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Wednesday 31 August 2016

Stella Odua's Hubby Fights Dirty Over Son's Death

Bereaved Senator Stella Oduah, who lost her son at the weekend, has more trouble on her plate.
Lt. Colonel Satchie Etoromi, her former husband and father of her son, Maxwell Etoromi has requested for the corpse for burial in Warri, Delta.
Etoromi, who hails from Delta, told newsmen on Wednesday in Warri that he wanted his son to be buried in Warri.
Maxwell died on Aug. 26, 2016 after a brief illness at the age of 28.
“I have sent a delegation to his royal majesty, the Igwe of Akili Ozizor, Ogbaru, in Anambra to express my sadness over the death of my son and how I was treated by Stella.
“I read about the death of my son in the newspaper, I was not informed by Stella that my son that was delivered on 14th March, 1988, in St. Mary`s Hospital, Ugboroke, Warri, is dead.
“So, I have sent a letter calling Stella, my ex-wife, to bring my son, who was under her custody, to me for burial in Warri.
“His Royal Highness Igwe Oduah I, betrothed Stella Oduah to me on 18th November, 1984, in Akili Ozizor.
“We married on the 16th of December, 1984, in His Highness Palace in Akili Ozizor, after the payment of dowry and exchange of gifts.
“We were taken to Nde-Mili where we performed the final rites.
“Till now, Stella has not told me my son in her custody is dead.
“There is rumour that my son will be buried in Akili Ozizor and that is unacceptable.
“My son must be brought to me in Warri for interment,” he said.
Stella Oduah, former aviation minister, represents Anambra North in the senate.

Nigerian Female Graduate Bags 12 Awards To Break Medical School Record


A Nigerian female medical student has shot herself to world reckoning as she beats scores of her course mates to emerge victoriously best at the medical school in Ghana. Newly sworn-in Nigerian graduate doctor has made history at the 23rd Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) School of Medical Sciences and set a new record as the best graduating student, taking home a dozen out of 15 awards available. 
25-year-old Nigerian alumnus of the Wesley Girls High School, Fathia Ayodele Kareem, has set a record at the School of Medical Sciences of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana, breaking its academic record.

She received 12 out of the 15 awards presented during the oath-swearing and induction ceremony for fresh doctors of the institution last Saturday, and her record became the highest in the 41-year establishment of the KNUST Medical School. 
  
Kareem who hopes to specialize in the field of pediatrics/child care, took several turns to receive the awards in the 55-year-old ivory tower, and when asked if she expected to get the number of awards, she said, “Yes and No. Yes because I worked hard by studying and no because I did not expect to receive so many awards.”
  
Of late, many Nigerians have distinguished themselves in many overseas universities, with some of them emerging as valedictorians of their schools.


Monday 29 August 2016

FAAN Apologises To Airports Users, Restored MMIA’s Power Supply

The electricity mishap which disrupted activities at the Murtala Mohammed International Airports, Lagos last weekend has been normalized and aviation operations have been fully restored.

According to an official statement from the General Manager, Corporate Affairs Of FAAN, Yakubu Dati, ‘the Management wishes to inform the general public that power has been fully restored at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos, shortly after a power outage.

A power surge from the PHCN at about 8:56pm on Saturday 27th August, adversely affected the k16 transformer that serves the E-Wing  Air-bridges and rendered them unserviceable. This affected operations of some departing flights, as the heavy rainfall further delayed attempts by engineers to effect repairs immediately.

However, by 10:50am on Sunday 28th August, the engineers successfully corrected all defaults and normalcy was again restored at affected areas.

While assuring airport users of safety and security at our airports, FAAN wishes to apologise to passengers, airlines and the general public for the inconvenience caused by this interruption.


