Yoruba actress, Biodun Okeowo, recently got more than she bargained for when she had her dress torn during an encounter with a film hawker over a pirated copy of Kunle Afolayan’s ‘October 1’.

Biodun Okeowo

Narrating her experience on Instagram, the actress said she ensured she confiscated a copy of the pirated flick and had her dress torn in the process.

In her words, “I saw a pirated copy of Oct 1st today and I rolled down to get one….having it in my hold, I asked the guy where he got it from and he said Alaba, I asked where in Alaba, from who? He said “you wan buy or not” and I told him that he is a thief, that I will get him arrested. Before I could say jack, he held my cloth and struggled to get the film back. I quickly threw it at the back seat and my driver rolled up.

“We pulled over after I realized he tore my dress when he struggled with me but on seeing me alight from the car, he scampered. I strongly believe we need to do something fast to help our industry. The Government we supported should support us in fighting piracy,” she narrated.

Kunle Afolayan lamented how his flick October 1 was pirated.

The post Pirate tears Biodun Okeowo’s dress appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

Osas Ighodaro

Nollywood star Osas Igodaro got a deal in Urban Movie Channel Film,  Where Children Play. She will be starring alongside Grammy Award Winner, Macy Gray, Teyonah Parris, Brian White, Leon and Edwina Findley.

The film is directed by BAFTA/LA Honoree Leila Djansi, who directed RLJ Entertainment bestseller.

The movie tells the story of Bellissima, ‘Bell’ Mccain, who is estranged from her family for 10 years. She returns to Compton for her mother’s funeral and then is forced to stay and care for her sick father. The house becomes flooded not only with vivid memories of the abuse doled out by the very man whom Bell must nurse, but also her teenage sister, Ruby, who died in the house waiting for Bell’s return.

The post Osas Ighodaro features in movie alongside Grammy Award Winner, Macy Gray appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

Aramide Oikelome –  SNR CORRESPONDENT, Lagos

In this time and age when many marriages are hitting the rock and crashing like a pack of cards, regardless of creed, age, race, culture and experience, having a couple stick to each other for as long as fifty years is, no doubt an uncommon and implausible feat.

Officiating Ministers, Bishop Mike Okonkwo and Rev. Molly Iloh-Hudson administering the Holy Communion to the couple.

This amazing feat is what the Octogenarian Rev. Dr. Moses Iloh and his amiable Septuagenarian wife, Edith celebrated last Sunday when they renewed their marriage vows in the presence their children, grand-children, friends, family and church members at a warm and well attended service and reception, which held at their church, Soul- Winning Chapel, situated at No 279 Borno Way, Ebute-Metta, Yaba, Lagos.

Indeed, the ambience of the church auditorium bore witness to the fact of a new dawn for the couple; even as the groom, Daddy Iloh, as he is fondly called, assured all that the outing was not to celebrate his wedding anniversary but to marry his wife afresh.

His words, “I am not here to celebrate our 50th wedding anniversary. I am marrying my wife again. She is God’s special gift, for which I shall forever be grateful.”

Exuding unparalleled joy and rapture, the firstborn of the family, who also happens to be an American-based cleric, flew in from the United States to join the couple. In her address as the officiating minister, Rev. Molly Iloh-Hudson testified that her parents have left a rare legacy for her and her siblings, which has continued to mark them out for excellence wherever they go.

Said she, “Daddy and Mummy have been worthy example to us. We are so blessed because the love they share is not common; it is not seen in everyday life.”

“They taught us that marriage is not honeymoon; it is not a go and come back trip. It is a life-time journey of love and it is only with continued care that such love is protected”, she added.

While leading her parents to take their marriage vows, Molly noted, “We are here to celebrate a renewal of marriage vows. We celebrate this significant event in their lives. In marriage, we give ourselves freely and genuinely into the hands of the one we love. My parents have been an example for us. These are hearts that communicate truth and sincerity. They are bonded with simple, pure love, which will never fade. So, we celebrate this renewal of love with utmost respect and gratitude.”

Also speaking at the occasion, the world-acclaimed Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Dr. Mike Okonkwo, who also happens to be the younger brother to the bride, Mummy Edith Iloh, confessed that he could not hold back his tears when he saw his 85 year old brother-in-law, Rev. Iloh march into the hall with his groomsmen, (his sons and sons-in-law) to celebrate half a century of blissful marriage.

“Is it not a wonder that at 85 and with 50 years of married-life, this man is still so strong and amazing? We live in a world of waywardness and rebellion; it is a selfish world where people do not care about family.

“I can recall when these children were growing up and the challenges we had raising them. So, when you see children that can look back and celebrate their parents while they are still alive, it is a great thing; a most desired blessing for which we should give thanks to God.”

In his sermon, Okonkwo read from Psalm 34 verse 1 and spoke on the subject of Praise in the Valley. According to him, “50 years is not an easy feat, going by the fact that life often hands you a tornado and if you don’t handle it well, you will fade away.” He noted that “Life is not an expressway but a journey filled with mountains and valleys.”

