The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Mr Ibu

  • Comedian AY credits his success to Mr Ibu

    Popular Nigerian comedian and actor, Ayo Makun aka AY has credited his success in the entertainment industry to comic actor, John Okafor also known as Mr Ibu.

    A.Y’s debut film `30 Days in Atlanta’, made the Guinness Book of World Records in 2017.

    The award winning actor from Ifon, Ose Local Government of Ondo State, but prefers to be referred to as ‘Warri Boy’ made this known on his instagram handle @aycomedian.

    “Success is the fruit of personal effort plus support and encouragement from people like @realmribu Thank you boss.’’

    However, AY’ crediting Mr Ibu for his success could not be far from the fact that Ibu who acted in over 200 films and got popularity, awards and endowments also came from a poor and humble background.

    The script writer and movie producer with over 3.1 million followers on instagram is the host of the popular A.Y live shows and A.Y comedy skits.

    The awards include Comedian of the year for Diamond Awards for Comedy, Teens Favorite Award and MBG Abuja Merit Award for Comedian of the year.

    Others are Comedian of the year for National Daily Awards, Comedian of the year for Arsenal Award for Excellence and Comedian of the year, Mode Men of the year Awards.

    The theater Arts graduate form Delta State University, who spent nine years for a four year course, was made a UN Peace Ambassador in 2009.

    In 2010, he won Comedian of the year at the Nigerian Entertainment Awards.

    Also, in 2013, he was awarded Most creative Entrepreneur of the year, (comedy category) at the Creativity and Entrepreneurship across the creative industries in Nigeria (C.E.A.N) awards.

    The former Alibaba Akporobome (aka Alibaba)’s Personal Assistant and event manager also produced box office movies including, Trip to Jamaica and 10 Days in Sun City.

    He was also involved in movies such as Being Mrs Elliot, Stalker, Lodgers, The Accidental Spy and many others.

    Read Also: Brainchild gives back with skill acquisition

  • Piracy, bane of Nollywood, says Mr Ibu

    Award winning actor, John Okafor aka Mr Ibu, says the activities of pirates, has impacted negatively on movie productions in Nollywood.

    “The Nigerian movie industry is blossoming with a production rate of about 50 movies weekly, however the potential of the fast growing industry is hampered by impostors and pirates,” Ibu told our reporter in Abuja.

    Okafor said that the efforts put into writing and production of movies by actors and actresses are jeopardised by those engaged in piracy.

    He attributed the challenge of piracy in the industry to bad eggs in the post production stage who undermine the efforts of the artistes.

    The famous actor, however, said that he would not be deterred by the actions of ‘unscrupulous’ individuals or groups.

    Okafor, who has over 350 movies to his credit, urged everyone involved in film production and management in Nigeria to strive to protect the industry while it is still possible.

    “Despite being a manager of football players and also trying my hands in boxing, acting in Nollywood is what I am destined to do.
    “If it dies my destiny as well as many others will die,” he said.

    Okafor is considered to be one of Nigeria’s most talented comic characters.

    His humorous acting is often characterised by stupidity, hilarious imbecility and a sharp disconnection from reality.

    Some of his movies include Mr.Ibu, Mr.Ibu in London, Police Recruit, 9 Wives, Ibu in Prison and Keziah.

    NAN

  • Tonto Dikeh, Mr Ibu bag chieftaincy titles

    Tonto Dikeh, Mr Ibu bag chieftaincy titles

    Come Thursday October 26, 2017, at the Nanet Suites, Abuja, Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh will be decorated with the official title of ‘Adadioranma of Nollywood’, in celebration of the New Yam Festival.

    Put together by Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, Abuja Chapter, the event, tagged ‘Promoting Our Core Cultural Value’, will also bestow the title of ‘Akaekpuchi Onwa Of Nollywood’ on comic actor, John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu.

    Dikeh, who said she is honored by the kind gesture, has been promoting the event on her social media handles. “Come join me as I celebrate the yam festival in grand style, and receiving a chieftaincy title,” she stated.

    Since her messy divorce saga, the mother of one has gotten herself engaged with several activities, including her NGO, for which she has been visiting IDP camps, hospitals, and meeting with top government officials on the girl-child protection.

  • Nollywood actor, makes case for united Africa

    Nollywood actor, makes case for united Africa

    Nollywood actor, John Okafor, says Africans need  to be more united to attract the attention of the international community.

    Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu,  told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Johannesburg, South Africa, on Saturday that the process should start from individual countries  through the sub-regions to the  continental level.

    “ The process of unity should start from our individual countries to the sub-regions and then on to the continental level.

    “ We need to be more united at a time like this  to get the desired attention from the international community,” he said.

