunwakums, and Umunogos. All the disputants came from the same progenitor, and are referred to as the Umuaniebos.
Community leader, Chief Oliver Okonkwo Agbo, (alias One Day) said events leading up to the killings of his first cousins, were triggered when “certain elements on the other side began to clear the vast land in dispute, using caterpillars and bulldozers. They claimed they wanted to build an exclusive estate and may even have collected money from people as we learnt.”
“We reported the development to our son and Mayor of Enugu South Local Government Area, Hon. Victor Agbo, whom we gathered promptly briefed the police authorities, upon which a steer-clear order was issued to all parties”, Chief Agbo recalled.
He added that, on the day the three people were shot and killed, the deceased were part of a larger team mandated by his own group (Umunwakum and Umunogo) to visit the site and report back on compliance or otherwise, with the police directive.
“Three healthy youngmen were killed instantly as gunshots rang out from all directions; so many more escaped with varying degrees of bullet wounds, while others were butchered with machetes and axes”, he recounted.
It was not clear if the survivors identified any or some of the attackers.
Chief Agbo urged the police to do the “needful, identify and arrest those who engaged in this genocide.”
“It is insensitive, the height of recklessness and impunity for people (brothers) to pick up arms against unarmed opponents (brothers) in a civil contest”, he asserted.
“We do not want to take the laws into our own hands and then begin to decimate ourselves further; let the police help us by identifying and arresting specific culprits involved and then holding them to account.”
Police spokesman in Enugu, Ebere Amaraizu confirmed that no fewer than six persons were already in their net in connection with the murder.
According to Amaraizu, the police have made some inroads in the case but true the confessions of those arrested, saying that those arrested were culpable but the actual persons who pulled the triggers were still being hunted.
Despite the array of colourful designs on the fashion scene, black has been one of the biggest trends for men this season.
Whether it is vibrant or dull, there are plenty of men who love to look and rock this look. Black combo is a fashion trend that you wouldn’t want to miss. It is classy and sexy.
Since the beginning of this year, the whole world has hopped on board the all-black madness train: suits, trousers, natives, shorts, tops, shirts, full-on dresses, all made of black.
Two men – Ismaila Cole and Succeder Ogbonna – who pleaded guilty to trafficking in 3.1 kg of hemp, were yesterday brought before a Federal High Court in Lagos.
The prosecutor, Mr Orji Kalu, a lawyer with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), told the court that Ogbonna, 24, unlawfully dealt in 2.7 kg of hemp on March 23 at Gatan Kowa Market, Abule-Egba, a Lagos suburb.
He said Cole, 27, unlawfully dealt in 400 grammes of hemp on March 17 at Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos.
The prosecutor said the accused were caught during raids by the agency.
According to him, the offence contravenes Section 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, Laws of the Federation.
He urged the court to remand the accused in prison custody and an adjournment to enable him review the facts of the case.
The duo pleaded guilty.
Justice Mohammed Idris said the accused should be kept behind bars and adjourned the case to May 27 for facts and sentence.
Two weeks ago, Biola Olatunji flew into town from Abuja where she has been based for a while. She was in Lagos to attend the breakfast party of Mr Seye Kehinde, a soft sell magazine publisher. Prior to this time, Biola Olatunji, the famous widow of Late Alhaji Lukman Olatunji Alade, also known in Lagos social scene as Toto Abuga, had been off the society scene, more so after she lost one of her husband’s properties, a nine-storey building to her mother-in-law few years ago. She remained quiet and had even gone abroad where she took solace in studying Theology in a university in the UK. She was the cynosure of all eyes as she was driven into the party venue in a glittering black painted SUV. Few days later, she was off to the UK where she is also based. She spoke to PAUL UKPABIO about life without her husband and the challenges of being a rich widow.
Years after the death of your multi-millionaire businessman husband, you have kept the home-front flag flying, how have you been coping?
As far as I am concerned, he is not gone; I always have my husband on my mind. That is why every year, I ensure that I hold a remembrance prayer for him. Significantly, it is to show that he is here with us, he is here with me. And to me, having a remembrance for him is to show that someone cares about him.