The cleric added: “Today, marriages are breaking up because people are not willing to pay the price to keep it. Selfishness is uppermost on the minds of many; hence they are not able to succeed”.

He therefore admonished all to embrace and respect the sanctity of marriage because it is God’s institution and is meant to beautify our lives.

“Marriage is a process; it is about continuous learning and sacrifice. Marriage is God’s idea and He alone has the authority to tell us how to run it. Until we learn to conquer our failures, we cannot get to the mountain top”, he noted.

“Marriage can be laced with mountains and valleys but that is not the final stop. According to Psalm 76 vs. 1 – 3, it is only in the valley that God is really known. The devil has a tradition of showing us the valley and how deep it is but we must know that all the things we see are temporal; whatever the challenges are, they are temporal and will pass away if we do not give up; only spiritual things are eternal”, he added.

On hand to felicitate with the couple was a long time close friend of the family, an elder statesman and well respected erstwhile presidential candidate of the defunct Nigerian Advance Party, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite, who also attested to the uncommon love and sincerity shared by the Ilohs.  Recounting the mercies of God on his own 59 year old matrimony, he upholds that the presence of God cannot be wished away by any couple that desires peace, progress and lasting happiness. While supervising the cutting of the cake, he admonished the younger generation of married couples to give Jesus his rightful place in their homes, even as they uphold the values of trust, love and forgiveness as necessary ingredients to continually spice their union.

Speaking on behalf of the children, Izuchukwu Iloh admits that his father is such an amazing and gracious man.

“Daddy is the most amazing father you can ever have. He was rich as a successful business man and spent his earnings to give his wife and children the best of life. Our parents sent us to the best schools; they also sent us to different parts of the world on vacation. So, when daddy came up and said he had received a call to full time ministry, it was with mixed feelings that we received it because what it meant was that we would no longer have the privilege of enjoying the goodies of life. Looking back today, we have every cause to thank God that daddy answered the call”, said Iloh Jnr.

In his ‘thank you’ response, the celebrant, Daddy Moses Iloh said, “I count myself one of the most blessed men on earth because God has given me the best of all things. He gave me the most amazing wife ever; he gave me incredibly lovely children and grand children. In addition, he ordered the steps of my children such that they have not given us sons and daughters-in-law but sons and daughters from another mother and father. So, we all are one big, happy family. He has also surrounded us with great friends, partners, burden bearers and church members that continually bring us joy. For all these, I cannot but continue to praise God. I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”

Asked how and where they intend to spend their honeymoon after this history wedding, Rev. Iloh said although vacation is a tradition for them, they cannot travel now because they need to give their daughter, Molly some time and attention since she left her job, family and all in the United States to celebrate her parents at this auspicious time. He, however assured that very soon, he would take his wife out again for a time of fellowship and prayer.

The post After 50 years of marriage, couple ties nuptial knots afresh appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

For those who are mature for marriage, their choice of life partner should be guided by the economic, beauty and religious status and family background of the person whose hands they are seeking in marriage.

This was the position of speakers at a recent marriage seminar organized by Alfathu-l-Qareeb Muslim Organisation of Nigeria at its headquarters on Km 19, Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Ikeja, Lagos.

In his presentation at the seminar, the National Chief Missioner of the organization, Dr. Tijani Kehinde Fadlu-R-Rahman advised Muslims going into marriage to be alert to some characteristics in the mate they want to select.

According to him, marriage being a life affair requires those going into it to be conscious of the economic well-being, physical appearance, religion and health of the person to whom they are proposing marriage.

His words: “It should be mentioned that wealth implies the economic potency of the spouse, the mobility of the family is the second, while the third is the beauty of the spouse, religion (piety) the fourth is more emphasized by the prophet.”

While advising intending couples not to play down on the health condition of their partner, particularly as it relates to their Genotype, Cancer and HIV status, he appealed to parents not to impose a choice on them.

Corroborating this, Alhaja Fatima Banire Abdussalaam who spoke on ‘causes of marriage crisis that couples take for granted’, said they could arise from general and individual factors.

She cautioned that for Muslim couples to have happy home, they must be patient, fair-minded, forbearing, persevering, self-controlled, self-disciplined and mutually respectful.

Speaking on the importance of the seminar, which was the 11th of its kind, the National Dawah Officer of the organization, Alhaji Musa Murtadho Akorede said it was to take the message of Islam to all and sundry through a scheme of programmes that are aimed at evolving personalities that are morally balanced, spiritually upright and socially sound.

According to him, the seminars were introduced in order to comply with the injunctions of Allah in the Holy Quran and Hadith of the Prophet Muhammed, revealing that 22 out of 58 couples match-made at previous seminar are now parents.

The post Qareeb recommends financial well-being, beauty, faith for choice of spouse appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Aramide Oikelome –  Senior Correspondent, Lagos

They both share belief in the prophet-hood of Muhammad, reverence for historical prophets, belief in the oneness of God (tawhid); they accept the Qur’an as their holy text, face the Kaaba during prayer, accept the authority of Hadiths (reported sayings of and stories about Muhammad) and practice the Sunnah. These are the Ahmadis (Ahmadiyya faithful) on one hand and other Islamic sects, otherwise referred to as orthodox or mainstream Muslims, on the other hand.

