In a video posted on his Instagram page, the actor said he has chosen to change his own approach. “I have decided to take my destiny in my own hands as it pertains to my platform on YouTube,” Kanayo declared.

“Movie making is not about having a fine face, it’s about being a good actor, a good performer. So, with or without a fine face, that’s what I’ve decided to do. If you don’t like it, well, that’s quite unfortunate.”

“There was an incident many years ago when we were trying to bring up this Nollywood business, about 25 years ago. Some sponsors woke up and started branding actors: ‘this one is not a good one, this one does not sell films.’ They killed the careers of those guys,” he said.

The actor explained that YouTube producers are now creating a similar problem by giving roles only to a small circle of actors.

“Such a thing is beginning to rear its ugly head again. The acclaimed YouTube faces are beginning to bring up the same thing, killing talents in the industry,” he lamented.

He added that this “monopoly of faces” makes it hard to sustain creativity and encourage new performers.

“Some of these guys will tell you they are not free from September 2025 till August 2026. How then do we sustain the content you watch? How do we create magic? How do we encourage new actors to come into the business?” Kanayo asked.

The Nollywood veteran stressed that he wants to be chosen for jobs because of his ability, not popularity. “I don’t want any producer to call me for a job because I’m a selling face on any platform. Call me because I can deliver,” he said.

Although frustrated by the trend, the actor remains hopeful. “I don’t know why when things come to Nigeria, there’s always a somersault, and this somersault is happening now on YouTube. But I want to employ my life’s philosophy to say: This too shall pass,” he concluded.

Source: vanguardngr

In a post shared on Instagram, the actress recounted how she was advised by certain figures in the movie industry to “drop Jesus and Mary” if she truly wanted to succeed in Nollywood.

According to her, she was told to conform to unspoken industry practices in exchange for fame and breakthrough roles.

But instead of compromising, Ekene said she chose to hold even tighter to her Christian faith.

She credits her unwavering faith in Jesus for her rise in the industry and expressed joy that today, even within the same Nollywood, more people now boldly profess their Christian beliefs.

She described her journey as one that proves faith doesn’t have to be sacrificed for fame.

Her post has since stirred heartfelt reactions online, especially among fans who appreciate her openness about the spiritual battles behind the screen and the importance of staying true to one’s convictions.

]]> https://www.adomonline.com/nollywood-in-mourning-as-veteran-actress-passes-away/ Sun, 23 Mar 2025 15:38:42 +0000 https://www.adomonline.com/?p=2517904 The Nigerian film industry is mourning the loss of veteran actress Nkechi Nweje, who passed away on Friday after a brief illness.

Her death was confirmed on Saturday by film producer Stanley Ajemba, popularly known as Stanley Ontop.

Ajemba, in an emotional tribute on Instagram, described her passing as shocking and heartbreaking.

He recalled their last conversation and expressed his deep sorrow over the loss.

Nweje was widely known for her exceptional performances in motherly roles in Nollywood films. She starred in several notable productions, including Royal War, Festival of Sorrow, and Coming Back from Congo.

Just a week before her passing, she had premiered her latest film, The Debt, on YouTube.

She is survived by her husband, Dr. Azuibuike Nweje, and their six children.

Her death marks a significant loss for Nollywood, leaving colleagues and fans devastated.

Her contribution to the industry and her legacy as a mentor and talented actress will be deeply cherished.

Popular movie producer, Stanley Ontop broke the tragic news on his Instagram page.

The Edo-born actress reportedly met her demise after spending days in a coma following childbirth. Captioning his post, he wrote: “Nollywood Actor and Producer Sharon Okpamen has unfortunately passed on. 💔😭💔😭💔 It’s a sad day for Nollywood & the Edo entertainment industry. Sharon, who was a filmmaker, actress, entrepreneur& humanitarian, has left a significant void in the industry. May her soul rest in perfect peace, Amen @sharonokpamen It can only get better 😭💔 Shalom!!!”

Check out some reactions below

splash_beautie_world said: “Those of us that has been to labor room twice n came back don’t even know what God has done for us”

aku_big_fish stated: “May her soul rest in peace.. Uwa nke sef.. what killed sharon biko 😢”

amarachi__ said: “Wetin be this na ehnnnn…… person wey just born 😭😭…. This is sad may her soul rest in peace 😢”

princeselena noted: “She was in coma after child birth and didn’t make it out alive… It’s well”

akpajosephine said: “Chai…so sad fresh Young beautiful lady like this …Rip”

SEE POST:

Source: gistreel.com

According to McBrown, her decision stems from the lack of support Nigerian audiences show towards Ghanaian creatives.

She cited a recent incident at the current Big Brother Naija season, where a party playlist featured Sarkodie’s song, but it was quickly replaced within a minute, illustrating her point about the limited interest in Ghanaian talent.

This experience and past experiences, she explained blew up her stance on not acting in Nigerian film projects.

“I don’t usually watch Big Brother Naija. My relatives at home compelled me to subscribe to DSTV and I don’t usually watch television but there is a particular show I wanted them to tune in for Maxy but I realized they had tune in to Big Brother.

“And I asked what they are doing and they said the housemates were having a weekend party so while watching the show, I heard the DJ play a tune by Sarkodie and immediately I heard it, I mean in less than a minute, the DJ quickly switched the song, and that is why I didn’t shoot any Nigerian movie,” she stated.

Watch video below

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Onua TV (@onuatv)

According to McBrown, her choice stems from the lack of support she perceives Nigerian audiences show towards Ghanaian creatives, which has influenced her approach to collaborations within the Nigerian entertainment industry.

McBrown pointed to a recent incident during the current season of Big Brother Naija as a reflection of the limited interest Nigerians have in Ghanaian talent.

She recounted that during a party on the reality show, the DJ briefly played a song by Ghanaian rapper Sarkodie. However, to her dismay, the song was swiftly replaced in less than a minute, which, to her, highlighted the indifference toward Ghanaian artistry.

Sharing her experience on Onua TV, McBrown explained that this moment, along with similar experiences, reinforced her decision not to participate in Nigerian film projects.

“I don’t usually watch Big Brother Naija, but my relatives at home convinced me to subscribe to DSTV. I don’t often watch television, but there was a particular show I wanted them to tune in for. However, I realized they were watching Big Brother. While watching, I heard the DJ play a tune by Sarkodie, and immediately, in less than a minute, the song was switched. That’s why I haven’t shot any Nigerian movies,” she explained during her weekend broadcast.

McBrown emphasized that her decision is not out of animosity but rather a response to the ongoing lack of reciprocal support.

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He is set to make his debut as an executive producer for Black Mic Mac’s upcoming film, ‘3 Cold Dishes.’

According to the Daily Post, Burna Boy will be executive producing the movie through Spaceship Films, a company he co-founded with his mother, Bose Ogulu.

The movie will be co-produced by Black Mic Mac, Ifind, Alma Prods, Asurf Films, and Martian Network.

Directed by Asurf Oluseyi and written by Tomi Adesina, ‘3 Cold Dishes’ is a story set across Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire.

