Category: Entertainment, Fashion and Lifestyle

By Lucy Osuizigbo-Okechukwu
Awka: The Anambra Government said it apprehended one Oluchukwu Nwosu, 45, who allegedly sold her three-month-old grand child for N50,000.

The Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Mrs Ify Obinabo, disclosed this at a news briefing in Awka on Sunday.

Obinabo said that the baby had been rescued, following consistent intelligence report and surveillance that lasted almost a month.

“The rescue operation followed a report by Ijeoma Nwosu, who claimed that her mother, Oluchukwu, forcefully sold her baby soon after he was born and refused to tell her the baby’s whereabouts.

“Following receipt of the allegation, the ministry immediately took action to identify and apprehend the perpetrators.

“Four suspects involved in the crime have been apprehended and would be handed over to the police for questioning and further investigation.

“It is sad that the baby is looking sick and underweight.

“According to the buyer, she has no money to buy proper baby food and she resorted to feeding the baby with soya bean powder,” she said

The commissioner frowned at the continued practice of illegal adoption in the state, in spite of government’s efforts to put an end to it.

She warned that perpetrators of unlawful adoption would be made to face legal actions.

Speaking with newsmen, Oluchukwu pleaded for forgiveness, saying that the baby she sold was the third child her daughter, Ijeoma, had outside wedlock.

“We are poor. There is no money to feed and take care of ourselves and the children.

“So, when I met one Tochukwu Asiegbu, we bargained and agreed that he will pay N50,000 and he paid me the money,” she said.

Also, Asiegbu said his profit from the deal was N30,000, adding that he only connected Oluchukwu to the buyer.

The buyer, one Evelyn Egwuatu, from Uruagu in Nnewi, said she paid N200,000 to obtain the baby from one Ebelechukwu Uba, who hail from Ebonyi but resident in Anambra

Uba, however, said he was just a middleman, adding that Asiegbu and Oluchukwu, made the decision to sell the baby to Egwuatu. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng) / Flowerbudnews

By Taiye Olayemi

Tomi Olatunbode, Creative Director, Spazio Ideale, on Friday said well-designed spaces can make life more comfortable, efficient, and joyful thereby encouraging Nigerians to embrace this often under-appreciated art form.
Olatunbode disclosed this during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sideline of the ongoing 2023 edition Design Week Lagos: Made by Design Home and Hospitality Show in Lagos.
She said many were of the opinion that interior design was an elitist affair but everyone needed to embrace it for its benefits.
According to her, interior design was capable of brightening an individual mood with a functional space put in place, also tackling the problem of stress.
She noted that for corporate organisations, it helps in the area of brand association and employee engagement.
“Interior design play very important role in our life today, making our lifestyle more modern and stylish, it helps to uplift our mood.
“Interior designers can come up with designs in spaces that would help individuals who are stressed get relieved after each day’s work.
“This is possible because the design on any space should factor in the personalities of those who live in it as well as their requirements, objectives.
“Interior design is for everyone, the way our spaces are designed affect who we are, how we think and our mood. Designs can change our outlook.
“Our homes can be designed in such a way for us to gain more inspiration to achieve our goals. We can design to make an individual feel he is close to achieving his goals,” she said.
Olatunbode advised Nigerians who were not financially bouyant to engage the services of an interior designer to seek knowledge on YouTube and other social media handles.
Speaking on her challenges as an interior designer, she said her main challenge was gaining access to quality and affordable materials as well as artisans locally.
She said poor power supply, and hike in diesel price, manufacturers of products used for designs face difficulties during production and the cost of those products had become expensive.
Olatunbode, however, urged the Federal Government to take deliberate efforts in tackling the problem of epileptic power supply across the country.
“If the product industry is supported, then materials can be much more affordable and then the masses will be able to afford the services we render.
“For Spazio Ideale, we are an extremely creative campany, we believe that what we do is beyond imagination and we connect people to spaces through exceptional designs, so design is big for us.
“We are people of details, we engage in experiencial designs,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exhibition will run from Oct. 19 to 22 with over 28 local and international exhibitors on ground.
Spazio Ideale’s Designs is one of those exhibiting in Lagos and nothing short of a revelation, demonstrating the transformative power of creative design.
By merging the past with the future, infusing African style, and embracing innovative products like the Itunu Comfort Desk, Spazio Ideale is at the forefront of shaping the future of African design. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

By Priscilla Osaje

Veteran actor, John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has solicited for financial assistance from well- meaning Nigerians over health challenge that might cost him to lose his leg.