I remember a lot of things about my late husband. I miss him every day, every minute and every second. So I will continue to have remembrance sessions for him. It is the Quran that says that, the best way to remember someone who is dead is to offer prayers and sacrifices for him. And that is my belief. So since he died about seven years ago, we have been having a remembrance for him. I have to thank God, to pray for him wherever he is.
One of the challenges that you must have as a widow who is still young and beautiful with a lot of material resources and a stylish lifestyle, must be how to handle men. How have you been able to ward off men’s advances?
It is true that there is no way that men would not come and make advances at me. But the truth is that I handle men’s advances maturely and diplomatically. This is because I have male friends but nothing more than that. I wouldn’t know if men are intimidated by the wealth I control and I wouldn’t know if some of the people I know are just attracted to me because of the wealth around me but, I know I scare men too. At the same time, I know that if a man is genuine, he will stay but I have my own way of dealing with such male advances.
That is actually why I miss my husband so much because I think he is the only one that could handle me. I know I am a very tough woman too. So, anybody that thinks he can put on the shoe that my husband left behind must certainly be strong and tough and be Abuga’s replica, which I know is not possible. No man can be like my husband, Toto Abuga.
What has been the challenge of co-ordinating and taking charge of all that your husband left behind?
I give glory to God Almighty because when someone dies and whatever he left around is blossoming, it is a good sign that the person was a good soul when he was alive. If he wasn’t a good person, my husband’s legacy would have died. But he was so good that I had to determine to stay and make sure that I started multiplying what he left behind. There were things he left undone, he was like someone who did a foundation but did not complete the works. So to God be the glory, everything has taken shape. God is helping us to forge ahead.
Can you give us an insight into the kind of business he left behind?
He was a good minded business person who was into construction, estate development, importing and exporting of fabrics, house wear, house utensils and cars. He left no stone unturned. So, with that, he achieved a lot.
But right now, what businesses do you run in Nigeria?
I have a couple a businesses I do in Nigeria right now. I have a hotel business running in Ajao Estate and I have an estate management outfit. I build and sell properties I develop properties for people. That was the business I was doing with my husband before he died. The hotel business is a new thing, I was building it when he died and today I have raised it up. I have interests in tourism, estate development and general business.
Mrs Olatunji with Seye Kehinde
I’m also presently into all my husband’s businesses. I’m into construction and I’m going to train my children to come into the business as well and also let them run my hotel business; hospitality business is a good one. And everything is progressing.
What is your fashion sense like?
I wear what is comfortable and what my designer offers me. I am a designer myself and I love fashion a lot. I am good when in skirt and blouse. I love traditional attires too.
What would you say interests you these days?
Apart from the businesses that I oversee, I am interested in Christian things. If you recall, I went abroad to study Christian Counselling and Theology a few years ago. I was an interesting experience for me. I was taking lectures from Redeemers College, Cambridge. The school is affiliated with Middlesex University.
Would you say that your problem with your husband’s family led you into studying Theology?
Yes, partly so because it occurred to me that if I study this, I would be able to assist women like me who have fallen into my kind of situation. Theology has to do with God’s word and that is why I went into studying it. Today, I can counsel widows like me. We were taught leadership there as well, so I was grooming myself to become a good leader, which by the grace of God, I am today. No knowledge is lost. When my husband was alive, I was just a nominal Christian. Though I go to church, I read my Bible but not to this extent. You know, it is something that pushes you into certain things in life. I think God used that challenge to bring me out of my comfort zone. It is not that I wasn’t spiritual or deep when my husband was alive but you know, I was a socialite, and my husband was a socialite too, and I always wanted to tag along with him. I always wanted to be on the same lane with him. But when God decides to pull you off that track, there is little you can do to stop Him.
You lost the legal battle over the possession of one of your late husband’s properties to your mother in law
I don’t want to even talk about that right now, what I am saying is that I am not even bothered about what the judgment stated. The judgment raised a lot of issues about our legal system but I guess I have moved on from that point and also the family has moved on from that point. However, I still pray for the ordinary man to get justice in Nigeria through the legal system. The judgment was a bit embarrassing. I never liked the portion that said I was asked to move out of the property I was never living there in the first place. The last time I was there was after my husband’s death. I was really angry about that aspect. I was never sent out of any property by any court of law. I moved out of the property a year after my husband died (2009) because we were both living in a flat in that property. We had nine flats in that property (The Versace House) and rented out eight flats and lived in just one. It was after his demise that I finished the whole of our house at Magodo and then moved in, because it was our plan to move in there before his death. So, I was never thrown out, nobody can throw me out of where I live. I was never thrown out.