Directed by Asurf Oluseyi and written by Tomi Adesina, the movie, ‘3 Cold Dishes’ is set across Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and Côte d’Ivoire.

In an interview with Variety, Asurf Oluseyi said “This film is a testament to the strength and resilience of its characters, and it took us blood and sweat to get it to this stage.”

The film features a star-studded cast including Osas Ighodaro, Femi Jacobs, Wale Ojo, Ruby Akubueze, and Brutus Richards, as well as some Ivorian and Senegalese actors.

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The devastating news was shared on Wednesday, April 10, by filmmaker Samuel Olatunji.

According to Olatunji, Junior Pope and three other actors lost their lives in a boating accident when their boat capsized in the Anam River while en route to a filming location.

Expressing his grief on Instagram, Olatunji wrote, “Four actors, including Jnr Pope, fell into Anam River on their way to a location, and their bodies have been recovered. What a sad day for Nollywood. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”

The identities of the other three actors involved in the accident have not been confirmed at the time of reporting.

Junior Pope, survived by his wife and three children, had posted a video on his Instagram page earlier on Wednesday, showing him on a boat without a life jacket.

In the video, he pleaded with the boat captain to proceed slowly, expressing concern for his safety and the responsibility of caring for his children.

In the caption of the video, he wrote, “See me lamenting… The risk we take to entertain you; crossing river 9ja yesterday with no life jacket… Na wahoooooo… Who does that ??”

Junior Pope was known for his roles in various Nollywood films such as “Secret Adventures,” “Eye of the Eagle,” “Bitter Generation,” “Wrong Initiation,” and “Honey Money,” among others.

His untimely demise has left a void in the Nigerian film industry, and he will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike.

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This was disclosed by a social commentator, Morris Monye, via his X handle, on Sunday.

Muonagor was said to have suffered kidney failure and was on dialysis.

The sudden news of his demise comes just few days after a viral video where he solicited  funds to help him have a Kidney transplant.

Deeply heartbroken by the news of Amaechi Muonagor's passing.

He was a talented Nollywood actor whose presence on our screens was truly masterful.

We watched with concern as he battled health issues, offering whatever support we could to help him seek treatment in India.… pic.twitter.com/hozOavRPxX

— Mo-Mo (@Morris_Monye) March 24, 2024

Monye wrote, “Deeply heartbroken by the news of Amaechi Muonagor’s passing.

“He was a talented Nollywood actor whose presence on our screens was truly masterful.

“We watched with concern as he battled health issues, offering whatever support we could to help him seek treatment in India.

“This tragic loss highlights the need for better healthcare in our country.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Muonagor, a native of Idemili, in Anambra, was born Aug. 20, 1962.

He was an actor and producer. In 2016, he was nominated for AMVCA 2017 Best Actor in a comedy.

In 1989, after his youth service, Muonagor started working for the News Agency of Nigeria. He left his job a few years later for an acting role in his first movie as Akunatakasi in Taboo 1, a Nigerian movie. 

He said even some actresses who play minor roles in movies are richer than many actors who have starred in lead roles.

“I spoke about the influx of daughters of Jezebel that came into the industry, still coming into the industry. When you see some of them, you will know that they can’t even pass an audition. They will struggle with minor roles here and there and the next thing you will hear is that she just acquired a multi-million mansion and a 2025 Range Rover.

“You will hear she just got N40 million mansion for her mum and she got a N150 million mansion for herself. Then as a male actor you began to ask yourself, ‘What’s happening? Are they paying them extra after settling us?’ But you know that for the female folk, their streams of income are many,” he said.

The prolific thespian spoke in the latest episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast.

“For instance, whenever some of my politician friends call me, I know they are watching African Magic. They will be like, ‘Charles, I’m watching one movie right now. There’s this particular girl can I have…’ That’s the multiple streams of income for them [actresses].

“Even the actresses know that regardless of whatever the filmmaker is paying them, a huge amount is going to come later from people who patronise them after watching the movie. So, by the time a Senator calls here and a House of Representatives member calls there, One big business executive calls there and they put it together… Before you know, one of them would buy a multi-million-naira duplex in Lekki.”

He, however, urged his male colleagues not to be worried by the affluence displayed by some actresses who acquired their wealth by hooking up with rich men.

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This comes after the actress was announced as the deputy governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Rivers State.

Speaking with BBC News Pidgin in a new interview, Tonto Dikeh said she will not return to acting even if her party loses the governorship election in Rivers State.

The mother of one explained that “I don’t like movies like that again and it’s been a long time since I acted on screen, you know. I’ve acted in about two films in 10 years, I appreciate that my path started in Nollywood, it is something that I respect.”

“But it’s (acting) not something that has been in my life (in recent times). So even after the election, it’s not something I’ll return to, but I’ll love to contribute to the industry when I get into power,” Tonto said.

She went ahead to commend her colleagues, Funke Akindele and Banky W for their courage and participation in politics.

“It is not easy for Funke and Banky W at their level to put themselves out there to effect change because criticisms and so many things are involved. I believe in Funke, I believe in Banky. With them, I can hold onto something and say I believe that they have a vision for the people,” she said.

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The actor was arrested in June by the Akwa Ibom State police command for alleged rape.

The four charges were read to Mr Armstrong in a State High Court in Uyo for the first time since he was first arrested on June 13, defence counsel, Emmanuel Pantaleon, told Premium Times, on Wednesday.

Mr Armstrong, a former aide to Governor Udom Emmanuel, reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Mr Pantaleon drew the court’s attention to his bail application filed on behalf of his client on July 25 and sought the leave of the court to proceed to entertain it.

The prosecution, I.U. Robert, an assistant state counsel, while opposing the bail application, cited relevant judicial authorities and urged the court to dismiss the application, which he described as an “abuse of court process.”

The Judge after hearing submissions from both counsels upheld the defence counsel application and granted bail to Mr Armstrong in the sum of ₦5 million.

A Magistrate Court Judge, Moreen Udoka had last month struck out the case for lack of jurisdiction after she was briefed by the prosecution that the case has been entered at a High Court in the state.

Mr Armstrong is being prosecuted for allegedly raping a minor – a teenage girl he adopted and has been leaving with his (Mr Armstrong’s) family.

The movie actor was first arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Uyo on June 17 but the case was struck out after the Magistrate, Samuel Ukoima, ruled that the matter was not properly filed.

The Magistrate had advised the prosecution to rearrest the suspect, take him to cell and re-arraigned him properly.

Mr Armstrong was suspended by the Actors Guild of Nigeria following the rape allegation.

The Akwa Ibom State-born actor, who started his career 23 years ago, lost his wife, Rita, in 2018.

The mother-of-two was returning to her husband’s residence in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State from Lagos when the bus she was travelling in had an accident at the Ugbogui axis of Benin Ore Lagos Expressway.

Rita, a Nollywood actress, died from spinal injuries sustained during the accident.

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The 56-year-old screen diva who recently announced her longing for a husband says it makes no sense that two people would tie the knot without first testing if they are good enough for each other.

“What’s this whole noise about no sex before marriage? How can someone, how can anyone, say that someone should not indulge in sexual activity with someone who has already proposed?”