To non-Muslims, both groups are Muslims and are of the same brotherhood in Islam. But it may surprise many that the animosity existing between the two is worse than that existing between Muslims and Christians, or faithful of other religions.

On accounts of certain doctrinal differences, the orthodox Muslims do not regard the Ahmadis as Muslims or equal brethren in the faith. Their hatred for Ahmadis is across the globe and it sometimes gets so bad in some Islamic countries that the Ahmadis are persucuted, attacked and hounded into exile.

Unlike most Muslims, Ahmadis believe that their sect’s founder, a 19th century Indian named Mizra Ghulam Ahmad, was a prophet. This and other theological disputes have brought charges of heresy against Ahmadis, particularly in Pakistan, where the sect has endured more than 50 years of discrimination and violence. Ahmadis are banned from calling themselves Muslims or referring to their religious establishments as ‘mosques.’ In May 2010, the Hamadiyya community suffered its worst attack when 86 people were gunned down in an hour-long siege of two mosques in Lahore. In the aftermath of last year’s flood, some displaced Ahmadis were denied aid.

Ahmadiyya is an Islamic religious movement founded in India near the end of the 19th century, originating with the life and teachings of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835–1908), who claimed to have fulfilled the prophecies about the world reformer of the end times, who was to herald the Eschaton as predicted in the traditions of various world religions and bring about the final triumph of Islam as regards Islamic prophecy.

He claimed that he was the Mujaddid (divine reformer) of the 14th Islamic century, the promised Messiah and Mahdi awaited by Muslims.

According to the National leader of the Ahmadiyyah Muslim Jama’at of Nigeria, Dr. Moshood Adenrele Fashola, the adherents of the Ahmadiyya movement are referred to as Ahmadis or Ahmadi Muslims. Ahmadi emphasis lay in the belief that Islam is the final law for humanity as revealed to Muhammad. In addition, it upholds the necessity of restoring to it its true essencze and pristine form, which had been lost through the centuries. Thus, Ahmadis view themselves as leading the revival and peaceful propagation of Islam. The Ahmadis were among the earliest Muslim communities to arrive in Britain and other Western countries.

But soon after the death of the first successor of Ghulam Ahmad, the movement split into two groups over the nature of Ghulam Ahmad’s prophethood and his succession. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community believed that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad had indeed been a “non-law-bearing” prophet and that mainstream Muslims who categorically rejected his message were guilty of disbelief in Islamic prophecies.

The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement, however, affirmed the traditional Islamic interpretation that there could be no prophet after Muhammad and viewed itself as a reform movement within the broader Ummah. The question of succession was also an issue in the split of the Ahmadiyya movement. The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement believed that an Anjuman (body of selected people) should be in charge of the community. The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, however, maintained that Caliphs (successors of Ghulam Ahmad) should continue to take charge of the community and should be left with the overall authority.

Views of mainstream Muslims Orthodox Muslims, however, consider both Ahmadi movements to be heretical and non-Muslim for a number of reasons, chief among them being the question of finality of prophethood, since they believe members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community do not regard the Islamic prophet Muhammad as the last prophet.

•To be continued 

The Lahore Ahmadiyya Movement does not subscribe to this belief; its members, in fact, do not see Ghulam Ahmad as a prophet in the conventional sense. Ahmadis claim that this is a result of misinterpreting Mirza Ghulam Ahmad’s statements referring to his coming “in the spirit of Muhammed”, (similar to John the Baptist coming in the spirit and power of Elijah). Ahmadi Muslims believe Ghulam Ahmad to be the Mahdi and promised Messiah.

The Ahmadiyya faith claims to represent the latter-day revival of the religion of Islam. Today, the Ahmadiyya community has a presence in 195 countries , and in every country but Pakistan, they are legally identified as Muslims.

Central to the Ahmadiyya is the belief in Mirza Ghulam Ahmad as the Promised Messiah and Mahdi. Ahmadis emphasise the implementation of the Kalima (the fundamental creed of Islam) as essentially linked with the Islamic principles of the rights of God (Haqooq-Allah) and the rights of His creation (Haqooqul-Ibād).

Ahmadis believe that Mirza Ghulam Ahmad was divinely commissioned as a true reflection of Muhammad’s prophethood to establish the unity of God, remind mankind of their duties towards God and God’s creation, to emphasize both aspects of religion which Ahmadis believe is the need of the present age. As such Ahmadis hold that Ghulam Ahmad was the representative and spiritual regenerate of all previous prophets.

From the Ahmadiyya perspective, the Christians have erred with regards to the rights of God in that they have attributed divine status to a mortal human, and it is on this account that in Islamic eschatology the promised reformer has been named the Mahdi: the “Guided One”—a title meaning one who is naturally guided and is an heir to all truths and in whom the attribute of “guide” of the Almighty is fully represented.