Breaking! Sporadic Gunshots Threaten Kuje Prison

There is commotion at Kuje Prison, Abuja, this morning, Monday August 29TH, 2016 following “indiscriminate gunshots” fired by officials of the Nigerian Prison Service (NPS).
Lawyers of Charles Okah, one of the inmates at the facility, disclosed this in a statement, saying the life of their client is under threat.
“We are solicitors to CHARLES TONBRAH OKAH, in particular, and the entire inmates of Kuje Medium Security Prison in Abuja (whom we shall hereinafter, collectively refer to as “our clients”),” the lawyers said in a statement.
“It is our clients’ brief that Kuje Prison is currently under attack from members of the Nigerian Prisons Service armed squad who are indiscriminately firing gun shots and tear gas into the air.
“This has created pandemonium and violated the fundamental rights of the inmates, particularly, Mr. Charles Okah who has a known medical history which is incompatible with tear gas, gunshots, etc.
“We are, by virtue of this notice to Nigerians and the international community, particularly, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL and GLOBAL WITNESS, making it clear that the Nigerian Prisons Service is already in breach of the fundamental rights of the inmates of Kuje Prison.
“Our clients therefore reserve the right to sue and seek redress for the breach.”
When contacted, Francis Enobore, spokesman of the service, confirmed the development but said he could not give details because he was on his way to the prison.
Daniel Odahro, federal capital territory (FCT) controller of prisons, later described the incident as a “minor riot”.
“There was a minor riot at the Kuje Prison, but the situation has been brought under control,” NAN quoted Odahro as saying.
He said a “disagreement’’ ensued around 10:30am when some inmates resisted the routine search in their cells.
Odahro said the situation was subsequently brought under control by the security operatives on duty and that no inmate escaped from the facility.
He dismissed claims that inmates were shot in the melee, and insisted that the situation had been completely taken care of.
“There was nothing like an attempted jail break, yes we had a minor disagreement between prison officials and some inmates, who refused the routine morning search in their cells,” he said.

“I can categorically tell you that no inmate escaped and the situation has been brought under control.”

Thursday 25 August 2016

Nigeria’s Political Bickering Takes A New Dimension


The petty argument on trivial matters which have become the order of the day in Nigeria’s political landscape seems to have reached its crescendo with perceived supporters of the two strong political parties-APC and PDP keep fanning the embers of controversies. After more than a year of the hot and sizzling political turbulence that saw Africa’s biggest ruling party-PDP losing to the APC, the rivalry seems to be waxing stronger by the day with loyalists of the two parties trading bandy words.

Instead of seeing the war which has been lost and won as a “no Victor no Vanquished” affair to let sleeping dogs lie in order to give peace a chance and support the new administration, the Nigerian youths have doggedly vowed never to cease fire; it has been torrents of negative criticism from both camps thereby threatening the peaceful coexistence of the Nigerian nation.

One of those society rows is the parody of the wave making single of one of Nigeria’s star artistes, Harrisong whose popular song “Raggae Blues” was distorted for political pappy show. The first gauntlet had the body language of the PDP while the latest is a perceived response of the ruling party-APC.

Though, the developing atmosphere may portend a comic relief right now, the end result on the populace smells a doom.

National Enquirer presents to you the different versions of the beautiful work of arts adapted by political jobbers to settle their petty differences.



Revealed! Scientists Discover Why Women Really Cheat

A group of scientists have finally revealed the true reason why women really cheat and the finding is really shocking. Are women wired to cheat? Scientists have claimed that women are programmed to do the dirty on their partner – but it’s all down to their biology. According to a new study, lusty ladies are “genetically programmed to have affairs” because monogamy is unnatural.
Instead scientists think the females have evolved to keep their options open at all times, meaning they constantly test relationships and remain on the lookout for better mates.

Researchers at the University of Texas claim women are predisposed to play away, but it’s so they can have “back up plans” if their current relationships fail. The desire to cheat stems back to our ancient ancestors who would have kept back-up partners on the sidelines incase their current squeeze died.

Senior author of the research, Dr. David Buss, explained: "Affairs serve as a form of mate insurance, keeping a back-up mate should a switch become warranted in the future.

"A regular mate may cheat, defect, die, or decline in mate value.

"Ancestral women lacking a back-up mate would have suffered a lapse in protection and resources."

The professor of evolutionary psychology reckons that women evaluate their lover’s “mate value” and then compare it against other single guys’ ratings.

Dr. David told the Sunday Times: "Lifelong monogamy does not characterise the primary mating patterns of humans.