Arguing her sex-before-marriage case out in an Instagram video which has since found its way onto Tik Tok, Eucharia said proponents of the no-sex-before-marriage position could possibly be people whose libido is ‘dead’ and as such have no sex drive who want to impose their uninspiring lifestyle on the rest of society.

“I mean, I don’t understand. The proponents of this whole wicked agenda of no sex before marriage must be completely out of their minds. Yes, If they are not out of their minds, how can they recommend such a wicked thing?”

Interestingly, Eucharia who is also an evangelist puts in a sidebar, three Bible quotes (2 Timothy 2: 22, 1 Thessalonians 5: 22, James 4: 7) that enjoin high morals, and say “Sex Before Marriage (premarital sex) makes it thoroughly difficult for you to extricate yourself from the Web and Stranglehold of an incompatible partner.”

Watch full video below

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Apostle Dr Eucharia Anunobi (@euchariaanunobi)

The actors were reported missing after their family members confirmed they didn’t return home from the movie set on Thursday, July 28.

In a new development, the President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria AGN, Emeka Rollas, said the abductors of the actors have contacted their families and are demanding the lump sum in dollars.

Mr Rollas said the guild is working with the security agents while still hoping for God’s intervention to rescue the actors unhurt.

He also disclosed that the kidnappers have cleared out the account of actress Cynthia Okereke after the abduction.

Monalisa Chinda, AGN’s Director of Communications, broke the news in a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday.

Ms Chinda, in the statement, stated that the actors were reported missing after their family members confirmed they didn’t come back from a film location at Ozalla Town, Enugu state.

“The two members were suspected of having been kidnapped, which has increased fear amongst members about the safety of actors filming in the country.

“Because of this sad development, the National President of the Guild, Ejezie Emeka Rollas, has instructed all Actors to avoid going to the outskirt of cities to film except full security cover is provided to ensure their safety,” the statement read.

Mr Rollas also expressed shock while urging the security agencies to speed up investigations that would lead to their safe rescue.

He equally appealed to all members to pray for the safe return of the actors.

Meanwhile, the Police Command in Enugu State has launched an investigation to unravel and locate the missing Nollywood actress, Cynthia Okereke.

Enugu Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Enugu.

This was after the Director of Communications, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Mrs Monalisa Chinda-Coker, said the families of actress Okereke and actor Clemson Cornel confirmed that they had not returned home since leaving a film location at Ozalla community.

DSP Ndukwe said that “the current report at our disposal dwells on a case of an abandoned and recovered vehicle, as well as a missing person.”

He said the vehicle was abandoned and recovered at Four-Corners on Enugu-Port-Harcourt Expressway, precisely within Ozalla community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State axis of the road.

“Hence, the location was visited and the vehicle recovered. Coincidentally, at about 11:30 am, on the same date, a report was further received stating that the vehicle belongs to Cynthia Okereke a Nollywood Actress, who was last seen on July 26,” he said.

History

Nollywood acts have been victims of kidnapping in Nigeria in the past.

In June 2021, a Nollywood actor, Pressing Forward, was kidnapped in Imo State. He was later released from captivity, after which his fans rallied around him in jubilation.

In 2009 veteran actor, Pete Edochie, was kidnapped and released after paying a ransom. Nkem Owoh was abducted and released after paying a ₦1.4 million ransom.

The actor, popularly known as ‘Osuofia’, was kidnapped as he travelled along Enugu – Port Harcourt expressway.

In June, actor Uche Odoputa appealed for assistance following his father, Kenneth Odoputa’s kidnapping.

He revealed in an Instagram post that his father had been held captive for weeks.

Sharing her Testimony again after 10 years, Kate Henshaw narrated how she managed to escape the ill-fated flight that fateful day.

She wrote: Today marks 10 years since the ill fated Dana Air Flight took off from Abuja to Lagos..3rd June, 2012. Flight 0992. No one survived…I was to be on that flight. I arrived at the airport in Abuja late.. Anyone who knows me, knows I am never late, for anything…

MERCY said no that day..

For His goodness and mercy shall follow me, all the days of my life..

Not that I am worthy but He kept me from the claws of death that day..

It is important to tell of God’s goodness, it will help someone out there. It will remind you of how You are the apple of His eye and it will keep you grateful..

Keep you grounded..

May the souls of all the departed continue to rest in peace ? ?. Amen

Have a blessed weekend my lovelies.

On May 13, the veteran was contesting to be a member of the House of Assembly Aniocha South Constituency under PDP, Delta State.

In a new update, it was revealed that Rita Daniels had failed to gather votes as she only had one vote from the delegates.

Reacting to it, Nigerians took to social media to make fun of her

king_fisayomi : And na Moon vote that one Abi step daughter moon.

originaldemmy : But she get pass one pikin oooo. Chai.

.kemilicious_kemi : So her children no vote.

ego_kiddies : She will try again later.

annie_dweamz : Chai

patricia_nwanne : She try sef make she go rest abeg.

This isn’t the first time Rita Daniels would be mocked online.

Kemi Filani news recalls Rita Daniels had been disgraced on social media for exposing her body in a photo she shared on her Instagram page.

According to a troll identified as @official_collins_ Rita Daniels gave her daughter out to an old man so that she can be getting enough money in return.

In his words:

“That’s why you seed your little daughter into the life of 70 plus old man so that you will be eating fruits, some of your mates are living happily with their husbands, you’re here wearing bomshort on IG, sugar mummy.”

However, the actress ignored the comment the social media user passed and went about doing her thing as if nothing had happened.

Kalu and Ijeoma got married in November 2015 and had their church wedding in June 2016. 

They have two kids, a son between them and Ijeoma’s daughter who he had adopted.

The marriage has now crashed as the actor recently told an Ikeja High Court how his estranged wife, Ijeoma, allegedly deserted their matrimonial home and prevented him from gaining access to their two children.

The actor also seeks full custody of his three-year-old son and 10-year-old stepdaughter.

Under cross-examination by the respondent’s counsel, S.I. Amedu, Ikeagwu said his wife packed out of his matrimonial home and sent him a mail that she was going to her father’s house in Enugu.

“She told me she was at her father’s place in Enugu and four days later, I saw her at the airport in Lagos, heading to God knows where. In the mail she sent, she said she was In Enugu.”

Ikeagwu also denied that he sent his wife and kids out of the house and failed to provide for their upkeep.

The actor further told the court that his wife denied him sex and poured water on him while he was asleep.

“After the birth of our son, she has refused to have sex with me. I was not aware she lost the pregnancy due to an infection as I did not give her any infection. Till date, I have not seen any report attached to a document that she lost a baby through STD. Though I did not ask her why she lost the baby,” he said.

Ikeagwu said he stopped sending money to the children for upkeep and maintenance because his wife denied him being the father to his stepdaughter.

He added that this was after she accused him of attempting to sleep with the child, and she failed to acknowledge the money he sent to her.

On why he was seeking custody of his stepdaughter who he had earlier sought for revocation of guardianship, the actor said he had information that his wife wanted to relocate the children.