Ahmadis also hold that the Muslims have erred with regard to the rights of creation for they, unjustly raising the sword and calling it Jihad, have misunderstood the concept and purpose of Jihad in Islam; it is on this account that he has been called the Isa Messiah (“Jesus the Messiah”)—a term which relates to his function in re-establishing the rights of people by reforming their distorted, violent notion of “Jihad” just as Jesus Christ came principally to reform the hearts and attitudes of the Jewish nation.

Ahmadis have been subject to various forms of persecution since the movement’s inception in 1889. The Ahmadiyya faith emerged from the Sunni tradition of Islam and its adherents believe in all the five pillars and articles of faith required of Muslims. The Ahmadis are active translators of the Qur’an and proselytes for the faith; in fact, converts to Islam in many parts of the world first discover Islam through the Ahmadis. However, in many Islamic countries the Ahmadis have been defined as heretics and non-Muslim and subjected to persecution and often systematic oppression.

Although in India Ahmadis are considered to be Muslims by the government, according to a court verdict (Shihabuddin Koya vs. Ahammed Koya, A.I.R. 1971 Ker 206), the Islamic University of India and Darul Uloom Deoband have declared Ahmadis to be non-Muslims. Ahmadis are not allowed to sit on the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, a body of religious leaders that India’s government recognizes as representative of Indian Muslims.

This is in spite of the fact that there is no legislation that declares Ahmadis non-Muslims or limits their activities and that the country has a significant Ahmadiyya population, most of whom live in Rajasthan, Orissa, Haryana, Bihar, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and a few in Punjab in the area of Qadian.

In Bangladesh, fundamentalist Islamic groups have demanded that Ahmadiyyas be “officially” declared to be kafirs (infidels). Ahmadiyyas have become a persecuted group, targeted via protests and acts of violence. According to Amnesty International, followers have been subject to “house arrest”, and several have been killed. In late 2003, several large violent marches, led by Moulana Moahmud Hossain Mumtazi, were directed to occupy an Ahmadiyya mosque. In 2004, all Ahmadiyya publications were banned.

Here in Nigeria, the relationship between the two may not be violent or harsh but it is not also as cordial as it should be; even though both profess the same faith. In fact, just as in other nations cited above, Ahmadis and other Muslims in Nigeria do not worship together.

To be continued

The post Why Ahmadiyya, orthodox Muslims differ (1) appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

One of the biggest singing show in Africa, Trace Music Star ended recently with Tanzania-born Mayunga Andrew Nalimi emerging as the winner, carting away the grand prize which includes a recording contract with Universal Music and also a trip to the US to be mentored by American music celebrity, Akon.

The grand finale which took place in Kenya also had Nigeria’s Jite Peters emerged second and Congo B’s Baz in third position. At the viewing party in Nigeria which took place on the 18th of April at Vapors in Lagos, Nigeria’s winner and 1st runner up, Airtel Trace Music Star, Jitey Peters shared her experience and expressed her joy on how the competition has changed her life.

She said “I actually auditioned for Airtel Trace Music star because of a friend who believed in me. I entered the competition to get an iPhone 6, but I ended up being the winner in Nigeria and the competing at the finale. Airtel has helped create a star and I will forever be grateful to them”.

Trace Music Star, Managing Director,Trace, Sam Onyemelukwe, who was also at the viewing party said, the competition had over 2.3 million entries in Africa and 100,000 entries in Nigeria. 13 country winners competed in the grand finale at Kenya and were judged by Akon who doubled as the president of the jury, Devyne Stephens and French Caribbean singer, Lynnsha.

The post Trace Music Star finale viewing party appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

By Anthonia Soyingbe - Lagos

Buhari with Hausa actors

Except otherwise, what played out during the tenure of President Goodluck Jonathan with the motion picture industry is about to repeat itself. Last week, the Hausa speaking actors of the Nigerian Film industry known as Kannywood paid the President-elect, Muhhamadu Buhari a courtesy visit. The President-elect who thanked them for their contributions to his presidential campaign promised to make life better for them. The delegation which was led by the president of Arewa Film Marketers Association (AFMA) Isma’ila Na’abba also has the likes of Ali Nuhu, Dauda Kahutu Rarara, Nagudu,Yahanasu Sani, Rabiu Daushe Falalu Dorayi, Hadizan Saima, , Jamila, among others in the delegation.

Now that the Hausa film industry have visited Mr. President-elect, we are waiting when the Yoruba actors will also pay solidarity visit to the Vice-president elect, Prof. Yemi Osibanjo, though it will not come as a surprise but it will further divide the industry just as the Ibinabo led AGN are ‘licking their  wounds for their ‘perceived misadventure.’

The post Now that Kannywood has visited Buhari appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

Chidinma (standing), with colleagues

For Pretty actress, Chidinma Okolie, there wouldn’t have been a better birthday gift than the ‘shock’ she received at Tuface Idibia’s Rumours Club Festac last weekend.

