Multi-award winning Nigerian singer, Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba and new kid on the block, Tekno would lead an array of musical talents on a concert titled Eargasm.
A collaboration of Eko Hotels and Suites and Bulkwyld Media, the concert is put together for couples and music lovers for the Valentine’s celebration.
Scheduled for February 11, the weekend preceding St. Valentine’s Day, other artistes featuring in the concert include Adekunle Gold, Sir Shina Peters, Kelly Handsome, Niyola, Timi Dakolo, Acetune, Yinka Davies, and DJ Neptune.
Speaking on the show which will be hosted by comedian Bovi, Mr. Efe Omorogbe of Bulkwyld Media described Eargasm concert as an evening of classic tunes and pleasant surprises.
Omorogbe who is 2Baba’s manager said it is a stellar cast of some of the best vocalists and live performers you find around the continent.
“They are individuals who can deliver the best of quality music… we are bringing our A-game on February 11. We want to complement Eko Hotels. We are going to match the Eko Hotels’ international standard with Bulkwyld Media international standard and delivering a one-of-its-kind experience,” he said.
On her part, Eko Hotel’s Marketing Manager, Mrs. Iyadunni Gbadebo, said what the hotel hoped to achieve was to offer couples and music lovers an unforgettable evening of music, rich international cuisines and purpose-crafted accommodation to go with the occasion.
According to Gbadebo, “Eargasm is basically a Valentine event which we would be having with Tuface, Adekunle Gold, Harrysong, Tekno, Timi Dakolo. All these big wigs in music are coming and it will be fun. I know that these are some of the most decorated artistes that we have put together for you people and their vocal abilities are unbelievable. I am sure that a lot of people who will come here will have a good time. You will get the best of everything.
“We have different outlets and each of the outlets will be hosting different countries’ Valentine dinner. As you know, we have about six outlets and each of them would be handling different kinds of activities for Valentine couples. 1415 Restaurant of the Eko Signatures would be hosting Italian in-dining; Sky Restaurant will be adding Asian fusion with a nice French theme into it; we have the Grill which is our restaurant at the Steak House at Eko Suites; we have the Lagoon Breeze, which is a place to house a beautiful fine dining Valentine’s experience. We also have Red Restaurant which is for Chinese cuisines.
“We have the Spa and they have put together something beautiful for Valentine’s. We are going to have room packages available with massages and a gift for the ladies as well. It will fun. We advise couples to book ahead.”
Tag: Tuface
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Tuface, Tekno to headline Eko Hotel’s ‘Eargasm’ concert
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I’m not under arrest, says Tuface
Award winning musician Tuface Idibia has denied being arrested and detained by the Directorate of State Services (DSS) over his earlier planned anti-government’s protests in Lagos and Abuja.
In his tweet yesterday, he expressed gratitude to those who have shown concern over the purported arrest.
“Thanks for the concern, guys. I am fine and free,” he said.
“Reports about DSS arrest are not true. We are still compiling responses for the leadership.
“State your opinion on the social media with the #IStandWithNigeria. Peace! One luv always!!!”
The protest, which was initiated by the hip-hop artist for yesterday, was cancelled on Sunday.
The cancellation did not stop other groups from carrying on with the protest, but it attracted a lean turnout both at the National Stadium in Lagos and Unity Fountain, Abuja.
The popular musician cancelled the protest on Sunday, citing “security concerns and public safety consideration’’.
However, some groups vowed to go ahead with the protest in spite of the cancellation by its initiator. -
Police, Tuface reach truce on protest
The Lagos State Police Command yesterday rescinded its threat to stop the anti-government protest slated for Monday by pop star TuFace .
The two sides met yesterday and resolved to modify their hard line positions,according to
Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni.
Owoseni explained that the police were concerned about the safety of residents of Lagos , including the protesters and would not want anything untoward to happen to them.
He said: “We had a meeting with the protesters and we explained to them why we advised against the protest. A pro-government group wants to protest that same day and we don’t want a situation where there would be friction.
“We also don’t want hooligans to hijack the process and injure the protesters.
“ After explaining to them, they said they will go back and discuss with others. They said if they decide to go ahead, they won’t demonstrate but would assemble at a point and read their demands.