"Breaking up with one partner and mating with another may more accurately characterise the common, perhaps the primary, mating strategy of humans."

Meanwhile there’s more evidence to suggest that cheating might just be in our DNA.

Some people believe there’s a cheating gene, or set of genes.

A recent study of 181 men and women by researchers at Binghamton University suggested that half of all people have a gene that makes them prone to sleeping around and being unfaithful.

Those with the DRD4 gene "were more likely to have a history of uncommitted s*x, including one-night stands and acts of infidelity" according to lead investigator Justin Garcia.

Source: DailyStar


“My Stewardship, What Life Has Taught Me” –Ogun Commissioner, Adenmosun

He’s one of the very few kitchen cabinet members of the Ogun State’s No. 1 citizen, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and by virtue of his political reliability and unalloyed loyalty, Asiwaju Francis Gbenga Adenmosun, the honourable Commissioner for Community Developments and Cooperatives in Ogun State is an authority of sort. The handsome politician and successful businessman who’s flaunting an intimidating credential is a man of many parts. Humble to a fault, it is not just by a mere coincidence that, the man of style is making an impressive mark in the political terrain, leadership has been running in his blood stream right from his days at the Federal Government College, Ilorin, Kwara State where he was the Head Boy. Having attended the St. Paul Anglican School, Odo Ona, Ibadan between 1969-1975, Asiwaju Adenmosun proceeded to the Federal Government College, Ilorin, an educational platform he believes has boosted his career in life, “If there’s anything my dad has done for me, it is the opportunity to enroll me at the Federal Government College, I’ll forever be grateful to him to allow me mingle with the type of friends I have right now’, he reminisced. The former Chairman of Ewekoro Local Government, House of Assembly aspirant and Ogun State’s Party Secretary finished his first degree at the University of Ilorin and bagged master’s degree at the University of Ado Ekiti before joining the Ogun State Teaching Service Commission. The dynamic politician who’s the APC Chairman in his local government, Ewekoro hosted the Enquirer’s team led by Editor, Tunde Moshood, General Editor, Andrew Anyanwu and Photo Editor, Bisola Badmus to a no-hold barred exclusive interview in his office in Abeokuta. Below are the excerpts of the chats.

Honourable Commissioner sir, what would you say qualified you for this post?
It is just the grace of God, not me. I could have been assigned for any position but basically because i have been involved in politics for a while now and the governor feels I am capable. My Ministry is that, which deals with the grass root, more or less the community people and we associate with the co-operative associations in the state, so it requires someone that can interact and integrate with the people in general.

Then what prepared you for life in terms of education and experience?
Well, I believe it’s an opportunity to serve my people. When I was in school, I have always had the ambition that I will one day make myself available for service, and, being in government is basically service to the people. I have also been involved in organizing people. I am the State’s Organizing Secretary of the party, APC and because God has been on our side, we have been able to get people together to key into the programmes of the party. We thank God, the entire indigene of Ogun State appreciate us. That was why when they voted us in; the governor gave me the opportunity to serve the people.

As one of the key cabinet members, what will you say the governor has done as a dividend of democracy?
We have been able to renovate quite a number of schools; we have gone into the health sector, in fact virtually everything. We have gone into security, health, education, name it. And we are one of the best States in Nigeria, as I speak to you today, only 5 States can boast of being able to pay salaries and Ogun State happens to be one of them. We do not owe because the governor has asked and ensure that we don’t live frivolous lives. We curtail our expenses and manage our resources. It’s been tight though, but we thank God that the people of Ogun State appreciate us.

As public watchdogs, we feel peoples’ pulse and one of the things people say is that the administration should have focus and deliver one particular project at a time instead of venturing into many projects like the Ijoko, Akute, Alagbole to Berger bridges which have been abandoned. What is really happening?
When the government came in 5years ago, our driving force was to rebuild Ogun State. Our infrastructure were in total decay and the only way we could do it, was to let the people know that we can’t be lIving in the past, rather, to look into the future. In order to make sure that Ogun State gets itself into the re-building mission, we had to set up a programme, unfortunately, it was affected by the economic situation of the country. We cannot say we have abandoned it because work is still going on, of course at a skeletal rate because there is a need to raise enough capital to finance these projects. But I can assure you, as soon as the rains stop, work will definitely commence again.

