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Tag: Rita Dominic

  • Rita Dominic now Key bank pink Account ambassador

    Rita Dominic now Key bank pink Account ambassador

    NOLLYWOOD star, Rita Dominic, has been confirmed the face of the yet-to-be launched Keystone Bank Pink Account.

    In a statement, the Head, Brand Management, Keystone Bank, Omobolanle Osotule, said: “The Keystone Bank Pink Account is a current and savings account for women that are resourceful, innovative and glamorous.

    “The account is primarily designed for the empowerment of women with entrepreneurial drive and career inclination to actualise their financial independence, lifestyle and domestic needs.

    “The Pink Account will create avenues for women to network and share ideas through periodic networking events, seminars and workshops, which will be anchored by Rita Dominic as the ambassador of the project.”

    Osotule explained that the choice of Rita Dominic as the face of the Pink Account was predicated on her profile as a thoroughbred professional and a celebrity with role model credentials.

    The actress, who was excited over the appointment, said, “I am also excited about the fact that the bank considers working with me to promote this laudable project to other women in different strata of the society’s ladder.

    “I am aware that the Pink Account, as a project, will cater to the empowerment needs of professional and working class women, self-employed female entrepreneurs, female lecturers, actresses, musicians, women in uniform, female politicians and society women. This account is truly for women.”

  • MIKEL- I’m not ready for marriage

    MIKEL- I’m not ready for marriage

    Tailwind news that Super Eagles’ star midfielder, John Mikel Obi, is on the verge of tying the nuptial knot might be just a ruse after all, following a frank conversation with The Nation Sport & Style which was facilitated by one of his long-trusted confidants.

    Mikel, Africa’s second best footballer, has been romantically linked to a bevy of Nigerian beauties and had featured repeatedly on the list of the most eligible bachelors in the country. Recently, the social media was buzzing over news that the Chelsea’s Nigerian star has finally made up his mind to settle down with a Russian beauty in spite of alleged dalliances with some Nigeria’s stunning models.

    First it was Nollywood gal, Rita Dominic, that the rumour mill said she was dragging Mikel to the altar after they posed together in a photograph taken in London. On Rita’s heels came delectable Sandra Okagbue who has been face of Delta Soap since 2010.

    Mired in the marriage mess, a bewildered Mikel expressed his indignation in an interview syndicated on Sports Focus anchored by Kayode Tijani

    “I know normal people don’t go through what I am going through now when it concerns finding a wife to marry, normal people don’t at all,” Mikel said. “Believe me it’s so difficult, very difficult, it’s so difficult you just have to leave it to God.

    “ To find someone who truly loves you, there might be someone who really loves me truly for who I am but I may not be aware, but maybe you don’t know but you may think she’s one of those people that love you for who you are or what you have, because of your money. But maybe she’s there for you, you never know, you get so confused now I have decided I will just leave it to God to decide who I get married to,” he noted

    But in his major interview since the 2013 African Footballer of the Year Gala early this month, Mikel has categorically stated that marriage was not yet on his mind even as he kept the identity of the woman of his dream close to his chest.

    “I can’t say (when I’m going to get married) because that is not on my agenda now but when God says it is time, it will happen,” confessed Mikel to The Nation Sport & Style. “I don’t want to talk about that (searching for would-be wife) now, it is a private matter.”

    Yet, Mikel is still revelling in the joy of winning the UEFA Champions League at the expense of Bayern Munich in Munich in 2012, picking that as his best moment ever since fate led him to the Stamford Bridge after a protracted transfer tussle with Manchester United soon after he helped Nigeria win silver medal at the 2005 FIFA World Under-20 Youth Championship in Holland. Excerpts…

    You scored a goal in a Cup game against Derby County, how do you feel since you don’t score often?

    It was nice. Great feeling. It was an important goal for us because we needed to win; it was in the second half, so the goal opened the door for us. I was happy.

    When you score, the celebration is always different from that of your teammates, what do you have to say about that?

    (Laughter) May be because I’m not a regular scorer and the fans usually urge me to celebrate.

    Are you looking forward to scoring more goals for Chelsea?

    I do wish to score but I’m not under pressure to score. My role doesn’t give me such chance but when I have the chance I’ll try to get it. I think I will get more, but above all, I am always happy to contribute to my team’s success whenever I am on. Team success is paramount for us here.

    Talking about winning trophies, you have won almost all the trophies one can think of at club level, what is your target this season?

    Chelsea is a team that encourages you to win trophy. That is the mentality here and it is good for us. It has become a habit. I think we can win every trophy we are playing in.

    Chelsea beat Manchester United 3-1 last weekend, does that result send signal that Chelsea will win the league?

    No, we still have a lot of games to play. We are in contention and getting such result against a contender is a good one for us.

    When is the wedding bell going to ring?