Justice Christopher Balogun had earlier ordered the children to play with their father in court and ordered the respondent to present the receipts of the children’s tuition fees in court.

The judge explained that it would be difficult to give him custody of their daughter while the mother is alive.

“The Supreme Court ruled that it is not the wealth of a father that the children of that age need, they need the care and attention of their biological mother.

“The only reason the girl child should not be in the custody of the mother is if the mother is mentally derailed or the issue of infidelity is involved.

“Assuming the girl starts her monthly period, you as a father do not know what to do. You will be scared of the blood. A female girl is delicate. Your own case is worse because an accusation has been levelled against you,” he said.

The judge adjourned the case until June 23 for a continuation of the hearing.

Richards passed away on Thursday May 12, 2022 after battling acute diabetes and high blood pressure.

The once vibrant actor, who was a force to reckon with in the 1990s and early 2000s, had been ill for years, and a ‘go fund me’ was set up for donations for his treatment.

Richards’ first appearance as an actor was to represent Nigeria at the Second World Black and African Festival of African Culture (FESTAC) in 1977.

He also featured in blockbuster movies like ‘Sango’, ‘Mirror in the Sun’, ‘Betrayal by Love’, ‘Fighting Machine’ and a host of others.

His death comes a week after veteran Nollywood actor, Sir David Osagie passed on.

The seasoned thespian in a media interview with Inkblot, narrated her journey into Nollywood.

Nse said: “After school I didn’t think I was going to be an actor. It wasn’t the first thing on my mind. I did it in a bid to run away from getting married early.“I ran away from home with a backpack. It was the second time ever I had got on a bus.

“So I got on a bus and instead of going to Satellite Town, where we lived at the time, I went the other way towards Badagry, because I wanted to run away. “Then, in some village along that road, I saw cameras. So I jumped down and that was the first time I met Kate Henshaw. “That was 1996, when I graduated.

That’s how I met Julius Agwu, Francis Agwu — all of them were on that set. “The movie was called ‘Scars of Womanhood’ I think. But for me, it was not so much about the work.

It was that I wasn’t home.“I got down from the bus and I told them I read Theatre Arts. They said oh okay, she (Kate Henshaw) needs a friend. I met her (Kate) and we formed a bond that has lasted till tomorrow.

“Meanwhile, my mother was looking for me. I got back home after about two weeks and my mother started washing me: ‘You are going to disgrace me!’ I said ‘Ah, I don’t want to marry’.“I didn’t tell her about the movie set. I just told her that it looks like I’m going to be an actress and she said ‘Over my dead body’.”

Jim Iyke, in an interview with one Chude Jideonwo, revealed that he’s had a failed marriage that no one knows.

He also mentioned that he has three children and has sometime in his life cried because he failed woefully in every business.

He said: “I’ve had a failed marriage nobody knows, I have three beautiful kids. I hate to be figured out, once you figure me out, I have nothing else to offer.

“So, that’s the potency in it; I refuse to be figured out or tamed. For a long time, every business I involved myself failed woefully.”

Watch the full interview in the video below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Chude Jideonwo (@chudeity)

Shortly after she shared the wonder wheel, rumour became rife on social media that the SUV was gifted to her by a popular married oil businessman. 

Well, she has done a video denying the allegation and also laid curses on those spreading the rumour.

”A lot has been going on. A lot has been flying on the internet ever since I posted my vehicle. I haven’t rested and I do not know why. I had wanted to keep quiet because a clear conscience fears no accusation but things kept coming up as if I have done something wrong. 

“So I am here to clear the air. I don’t know this man you people speak of. I have never met him in my entire life.  

“I swear with my life. I swear with everything I hold sacred. In fact, apart from my life, another person I hold so dear to my heart is my mother. I swear with my mother’s life. If I have ever met this man or him giving me any money or him sponsoring my projects or him even buying me a car, let it not ever be well with me and my generation but if not, this people cooking this whole thing up, the blogs sponsoring it, it shall never be well with you all and your entire generation,” she said in the video.

Captioning the video, the actress wrote:

”I have been an independent hardworking woman all my life, all the haters, bloggers, friends in disguise and evil doers sponsoring false news about me all in the bid to tarnish my image and trend, this is for u all.
My God will continue to punish each and everyone dat has anything to do with since u don’t appreciate good things…greatness will be very far from u all
IJN.”

Watch the video she shared below:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lindaikejiblog (@lindaikejiblogofficial)

According to the curvy actress, she does not like to share her personal stories but she can not hide this particular one because it is a testimony and a big shame to the devil.

Ini Edo used the opportunity to appreciate God for the safe delivery of her sister’s child after years of miscarriages and battle with different ailments.

Sharing a picture of herself and the new born, the 38-year-old wrote:

“Good morning sugar, it’s been a minute. The past weeks has [sic] been one hell of a roller coaster for us and to me personally. I have been through one of the toughest challenges of my life and that brings me to the celebration of this Baby’s life. Am [sic] not one to share personal stories but I believe this is worth telling as a testimony to the glory of God and to shame the devices of the devil.

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Good morning sugar, it’s been a minute.. The past weeks has been one hell of a roller coaster for us and to me personally. I have been through one the toughest challenges of my life and that brings me to the celebration of this Baby’s life . Am not one to share personal stories but I believe this is worth telling as a testimony to the glory of God and to shame the devices of the devil .After years of miscarriages, one ailment to the other, My baby sister @aidyjoemark delivered this amazing gift from God .Ekemini Abasi meaning At God’s own time, a miracle and a beauty to behold . I just want to glorify the name of the Lord for indeed He never fails.. deut 7.13 .

A post shared by Ini Edo (@iniedo) on Oct 29, 2020 at 2:22am PDT

The deal makes FilmOne Entertainment the sole distributors of Disney-owned films in Nigeria, Ghana, and Liberia.

“It is a major career highlight, that we’re able to get the world’s biggest movie studio as a partner,” Moses Babatope, a director at FilmOne, told CNN.

FilmOne Entertainment has been at the forefront of growing Nigeria’s cinema culture and has built cinemas across the country, including IMAX screens.

The firm has also distributed and produced Nigerian box office hits such as “The Wedding Party,” and “New Money.”

“What the deal means is that we are exclusive marketers and distributors of Disney titles in the English-speaking West African countries that have studio licensed cinemas. We will distribute the films to all those cinemas in the territory,” he explained.

The agreement, which commenced this month, covers titles from all Disney studio divisions including Pixar, Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Pictures, and Blue Sky pictures.

“With their in-depth knowledge of the region and expertise in bringing theatrical releases to fans, we are thrilled to welcome FilmOne as our distribution partner for this territory,” Disney Africa’s country manager, Christine Service said in a statement.

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Bigger opportunities

Film analysts in the country say this deal may convince investors and film producers to look further into the African movie industry.

“This deal is huge because it means that Disney is paying attention. Their presence can open doors for movie collaborations,” said Shola Thompson, a Nigeria-based film consultant.

Thompson added that distributing Disney movies is a pathway to getting the best content to cinemas, which can improve the cinema-going culture in the region as well as increase their potential earnings.