How are we sure the project will be wrapped-up and commissioned by the end of this tenure?
We are very very sure and optimistic that we will finish them. We don’t want to leave any project unfinished or abandoned. We are working towards ensuring that we get enough finance to finish the project, we don’t want to leave them in bits. Most of the contractors we are working with are foreign based. While we are doing that, we still have the welfare of the people to look at and to ensure that the schools and hospitals we are building don’t stop. Children have to get back to school and hospitals get equipped. But I can assure you that we will get the job done. We still have about 2 and half years in office. It has not been up to 2 and a half years since we started these works and we are sure to see it to completion.

As the Commissioner for Community Development and Cooperatives, how have you faired in touching the lives of the people?
Well, it depends on how the people look at it. I know that I have tried my best, I have, as a Commissioner sunk boreholes, I made sure that some of the schools are being re-built, used my influence to get other Ministries to get more people into work, also I’ve ensured that I got the Ministry of education to build more schools within my area. Dangote also, we have related with them and they have brought their company to our local government, they have built roads between Ibeshe and Ewekoro, they built concrete roads. These are part of the things we used our offices to ensure that the people benefits from. I know that I have tried my best and the people appreciate me.

What has life taught you so far?
Life has taught me that things are not very easy. I equally appreciate God, because am not the type that lives extravagant life. From my background I will say I was fortunate to have attended a school that was mixed with the elites, despite the fact that my parents belong to the middle class, as a result of that I made up my mind to be a better person. The people I also met in school equally propelled me to believing that you cannot just fold your arms, life is difficult and you have to face challenges. God being on my side, it’s been well so far.

Lastly, what are your ultimate political projections?
Well, I leave that to God Almighty, I live each day as it comes. There was a time I wanted to contest election for the House of Representatives, but people asked me to leave it and get myself more focused and listened to them. I was the Council Chairman in my local government, am now a Commissioner and the Organizing Secretary of the Party. I believe there is plenty of time to serve my people and I don’t think for now I will run away from politics.

Can you quickly tell us about your educational background?
I went to Federal Government College, Ilorin and was the head boy then, I did my post degree at the University of Ilorin and my Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry. I also did my master’s degree in Public Administration at the University of Ado Ekiti. I have a certificate with the Nigerian Institute of Administrators. I equally have knowledge in computers and IT, I have my own company before I came into politics. I dealt more in Agricultural equipment. We have farms and also do consulting for other companies that require our services.

Thank you very much sir for your time.

Tuesday 23 August 2016

Police job applicants to undergo lie detector test!






Candidates for the Nigerian Police cadet examination file for accreditation at the Okaka centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Monday. The Nigerian Police says candidates will be subjected to background checks and lie detector test. PHOTO: NAN
Candidates for the Nigerian Police cadet examination file for accreditation at the Okaka centre in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State on Monday. The Nigerian Police says candidates will be subjected to background checks and lie detector test. PHOTO: NAN
The Nigeria Police Force said successful candidates in the ongoing recruitment into the Service would undergo a compulsory polygraph test.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Force Spokesman, Deputy Commissioner of Police, (DCP) Don Awunah, in Abuja on Tuesday.
Awunah said the test would be in addition to the general background check, biometrics, medical, physical examination, aptitude, oral and psychological tests.


He said that the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, who gave the directive, expressed satisfaction with the recruitment so far. Idris said that no candidate would be admitted for training at the Police Academy and colleges without undergoing these prescribed tests.
Awunah said that the test was aimed at ensuring that candidates recruited into the police were not of questionable character.
He said the Police Academy and other training Colleges across the country would be equipped to conduct the necessary tests.
The spokesman said the Police Force was determined to ensure that the exercise conformed to acceptable standards.
NAN reports that the commission had shortlisted 110, 469 out of the 338,250 candidates for the aptitude tests from the 991,438 applications received.
NAN also reports that the 110,469 comprised of 22, 454 for Cadet ASPs, 24, 456 for Cadet Inspectors and 63,559 for Police Constables.