Have you forgiven your mother in law?
Of course, I have a heart of forgiveness. I have long forgiven her. You know, I love my husband and I can do anything for his sake. Apart from that, I have lovely children for the family, and we are such a big family. We are still one family; so, forgiveness is an understatement. I have forgiven her as a Christian. Like I said earlier, we have moved on from that point. I believe that I did not bring anything to this world and neither would I take anything away with me. I personally have more than what they are fighting for. If anything happens today, we are not taking anything away. This life is very simple and at the same time transient. All we waited for then was for reason to overtake emotion but if the case is the reverse, we should equally thank God because He might have done it for a bigger reason than we know. He says there is a season for everything.
So have you finally relocated to the UK? If no, where do you live more these days?
I did not relocate to the UK permanently. I went there for studies. But then, I live over there too. So, I am partly there and partly here. I have my businesses right here in Nigeria and I have my children’s education going on there. I have been in the United Kingdom in the past 27 years; so, UK is more or less like my home. Not just a second home. In my whole life, the time I have spent in the United Kingdom is more than what I have spent in Nigeria. So, London is my home, Nigeria is my home. So, there is no reason for relocation in the first place.
You have survived as a widow for some years now, what advice do you have for widows like you?
That is a good one (smiles). I have said it and I will keep saying it. You know what? Number one, a widow never lacks. That is what people don’t know. Secondly, you don’t trouble a widow. It is stated in Exodus 22:22. Just go and check it, the word of God says if the widows cry unto me, I will answer them. That is just the key point; you understand what I am saying? Anything I want, God will do it for me. He will always do it for me. Let me give you an example, if I need N20 million by tomorrow, all I need to do is to cry unto Him and I will get it. That is the power of the covenant He had with us widows. That is how perfect the God I worship is, that is how perfect my God is. If I cry unto Him, He will answer me. Anybody that troubles me, I pray and give them Psalm 91; I give them Exodus 22:22 and The Lord God of Host will respond. That one alone keeps me going.
God is always by the side of widows. He is always with us. He is always guiding us widows. It is a covenant that God has already made with widows. I am not talking about wicked widows or widows who killed their husbands to earn the status of a widow. Such widows will see evil. You can’t be a wicked widow and then expect God to intercede on your behalf. And I thank God, though I am not a perfect person, there are still lots of people who can say good things about me.
How do you cope being a businesswoman and mother?
I’m a very busy person and that is why I don’t have time for men. I occupy myself with my business, children and education. My children come first, and then my business. I don’t have anything that bothers me. And when I do, I go into my room, pray and sometimes put my wine beside the bed, drink it and sleep.
What does success mean to you?
Well, I wouldn’t say I’m wealthy because that comes with lots of responsibility and commitment. I’m comfortable; I know I am a successful woman because I work hard.
How about re-marriage?
I am married to my children. I have a long way to go with those children. Do you know my first boy (Mazeed) was two when his father passed away and the first year birthday of the second boy (Mazourq) was the second day of his demise? I wanted him to wait till June 9th but he said the call was very urgent from Lagos and that was how he left us and never returned. So, what marriage would I do again? I am passionately close to my children. I have four children, four happy children, two boys, two girls (Mojadesola and Jolaoluwa from an earlier relationship in England). So, what do I need more than happiness? I am contented with what God has given unto me. I am not ready for any marriage again.
You sound so philosophical and mature about life, is that the new you?
No, I have always been like this. If you are very close to me, you will know that I have always been like this. You know, a lot of people that didn’t know me, once they come closer to me, they do say I am really different from the Biola they often hear about. They tell me that I am nice, that I am generous, spiritual and all that. I counsel young couples now.
Do you see yourself going into politics soon or in the near future?