“That notwithstanding, we have resolved to provide security for them. It is our responsibility and we won’t shy away from it. We will ensure trouble makers do not hijack the process.”
The Presidency also declared that it has nothing against the protest and that Tuface and other Nigerians are entitled to express themselves in peaceful protests.
The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Mr. Laolu Akande said on his Twitter handle that the Buhari Administration ”will not prevent Nigerians from expressing themselves in peaceful protests, it’s a fundamental right of the people.”
He added: “No govt has ever laid out the kind of Social Investment Prog, the Buhari govt is now running across the nation, that will touch millions.”
Meanwhile,Afrobeat singer, Femi Kuti has denied insinuations that he is against the TuFace protest.
Kuti made the clarification via his Twitter handle when he posted: “Contrary to reports I DID NOT blast 2face. I saw a report pic below saying protest was kicking off @ d Shrine I said I was NOT INFORMED.
“B4 protest date was changed it was meant 2kick off d Shrine I said I was weary as y wud a protest b announced @ d Shrine wtout my knowledge.
“I mean I wasn’t informed It sounds fishy to me Next I will hear the Shrine has been closed for disturbances”.
According to Femi, the eldest son of late Afrobeat king, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, 2Baba is a friend of the Afrika Shrine and he would never tell him off publicly.
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Breaking: Police ask Tuface, others to shelve protest rally
Nigerian pop star, Tuface Idibia and other groups planning to hold rallies for or against the government in Lagos and other states have been asked to shelve their plans by the Police.
In a statement on Friday night by the Force Public Relations Officer, Jimoh Moshood, the Police Headquarters said it is in possession of credible intelligence reports that other interest groups were planning to hold a counter protest on the same days at the same places as that of the Tuface Group.
If the various planned protests are held as scheduled, the Police said there may be breakdown of law and order, with attendant loss of lives and property.
The statement reads: “Nigeria Police Force is deeply concerned with the security implications with regard to the planned protest/demonstrations, and as the lead security agency in the country, is fully aware and recognizes the constitutional rights of every citizen (including Tuface and his group) to assemble and move freely in any part of the country.
“In this regard, the Force is also cognizant of its constitutional responsibilities of taking any proactive/preventive security measures in the interest of public safety, public order, public morality or public health and for the purposes of protecting lives and property, as well as the constitutional rights and freedom of other citizens.
“The Nigeria Police Force is currently in possession of credible intelligence reports that other interest groups are equally planning to hold a counter protest/matches on the same days at the same places/cities as the Tuface Group.
“If these various planned protests/demonstrations are held as scheduled, that there may be breakdown of law and order, with attendant loss of lives and property.
“To this end, the Nigeria Police Force deems it imperative to issue this press release that Innocent Idibia (a.k.a Tuface) and his group are hereby advised strongly to shelve their planned peaceful protest/demonstration in the interest of peace and security.
“That the other opposing groups are equally advised strongly to shelve its planned counter protest/demonstration in the interest of peace and security.
“That the Nigeria Police Force is prepared to employ every possible legal means for the maintenance of law and order; and for the protection of lives and property.
“Consequently, members of the public, parents and guardians, religious/opinion leaders and other interest groups are strongly advised to prevail on their children and wards, followers and adherents not to allow themselves to be used by any group to cause disturbance of public peace and break down of law and order.”
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Police, TuFace reach truce on protest
…We won’t stop Tuface, other Nigerians from protesting – Presidency
The Lagos State Police Command Friday rescinded its threat to stop the anti-government protest slated for Monday by pop star Innocent Idibia popularly known as TuFace .
The two sides met Friday and resolved to modify their hard line positions, according to
Police Commissioner Fatai Owoseni.
Owoseni explained that the police were concerned about the safety of residents of Lagos, including the protesters and would not want anything untoward to happen to them.
He said: “We had a meeting with the protesters and we explained to them why we advised against the protest. A pro-government group wants to protest that same day and we don’t want a situation where there would be friction.
“We also don’t want hooligans to hijack the process and injure the protesters.
“After explaining to them, they said they will go back and discuss with others. They said if they decide to go ahead, they won’t demonstrate but would assemble at a point and read their demands.