The fair complexion thespian was busy having a ball with her colleagues and sisters when all of a sudden her South African based boo showed up after promising that he would send his brother as he would not make it due to the Xenophobia crisis in Mandela’s country. It was a wonderful ‘shock’ as she couldn’t hold back tears of appreciation for her guy who braced all odds just to be with her. The epoch event had a wonderful array of entertainers such as Khing Bassey,Odera Nwosu, African China, Chioma Okolie, Bob Anosike, Obinna, Maffai, Zube Michael, Amanda Ebeye, Abigail Nebechi, Lillian Okolie, among many others.

The post Surprise birthday ‘gift’ for Chidinma Okolie appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

Top Nollywood actress, activist, and Times 100 superwoman, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde will be heading soon to South Africa to join the ONE Campaign and lead other celebrities in a new campaign to promote Women Empowerment.

Omotola Jalade Ekeinde

The campaign is tagged; ‘Poverty is Sexist’, meaning that women and girls are most seriously affected by poverty. And in order to eradicate extreme poverty, there is a serious need to promote women empowerment. ‘Poverty is Sexist’ was conceived to support the ‘Africa Union Year of Women Empowerment’.

The campaign was launched on Thursday 16 April by the ONE Campaign in Abuja, Nigeria, at a policy forum that was attended by representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS), Equity Advocates and Save the Children Nigeria among others.

From 27th April,  Omotola will be in South Africa to participate in a music thriller, accompanying a campaign song that will be performed by top African female singers including Omawumi (Nigeria), Judith Sephuma (South Africa) and Victoria Kimani (Kenya). The song will be co-produced by Cobhams Asuquo and Masterkraft.

The song will be used to promote the campaign across the world, and will be officially launched in Nigeria, Mozambique, and South Africa, during the World Economic Forum for Africa and the African Union Summit.

The campaign has a petition which calls on African leaders to fast-track the fight against poverty, by investing more in women and girls, and ensuring that resources put to the service of women and girls are transparently and accountably used.

The post Omotola collaborates with ONE Campaign to promote Women’s Empowerment appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

How did you come about your stage name MOG?

I was born on December 31st.  And according to my mother, a pastor came the following day which was on a New Year day, other babies born were girls the pastor jokingly said I am a Man of God because I was the only boy. I got the nickname Man of God (MOG) as a baby and till date, I am still an MOG.

At what point did you discover your talent?

To the glory of God, my talent is inborn but it started manifesting during my Secondary school days. People usually come around to hear me talk. Later I anchored my friends’ birthday and from then on, I began to anchor events. Comedy for me is a calling and I became a professional comedian seven years ago.

Are you one of those who choose to do comedy professionally because of the high rate of unemployment in the country?

No, as I told you earlier, comedy is a calling for me and I am into this because I find joy and satisfaction in comedy.  I am sure God will not forgive me if I don’t do comedy. I am very happy and satisfied doing this.

Aside comedy what other venture are you into?

I am a Man of God.

You mean you pastor a church?

Yes I do; I am into an outreach. I am the president of MOG laughing outreach. I preach the word of God and give hope to the hopeless. Aside that, they laugh.

Have you ever had to apologize to individuals privately for cracking joke about him or her?

I have done that countless time. So many people feel insulted with jokes. There is a man in my neighborhood who for many months refused to respond to my greetings, but I was persistent and few days back the man started responding to my greetings. I am from Edo State and it is not too easy for me to swallow my pride but I did so for many reasons.

Let’s talk about your growing up days, how and where did you grow up?

I was born in Edo State and I have lived there for many years before I relocated to Lagos seven years ago. Growing up for me was fun.

Don’t you think it would have been more profitable if you had stayed back in Edo State?

I have lived all my life in Edo and it is not out of place that I choose to relocate to Lagos where it is really happening. I started in Edo and here I am building my fan base in Lagos. I am not there yet but relocating to Lagos has been a blessing to my career. I also relocated because I wanted to start a new life away from my parents

Can you share with us some of your memorable experience?

I grew up with my strict parents and my wonderful siblings. Growing up for me was fun and memorable.

Can you share with us your experience the first time you mounted the stage as a professional?

A disc jockey, invited me for a show and though I had stage fright then, but you won’t believe it if anyone had told you that was my first time on stage. I won’t forget the first time. I was paid N30, 000 to anchor a wedding reception, I couldn’t sleep that night. I will always cherish the day I mounted the stage in which there were about 5000 people, I still cherish that beautiful day. I have won awards and more are still coming. I attribute all these to God’s benevolence.

What were some of your experiences when you relocated to Lagos and how were you able to create a niche for yourself?

I will still write a book on my experience when I came to Lagos, it wasn’t easy at all. While coming to Lagos, I had the intention of staying with a relative but few weeks after I relocated, she relocated to Benin without notifying me.  Since I was a novice, I had to fend for myself legitimately so I took to the street and started hawking bread, commercial buses automatically became my home as I have no money to rent an apartment.

How did you get your breakthrough in the profession?

I was invited to anchor an event in Abuja and that was my turning point in comedy. I am not where I want to be but I am better than I was.

How soon will you marry?

At the appointed time I will.

What is responsible for the delay at least you have the financial wherewithal to marry?