Ha, I am a business woman, it is better for me to stay where I understand very well and keep to my businesses, but that doesn’t mean that I do not support politics. We have to support politics because we need good leadership. I have a role model in politics; he is Senator Gbenga Ashafa. He is a very credible leader and my role model. He is a leader to watch out for. He has been able to bring democratic practices to his constituency and has showed progressive leadership, a good ambassador of Lagos in Abuja.
In like manner, I support the movement of change that has taken over in the country. It is a good thing. I believe that this change is going to bring positive goodness to the country. With General Muhammadu Buhari, I am sure that his good sense of policy making will be good for the country. I have lived in Britain for decades and I know the importance of good policies for a nation. The General’s coming into government will help in pricing policy. We need a change in the business atmosphere of the country and regulation of pricing policy. It is also my prayer that the in-coming Ambode administration in Lagos will look into the issue of multiple taxation to encourage businesses grow.
A FEW men know that men’s underwear, precisely boxers and briefs, very short pants or knickers, are also fashion accessories. But this is not surprising. It is highly embarrassing, but most men no dey wear pant. As the Americans would say, a lot of men prefer “freeballing or going commando”. This term was introduced by Americans for men who do not wear undergarments.
But things are changing now. Men are beginning to see underwear as fashion statements. And many designers are now spending quality time and resources to produce natty underwear.
Shorts are to be worn at home or beaches for relaxation and leisure. Boxers and briefs serve the same purpose as pants. But briefs are a bit different because they are more of private wear. They cling tightly or firmly to the thigh. They give support and confidence.
There are different types, ranging from thongs, jock straps, trunks, boxers and briefs with pouch for genitals. They keep genitals in place and ensure that they do not swing.
Some have a fly over-lapping opening in place of zip or button. Some men don’t like fitted pants.
Generally, it is advisable for such men to try out loose but firm boxers and briefs. Boxers and briefs are not all that expensive and they are always very comfortable wear.
After plunging into acting after a modelling career, Kehinde Bankole recently won Best Actress (Drama) at the 2015 Africa Magic Viewer’s Choice Award (AMVCA) for her role as Tawa in the epic movie, October 1. In this interview with JOE AGBRO JR., the beautiful actress talks about her beginning, how the award is speeding up her career and other matters
You started in the entertainment industry as a model. How did the whole acting thing begin for you?
Well, acting began after I wanted more than modelling. I had competed twice already in a beauty pageant, being the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2004 and Miss Commonwealth in 2003, where I made top 10 and top five respectively and went on to do run-way modelling for Mon Ami, but I would be advised then by the actress playing Miss Pepeiye for Papa Ajasco series, Leona, and my twin sister who had begun acting then to come for an audition at Wale Adenuga Productions. I went and that was the beginning.
Between modelling and acting, which is more lucrative?
They both are lucrative. Let me explain. Modelling at the level I started which was just runway was not lucrative then when compared to acting, but modelling for me now is quite lucrative as it’s not just being a face or a body any more but advanced unto being a brand spokesperson and ambassador and professional image representative.
What was your first major acting role and when was it?
My first major acting role was as a character called Caro in One Bad Apple episode of the Super Story series where I worked alongside Wale Adebayo (Sango as Corporal Francis and Grace Ama as Tayo).
When you first started, did your parents object to acting?
They did not object but were a bit hesitant because of their concern for my academics, but after proving two years consecutively in school that I could have good grades and still go down to Lagos from Ogun State University to act, they relaxed their concerns a little more.
Acting puts people in the limelight. Has being an actress robbed you of privacy?
Certainly, being an actress had robbed me of some level of privacy but I have still been able to maintain some privacy and enjoy my alone moments when I’m off camera.
What is happening to the show, Soul Sisters, which you were doing with two other ladies?
The Soul Sisters show has been off air for a while. That is not to say we cannot still come together to bring something forward to the fans. We will wait to see what the future holds.
You’re a twin. Tell us a little about your twin sister.
Wow! Fashionista, resilient event planner and business woman. We have our moments of arguing but we are quick to agree and move on. She is my biggest fan and shares that spot with only one more person. And one of the major advisers over my career and life decisions. That’s my twin sister.
What other things do you do apart from acting?
Singing – I love writing music. I make little poems here and there. And I love to sketch.