“That notwithstanding, we have resolved to provide security for them. It is our responsibility and we won’t shy away from it. We will ensure trouble makers do not hijack the process.”
The Presidency also declared that it has nothing against the protest and that Tuface and other Nigerians are entitled to express themselves in peaceful protests.
The Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Mr. Laolu Akande said on his Twitter handle that the Buhari Administration “will not prevent Nigerians from expressing themselves in peaceful protests, it’s a fundamental right of the people.”
He added: “No govt has ever laid out the kind of Social Investment Prog, the Buhari govt is now running across the nation, that will touch millions.”
Meanwhile, Afrobeat singer, Femi Kuti has denied insinuations that he is against the TuFace protest.
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WHY WE MADE TUFACE CAMPARI AMBASSADOR
INNOCENT Ujah Idibia, popularly known by his stage name Tuface, has joined the elite league of international brand ambassadors of the Italian liqueur brand, Campari. Tubaba, as he prefers to be called, is the first African to be signed on by the brand that boasts the likes of Kate Moss, Kate Hudson, Uma Thurman and Eva Green as the faces of the brand.
At the unveiling ceremony held at the fourth edition of the Nigerian Entertainment Conference (NEC Live) which held at the Landmark Events Center, Victoria Island, Lagos last Wednesday, the artiste explained the relationship between himself and the brand.
Giving his reasons for accepting to become the face of Campari in Africa, Tubaba was quick to point out that he has enjoyed the bitter aperitif for years. He revealed, “I have been enjoying Campari for quite some time, as a matter of fact, for as long as I can remember. I have been a fan of Campari, especially the cocktails made with the drink. I actually enjoy the drink.”
Speaking on the brand’s unique selling proposition which is its bittersweet flavour; a result of being made from an infusion of herbs and fruit, he said; “it tastes bitter, but its sweet, and its herbal. And that’s the selling point for me.”
The Head of Marketing, Brands and Survey; Mr. Abayomi Ajao, on behalf of the brand revealed that Campari decided that it preferred a Nigerian ambassador to a foreigner. He said, “For us, we felt we needed to export our own ambassador, even though we have had global icons like Kate Hudson, we felt that we have enough people here who can represent us to the rest of the world.
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WHEN AKPORORO,TUFACE THRILLED AIRTEL CUSTOMERS AT GARDEN CITY
IT was an atmosphere of fun for the residents of Port Harcourt last week when the trio of fast-rising comedian, Akpororo; African Queen Crooner, Tuface Idibia and popular on-air-personality, IK Osakioduwa thrilled customers of the telecom network, Airtel Nigeria, at an exclusive business forum in Rivers State.
Held at Aztech Arcum, the interactive business session availed guests the opportunity to gain insights on the benefits associated with being a member of the Airtel Premier club.
Bowote Jeptha a.k.a Akpororo took to the stage during the event to entertain the guests with his wit.
Shortly after Akpororo’s performance, Tuface grabbed the microphone to captivate the guests with a live performance, as they relished the delicious meals and refreshing drinks provided by the host. He sang some of his hits songs like ‘Ihe Neme’ and ‘Keep on Rocking.’
Anchored by popular on-air-personality, IK Osakioduwa, the event also provided an opportunity for the customers and members of the company’s top management to network and share valuable feedback.
The Airtel Premier is a special V-VIP reward programme specifically designed to offer exceptional and personalized privileges to high value customers on the network.
Some of the exclusive privileges available to members of the Airtel Premier Club include dedicated Relationship Managers, exclusive helpline services, mailbox and website, and automatic enrollment into “Airtel Rewardz”; a point-based loyalty scheme, which provides opportunities for members to win exciting offers from Airtel Nigeria.
Members also enjoy other treats such as access to over 600 premium lounges across the globe with their Premier Cards which also grants them to up to 45 per cent discount at select hotels, exclusive access to designated service points at Airtel showrooms, special invitation to Airtel HNI programme, special delight on their birthdays, anniversary and special occasions, and other high-end tie-ups available to Premier customers in Nigeria.
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Tuface sustains campaign for non-violent youths
Hip hop star, Tuface Idibia has pledged to continue to promote the values of peace and love among young people through his music.
Idibia made this commitment at the Vote Not Fight review and media roundtable organised by the Tuface Foundation and Youngster Foundation with support from National Democratic Institute in Ikeja, Lagos.