As a result of restrictions following the Covid-19 pandemic, many cinemas in West Africa are not operating at full capacity. But FilmOne Entertainment says it is working on improving the cinema experience as a way of encouraging people to show up when all restrictions have been lifted.

“We will let people know that they enjoy films better when they watch with other people. To say that the experience out of home is very different,” Babatope said.

“We will communicate that cinemas are safe in our communications to audiences. We will document what the cinemas are doing regarding incorporating safety procedures,” he added.

Disney’s deal is not the first time a multinational entertainment company is partnering with film companies in West Africa.

In 2019, FilmOne Entertainment signed a deal with Chinese media giant Huahua to co-produce the first major China-Nigeria film.

In the same year, French Media giant, Canal+acquired leading Nollywood film studio, ROK film studios to create more hours of Nigerian content for its French-speaking audience.

Independence key to collaboration

Thompson who is also a film analyst says the growing influence of entertainment companies like Disney on the continent may create room for greater Hollywood influence in Africa, without a corresponding influence of African film content in Hollywood.

“We need to be a bit careful to make sure we don’t lose creative control of our stories. With more multinationals looking into Africa for partnerships, we don’t want to find ourselves stuck with them dictating what we start to produce,” he said.

“At the same time, we can still be glad that they are paying attention as that means growth for our film industry,” he added.

As FilmOne Entertainment prepares to start distributing Disney content, Babatope says the partnership is an opportunity that can lead to future collaborations involving largely African content.

“It’s true that a lot of the content we will be distributing are from other parts of the world but if we are able to demonstrate that we are accountable and transparent, then there will be room to attract future investments involving content from this region.”

From indications, one of Davido’s staff members was celebrating his birthday and the individual seemed to be affiliated to the movie icon.

An excited Davido took to his Instagram channel to share the news that Mr Ibu was presently chilling in his mansion.

One of the pictures captured Mr Ibu joining the celebrant and some other DMW crew members for a quick photo.

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A different slide captured Davido and Mr Ibu side by side.

Check out the post below:

She welcomed a bouncing baby boy with her billionaire husband, Ned Nwoko, moments go.

The actress’ elder brother shared the news on his Instagram page. Congratulatory messages have started pouring in for the actress and her family.

It is indeed a moment of celebration of Nigerian actress and her husband, Ned Nwoko, following the birth of their first child together.

The movie star’s brother recently took to his Instagram page to congratulate his sister and her husband.

“Officially an uncle you know? Congratulations my diamond, it’s a bouncing baby boy. Iyanu ti sele,” the brother wrote.

The actor took to his Instagram account, on Wednesday, to express the joy he felt and also recount how he was subjected to ridicule while waiting to have a child of his own.

Igboegwu stated that he was mocked and even advised to take another wife or get another woman pregnant,

“…time no dey, age is no longer on her side, find a girl and give am belle at least, cos time waits for no one. Some even said, ‘Browny’ you dey try o; for how long will you wait? At least, adopt a baby first as you wait (sic),” he wrote.

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Igboegwu stated that he had to turn deaf ears to some of the “advice” and wait on God.

“The ones with pure intentions expressed their love for us while encouraging us to keep going strong that God will bless us with a child. All these and so many others were the words from people’s mouth, you can imagine how I felt in all these while hearing all these from both people who feel my pain and those who mock me.

“I silently took it to God in prayer and today, my wife and I have reason to say thank you lord.”

“All I have to say is thank you, Lord. I have no prayer points anymore,” he added.

Veteran Yoruba actor, Prince Femi Oyewumi aka Laditi, has been reported dead.

According to a witness, the 51-year-old actor was rushed to hospital on Thursday night after suffering from chronic back pains for months.

He was confirmed dead in the early hours of Friday.

Laditi became prominent in the movie industry after he featured in epic movies like; Aye toto, Koto Orun, Ija eleye and many more.

The incident happened on Sunday at No. 4 Sebil Kazeem Street in the Ikotun area of Lagos State.

Mr Ogunbusola was said to have been beaten to pulp by a mob before the intervention of policemen from the Ikotun Police Station.

The remains of the victim were deposited in a morgue for autopsy.

PUNCH Metro gathered that trouble started when a resident of the house, one Banjo, demanded the payment of the electricity bill from the other occupants.

However, Mr Ogunbusola was alleged to have refused to pay his share of the bill, which led to an argument between him and Banjo.

The suspect was said to have in a fit of anger taken a dagger with which he threatened to stab Banjo.

It was gathered that Oladotun, who was coming into the compound with his brother and friend, saw Mr Ogunbusola, who was searching for Banjo to stab him.

When Mr Ogunbusola could not find his target, he reportedly directed his aggression at Oladotun and stabbed him in the chest.

Oladotun’s sister, Ronke Akindipe, who spoke with PUNCH Metro, alleged that the Investigating Police Officer in charge of the case tried to cover it up by not informing the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the Ikotun Police Station, because the suspect was a known face at the station.

She said: “The landlord does not stay in the house, so the person in charge of the electricity bill in the house went to the tenants on Sunday to tell them to settle the bill, but when he got to Temitayo’s apartment to ask for his share of the bill, an argument ensued between them and Temitayo threatened to break the man’s head.

“Banjo ran out of the compound and brought his brother, who is a soldier, and his colleagues and when they came, he was taken to the Ikotun Police Station to write an undertaken that he would not touch Banjo and others in the compound.

“When Temitayo got home, he started threatening to break Banjo’s head for daring to report him at the police station and when Banjo came back, other neighbours told him to run away and Temitayo started pursuing him in the compound.

“Oladotun and one of our brothers and his friend did not have a clue as to what was going on in the compound and they entered, because it did not cross my brother’s mind that he was going to stab him, because the disagreement was between Banjo and Temitayo.

“When Temitayo could not find Banjo, he stabbed my brother in the chest and my brother started shouting for help. When my other brother bent down to carry Oladotun, Temitayo attempted to stab him in the back, but for the intervention of their friend, who used his hand to block the assailant. My brother was rushed to hospital but he was pronounced dead on arrival.

“After the incident, people went after Temitayo and almost beat him to a pulp, but the police came to rescue him and took him away to the station. The IPO in charge of the case tried to change the narrative at the station by asking my dad if my brother had an underlying disease for him to have died from stabbing.

“We later learnt that the IPO did not inform the DPO about the matter until we saw the DPO and explained everything to him, and when he called the IPO, he started giving excuses on why he did not report the matter. The suspect was not feeling remorseful for what he did when the case was still with the IPO, but when the DPO intervened, he started feeling remorseful.

“We want justice; we don’t want them to release a criminal to start walking freely on the street, because if not for the DPO, the IPO would have released him as he was bringing up excuses for the suspect.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Bala Elkana, who confirmed the arrest of the suspect to our correspondent, stated that the suspect was beaten by a mob and he needed to be fit for trial before he could be charged.

He said: “The report we got was that there was a misunderstanding between two neighbours and one stabbed the other and the suspect narrowly escaped mob action because of the timely intervention of the police.