I am still looking for the right woman.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see myself at the top as a world famous comedian. That is why I need the right woman who will enjoy my money with me when the time comes.

The post So many people feel insulted with jokes appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

Stories by Aramide Oikelome

Lagos

A cross section of Muslim groups in Nigeria have admonished the President-elect, Muhammadu Buhari to fulfill all his electoral promises to Nigerians in line with Islamic principles.

In their respective congratulatory messages, the Muslim groups also prayed for the newly elected President for a successful tenure that would usher in the much-promised change to Nigerians.

The groups were Nigerian Supreme Council For Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Jamatul Nasirul Islam (JNI), Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria (MUSWEN), Federation of Muslim Women Association in Nigeria (FOMWAN) and Muslim Community of Oyo State (MUSCOYS)

Others were Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN), Obafemi Awolowo University Muslim Graduates Association (UNIFEMGA), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and Muslim Consultative Forum (MCF).

In its message, NSCIA, the apex Islamic body in Nigeria through its Secretary-General, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, said Nigerians should pray for the president-elect to enable him heal the wounds of the country.

“Your Excellency, as you savour the joy of a well-deserved victory and the whole world celebrates you and the values that have defined your unique personality, let us remind you of what a former vice-chancellor once said when he was being congratulated on his appointment.

“The person said that no one would congratulate a Surgeon who wants to perform an operation. He would only be congratulated after a successful surgery. Hence, rather than congratulations, well wishers should pray for him to perform the operation well.

“Similarly, please be reminded of the Qur’an Chapter 28 Verse 76: “Exult not; verily God loveth not the exultant.”

“As you are set to commence this onerous task before you, we urge you to be careful of those who hail you and reflect on the criticism of your critics. Know that every failure is a test and every success, a trial.”

“You have passed the test of past failures and it is the wish of the Almighty Allah to try you with success. For every action, there is a reaction; for every opportunity, there is a responsibility and for every appointment, there is accountability before men and Allah’’, NSCIA said.

In the same vein, the religious body commended President Goodluck Jonathan for displaying unprecedented leadership at the national level by not only conceding defeat in the presidential poll, but also congratulating the winner.

The post Fulfil your electoral promises to Nigerians, Muslim groups advise Buhari appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

After many years in Nollywood, veteran actors Ejike Asiegbu and Nobert Young will climb the stage again for Alex Enyengho’s historic play, Olu Akengbuwa. The play is being staged to mark 28th anniversary of the coronation of the Olu of Warri, His Majesty, Ogiame Atuwatse II, on Friday, May 1, in Warri Delta State.

Ejike Asiegbu

Excited Nobert Young, who is playing the role of Chief Olumo, the father of Nana spoke about his involvement in the production.

“Every stage play for me is always a good experience. And this happens to be the culture of where I come from. It’s a historical play with emphases on the vacancy of the stool of the Olu of Warri for a period of 88 years. It’s a very interesting story for me because I like to know the culture, story and history of my people.”

“It is a historical play bringing us to date on what happened or what led to the interregnum in Warri Kingdom. There are a little bit of ambition and greed in the play, but the main focus is that emptiness of the throne for 88 years.”

For Ejike Asiegbu who is playing Olu Akengbuwa, he’s returning to his first love-stage after several years of being off the stage. “I always love what I do on stage because acting they say is real and it’s also life. So, I am glad after so many years, I am coming back to stage to perform. It reminds me back in the days when I was in the university where we had cause to stage command performances.”

The play, which will be staged at Federal Government College, Warri is about the intriguing incidents that created a lacuna in the historical trajectory of the Warri Monarchical system, when for 88 years the Kingdom had no King. Historians link two of such incidents as immediate cause of the 88 years interregnum in Warri Kingdom: A curse placed on the Kingdom by a certain herbalist from Ife, Oyo empire, and a pronouncement by Olu Akengbuwa against his son, Prince Omateye.

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Many actors and other entertainers try to expand their coast by setting up businesses which they will use their name and stardom to drive patronage to. Empress Njamah has a boutique, Rugged man has a clothing line, while Genevieve Nnaji has a clothing franchise with Jumia online store.

Yoruba movie star, Odunlade Adekola on Monday of this week, celebrated the official launch of D3 Executive Concept, a unisex beauty salon and boutique in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The business is one of the outfits the actor has all over Abeokuta where he is based.

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Having been in limbo for some years, many had thought that Kelly Handsome had given up on music.

A lot of people even assumed that his beauty salon and spa in Port-Harcourt was his new focus.

However, this assumption has turned out to be false, as Kelly Handsome has returned. He made his return recently when he put pen to paper and signed under Efe Omorogbe’s Now Music.

Having signed, the artiste has gone a step further, as he teamed up with Abuja-based rapper Sa-Young in a new joint titled Ignition. Ignition is produced by Rowlins.

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By Yinka Shokunbi

Many people sure love banana and its one fruit that is available almost all year round except that it can be more available at certain times of the year.

Banana-pancakes

Bananas are thought to have originated in Malaysia around 4,000 years ago. From there, they spread throughout the Philippines and India, where in 327 B.C. Alexander the Great’s army recorded them being grown.