    Okafor said that media reports emanating from Africa were  always about conflicts and disasters.

    “ In some of the sub-regions, you do not need a visa to enter individual countries. My vision is that Africa should go beyond that.

    “ Let there be an  Africa without  borders. If you are an African, you should  get a visa at the point of entry.

    “ Let us endeavour  to become one united Africa. I am proposing one brother, one nation,” Okafor said.

    The artiste also canvassed a common currency in the continent, saying  Africa has the abundant natural and human resources to support its economy.

    “ The African Union should champion this cause and ensure that the continent is formidable, united and gets the desired attention from the rest of the world.

    “ Africa is not far from Europe. We can do so many things together for the benefit of our people,” the actor said.

  • MR IBU RELIVES SUICIDAL ATTEMPT

    MR IBU RELIVES SUICIDAL ATTEMPT

    COMIC actor, John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu, has recounted the days when he had suicidal tendencies before attaining his present celebrity status.

    Ibu, the fifth Nigerian celebrity visiting the BBNaija housemates on Day 31, narrated his experience during the dairy session with `Biggie’ in the Diary Room.

    The comic actor said he `nearly’ committed suicide during “his struggles in life.”

    “Do you know that there was a day I prepared to kill myself in Ajao Estate; that day I was preparing to jump into a well because of the situation that surrounded me.

    “Three days before that day, I had not eaten and I did not have hope of eating for the next week; I was only surviving on water and I hate it when I bother anyone.

    “Most of my close friends were not bothered about my well-being even though it was obvious that I was not alright,”

    “The friend I used to squat with threw me out of his house because he wanted to travel for Christmas and will not allow me stay in his house.

    “From where I sat, there was a well; as I opened the lid and prepared to jump inside, the image of my mother face flashed through my mind.

    “I quickly closed the well and began to wonder how my mother who at that time was alive knew that I wanted to kill myself; I went back and leaned on the wall,” Ibu said.

    According to him, the song, “When I got my feet back again” by Michael Bolton being playing by a neigbour gave him hope and he decided to stay alive.

    Mr Ibu joins other Nigerian entertainers like Emmannel Ikubese, Mr Nigeria; Falz the bad guy and Ice Price who had earlier visited the house.

  • #BBNaija Day 31: I was suicidal, says Comic actor Ibu

    #BBNaija Day 31: I was suicidal, says Comic actor Ibu

    Nollywood comic star, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu said he was suicidal before attaining his present celebrity status.

    Ibu , the fifth Nigerian celebrity visiting the #BBNaija housemates on Day 31, narrated his experience during the dairy session with `Biggie’ in the Diary Room.

    The comic actor said he `nearly’ committed suicide during “his struggles in life.”

    “Do you know that there was a day I prepared to kill myself in Ajao Estate; that day I was preparing to jump into a well because of the situation that surrounded me.

    “Three days before that day, I had not eaten and I did not have hope of eating for the next week; I was only surviving on water and I hate it when I bother anyone.

    “Most of my close friends were not bothered about my well-being even though it was obvious that I was not alright,’’

    “The friend I used to squat with threw me out of his house because he wanted to travel for Christmas and will not allow me stay in his house.

    “From where I seated, there was a well; as I opened the lid and prepared to jump inside, the image of my mother face flashed through my mind.

    “I quickly closed the well and began to wonder how my mother who at that time was alive knew that I wanted to kill myself; I went back and leaned on the wall,’’ Ibu said.

    Mr Ibu during the diary session with `Biggie’ in #BBNaija

    According to him, the song, “When I got my feet back again’’ by Michael Bolton being played by a neigbour gave him hope and he decided to stay alive.

    He said, “One of my friends, Frank came back from London; he gave me a flat in his flat; he started taking me out and buying clothes for me; it was from there I got my footing.’’

    Earlier, while interacting with the housemates, the funny actor informed them that he had been watching the game back home and admonished them to be humble.

    He said he was proud to be a Nigerian and gave them advice that could enhance their acts after leaving the house.

    “As soon as you come back from there, follow it up; don’t stop, engage yourselves in movies, musical or anything that keeps you prominent, like being consistence in the game of awareness.

    “Our country Nigeria is a fine country; we are giant of Africa,’’ Ibu stressed.

    The housemates who were excited to see him, took part in a “selfie’’ session with Ibu before his exist from the house.