Vote Not Fight is a youth non-violence voter education campaign that promoted peaceful participation in the last elections. The campaign encouraged youths to make a commitment to shun violence and embrace peace. It is hoped that Nigerians from all walks of life will commit to peaceful elections by signing a non-violence pledge.
Idibia, who expressed his satisfaction at the Vote Not Fight campaign initiatives said, “I have resolved to continue to work for peace, particularly among young people in Nigeria.”
He noted: “Vote Not Fight campaign has done a lot to contribute to the peaceful outcome of the election and I am so happy. It is driven by the Nigerian people who are tired of violence.”
Idibia decried a situation whereby the young people are always the tools used by politicians to foment trouble during and after any election in Nigeria.
Although, he was not seen to be campaigning for any politicians like some of his colleagues in the entertainment industry, Idibia said, “if there was no peace after the 2015 election, nobody will enjoy the money.”
While he noted that entertainers who were seen campaigning for politicians d have the fundamental right to do so, he said “The Vote Not Fight is a non-partisan initiative and I had to show a worthy example by talking to everyone on the table to vote and not fight, no matter their party affiliation, to keep the dream alive.
“I had to pay the price. I try to keep myself in a position to do the right thing and not mislead people. I am for one love for all Nigerians, no matter their tribe, religion, language or culture,” he said.
The Programme Officer of National Democratic Institute, AnnabelUgwoke said that the institute will continue to support the campaign by leveraging on the skills, passion and commitments of all Nigerians, especially the youth.
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Tuface pledges more support for peace among youths
Hip hop star, Tuface Idibia has pledged to continue promote the values of peace and love among young people through his music.
Idibia made this commitment at the Vote Not Fight review and media roundtable organised yesterday by the Tuface Foundation and Youngster Foundation with support from National Democratic Institute in Ikeja, Lagos.
Vote Not Fight is a youth non-violence voter education campaign that promoted peaceful participation by Nigerian youth in the 2015 elections. The campaign encouraged youths to make a commitment to shun violence and embrace peace. It is hoped that Nigerians from all walks of life will commit to peaceful elections by signing a non-violence pledge.
Idibia, who expressed his satisfaction at the Vote Not Fight campaign initiatives that reached over 68 million Nigerians during the just concluded elections said, “I have resolved to continue to work for peace, particularly among young people in Nigeria.”
He said, “Vote Not Fight campaign has done a lot to contribute to the peaceful outcome of the election and am so happy. It is driven by the Nigeria people who are tired of violence.”
Idibia noted that young people are always the tools used by politicians to foment trouble during and after any election in Nigeria.
Although, he was not seen to be campaigning for any politicians like his colleaguesin the entertainment industry, Idibia said, “if there was no peace after the 2015 election, nobody will enjoy the money.”
While he noted that entertainers who were seen campaigning for politicians during the campaign has the fundamental right to do so, said “The Vote Not Fight is a non-partisan initiative and I had to show a worthy example by talking to everyone on the table to vote and not fight, no matter their party affiliation, to keep the dream alive.
“I had to pay the price. I try to keep myself in a position to do the right thing and not mislead people. I am for one love for all Nigerians, no matter their tribe, religion, language or culture,” he said.
The Programme Officer of National Democratic Institute, AnnabelUgwoke said that the institute will continue to support of the campaign by leverage on the skills, passion and commitments of all Nigerians especially the youth until we have a violence free election.
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Why I didn’t object to my daughter’s love affair with Tuface
You used to be in entertainment, and then you stopped. But tell us, did you start with entertainment or did you start out with other things.
I started out as a professional printer, a graphics person. I studied printing. I am also an artist. I believe in art works. I still produce all sorts of things that have to do with offset printing. I started the first Nigerian company that started the production of colour separation in Nigeria. We made colour achievable for the entire printing system. It is a legacy.
What was the name of the company?
I started with Poatson Graphics Arts Trade. What that company was doing in the Nigerian civil war period was the production of shoulder-flashes for the Nigerian Army. It was what separated the Nigerian soldiers from the Biafran soldiers. Its usage cut across battalions and divisions of the Nigerian Army formations. I was working with the army in this regard. Since 1955, I started doing one work or another for the Nigerian Army. So, I was familiar with most high ranking officials of the Nigerian Army then. We were all friends, we grew up together. They were familiar with me just as I was familiar with them.