    (Laughter) I can’t say, because that is not in my agenda now but when God says it is time it will happen.

    Are you still searching or you already have your Miss Right, with reports linking you to many ladies?

    I don’t want to talk about that now, it is private. (Laughter)

    You won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Super Eagles last year, how are you looking forward to Brazil 2014?

    They are different competitions. I was happy to win my first Nations Cup gold medal last year. I am looking forward to a very impressive performance at the World Cup. I believe we will do well.

    Any target?

    No. We will know when the competition starts.

    Who motivates you more at Chelsea?

    A lot of players that I met there. Drogba, Essien made me feel at home because of the African brotherhood. Terry is nice, Lampard too. I also learnt a lot from Maka (Makalele).

    How do you like to dress?

    I dress based on where I am going. The occasion determines what I wear but I love it simple and smart.

  • Rita Dominic’s way around piracy

    Rita Dominic’s way around piracy

    Nollywood actress and Globacom ambassador, Rita Dominic, has defied the run-of-the-mill system of film distribution, selling her wares directly to customers at a recent event.

    It was an unusual sight at the just concluded Lagos Festival, at Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, when the entertainer took to the streets, hawking The Meeting.

    She was joined by her close ally, Kate Henshaw, who also had copies of her recently released DVD tutorial on fitness for sale.

    Not only does direct marketing work, the patronage the actresses got was heightened by their personalities. Everybody simply wanted to buy from them; even those who had seen the movie before.

    Dominic did take a pavilion at the event, but took her sales round the vicinity.

    Current reports have it that sales of DVDs and CDs, in recent times, have declined, at the instance of pirated versions.

    Even at the cinemas, most Nigerians go for foreign movies than the local products. Even the cinema operators allocate more days to foreign films than Nollywood movies.

  • Desmond Elliot Finding Mercy

    Desmond Elliot Finding Mercy

    CONSUMER products manufacturer, Procter & Gamble Nigeria, has partnered with Denziot Films in the production and release of a blockbuster movie titled, Finding Mercy.

    Produced and directed by Nollywood actor, Desmond Elliot, Finding Mercy tells the intriguing story of two friends, played by Blossom Chuks Chukwujekwu (Flower Girl) and Uti Nwachukwu, who find themselves in a complicated situation with a motherless baby.

    On P&G’s involvement in the project, Ifeoma ChuksAdizue, P&G’s Brand Operations Media Leader, explained that the outfit is proud of Nollywood and that the company was pleased to use the opportunity to support the industry. According to her, P&G is committed to supporting Nigeria, its people and the rich diverse culture of the nation. “An intrinsic part of that rich culture is Nollywood. It is proudly Nigerian – entertainment we proudly export for millions of people around the world to enjoy,” she said.

    Other notable Nollywood stars in the movie include Rita Dominic, Desmond Elliott, Chioma Akpotha, Biola Williams, Tamara Eteimo and Dabota Lawson. The movie has already been nominated for honours in multiple categories at the upcoming GIAMA Awards in Houston, Texas, United States of America.

    Finding Mercy premiered on the 14th of October in Calabar and on the 15th of November in Lagos and is currently on a nationwide premiere tour of Nigeria’s major cities, showing to audiences in major cinema houses across the country.

  • Rita Dominic, Lynn Whitfield are AFRIFF ambassadors

    Rita Dominic, Lynn Whitfield are AFRIFF ambassadors

    NOLLYWOOD actress, Rita Dominic and Emmy Award winning star, Lynn Whitfield, have been announced as Ambassadors for the Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF). Making the announcement, the Executive Director and Founder of AFRIFF, Chioma Ude, disclosed that it was not a difficult decision to make considering Rita’s accomplishments in the industry and the fact that she has been a regular face at, and contributor to, the AFRIFF dream from its inaugural edition.

    “Rita Dominic is a consummate actress and indeed an African screen Icon, having won several awards and nominations throughout her career, most recently she became Africa’s Best Actress by winning The 2012 Africa Movies Academy Award (AMAA) for her role in the Kenyan film Shattered. She also has won The Nollywood Movies Award, The Nigeria Entertainment Award and City People’s Face of Nollywood Award. With over one hundred films to her credit, she has played a pivotal role in showcasing Nigerian cinema popularly known as Nollywood,” Ude said.

    As for the Emmy Award winning Hollywood actress, Lynn Whitfield, Ude stated that she is a natural choice as AFRIFF Goodwill Ambassador not just for her accomplishments in Hollywood, but also because of her passionate support for the AFRIFF project since its inception.

    In her response Rita said; “I love that AFRIFF’s focus is youth empowerment and opening doors for the development of the African film industry which is my primary constituency. I am delighted to have been appointed an AFRIFF Goodwill Ambassador. It’s an organization that I cherish and respect and I look forward to working with stakeholders in the industry, the government, the private sector and non-governmental organisations and social enterprises to see how we can ensure that this fantastic festival achieves its objectives and full potential.”