“He is in our custody. The DPO reported the matter to the command headquarters, but the suspect was battered by the mob and we cannot detain him like that; so, he has to be treated under guard. He cannot stand trial the way he is. As soon as he is fit to stand trial, he will be in court.”

Her death was confirmed by Nollywood movie director, Okechukwu Oku, who expressed disbelief in a post on Instagram.

He revealed they had met not long ago on the set of his projects, adding he is grieved she died just before its release.

“Why is death taking the best people???? I’m confused oooo. Just filmed with Mama here on my 2 last projects, excited to release it and this horrible news today. A woman with a heart of gold, Aah noooo. Will miss you Mrs Dike. Nollywood has lost a gem in you. This is messed up,” he captioned.

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Colleagues were quick to throw in their condolences.

Sharing a photo of both of them together, the seasoned script interpreter prayed for her son as she tagged him as her very own special son.

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She wrote:

“Happy birthday to my very own special son. My first born, Chukwukadibia. Continue to enjoy God’s goodness in your life. We love you today and always ❤”.

Find Patience Ozokwo’s post below:

According to report, the fast rising thespian died on set in Keffi, Nasarawa state.

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Filmmaker, Dimbo Atiya, who shared the sad news on Facebook, wrote:

“Familiar Grounds Media would like to send our deepest condolences to the family of AKALI MATHEW who played the character of DARENG on the TV Series HALITA.

He was one of our much-valued cast, who died on the 24th of March 2020. This extremely sad event took place suddenly while he was filming on another set for an Epic movie in a village near Keffi.

This has come as a rude shock to us all and we pray that the Lord will grant his family the fortitude to bear this great loss. From all of us at Familiar Grounds we say Rest in Power. “ DARENG

Ini Dima-Okojie plays opposite Indian actor Ruslaan Mumtaz in a “love story that cuts across the cultures of two countries”.

News of the upcoming film has delighted and amused fans:

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“Nollywood featuring Bollywood? This is about to be the most dramatic, over-exaggerated movie ever made,” Twitter user Official Gracie said.

“The name alone wants me to watch it. Namaste [means] peace. Wahala [means] trouble/problem. Gotta watch it with some Chicken Biryani and Jollof Rice for the culture(s),” said Jerome Antwin-Lewis.

“A Nollybollywood romance called Namaste Wahala is exactly the type of film this world needs. I cannot wait to see it,” Ronke Lawal tweeted.

OkayAfrica points out that this isn’t the first Nollywood-Bollywood crossover – that distinction belongs to the 2017 film J.U.D.E., it says.

Nigeria and India boast two of the world’s biggest film industries – each year generating an estimated $800m (£620m) and $2.6bn respectively.

In fact, the rejection of Lionheart earlier this month from the Academy’s best international feature film category may well act as a springboard for her future success.

The 40-year-old has starred in more than 80 films over the last two decades and her rise to prominence coincided with the exponential growth of Nollywood, as the Nigerian film industry is called, across Africa.

Yet she suffered a major setback in 2004 when she was blacklisted by a powerful cartel of film studios in Nigeria, along with several other A-list actors.

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Nollywood ban

These film studios, operating out of Nigeria’s commercial hub Lagos and Onitsha in the south-east state of Anambra, largely bankrolled Nollywood in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Nollywood is a multi-billion dollar enterprise – and its films are popular across Africa

They gave funds to producers and told them who to hire, says BBC Igbo reporter Vining Ogu, who used to be a film producer based in the southern city of Asaba.

“At some point, the studios felt these A-list stars were collecting too much money and felt they were being held to ransom,” he said.

“At its height, one actor collected 10m naira [$28,000; £21,000] in the early 2000s in cash, which was a lot of money.”

With no producer brave enough to go against the studios, Nnanji found herself out of a job – so she decided to move into music, releasing an album called One Logologo Line.

Her one and only album, it is best remembered for the track No More, a love song with lyrics that could be seen as metaphor for the rest of her career: “No more crying oh, No more fighting oh, No more tears oh, I got my freedom, power and more.”

Screenwriter and director Ishaya Bako traces her rise to the top and the birth of independent producers in Nigeria to that ban.

“The studios thing happening, there was some bad in it, but a lot of good came out of it,” says Bako, who worked with Nnaji on the Road to Yesterday in 2015 – when she made her debut as a producer.

“It made her realise there could be life behind the camera,” he said.

From there as a producer she had more power over what type of films she appeared in and what roles she played.

‘Nigeria’s Sharon Stone’

She started acting as an eight-year-old, starring in the popular TV soap Ripples.

At the start of her career, she brought beauty and adaptability to her roles, now she brings elegance to the screen, says film critic Oris Aigbokhaevbolo

Her Nollywood career really took off when she was 19 in Most Wanted when she played one of four daredevil female armed robbers masquerading as men.

Film director Adim Williams say he takes some credit for “her rise to fame” when he cast her in his 2002 film Sharon Stone – not a biopic of the US actress – in which she played a flirtatious woman.

“In her rising days she was called Sharon Stone and I wrote and directed the movie, which was a massive hit and became sort of her identity,” he said.

He describes Nnaji as “very intelligent” and said she looked like she “was prepared for stardom” the first time he met her.

He says playing “similar characterisations” helped her in the early days, when she was cast as a “likeable, beautiful, loveable girl”.

Perhaps her upbringing had a hand in shaping some of her on-screen roles.

She grew up in the bustling city of Lagos in a middle-class home – her father an engineer and her mother a teacher.

Actor Richard Mofe Damijo, who has co-starred with her several times, says she is a natural on screen.

“She was and still is one of our queens and she always comes to the party with a winning spirit,” he told the BBC.

In 2011 she was honoured with an award by the Nigerian government for her contributions to the film industry – yet she was not done, wanting to try her hand at directing.

Could Netflix help with standards?

When in 2018 Netflix announced that it was acquiring the rights to Lionheart, her directorial debut, it was seen as a massive boost for Nigeria’s film industry.

Nollywood is a multi-billion dollar enterprise but with short turn-around times, not much attention is paid to technical details and storytelling.

With an average production budget of between $15,000 and $70,000, most films are shot within a month and expected to be profitable.

Kenneth Gyang, an independent producer based in the northern city of Jos, said Nnaji’s deal with Netflix “has opened up the possibility that money can be sourced from other avenues”.

“Netflix has quality control that is very high. Now they [producers] know that if it is a very good film they can sell it as an original and make more money,” he told the BBC.

Film critic Oris Aigbokhaevbolo agrees that the Netflix deal showed other filmmakers that good films could be profitable.

Actor Nkem Owoh is popular for his comedies but kept a straight face when he starred alongside Nnaji in Lionheart

When Lionheart was nominated for the Oscars, Nnaji described it as a “pivotal moment in the history of Nigerian cinema”.

However, films in the best international feature film category must have “a predominantly non-English dialogue track”.

Lionheart, in which Nnaji also stars, is largely in English, with an 11-minute section in Igbo – hence its rejection.

Nnaji hit out at the Academy, tweeting: “We did not choose who colonised us.”

But the rules were clear and the Nigerian selection committee had bungled it.