What do you consider as your major assets?
My skill as an evolving actor, my heart and my unique looks.
You recently won Best Actress at the AMVCA for your role in October 1. How did you get the role for the movie?
I had earlier gone to Mr Afolayan’s Golden Effect to read for a role but did not get a call back. Then sometime recently I got a call from him to come and read for a part, being Tawa. I went and read. And this time I got a call back. I guess I must have left a better impression this time.
What’s the difference between you and Tawa in October 1?
The difference between me and Tawa is that Tawa was quiet as most women those days were groomed to be. But Kehinde is quite vocal.
Did you foresee winning the award?
I had on few occasions thought how ‘wow,’ it will be to win the best actress for the year in the drama category, and even said a few words to myself as an acceptance speech (laughing), but I was completely overjoyed when I was announced winner.
How has your life changed after winning the AMVCA and how do you intend to spend the N1m prize money?
Drastically. I have been getting more attention for all my work that had been out there initially before the award. I have been getting more scripts and looking more into roles that will further prove my strength. It’s been beautiful.
It was rumoured that you had to make your complexion darker for the role. Was it that you were bleaching before that?
No, nothing of the sort. My skin had been and remains a brown one. But, I had before then been carefully protecting it from darkening with sun screens. But on getting the role, I had to stop all the protection and switch to shea butter and coconut oil which is known to both smoothen and darken as it polishes the skin.
You also cut your hair for the movie. Was that a difficult experience?
No, it was not. Once I had begun to mentally prepare myself for a role, all thoughts about bringing the role to reality is my next surge of excitement.
What are some of the challenges you have experienced in the movie industry?
So far, (it has) majorly been at the beginning – communication. Getting information about (opportunities) but now social media and (the) jet age had helped to eradicate that.
How many movies and TV series have you acted in so far?
About 10 movies and five TV series.
Who are your role models in the industry?
In no particular order, they are Wale Adenuga, Tyler Perry, Kunle Afolayan and Oprah Winfrey.
Acting comes with numerous challenges. Was there any time you wanted to quit acting?
There has never been a time I wanted to quit acting.
You’re skinny. Are there times that you feel you should put on more flesh?
I am perfectly happy with my body. I continue to keep it fit and healthy.
You’re always smiling and a lot of people won’t know your other side. What are some things that can put you off?
I can be put off by dishonesty and pettiness and by people who have low self-esteem and resort to pride to feel comfortable with themselves.
Tell us something someone has said to you about your gap tooth
That it’s very lovely.
How do you socialise?
I do that with good conversations and an honest smile. I also go out for good movies and fun times with friends and associates.
You’re a pretty lady. In a recent interview, you said you’re not single and you’re not married. What exactly do you mean?
Well, with that I meant I am the type that likes to keep that private until I (am) ready to reveal the actual status which will by then be open for all to see.
How do you respond to male advances, both from fans and other professionals in the industry?
I always treat them with respect and let them know my stand politely. And so far, it’s been working well that way.
If you were not acting, what would you have been doing?
I would be a singer and beauty business consultant.
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
I see myself in international film projects that will make Nigeria shine steadily to the rest of the world and projects to be remembered in a long time to come.
It’s election period. Are you going to vote?
Yes, I am going to vote the party that seems to convince me as a better choice after I have asked lots of questions from the much older generation who know the truth about all the political fronts being presented to especially we this young generation, who don’t know much of the truth.
Former Deputy Governor of Edo State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) Rev. Peter Obadan has said that the vow by some elements in President Goodluck Jonathan’s government that General Muhammadu Buhari would never become President, should not be taken lightly.
Obadan said Nigerians should not think those elements were bluffing as they would work day and night to make this a reality.
He noted that thy had devised several plans in the past which were neutralised, thanks to the proactive measures of some patriotic citizens.
“We have to let them know their plans have leaked. First, there are plans in the offing to impeach Rotimi Ameachi, by hook or crook in a few days. This is to incapacitate him in many ramifications, and as the campaign director of General Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidential campaign, destabilise Buhari’s campaign in general.