  • OC Ukeje, Rita Dominic shine at Nollywood Movies Awards

    AT the Nollywood Movie Awards held on Saturday, October 12, 2013, two of the industry’s finests, OC Ukeje and Rita Dominic, emerged Best Actor and Best Actress respectively. While the awards serves as the third for the AMBO star in three different awards ceremony, Rita is clinching her first title as Best Actress for her role in The Meeting.

    So far, Ukeje has emerged Best Actor at the AMVCA, NEA and now the NMA. Funke Akindele emerged Best Indigenous Act with her role in Tunde Kelani’s Maami while Belinda Effah took home the award for Rising Star (Female) for her role in Kokomma.

    Other winning acts included Imeh Bishop Umoh, Best Actor Indigenous; Uti Nwachukwu, Best Rising Star (Male); Mildred Okwo, Best Director and Obi Emenloye, Sound Design for Last Flight To Abuja, among others.

  • Another laurel for Rita Dominic

    Another laurel for Rita Dominic

    ON Saturday, Nollywood’s sweetheart and celebrated actress Rita Dominic added another feather to her ‘heavy’ cap as she won the hugely coveted best actress award at Nollywood Movie Award (NMA) for her role in The Meeting. That would have been enough ordinarily for an actress who has 11 combined nominations in four different awards this year. Her movie The Meeting also won the award for best director (won by Mildred Okwo) and Best Make-up (won by Jennifer Alegieuno).

    Rita beats stiff competition from tested thespians Mercy Johnson, Uche Jombo, Bimbo Akintola, Funke Akindele and Nse Ikpe Etim. Stepping up to receive the award in an architectural inspired hand crafted one-off Iconic Invanity gown. Rita thanked all those who have contributed to her growth and promised to work harder at her craft.

    Director of “The Meeting” and Managing Director of The Audrey Silva Company Mildred Okwo stated that she is elated that Rita is getting alot of accolades for her acting. “In fact all the women in that Best Actress category have focused on improving their acting skills. That was not an easy category to win”, she declared.

    The Meeting which is set for DVD release later this month became a cinema box office and one of the highest grossing films of 2012.

    Rita Dominic joined Nollywood in 1998 when she was cast in Basorge Tariah’s “My Guy”. She has appeared in numerous films over the years and became Africa’s best Actress in 2012 when she won the Africa Movies Academy Awards (AMAA) for a the Kenyan film “Shattered”.

  • Ukeje battles Late Esiri, as AMAA unveils nominations in Malawi

    Ukeje battles Late Esiri, as AMAA unveils nominations in Malawi

    The best actor category in the next edition of Africa Movie Academy awards (AMAA) has late veteran actor, Justus Esiri contesting the laurel with fast-rising actor, OC Ukeje, and five other in Africa. Rsiri was nominated for his last film on earth, Assassin’s Practice’, and Ukeje for Charles Novia’s latest wor’, ‘Alam Posa’,
    In the Best Actress category, Nigeria’s Rita Dominic, through her film, ‘The Meeting’,  will be battling Malawi’s Flora Suya  for her lead role in  ‘The Last Fishing Boat’. Other nominees in the female category include: Manam Quedrogo (Moi Zaphir), Mbutung Seikeh (Ninah’s Dowry), Yvonne Okoro (The Contract) and Florence Mazebe (Elelwani)
    President Joyce Banda of the Republic of Malawi, on Saturday night hosted an array of movie stars from Nigeria and other African countries in the country’s capital, Lilongwe, where the nominations into the 2013 edition of the awards were unveiled.
    The event which took place at the Binju wa Mutharika International Conference Center, also had the husband of the President, Chief Justice Richard Benda (Rtd), otherwise refered to as the First Gentleman of Malawi and members of her Executive Council.
    “The Nollywood stars that we see on Africa Magic channel have finally come to Malawi,” began president Banda who showed so much excitement at the event.She had expressed her enthusiasm for Nigerian films, stating how she had to stay awake late into the night to watch various Nollywood dramas.
    Banda, while emphasising her passion for African unity, said there was need for the continent to rise to its challenges, and help one another in all spheres of developments.
    Malawi’s Mimister of Culture and Tourism, Mrs. Rachel Mazombwe, expressed gratitude to her president for accepting to host the AMAA nomination night, saying the gesture will encourage the country’s film industry which she said is in its infancy.