Yet some feel it may be a watershed moment for more local-language films to be produced.

“Nollywood has proven itself stubborn to change. Perhaps Genevieve and the rest will spearhead it,” says Mr Aigbokhaevbolo.

So it may be that this rejection could open another chapter for the director and Nollywood.

According to the veteran actor, he learnt how to direct, produce and shoot films in Ghana in 1960.

He explained that, ex-President of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, championing the importance of movies in developing a nation, set up the Ghana Film Unit to take over what the British colonial masters had established as the Gold Coast Film Unit in 1957.

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Mr France added that, the Ghana Film Industry Corporation was the only film Industry Corporation in Black Africa, hence was duly recognised in the Sub-region and beyond.

With the skills he attained from Ghana, he travelled to Nigeria which was then looking up to Ghana in the film space.

Explaining further, he said, “I started learning how to film in 1969, it’s been 50 years when we shot Kwaw Ansah’s film. And you come back to this county where Nkrumah established GAMA films in 1960s and we are still where we are. It took only four Osofo Dadzie stories and that is Nollywood today, so I don’t think we are doing too well because we don’t want to spend money on entertainment.”

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“Goodluck Jonathan paid 3 billion Naira for entertainment in Nigeria and now just four Osofo Dadzie’s stories have made over 2 million filmmakers in Nigeria, so I think Ghana should wake up,” he said.

Watch the video above:

Source: Adomonline.com | Dennis K. Adu

She had shared the photo of the building two years ago while it was still under-going construction in Apo Dutse in Abuja and so decided to also share its photo on completion.

READ: Gifty Anti shares inspiring story of how she made it in her career

The 39-year-old Mbaise – born actress was seen in a photo posing with the newly completed estate which she shared on her Instagram Account as shown below;

Genevieve Nnaji is one of the highest paid and most sought after actresses in the Industry. She has many endorsements under her belt as well. She is brand ambassador to brands like Amstel Malta, Etisalat and Polo.

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Veteran actor and former President of the Association of Movie Producers in Nigeria, Paul Obazele, says Homosexual producers have taken over Nollywood. He made the allegation in an interview with Punch.

”I would not lie, we have gay producers and lesbians in the Nigerian entertainment industry and they are the people in control. Why are we hiding it? When I was president of the Association of Movie Producers, I was against them. Why are we pretending that it does not happen? The same way it happens in Nollywood is the same way it happens in the medical field and other fields. The truth be told , it happens across the board. If you mention the names of some producers, I would gladly tell you if they are gay or not ; they cannot do anything to me. If they bring a war to me, I would take it to their doorsteps. I do not give into gossips but I have got to a place in my life when some unsolicited piece of information come to me. They must tell me. I am an elder in this industry and that is why I said if you mention names, I would tell you if the person is gay or not. It does not elude us; it happens within our rank and file. But like I always say, sex is not the ultimate step to attaining success, it is hard work.” he said

His words:
Read Threat to burn churches disrespectful – Stonebwoy to Shatta Wale

“Persistence and true spirit of sportsmanship have kept me on. Aside that, I’m also sweet in bed, I am good and very proud of myself. Try me and you will be amazed. I deliver very well. I can drive women crazy. People keep asking the secret of my good looks, but the fact remains that I don’t take alcohol or sugary drinks. I don’t smoke. I also don’t take carbohydrates. I live on vegetables and smoothies. All these keep me going and looking very healthy,” 

Recently, armed robbers attacked the Lagos residence of comic actor while his wife, children and in-law were sleeping. The robbers reportedly carted away 4 phones, N1m cash and his 12 expensive wristwatches and some other properties on January 4th. Three of the suspected armed robbers have been arrested by the Lagos Police command. Mr. Ibu made this known to the public when he was contacted about the update on the robbery incident, and he added that the Police have already commenced investigation into the matter. He went further to reveal that 2 of the 3 robbery suspects were exposed by the CCTV cameras that were installed in his home. Mr Ibu narrated “ My wife told me that the operation started at about 3am and lasted till about 4:25am on Saturday morning after which they left with all my property and cash,”.

The Multiple award winner and a singer had previously given reasons to her singleness that, she had not met the Mr right and makes her remain unmarried.

“I haven’t found the right man yet, of course, that is why I am still single”, she said.

Genevieve, who is now a happily married woman after many assurances, had her secret wedding in Portugal after several clashes of the family.

The 38-year-old Imo State-born actress took to her Instagram page to announce the secret wedding after several rumors on social media.

She was seen flaunting her wedding ring with the husband, showing lots of smiles in her new stunning picture.

However, the celebrity will in no time be expecting the adorable baby as proposed by several fans on social media.

The Nollywood veteran and mother of one, last year, August 2016 had her planned marital ceremony with her basketball agent beau, Ugochukwu Udezue canceled at the last minute after the level of secrecy of the event caused a disagreement.

Reports have it that Genevieve as already in Milan, Italy with some of her trusted friends for the wedding before it was called off.

Genevieve has received several awards and nominations for her work, including the Best Actress of the year award at the 2001 City People Awards and the Best Actress in a Leading Role award at the 2005 African Movie Academy Awards.

In 2004, she signed a recording contract with EKB Records, a Ghanaian record label, and released her debut album, “One Logologo Line,” a mix of various styles of so-called urban music.

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES, Omotola opens up about her career, marriage and playing a controversial character in Alter Ego.

PT: You went off the scene for three years. Was this deliberate?
Omotola: Yes it was. I knew I was going to embark on a break so I starred in a few movies, which have not been released. I shot Blood on the Lagoon with Teco Benson, and another one in London called Amina, which are yet to be released. I got to that point when I felt like nothing was challenging me anymore and I began to feel like my standard was dropping. I went through that period and I knew I needed to stay away and wait for Nollywood to catch up with some of our ideas.

PT: Do you think starring in Chineze Anyaene’s 2010 movie, Ije, in the United States, sort of placed you on a pedestal?

Omotola: Well, I knew cinema movies were the next step for me. After starring in Ije I knew that the industry was not moving fast enough and I knew the only way out for me was to make that sacrifice and just dropout. So I starred in movies that I thought could hold forth for me while I concentrate on other things like building my business. Coming back was hard for me because I was aiming for that movie that would challenge. I was looking for something as strong as or better than Mortal Inheritance. I knew I had to reset my mindset, I was looking for something that would excite me the same way Mortal Inheritance did. I got a lot of scripts and none of them filled that gap. I could have taken up some of them for the sake of money. But I have gone past that point.

Omotola in a scene of Alter Ego
PT: Your fans can’t stop talking about your sex scenes in Alter Ego. Was your husband comfortable with you playing the role?

Omotola: Some of the sex scenes in Alter Ego were downplayed because I’m married. But I won’t play the sex scenes if it wasn’t necessary to be included in the film. I know by starring in this movie that my fans would either hate me or love me forever. While shooting the film, I knew I was doing something quite risky. There are several ways to shoot a sex scene tastefully. I’m all for playing a sex scene convincingly and my husband knows this. I tell my husband, “You know what darling, you married an actor”; and secondly, he is my biggest fan. I tell him, “Do you want me to be great or do you just want me to be good?” He will say, “I want you to be great, sparklingly great”. Then I’ll say, “Ehen, we go love o” and he’s fine with it. He understands but just like every other human being and the professional that he is, he too wants to be convinced that I played a sex scene because it was necessary. I know when he watches movies sometimes he would say, “Did they have to kiss if they were not going to kiss well?”