United States Secretary of State, John Kerry in Nigeria, warns against military crackdowns.

 


United States Secretary of State John Kerry (L) talks with the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar during his visit to his palace in Sokoto, on August 23, 2016. Kerry, who is on a three-nation tour is in Nigeria to discuss counterterrorism efforts, the Nigerian economy, the fight against corruption, and human rights issues. / AFP PHOTO / PIUS UTOMI EKPEI
United States Secretary of State John Kerry (L) talks with the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar during his visit to his palace in Sokoto, on August 23, 2016.
Kerry, who is on a three-nation tour is in Nigeria to discuss counterterrorism efforts, the Nigerian economy, the fight against corruption, and human rights issues.
US Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday congratulated Nigeria on its recent military successes against Boko Haram, but warned the country will face a blowback if it “cracks down” on the Islamists with excessive force. Speaking at a press conference in the northern city of Sokoto, Kerry praised Nigeria for reclaiming swathes of territory from Boko Haram and releasing thousands of hostages over the past year.
Nigeria has made “important progress”, Kerry said. “Nigeria and its neighbours are degrading Boko Haram’s capabilities.”
But Kerry cautioned against a heavy-handed response and emphasised respect for human rights.
“In the wake of terrorist activity, some are tempted to crack down on anyone and everyone,” Kerry said.
“But extremism can’t be defeated through repression or fear. Fear instilled through repression invites not confidence but contempt,” Kerry said, “it creates terrorists.”
Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have accused Nigerian troops of excessive force and extra-judicial killings of suspected Boko Haram insurgents, hundreds of Shiite Muslims and pro-Biafra protestors. The military has denied the charges.
On his third visit to Nigeria in less than two years, Kerry met with traditional and religious leaders, including Sokoto Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar.
Kerry appealed to Nigerians to practise equality and tolerance to “overcome deep-seated ethnic and religious divisions.”
His remarks come one day after police reported that a Muslim mob in northern Nigeria killed eight people after torching the house of a Muslim man who stood up for a Christian student accused of blasphemy.
Kerry is due to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari later on Tuesday in the Nigerian capital of Abuja as part of a three-nation tour focussed on counterterrorism.
The top US diplomat, who was in Kenya on Monday, is expected to discuss the Boko Haram insurgency, fighting corruption and boosting Nigeria’s moribund economy that has been pummelled by the drop in global oil prices.
In its quest to create a fundamentalist Islamic state Boko Haram has killed more than 20,000 people and displaced 2.6 million from their homes.
With homes and businesses destroyed and farmland devastated, the United Nations has warned that some 50,000 children could starve to death this year in Borno state alone if nothing is done.
Earlier in August the US government pledged $37 million in aid for victims of Boko Haram as fears of a famine mounted in the ravaged Lake Chad region.

Rivers Monorail Project No Longer Tenable After Gulping N33.9b, Says Technical Partner.





AFTER receiving over N22 billion for its services, the technical partners to the Rivers State government on the controversial Monorail project, ARCUS GIBBS Nig Ltd, has said the project was no longer tenable.
The company also disclosed that the planned commissioning of the first phase of the project in April by the immediate past administration of former governor Chibuike Amaechi was a hoax.
The revelation was made by the Managing Director of ARCUS GIBBS Nig Ltd, Wiero Viguezang, while testifying before the Justice George Omereji-led Judicial Commission of Inquiry on the sale of valued Rivers State assets by the Amaechi administration in Port Harcourt yesterday.
Viguezang said his company, which the Rivers State government engaged on March 1, 2010, to construct the multi-million Monorail project, was of the view that the project, which has gulped well over N33.9 billion, was no longer tenable, due to paucity of funds to proceed with the project.
He admitted that so far, ARCUS GIBBS Nig Ltd has received a total of N22.9bn from the Rivers State government through the Ministry of Transport since March 1, 2010.
According to him, paucity of funds and the seeming failure of the state government’s original technical and equity partners, TSI Nig Ltd, headed by the former military administrator of Rivers State, retired Brig-Gen Anthony Ukpo, to contribute its 80 per cent equity holdings, means the state cannot continue with the project.
Responding to a memo written by ARCUS GIBBS Nig Ltd to former Commissioner of Transport, Geroge Tolofari, which was tendered by the legal counsel to the commission, Dr. Zaccheus Adangor, as evidence, Viguezang admitted that his company had written the memo for a pseudo unveiling of the technically uncompleted monorail with a view to using the media to deceive anxious Rivers people.
“We actually wrote to the Ministry of Transport in January to arrange for the governor to unveil the monorail project in April for the attention and coverage of the media based on the expectation of the people of the state,” he said.
He added: “Apart from the media coverage and public attention that it was expected to generate, the monorail was not technically and commercially ready. Only Phase 1A within Phase 1 of the project was ready.”
Many people have started crying foul! saying that it was just one of those hoaxes that his government used to syphon funds. we shall update as events unfold.