    Mazombwe noted that Malawi is quite acqainted with Nigeria, having been familiar with Nigeria’s cultures through Nollywood movies. She thanked the president for her promise to help the Malawian film industry to grow, saying  that this will enable the country’s culture and tourism potentials to be exported through the medium of film.
    The nomination night was a beehive of entertainment activities: from a poetry rendered by a young nationale,  Chigo Gondwe, to a sonorous rendition in Chichewa, their local language by an 11-man band known as the Kamuzu Barracks Gospel Singers, the mood of the evening picked with excitement.
    Chief Executive of AMAA, Peace Anyiam Osigwe described the country as one which is not only blessed with beautiful lakes and landscapoes that are suitable for movies, but also talented youths with passion for creativity. The AMAAs had, prior to the nomination event, trained about 200 aspiring filmmakers in Malawi.
    She promised to establish a film academy in the country through the Africa Film Academy. Umbrella body for AMAA. Osigwe noted that it is pertinent for Africans country to look beyond their physical borders and promote the African ideals through her unique stories, told through the movies.
    Chairman of AMAA College of Screeners, Mr. Shaibu Husseini noted that the academy received a total of 671 movies and that the competition had been very keen, because quality of entries have improved.
    Members of Jury: Asantewa Olatunji, Ayuko Babu, Berni Goldblast, Keith Shiri and Steve Ayorind, all took their turns to announce the various films being nominated in the 26 categoriess of the awards.

  • 2face Idibia, Rita Dominic, Mo Abudu for TFA Enterprise Conference

    CONVENED to facilitate practical and direct knowledge exchange for young entrepreneurs, professionals, innovators and creatives, the organisers of The Future Awards have announced the date for its annual conference (previously titled The Do-Something Pre-Awards Conference).

    The renamed National Enterprise Conference, now in its fifth year, will hold on Saturday, January 26, 2013, at the main auditorium of the University of Lagos, Yaba.

    Themed ‘Our generation needs to get to work’, several of the speakers slated to appear at the event have been recognised by The Future Awards for their outstanding efforts in their respective fields. They include: 2face Idibia, Rita Dominic, Stephanie Okereke, Ohimai Atafo, Omawumi Megbele, Bridget Awosika, Kelechi Amadi-Obi, Steve Babaeko, Kola Oyeneyin, Lamide Adedeji, Nse Ikpe-Etim, Funke Bucknor, and Linda Ikeji. Ugochukwu Nwosu from Microsoft and Ayodeji Adewunmi from Jobberman will join the speakers.

    The event will also feature veterans and mentors including chairman of Channels Television John Momoh; chief executive of Inspire Africa, Mo Abudu; cinema icons Joke Silva and Tunde Kelani; music icon Shina Peters; executive director with Nestlé, Iquo Ukoh, and group managing director, Folorunsho Alakija.

  • GLO hosts celebs at the big friday show party

    GLO hosts celebs at the big friday show party

    It was a night full of fun, thrills and excitement as the leading telecommunications network and official sole sponsor of Glo Presents The Big Friday Show, Globacom hosted celebrities and top entertainers to a night of good music, exotic drinks, finger foods, and freebies on 28th December, 2012. The event was hosted at the popular Aura Lounge, opposite Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos to mark the Yuletide season. It was a night to remember as both stars and invited Glo subscribers were given a special treat.

    The party paraded an array of Nigerian stars in the movie industry, some of whom are also Glo Ambassadors – Rita Dominic, Uche Jombo and Ramsey Nouah. They have featured in the popular TV show, Glo Presents The Big Friday Show. Other celebrities at the party included Nse Ikpe Etim, Ruki Sanders, Ejike of Cool FM, Uti Nwachukwu (Big Brother Africa Winner), Sneeze (ace Nollywood producer), Sound Sultan, Banky W, and Skales. Expectedly, the evening kicked off with photo sessions by celebrities with their acquaintances on the green carpet where Glo hostesses welcomed and registered invited guests.

    A statement from Globacom said that the party was specifically packaged to feted its youth segment of the market. “The attendees were Glo youth subscribers and were selected through a trivia quizz on Globacom’s google+, facebook and twitter handle as well as invites given out by some select radio stations,” the statement said.

    The guests had so much fun as they were treated to photo sessions with their favourite stars, assorted drinks, finger foods and an exciting experience to dance and mingle with the celebrities. In the words of Nwachukwu Ikene, one of the lucky subscribers, “That was some party, brother! My friends and I had so much fun taking pictures with Ramsey Nouah and Uche Jombo. I even danced with Rita Dominic. I had drinks; the finger food was on point and I enjoyed the whole energy of the event. It’s an experience I’d love to relive any time, any day, to any one. I’d like Glo to host us like this more often…”.

    The Glo Big Friday Party is a youth focused activation by Globacom to excite and wow its youth subscriber segment. The events seek to create an atmosphere of fun, excitement and freebies as invited guests are also presented with the opportunity to take photographs, sign autographs, dance and mingle with their favourite celebrities. It is part of efforts by the network to reward and show loyalty to its youth segment subscribers.