The renowned actor, who took to his official Instagram page @realmrIbu on Wednesday to seek public assistance in a video clip, said he has been down and has been on admission for so many weeks.

He said that the medical doctors have told him that they might resort to cutting off his leg, if they exhausted the options at hand.

He appealed to Nigerians to remember him in praying, as well as support him financially to enable him have adequate treatment over the ailment.

“Dear Good people of Nigerian, we are counting on your support at this point we need it the most.

“Access Bank 1685687982 John Ikechukwu Okafor,” he wrote.

Mr Ibu is a Nigerian actor who has contributed immensely to the growth and development of Nigeria’s film industry with his outstanding acting.

He came into limelight in 2004 after featuring in the blockbuster movie “Mr. Ibu” which gave him the popular nickname ‘Mr. Ibu‘.

The movie made him win an award as the ‘Best Comic Actor in Nigeria’ at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

Other movies include Mr. Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr. Ibu in London and Keziah, among others.

NAN

By Taiye Olayemi

The Africa’s foremost film distribution company, Blue Pictures, has expressed its readiness to train aspiring film professionals to bridge knowledge-gap in Nigeria’s film industry.

The company’s Chief Executive Officer, Joy Odiete, who disclosed this in a statement in Lagos on Tuesday stated that aspiring film professionals would be trained in Lagos State.

According to Odiete, the training is designed to give wings to aspiring professionals in film and content creation business slated for Oct. 26.

Odiete noted that the training would focus on film producing, movie critiquing, directing, film financing, marketing and content creation.

According to her, the training is deliberately organised to help youths understand their way around the film industry.

“Blue Pictures is set for the second edition of her biennial industry interactive forum, ‘Next Gen Mini Conference’, to hold in Lagos on Oct. 26.

“This edition with the theme, ‘Next Gen Evolve’ will be held in partnership with the Nigerian International Film and TV Summit.

“The essence of the conference is to provide a platform for the youths to interact with personalities that have the wherewithal to sharpen their careers in the film business.

“It was inspired by my experience when I joined the industry, because there was nobody to lean on for mentorship.

“So, this conference is designed to provide that support for starters who need to fit into the industry. We hold it biennially, so, we could have time to prepare those with successful pitches before taking on a new batch,” she said.

According to her, the conference is open to brands for sponsorships and partnerships.

She urged Nigerian youths to visit the online portal of the event at: https://distribution.bluepicturesng.com/nextgen/ for free registration to participate at the event.

“Aside offering creative Nigerian youths the opportunity to network with established film professionals, one of the highlights of the programme is the ‘pitch session’, where possible co-production deals would be struck for making and marketing of film and TV content ideas.

“Some of the notable professionals billed to speak at the day-long industry event include: Adedayo Thomas, Chief Executive Officer, National Film and Videos Censors Board; Uche Nwuka, Director, Bank of Industry;

“Also, Patrick Lee Executive, Viva Cinemas; Chris Odeh, Senior Producer, Sozo Films; Mary Ephraim, President, Homelands Films and Tochukwu MacFoy, Founder, Energize Music,” she said. (NAN) nannews.ng

The Lagos State Police Command has declared Owodunni Ibrahim aka Primeboy wanted, following his failure to honour police invitation.

Primeboy was invited amid investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad.

A statement signed by the Lagos Police PRO, Benjamin Hundeyin, read in part: “Ibrahim is approximately 1.64-m tall, male, dark-complexioned with tribal marks and Yoruba by tribe. His last known address is 3rd Power, Oke Eletu, Ikorodu.

If seen, contact the nearest police station or call 0803 688 5727.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Idowu Owohunwa, hereby offers a handsome reward of N1,000,000 (One Million Naira Only) to anyone with useful information leading to his arrest.”