LONG AWAITED "NO MORE SORROW",DROPS! BY MAJEK FASHEK AND TUFACE .

Music legend, Majek Fashek collaborates with 2Baba for No More Sorrow, a re-worked form of his 90’s hit track Holy Spirit from the 1991 Spirit of Lovealbum. The exemplary melody is reintroduced to another era of music fans by means of this overhauled form delivered by Majek and blended/aced by Wole Oni.
‘No More Sorrow’ is a spirit lifting melody in which Majek predicts about Eldorado, a future where humankind lives in peace and concordance. With verses are vigorously propelled by Biblical sacred texts, Majek and 2Baba, two of the most widely praised African entertainers of the last quarter of a century serve a message of hope in a world where we constantly thinking about strife and apparently unending emergencies.
Fans have been anxiously waiting for this, and we can tell you for free, that no one will be disapponted as the song officially drops today, and has had over a million downloads already.
Great effort we must say, from the Rain maker, and the Wave maker of our time. 

Monday 22 August 2016

Inspiring World of Showbiz’ Newest Bestseller - Gbemi Shotade

She's a die-hard go-getter, a determined entrepreneur, and promising dame of showbiz, that's Gbemisola Shotade, a paragon of beauty and perfect prototype of an African angel. The industrious young lady is no doubt the newest face of box-office-hit waiting to bestride the entertainment scene like a colossus.

The elegantly charming model and ex-beauty Queen of international repute is everything in all as far as showbiz is concerned-a gifted singer, talented actor, billboard star, catwalk expert, and alluring video vixen of commanding personality with a legendary creative ingenuity. Standing a terrific height of 5'11, the elegant lady who's in her mid 20s has taken the opportunity of her imposing figure to walk tall in so many critical situations of modern-day trappings of success.

She cut her teeth in modeling and pageantry though, standing tall at various times with different titles, 1st runner-up Miss Nigeria, Face of Lagos Carnival, Face of Vlisco Brand among others before winning the Miss Global Nigeria crown in 2012, a stepping stone that further shot her to limelight when she beat other beauty Queens across the globe to win the coveted Miss United Nations pageant in far away Caribbean Island of Jamaica.
Her quest for career adventure saw her edging on as the optimist found her way into the showbiz industry where she's presently a tour de force and newest sensation combing the two worlds of Music and acting with an unbelievable prowess.
Gbemi who's fondly addressed as Scarlet in the industry has appeared in top musical videos and has played major characters in notable TV series and movies while her debut effort in music, titled, ''Catch Me'' still enjoys massive air play in and around the globe.
The daring actress who's ready to go extra mile to deliver any script is one of the major characters in the wave making TV series, Casino showing on MNET, and also starred in Clarence Peter's movie, Hex, Wale Adenuga's Godwin and recently Mrs. Brown, a yet to be released movie directed by Ejike Chinedu Obim and still counting.