How did you get into the entertainment business?
It was General Muhammadu Buhari that pushed me into doing that. When Gen. Buhari took over government in the 80s, Nigeria was tensed up. There was uneasy quiet in the social scene.
Entertainment somehow was at its lowest point. The unusual quietness was felt all over the country as most people were filled with the fear of the military. Majority of people didn’t want to be seen out in the society lavishing money. It was a time for discipline. I studied the environment and found it to be too dull and quiet.
It was at that point that God gave me an inspiration. I realised that Tafawa Balewa Square was usually empty. There was nothing going on there unlike before. God gave me the idea of how to resuscitate entertainment in the city with the little money that I had then. I came up with an idea of putting together the Nigerian musicians in a grand show, to create a music entertainment jamboree for people to dance and have fun. The idea I had was that of a family outing, a show for everybody because different music and musicians appeal to different people and in a situation where a lot of musicians would be playing, a lot of people would have a choice of music that will appeal to them. So, the concept was to gather all favourite Nigerian musicians in a concert at TBS for three days.
And that was exactly what I did. Though I was also worried too about the mood of the country, I was worried that it might not align with the mood of the military that was ruling the country then. But all the same, I went ahead with the project. And the first one was a big success. The military was not opposed to it, and people came all out to enjoy themselves. Musicians and fun lovers actually came all the way from around the country for the three days Poatson Musical Jamboree and fun fiesta.
Who sponsored it?
It was solely sponsored by me. I gathered musicians together and paid them and they were at the Tafawa Balewa Square. However, people paid very small piece of money to be part of the jamboree at the venue. People came out in thousands and they were so happy. I started this in 1984 and I was doing it regularly for about five years every Easter period.
Can you mention some of the musicians that performed at your shows?
All Nigeria musicians, both the late ones, and those that are still alive today. Some that are still alive. They include Chief Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, Wasiu, and some of the late ones were Oliver de Coque, Chief Osadebe and the others. Before this, not any of the musicians could boast of gathering and playing in front of a thousand people. The Easter jamboree made it possible and I also started some other smaller shows.
So I opened that channel for them to face thousands of people and they played so beautifully. I helped to give them exposure. Prior to that time, some Nigerians had not even seen these musicians in real life, they had only seen their records and bought them because at that time too, I was the one working for recording companies producing cassettes and records slips. So, that again helped my own business because I reasoned that if they were accepted by the public, their record would sell and that would afford me to make more money from the recording of records. And that was exactly what happened.
Were you making money from those entertainment shows?
No, I was just doing it the way God actually directed me.
What made you to stop it?
I had to stop. I stopped because things changed; the industry was not supporting me. I went around the industry but none could even support me with the least of bills, not even payment of advertisements that I was doling out money to do. So, many companies around me were not ready to support me and suddenly, the artistes that I normally paid N10,000 were asking for hundreds of thousands per show and during that time, they would stay with me even be struggling to be part of the show. So, in this situation I was the only one and there was no way I can get that kind of money.
Why are you coming back?
I have developed an idea, I have seen loopholes within the time I withdrew and now and I have seen what the public are suffering entertainment-wise. I can see that entertainment is not being promoted enough.
What you intend to come back to do, is it going to compete and surpass what is being done now?
Don’t let me talk too much because I know where I dropped off and I have given them the room for over 10 to 15 years, I have seen nothing to compared to what I was doing then.
You enjoyed your life so much, when you look back now, how do you look at life?
Yes I did. When you talk of enjoying life I was living well; I made sure I didn’t damage my reputation. I didn’t soil my hand in a rough life. I never smoked, I never went into drugs, I have never got involved in any wrong activities. I am a gentle man and I know when to stop.
Most people who were within the music industry then, who made money out of it, have more than one wife, how have you been able to stick to just one wife?