Bananas were said to have been introduced to Africa by Arabian traders and discovered there in 1482 A.D. by Portuguese explorers who took them to the Americas, the place where the majority of bananas are now produced. Nevertheless, bananas grow in most tropical and subtropical regions.

Bananas can be eaten straight as a fruit and can equally be used as ingredient in making delicious meals and snacks. Whichever way, the benefits of banana remains intact when it is consumed.

Some of the meals that can be made using the banana include banana pancake, banana bread, banana smoothies, cookies and many others.

Banana Pancake:

Ingredients

1 cup of all-purpose flour

Whole wheat flour
1/4 teaspoon of salt
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
2 tablespoons white or brown sugar
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
2-3 fingers of ripe bananas, chopped or ground (as desired)
Method:

In a large bowl, mix the flour, whole wheat flour, salt, baking powder and sugar.

Gently pour and stir in buttermilk and bananas until moistened.
Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat.
Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake.
Brown on both sides and serve hot.
Benefits of Bananas:

Bananas are a good source of vitamins and minerals, as well as fiber. They are also a good source of potassium, an essential mineral for maintaining normal blood pressure and heart function.

The effectiveness of potassium-rich foods such as bananas in lowering blood pressure has been demonstrated by a number of studies.

For example, researchers tracked over 40,000 American male health professionals over four years to determine the effects of diet on blood pressure. Men, who ate diets higher in potassium-rich foods, as well as foods high in magnesium and cereal fiber, had a substantially reduced risk of stroke.

A second type of cardiovascular benefit from bananas involves their sterol content. While bananas are a very low-fat food (less than 4% of their calories come from fat), one type of fat that they do contain in small amounts are sterols like sitosterol, campesterol, and stigmasterol. As these sterols look structurally similar to cholesterol, they can block the absorption of dietary cholesterol. By blocking absorption, they help keep blood cholesterol levels in check.

A third type of cardiovascular benefit from bananas involves their fiber content. At about 3 grams per medium banana, we rank bananas as a good source of fiber. Approximately one-third of the fiber in bananas is water-soluble fiber. For one medium-sized banana, this amount translates into 1 gram of soluble fiber per banana. Soluble fiber in food is a type of fiber especially associated with decreased risk of heart disease, making regular intake of bananas a potentially helpful approach to lowering your heart disease risk.

Bananas are overall a fascinating fruit in terms of their carbohydrate and sugar content.

( with additional information from Wh Foods.com)

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New talent, Zayo has revealed he has what it takes to be the next big thing in the entertainment industry.

Zayo

Zayo who has worked with many artistes including Oritsefemi announced his entrance into the music scene with his cover for the musical Taliban in the song, Mercies.

With singles like Colored, Basia and Ewomo  and more recently, Anything, the artiste might just be getting set for the big stage.

Speaking on his chances in the very challenging music industry, Zeyo said, “working with the likes of MasterKraft, Djklem and Licious Crackit has given me confidence that I have what it takes to be the next big thing on the entertainment scene.”
Zeyo’s latest effort titled, Anything is a low tempo afro-pop song featuring Jumbo of Africa.

The post I have what it takes to be big – Zayo appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

 Yemi Alade is one of the fast-rising singers in Nigeria. In this interview with, Lukmon Akintola, she talks about her music career and her love life.

Yemi Alade

How would you describe your personality?
I am a person who loves music. I do Afro-pop and RnB, as my genre of music. I am also a graduate of Geography from the University of Lagos.

The titled of your debut album King of Queens is puzzling, why this tag?
For a long time, I have been calling myself King Yemi Alade for reasons beyond having blue blood.

 Tell us about these reasons?

It is a clarion call to all female artistes to know that they have to step out of where they are and compete as a guy would. That’s where the inspiration for the title came from.

The title King of Queens is rather insinuative and a lot of people would say you are implying that you are the best female artistes in Nigeria, do you agree?

 I have said this before and I want to put it on record again. The title of my debut album has nothing to do with segregation. When I refer to ‘Queens,’ I’m not just talking to female artistes alone; there are also guys who need to step up their game.

 It is difficult to classify your debut album into a particular genre of music, do you agree?

Perhaps because of the artistes who collaborated in the album? However, my genre of music remains Afro pop and RnB. King of Queens showcases different genres from Afro to Highlife, to Reggae to a bit of Dancehall. There is a fusion of everything. It also has artistes like Phyno, Selebobo, Chidnima, R2Bees and Diamond.

 Everybody seems to be preaching against nudity in videos these days, what is your take?

We all have our opinion when it comes to nudity. Our cultural dances have to do with hip swinging and the body too and some people might say it signify some things. Personally, I think people just want to have something to say.

What have you learnt from being a female artiste in Nigeria?

I have realized that all good things take time to come to reality. The secret of my success is patience and hard work.

 The industry has a crop of fast-rising female artistes doing well. What are your chances of excelling in the long run?

For me, there is no competition. The only competition I have is myself.