PT: You got pretty raunchy with your co-stars in your latest movie, Alter Ego. Are you ready for viewer’s criticisms?

Omotola: When I wasn’t even confident, I starred in a movie called a prostitute, which was released 22 years ago. If I didn’t die then, is it now? I’m ready.

PT: Playing a believable sex scene would mean going extra lengths. Do you think Nigerians will embrace such films?

Omotola: You don’t even have to “chop” somebody’s mouth if you don’t want to. If the scene is not about you showing real mad crazy love then you can’t now be showing mouth to mouth kissing or removing of clothes. In Nigerian movies, we have downplayed chemistry. I hope we can bring that back. Back in the day when I shot Mortal Inheritance in 1995, I had to spend time with my co-star, Fred Amata. He was already a renowned director and in those days, directors were revered. So imagine, my director who had directed me in a movie prior now acting as my lover. I was really afraid but we broke the ice by spending time with each other. So, he demystified himself and we had chemistry and you could tell. So, I’m hoping all of this returns to Nigerian movies. So, as professionals, we need to ask ourselves if it is necessary for a movie to have a sex scene and when it is, it should be done well.

When you ask a lot of adults, you might find out that some people have been abused as children. And if we want to tell ourselves the truth, how many of us were actually able to tell our parents about this?
In Africa, it’s always a taboo to say, “uncle, somebody touched me”. They will practically ask you one million questions. “What did you say to him? How were you sitting? What were you wearing?” As if it’s your fault, you become the victim. Alter Ego sets out to address how sexual abuse affects victims as kids and as adults.
Sometimes, you see people as adults behave in a certain way, but because we have not diagnosed this problem – because in Africa, you are either just crazy and should go to Yaba Left; but we don’t think about the fact that people actually have psychological trauma and that PTSD actually affect Africans. We think it’s an Oyibo disease.

PT: Why were you drawn to Alter Ego?

Omotola: It’s the soul of the movie. It must come quickly in a movie and must also be underlining throughout the film. Some come naturally while some don’t. The movie got me on time because I switch very quickly; so if I read through the first 10 pages of a movie script and I don’t get the story, I get bored. I loved the film from the beginning but it was a diamond in the rough. I knew what was lacking in it. So, I called the director and told him we will have to tear the script apart and rebuild it and he gave me his nod. It takes a big mind to shoot Alter Ego.

PT: You once hinted of plans to build a film village in Badagry in conjunction with your husband. Will it be ready anytime soon?

Omotola: I hope it will be ready next year hopefully. I also began another project on Mobolaji Bank Anthony,Lagos, which is supposed to be annex of the film village first called, Double Doors. So, these are some of the things I was busy putting together when I went off the scene. I have always said that what we need in Nollywood is infrastructure. So, I needed to start building infrastructure.

PT: Do you think the Buhari administration has done enough for Nollywood?

Omotola: I think this government needs to wake up. The sad part is that they go around the world and they brag about Nollywood. That’s why I don’t understand how to brag about something you are not helping enough. They need to understand that Nollywood in itself is a force and it should have its own ministry. We have a problem in Nigeria which is that we are afraid to allow ourselves be great. So, instead of allowing someone who knows his or her onions do the job we put stumbling blocks because of “see finish”. But if a white person comes along, we will support him or her. We need to start supportting ourselves. You will be amazed to know that Nollywood is the second (highest) employer of labour in Nigeria after agriculture. I think if they want to be sincere they will say Nollywood is number one. Why don’t we forget our immediate petty jealousy and begin to invest in this industry?

PT: You have yet to star in a Yoruba film?

Omotola: I starred in one a long time ago titled No Rival and Oyato. I might be shooting one soon. It’s not a fully Yoruba film; it’s a collaboration. I’m currently reading the script.

Sharing photos and videos from the event, she wrote;
“Juicy man’s (Kingy) School father’s day celebration today.. I Showed Up For my Son.. #proudmother #Kingtonto #Amother’slove #Kingy #Champions #I am blessed #I am a woman, I am strong, I am black and I am proud of these” .

Aside suffering low blood flow into the heart, the deceased also reportedly had a lung-related disease.

The death has been confirmed by actor Saidi Balogun.

“Yes, it is true Olumide Bakare is dead. He died on his way to his hospital.”

“When I called his number, his personal assistant picked his phone and told me he was dead.

“That’s how much I can say for now,” Balogun told Tribune.

Dele Odule reveals how fellow actor, Olumide Bakare, died

Popular Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has revealed how his colleague Olumide Bakare died.

In a chat with The Nation, Odule said that he gave up the ghost on his way to the hospital.

“He was declared dead on arrival at UCH Ibadan,” he said, quoting a family source.

On rumours of a failed surgery as it is being peddled online, Odule said “It is not true that he went through surgery again. He did undergo a surgery, but that was a long time ago and it was successful.

“It will be recalled that he was very sick at one time, but he came out of it and he has been in his home,” he added.

Bakare had been ill for over three years, battling heart and lung illnesses.

Nollywood stars, Amata, Saka, others react

Fred Amata, President, Directors’ Guild of Nigeria (DGN), on Saturday said that the death a popular Nollywood actor, Olumide Bakare, would not stop his legacy from living-on in the minds of people, through the theatre.

Amata told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that thespians, even after death, were always remembered because of their contributions to the entertainment industry.

The Ibadan-based actor and former NTA staff, fondly called Chief Koko, on the heels of his role in a TV series, ‘Koko Close’, had been battling ill-health since 2013.

“It is sad that we have lost one of our veteran actors in the entertainment industry but we must give glory to God for He is the giver and taker of life.

“Although Bakare is dead, but he will continue to live on through his works and contributions to Nollywood, in the minds of his fans and friends,’’ he said.

Amata condoled with the family of the deceased and prayed that God would grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.

Emeka Ibeh, President, Actors’ Guild of Nigeria (AGN), said, “I really do not know the deceased in person but from his works and contributions to the development of Nollywood, he would be greatly missed by his fans.

“I pray that God grants his family members the strength to bear the loss, at a time like this,” he said.

Ibeh urged thespians in the country to continue to impact positively in the entertainment industry, saying that their good works would definitely outlive them.

Afeez Oyetoro, a Nigerian comic actor popularly known as ‘Saka’, said that Bakare’s death came as a shock to him, although he was aware that the deceased was very sick.

Saka said that Bakare would be greatly missed in the entertainment industry and prayed for the family to have the strength to bear the loss.

Tope Babayemi, Founder, Different Aesthetics, Arts and Culture Management, National Theatre, Lagos, expressed his condolences to the family of the deceased.

Babayemi said that the entertainment industry had lost “yet another veteran actor who had contributed greatly to the popularity of our local innovation through the theatre’’.