Maybe I haven’t met another woman that can give me what Biola, my wife, has been giving me (laughs). The question of having affairs with other women is the way one thinks, you can never have peace when you crowd your life with so many problems. Women are more problems in a man’s life when they are more than one; even the one that you have still gives you problem. So, why should I get married to more? Though some people think it is a way of popularity or way of showing their glamour, but I don’t believe that. A simple life is a quiet life; you cannot have more than one wife and tell me you are a happy man. It is not a fair deal because you will not be happy, your wife will not be happy, your children will not be happy. But when you have only one wife, you know you have only one problem to face.
Do any of your children have passion for music?
None of them. I have not found any musician yet in my home.
At at time you were travelling a lot, do you still travel?
Some people take joy in flying up and down in a plane even when they do not have the means. I travel abroad when I have something to do over there that has to do with my life. I do not disturb myself flying up and down to London or America or anywhere else. I have been to all those places; they remain the same places that I used to know.
Now that you have grandchildren, when you look back do you feel fulfilled?
I am very well fulfilled. I thank God for what he has done for me. My children did not abuse my position. I do not have children that partake in drugs, or any negative thing. I do not think any of my children gets drunk. Some don’t even drink alcohol. I have a pastor, a medical doctor, an engineer; I have children in hotel management presently consulting for big hotels. I am happy they have given me grandchildren. Right now, I have 23 grandchildren. They are always around me. If I want to see them, I call them and they come down here, that is for those that are in Nigeria because some of them are abroad and doing well over there.
Most people happen to know Pero more than your other children
Yes, that is because Pero is a popular socialite. Pero is more like me, wants to live my lifestyle but unfortunately, she is a lady. She is, however, popular; everyone seems to know her. When I was doing the musical jamborees, she was the one that used to raise the flags for the musicians to perform. She also used to be part of the road shows and parades that we used to do prior to the shows.
So, that means she has been involved in entertainment industry long before she met Tuface Idibia.
Yes, she was eight years old when she came into the entertainment business with me. Whatever I was doing at that time in entertainment, she was involved. My house was a sort of music palace. Top musicians were always around. They came visiting regularly and some of them came to find out how they could be slotted into my shows. I still remember when Charly Boy and his mother used to come around. I still remember his first album. They came around one day with N400 that I should use it to make and promote his music. Well, it was big money then, but it was not much money for what was to be done. But I did it.
But since Pero had that background, you couldn’t have been surprised when she got involved with Tuface Idibia?
I am a simple man by nature. I believe that you should do whatever makes you happy. Personal relationships are not my business. My position is that I send my children to school, when you are through, whatever you want to do, I stay behind you to support you. But if I do not find what you are doing as reasonable, I tell you my position on the matter. When she brought Tuface into this house, I saw a young boy, an upcoming artiste, one album man; I realised that if I say no to the relationship, they would still continue. So, how do I say no? But I knew that a Nigerian musician will always remain a Nigerian musician. No single woman can satisfy a Nigerian musician. The more he begins to enjoy popularity, the more women he will garner to himself.
So what do you do presently?
Right now, I am involved with the government. I have veered into security with the police; at a time I got involved with foreign partners, brought in APC (Combat) vehicles for Nigeria Police. I also bring in patrol vehicles for the police. We are trying to change the face of Nigerian Police, to give them good vehicles. We hope the new administration will continue in the task to change the face of the Nigerian Police and general security. I do have hope that General Buhari will do that. It takes the head to determine what will happen.
Seems like you have also tilted more to religion these days?
Yes, I am a Christian. I go to church and I hold a Christian fellowship in my house. I have time for that.
Has your style change?
I love hats. I love looking good. I am a modern man when it comes to style. The event I am attending determines what I wear. I love casual dressing too.
Tell us about one or two best moments in your life?
(Paused to think) Let me tell you something, God loves me. He made me to be happy all the time. I have not been in any situation to be sad. I have had cause to celebrate and celebrate. My children have been great joy to me. They make me happy.
Do you still dance?
(Laughs whole-heartedly) I dance very well. I love to dance. Oh, I love music.
What attracted you to your wife?
I married the woman I love. Everything about my wife is simple and loving to me. We met when she was 22. I was 32. We met in Nigeria before she travelled to Moscow in Russia to study Pharmacy. I left for England to do an advance course in printing. We met again in England and we got married on February 21st 1970 and May of that same year, we returned to Nigeria. I was already established in Nigeria before I went to England.