This comes a day after Nigerian rapper, Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, returned to the country to “assist” in the ongoing investigation into the death of his former signee.

Lagos State Police have taken into custody rapper, Naira Marley over the death of his former signee, Mohbad.

This was revealed in a tweet by the Police spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin.

Naira Marley is expected to assist the police in their investigation into the demise of MohBad.

The tweet reads, “Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley has been taken into custody for interrogation and other investigation activities”.

Recall the singer had vowed to return to Nigeria to clear his name and help the probe into his former signee’s demise.

“I’d like to share that I’ve just arrived back in Lagos, Nigeria to assist the authorities with the ongoing investigation,” he tweeted on Tuesday.

“It’s important I do my part for Imole. I’ll be meeting with the police with hopes for the truth to be uncovered and for justice to prevail.

Ilebaye Odinaya has been crowned as the winner of the Big Brother Naija All Stars.

The 22-year-old won the ₦120 million grand prize ahead of Mercy Eke and emerged as the ultimate queen of the reality show.

The six finalists were Cross, Ilebaye, Ceec, Mercy Eke, Adekunle, and Pere.

Recall Ilebaye competed in the Season 7 ‘Level Up’ edition but was evicted after a few weeks.

The‘Gen-Z baddie’ made a stunning return a year after her first show and managed to capture the nation’s heart throughout the BBNaija All Stars show.

Despite enduring some harsh experiences within the house, her authenticity resonated with viewers and she dominated conversation on social media.

From several altercations to winning wager games and then the ultimate HOH immunity, she served viewers with a plethora of highlights.

Ilebaye competed in the toughest HOH game to claim the ultimate immunity card. After going head-to-head with eight other All Stars housemates she won the challenging game of balancing on a platform for over two hours.

Ilebaye was sadly at the forefront of the receiving end of Ike’s meanest schemes, who littered her clothes on the bathroom floor while on the show.

She came in as the youngest housemate and ever since has had fans and viewers with the constant thought of whether or not her controversial moments was a strategic ploy.

She survived the challenging moments and has now been crowned winner of the ₦120 million grand prize

By Taiye Olayemi

The Cinema Exhibitors Association of Nigeria (CEAN) says cinema-goers across Nigeria would enjoy discounted tickets on Saturday, Sept. 2, in commemoration of the International Cinema Day.

The National Chairman, CEAN, Mr Opeyemi Ajayi, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Lagos.

Ajayi said that the discount was targeted at rewarding cinema-goers, bringing back old customers and encouraging Nigerians to cultivate the habit of going to the cinemas.

“Nigeria’s cinemas join cinemas in the United Kingdom and United States of America to announce “The National Cinema Day” which takes place on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023.

“The Cinema Exhibitor’s Association of Nigeria welcomes moviegoers to celebrate a day at the movies with discounted tickets of N1,000 to kick-off the first National Cinema Day, on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023.

“This one-day event will be held at more than 50 Cinema locations across the Federation, with over 100 screens.

“We believe this will bring together audiences of all ages to enjoy a day at the movies and see any movie of their choice at a discounted ticket price of N1,000.

“We are doing this to say thank you to movie-goers and promote the cinema-going culture as well as to remind audiences about the magic of cinema,” the CEAN chairman said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluyinka Fadare

The Lagos State Police Command has arrested controversial Lagos socialite, Balogun Eletu, aka Sam Larry, over an ongoing investigation into the circumstances leading to the death of the singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, aka Mohbad.

The Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the development to our correspondent in a late Thursday night telephone interview.

“Yes, Balogun Eletu aka Sam Larry is now in our custody. He is currently assisting with the ongoing investigation,” Hundeyin said.

The PUNCH reports that the police had earlier invited Sam Larry and singer, Azeez Fashola aka Naira Marley, for questioning over Mohbad’s demise.

The police, last week, also confirmed that pathologists had concluded the autopsy conducted on Mohbad, while they await the result.

He said, “Autopsy has been concluded. Awaiting results.” This development followed the exhumation of Mohbad by a combined team of the Nigeria Police Force and health officials.

The police had also arrested the nurse who reportedly injected the deceased singer before his demise on Tuesday, September 12.