 Speaking personally, how submissive are you as a person?

I can be very submissive depending on the situation. A Queen still has to be submissive to a King.

You have been performing in top shows in recent times, how does this make you feel?

I love entertainment. It is what I do for a living and I am pleased when I can deliver and it is appreciated.

 You were once quoted saying that your late father was the only one caring for you, who is doing that now?

I don’t think any other man is doing that.

 When you lost your dad you refused to talk about it, why was this?

It was an issue that centered on my privacy. I wanted to be left alone during the period.

 What message would you say you sent out via the song Johnny?

It is about moving on from the position you find yourself if you think it is not positive. You have to just keep moving forward. If you don’t move forward, you will be stagnant.

 Let’s talk about your unique dress sense, where did it come from?
Basically, these words explain my style. My style is always edgy and African.

So far so good, are you contented?

I am not far from where I want to be, but I am grateful to God.

 Have you had a reason to regret doing music?

I don’t have any regret.

The post Patience, secret of my success -Yemi Alade appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

Politics might not be one of the places where Abolore Akande is popular, however entertainment definitely is.

Having lost in his bid to represent Ogbomosho North/South/Orire at the House of Representatives 9ice went underground returning when he was allegedly named Special Assistant to the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajumobi.

9ice has since gone to work following his ‘appointment’, as he was one of the brains behind the ‘Thank You’ concert thrown by the Oyo State Governor to celebrate his supporters in the state.

An elated 9ice was all smiles, as he performed on stage during the show leaving a lot of people thinking maybe he would have just remained in the profession that made  him famous.

The Alapomeji Record artiste lost the All Progressive Congress (APC) primaries to Prince Akeem Oyewunmi.

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Meeting Ifeoma Fafunwa, an architect by profession but film and theatre director by passion, for the first time, your first impression will be ‘who is that white woman in ankara?’

Ifeoma Fafunwa

But when you run into her at different events, you will understand that she is a passionate African woman who has a special love in her heart for African fabrics.

First, her name will convince you and then her conservative elegant style will attract you to her personality.

She admitted ankara dominates every part of her wardrobe. “I have more of Ankara in my wardrobe than jeans and t-shirts. I am now known as the Ankara woman. I have Ankara in everything, from evening wear to pajamas”. We are yet to see who will beat this record of having Ankara pajamas.

Speaking further with, Saturday style, she said “I used to be an architect. I love fashion and all forms of art. I am very much a supporter of all forms of art. I love designers like Ituen Bassey. She makes lovely necklaces and clothes. She is a phenomenal designer. She is also our costume designer in Hear Word theatre show.”

On why she loves Ankara so much, this was what she said.

“I like Ankara for several reasons. I like it because it has been associated with Nigeria. The origin of Ankara may not come from Nigeria but the patterning and choices come from our history. I like that it is cool. Ankara pieces are unique and different. It’s not uncomfortable like lace. For me, it’s a bit like wearing a linen. You easily choose a pattern, design or colour that fits your mood.”

Fafunwa is naturally beautiful and does not go for heavy make up. Most of the time, she goes out without make up, something many women at her age rarely do. She is always the peaceful, cheerful kind of woman but very strict when it comes to business. She is one of the few women with top status that is fun to be with.

The post Ifeoma Fafunwa: In love with African fabric  appeared first on Daily Independent, Nigerian Newspaper.

There is a verbal war between Tiwa Savage’s husband, Tunji Balogun, also known as Teebillz and Ghanaian actress, Joselyn Dumas. Asides being Tiwa’s husband, Teebillz also is a music promoter and a record label owner.

Teebillz and Dumas

The ruckus started when Teebilliz refered to actress Joselyn Dumas and her management team, ‘Restless Talent’, as “lacking basic understanding of branding.”

Joselyn’s camp quickly responded to Teebillz’ statement as hilarious, hinting that Teebiliz had wanted to use Joselyn’s image to promote a ‘useless and silly’ song. The TV star’s management said TeeBillz was unknown to them before now and they were shocked with his post. A representative of Restless Management, Inya Lawal, said, “Last week, we noticed that photos of Joselyn were altered and being used to promote a song by TeeBillz.

“Those photos were used without permission, we didn’t know about it, so we contacted him, wrote him officially to take it down. He had no intentions of taking the photos down until we contacted him. So we said to him, write us properly to ask for permission to use those photos and then send us the song so we know what the song says because he said his artiste was inspired by Joselyn.

“So we were waiting to hear a song of inspiration, but when he sent the song, the lyrics of the song were basically about Joselyn’s body and how he’ll give her money and she’ll give him her body, so we said to him that we can’t associate our brand with those kinds of useless and silly lyrics. So we said to him, we are sorry, we can’t do that and he apologised.

It’s also our style to announce any new deal we sign one month after the deal. We signed Joselyn one month ago and we just announced it this week, it’s the same thing we’ve done for others like OC Ukeje, Nse Ikpe Etim and others, so I really don’t understand what he’s talking about when he said he’ll teach us about branding. We never even knew who he was until this whole thing happened,” Lawal said.

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