“I’ll Like To Flirt With Mercy Johnson - Aquilqh’s Rare Confession



To say he's one of Nigeria's finest filmmakers is like saying the obvious. Aquila Njamah is sure an A-lister as far as movie directing is concerned in Nigeria. Apart from been a face to reckon with in the movie industry, Aquila has stepped up to join the league of gentlemen in politics. He has summoned the courage to contest for the post of executive council in one of the local government areas in Lagos state. In this interview with National Enquirer's DamilolaDaramola, he shared his experience and many escapades as a movie director/actor as well as flair for politics.

How did it all begin?
Well, it started in the 80s, 1987 to be precise. I had wanted to be in the art world, I started with television programmes at LTV 8, and stage production, I worked with EnebeliElebuwa because he actually discovered me. My first movie was in 1996 and I also won an international award in 2007 (NIIFF) with the movie titled, THE RIVALS by Mercy Effiong which was directed by me.

Can you talk about some of the challenges in filming?
Yes, the major challenge in filming is lack of fund because to a large extent, we have not been able to create a good platform for investors to come in. Filmmakers have not been branding movies, for instance, you can't see a Nigerian movie where Toyota is the branded car used throughout. We are number 2 in the world in terms of movie production and yet, we don't have a database of how our movies are scripted, no annual collation of returns from the movies.

As a movie director, who can you say is your favourite actor, or someone that interprets your script even beyond expectation?
I won't say I have a favourite, because for me as a director, I believe in everything you do, discipline is the key word. Any idiot can be a star, but it takes a morally inclined person to go all the way. The likes of my late friend J.T Tom West (RIP), Mike Ezuruonye,  Ramsey Noah and Majid Michel are the kind of people I love to work with because they are versatile.

Does anyone need to be talented in acting to direct a movie?
Not necessarily, but one must have the interpretation prowess to be able to get what you want out of an actor. However, it is easier when you are an actor and also directs because it makes your job as a director less cumbersome as you already have an idea or picture of what you want e.g., Mel Gibson.     
 
Name one actor you will like to get naughty with?
This is a tricky question. Well I will say we are lucky in our industry because 70% of our female actors are beautiful, but the one I will like to be romantically involved with is the sensual Mercy Johnson.

Why are you not married?
You know, at some point, I noticed I was too engrossed with work rather than settling down, but trying to get the conception of what marriage truly is, from the industry where divorce is rampant, I'd rather get married and stay married. You know, being in this line of work, you need a partner that will understand and support you. Anyway, its work in progress

Is there any new project you're working on that you will like to talk about?
Yes, I am working on something, it will be coming out soon, it's a multimillion naira project, a movie I shot in 2011 which is yet to be released titled, SAND CASTLE. You know, a friend of mine said it's going to be a comeback for me but told him I did not go away, I only stepped aside.

Are there any personal ambitions yet unattained?
Yes, but currently I am running for the post of Executive Council of AmuwoOdofin L.G.A, under the PDP platform.
Why PDP?
Well, I have been a member of PDP since 2010, and I think as a party I like the way they do their thing. There's a lot of decorum there, they have respect for humanity, PDP is not tribalistic and it allows everyone freedom of speech. It is a level playground for everyone.

Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader?
I will say Matt MA Ghandi; he was a man who has genuine love for humanity and he was someone that carried peace everywhere. He was ready to die for unity, highly disciplined, and a great hero. You know, being who I am, when I heard about him, I was rest assured that good people still exist in this world. Also, will like to point out that my father G.C. Njamah, has impacted my life, even in death.

What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as a movie director and in this your new found love, politics?
Being a Council Executive, it will determine my involvement in the movie industry. In my manifesto, I will talk about how my position will influence the movie industry in a positive way; I will reach out to talented ones, filmmakers, directors and I will also use the industry to search and develop talents.

What word of motivation do you have for the young ones coming into the industry be it as a director or an actor?
First of all, I will say passion before money; you have to be passionate and also good at what you do, if you can abide with this, money will come. There's a difference between being a celebrity and being a star, if you're eccentric, it's an added advantage. You have to do a lot of research, homework, and watch news so as to improve your creative mind and automatically, you will climb the ladder of fame and success.

Idan Irawo Producer, Kunle Agboola Dies In US

The family of a media guru, record label owner and producer of a popular Yoruba programme, Idan Irawo has announced the death of their belov...