“Second, suspected murderers of Funsho Williams, who are in prison, are being primed to confess they were sent by Bola Tinubu. They have been promised heaven on earth, even in prison, if they can implicate him. The plan is to blackmail him into submission, or at the very least, distract him with a nauseous court case.
“It has been alleged President Goodluck Jonathan met him in Badagry and tried to convince him to back out from supporting Buhari. He was told he is number one on the list compiled by the General of those to be probed once he becomes President.
“Let it be known to all that Jagaban is under intense pressure at the moment to betray Buhari. Let’s pray this does not happen. (To be fair to him, he has not succumbed yet). Nigerians must know the country, at the moment, is prostrate in a cesspit of corruption dug by a few.
“Ordinarily, President Jonathan is willing to relinquish power if he losses. But these corrupt people have planted fear in him that Buhari would send him to jail once he becomes President. That is why he is fighting tooth and nail to remain president.
“This much has been alluded to by General Obasanjo. We must remain vigilant and be at alert. Do not disregard any information at this time. This government is capable of anything to sustain the status quo.”
Some uniformed men have shot dead two persons and injured three others in Lagos.
The incident occurred between 9.15pm and 9.45pm last Wednesday at Majidun near Ikorodu, Lagos.
Two of the victims, who are in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASAUTH) in Ikeja, said the gunmen were in military uniform.
General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division in Lagos Maj. Gen. Tanmi Dibi, told The Nation yesterday that the gunmen were not soldiers.
He said: “There is no way such thing would happen and I will not know. Moreso, I have just inquired now and they told me none of our men was involved in that act.”
Alhaji Aminu Salis, an engineer and his wife, Toyibah, who were alone in their car, said they were flagged down at Majidun Bus stop, and before they knew what was happening, one of the men opened fire on them.
About five bullets pierced through his arm and legs, his wife was hit on her left leg.
Their car was also riddled with bullets.
Three other vehicles coming behind them were attacked.
Two of the victims have died; others are in hospitals.
Salis described the incident as traumatic.
“We saw two men; one dressed in military uniform, another in mufti, checking vehicles. From a distance, we could see them flagging down motorists, looking into their cars and allowing them to move on. This led to traffic snarl around Majidun Bus stop. On getting to them, the one holding a gun asked me to come down, I thought they were on a routine check, as I opened the door, placed one leg on the floor, he cocked the gun and opened fire on us. I quickly told my wife awon ole leleyi, awon ole leleyi, (These are thieves, these are thieves); before I could put my leg back into the car, five bullets have hit us; I managed to drive and he pointed the gun at us. After driving past him, he faced back and opened fire at the vehicles behind us. By the time we reached Ogolonto where some Naval officers are stationed, I stopped and they (Naval officers) told me to keep going,” he said.
“I had to come down to inform them of what happened,” Mrs Salis said.
“But they were not ready to listen to us, saying they do not want to have any issue with the military men over there. It was after some drivers and passengers of other vehicles coming behind mounted pressure on them that we have been attacked that they decided to allow us stay there.
“When their boss arrived and was told of the incident, he asked my husband to drive himself to the General Hospital, after all he drove the car up till that point. My husband told him he could no longer continue driving. I had to call some of our friends that left the place not quite long for help,” Mrs Salis, whose left leg was bandaged, said.
Mr Sanni Kabir, an engineer, said he saw the two uniformed men between Itowolo and Majidun shooting sporadically, forcing motorists to slow down for checking.
Kabir said five minutes after passing the gunmen, he got a distress call from Mrs Salis.
“She told me that armed robbers have shot at them; I quickly turned back and met them at the place where the Naval men were stationed. From there, we took them to General Hospital; the medical personnel demanded for police report, I rushed down to the nearest police station where I saw other victims with their vehicles at Ipakodo Police Station. Later on, after first aid, the hospital referred us to LASUTH. We got here (LASUTH) some minutes past 12 in the midnight,” he said.
According to Salis, one of the policemen who saw some of the bullets in my car said they belonged to the military and not the police.
Salis said the incident was first reported at Ipakodo Police Station where they met six other victims. Officers at the station, he said, directed them to Owode-Onirin Police Station.
When contacted, Lagos State police spokesman, Kenneth Nwosu, a Deputy Superintendent, promised to check and get back.