    NAN also reports that Ibu has joined other Nigerian entertainers like Emmanuel Ikubese, Mr Nigeria; Falz the bad guy and Ice Price who had earlier visited the house. (NAN)

  • Mr. Ibu takes birthday to Ebonyi

    Mr. Ibu takes birthday to Ebonyi

    COMIC actor John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, has revealed that he will be celebrating his birthday in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital come October 17 when he will be a year older.
    Speaking to reporters in Abuja last week, the Enugu State born actor said that he has concluded all arrangements towards having a successful birthday bash in Abakaliki.
    Mr Ibu disclosed during the chat that there will be a novelty football match between the Enugu State EXCO and ex-internationals to be played at the Nnamdi Azikiwe stadium in Enugu in honour of the state governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
    Ibu also said he expects top movie stars as well as former Super Eagles Captains like Chairman Christian Chukwu and Nwankwo Kanu to be in attendance.
    The Kingdom Lottery brand ambassador further disclosed that he decided to take his birthday celebration to Ebonyi State this year due to the interest shown in the movie industry by its Governor, Dave Umahi.
    The bash, he said, will be coordinated by his international manager, Okechukwu Nwuzor. It will be recalled that Mr. Ibu celebrated his birthday in Port Harcourt, Rivers State last year.

  • Gambia stands up for Mr. Ibu

    Gambia stands up for Mr. Ibu

    COMIC actor, John okafor, better known as Mr. Ibu recently stormed the West African country, The Gambia, where he was accorded what can pass for a five star reception by the people of that country.

    Citizens of The Gambia were happy to see the Nigerian movie star visit their country for the very first time. The trip which took Mr. IBU along with his international manager,‎ Mr. Okechukwu Nwuzor  (Don Singles) also saw the movie star visiting the Gambia Radio and Television stations where he was interviewed by the on air personalities.

    Speaking in an exclusive interview with our reporter on arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja last week after the over two weeks visit to The Gambia, Don Singles said the people of Gambia were delighted in seeing Mr. Ibu live in their country

    According to him, the hospitality accorded Mr. Ibu in Gambia was very massive all through the period he was in that country.

    Don Singles further disclosed that Mr. Ibu also visited the Nigeria Embassy house in The Gambia where he exchanged pleasantries with the officials at the embassy.

    Also reacting to his recent visit to the Gambia, Mr. Ibu told our reporter that he appreciated the hospitality he was given during his stay in that country. He particularly thanked president Yahya Jammeh who he described as one of the best leaders in Africa noting that he will continue to support his good governance since he took power as the president of Gambia.

    Meanwhile, The Kingdom Lottery ambassador is billed to present another N1m cheque to a winner this weekend in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, in the ongoing scratch and win monthly Kingdom Lottery draws.

  • MR IBU DEDICATES CHILD

    COMIC Nollywood act, John Okafor, aka Mr. Ibu, last week held a child dedication party for his new born child. The ceremony which was held at the Surulere, Lagos residence of the Kingdom Lottery brand ambassador saw some of his colleagues in attendance,

    Among those who graced the occasion were Okey Bakassi, the international manager of the Nollywood superstar, Don Singles, who flew all the way from his base in Abuja and a host of others.

    For the actor, it was a day of drinks and sumptuous meals as he reportedly used choice champagne and assorted delicacies to entertain all his guests that attended the child dedication ceremony.

    Attendees also affirmed the fact that the child dedication shindig also was used by the family of Mr. Ibu to thank God for his recent successes in the movie industry as well as his recent brand ambassadorship deals with more than six corporate bodies in Nigeria.

    Meanwhile, Mr. Ibu is said to have jetted out to The Gambia last Saturday along with Don Singles for several concert appearances in that country.

    Before jetting out, Mr. Ibu was in the Coal City of Enugu where he starred in some movie shootings before flying out to the Gambia.

  • Mr Ibu becomes Kingdom Lottery Ambassador

    Mr Ibu becomes Kingdom Lottery Ambassador

    Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor, who is popularly known as Mr. Ibu, was last week unveiled as the brand ambassador of Kingdom Lottery at a well-attended ceremony in Enugu. The Kingdom Lottery scratch and win also saw the international manager of Mr. Ibu, Don singles, putting up a brilliant showing at the event.

    Speaking to reporters at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu on his way back to Abuja, Don Singles said his artist, Mr Ibu, latest brand ambassador of Kingdom Lottery now makes it the fourth of such since four years ago adding that he has previously been brand ambassador to three other companies before this recent one.

    Don Singles who has also managed Nollywood actors such as Genevieve Nnaji and Aki and Pawpaw in Ghana and other West African countries said the Kingdom Lottery gives out one million naira monthly to winners of its scratch and win draws and Mr. Ibu does the presentation himself as the brand ambassador of the Lagos-based company. Only recently, Kingdom Lottery also unveiled the product in Enugu in a ceremony which was attended by Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.