ENYA'S GIST BLOG

A Nollywood film on Nigeria’s resilience during the Ebola virus outbreak in the country was on Friday night screened at Hollywood, Los Angeles, in a collaboration event tagged ‘Nollywood in Hollywood’. The screening of the film, 93 DAYS, which held at the world famous Egyptian Theater in Hollywood with a red-carpet, was also the inaugural ‘Nollywood in Hollywood’ event. According to organisers, the event was a celebration of Nigeria’s growing cinema. The film is a compelling drama of dedication, sacrifice, resilience and survival based on the true story of the people who risked their lives to prevent a catastrophic virus outbreak in Nigeria. Nigeria experienced the Ebola virus in July, 2014 when a Liberian American, Patrick Sawyer, who had the disease flew from Liberia to the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos and died five days later. Starring Bimbo Akintola, Somkele Idhalama and Danny Glover, it took the audience through the unfortunate memory lane wh...

Taiye Akande Adebisi aka “Taiye Currency”, unarguably Ibadan biggest Fuji act of the moment, worships three deities: the Almighty God, his oft-mentioned mother and, well, another little god. The artiste would not complete a live performance or a recording session in the studio without offering a decent homage to him, the third god. That god is Alabi Pasuma––the unrivaled Baa Wasi, Ijaya, Imole, Antenna, Erinlomo, Lagata, GSM Alhaji… well, you know, and the sobriquets go on and on, ad infinitum. Apart from his famed humility, if there was anything Pasuma could brag about outside the studio, it would be his big-brotherly role in the Fuji scene. The most significant evidence of this, frankly, would be Taiye Currency and his impressive career growth in the last decade. But before Taiye Currency, there were others whose relationships with the Orobokibo crooner seem to have gone sour today. For many a conscious Fuji buff, Pasuma’s known protégée, particularly on the cusp of ...

An unnamed popular Nigerian DJ has been arrested alongside 88 other persons for their alleged involvement in a major sex trafficking case in Spain. The bust, which is being referred to as one of the biggest in Europe regarding trafficking, was carried out with police from the UK and Nigeria. According to the BBC, Euro pol accosted the unnamed DJ as he was flying back into Spain after recording a music video. He allegedly helped smuggle victims from Nigeria to Spain and organise sexual exploitation across the country. The report said the Nigerian crime ring was linked to the Eiye Confraternity – a network that Spanish police have previously compared to the mafioso in Chicago in the 1930s. The victims, many under the age of 18, were believed to have undergone voodoo “juju” rituals in Nigeria to force them to comply with orders, Britain’s National Crime Agency (NCA) said. After being trafficked to Spain via Libya and Italy, the women and girls were kept in cave hou...

The game of Chess is one that makes you think presently, but most importantly about the future. In line with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) system devised for the education sector, the game requires deep analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities. To increase the knowledge and to develop budding Nigerian talents in the game, a private initiative, “Chess Pro Tour”, developed by Fiji Ventures was revealed on Wednesday, March 21, in Lagos. Joachim Idada, Fiji Ventures CEO said the initiative would introduce “professionalism into chess” in Nigeria. Idada added: “Chess is life and it is a dream come true to be introducing professionalism into chess again. The chess tour will give Nigerian youths the opportunity to play the game, learn and also earn something for a living. The theme for the tour is “Changing lives” Also on Wednesday, Fiji-ventures signed an MOU with Orchid Hotels – the official venue partner of the tour, while the event cal...

Tomi Adeyemi, a Nigerian-American author, has released her critically acclaimed Young-Adult Fantasy book, titled ‘Children of Blood and Bone.’ Adeyemi, who released the novel on March 6, landed a seven figure book-and-movie deal with Hollywood Fox studios for `Children of Blood and Bone,’ her first novel, also described as a “Black Lives Matter-inspired fantasy novel,” a year ago. Fox 2000, which purchased the film rights before the novel was released, was so impressed by the 24-year-old’s writing style that they tagged the project as being as successful as its other YA franchises, Twilight and Maze Runner. Almost a year before it hit shelves, the novel was making headlines. In March 2017, it was reported that Adeyemi had earned a seven-figure book deal for her young-adult trilogy. Ms Adeyemi, the daughter of a Nigerian medical doctor and hospice trader, was born in the U.S. and currently lives in San Diego. Adeyemi, who has been referred to as the next J.K. Rowling (wr...

Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor aka Mr Ibu, and Yoruba movie star, Ronke Oshodi, are two stars to watch out for in a new romantic Nollywood movie titled The Eve. After an impressive track record with Yoruba movies, Ronke makes an effortless transition in this movie playing the feisty aunt of Yewande. Mr Ibu and Ronke are also starring alongside each other for the first time in the movie. The film will be screened in Lagos on March 24 at the Day Dream Pool Club, Landmark Towers, Victoria Island and thereafter premiere nationwide on Easter Day (March 29th). An initiative of Cut24, the movie chronicles the days leading up to a supposed ‘happy’ couple’s wedding day. Directed by rapper-turned-director, Tosin Igho, the movie tells the story of a young couple, Funsho and Yewande, who have shockingly varying personalities, and plan to get married in a few days. Just before the wedding, Funsho and his three childhood friends set out to treat the groom to one blissful ge...

Some Nigerians have expressed mixed reactions to the success of superhero flick, ‘Black Panther’, especially as the film hits a box office record of 1 billion dollars. The Marvel-Disney film crossed the 1 billion dollars mark worldwide after debuting in China, which contributed 66.5 million dollars to a strong 100 million dollars international weekend. Some respondents praised the movie and told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday, that it gave black people the chance to tell a story the way it suited them. They also said that the featuring of African (especially Nigerian) artefacts such as the ‘Bronze heads’ from Benin gave a sense of inclusion; rewriting the stale, poor stereotypes of the African continent. A lawyer, Kingsley Obade told NAN that he had seen the movie about four times, adding that he was almost addicted to the beauty of the almost all-black cast. He said, “This is a different kind of Marvel or super hero film. This is one that...

The singer, Runtown, has been sued by his label, Eric Many, for an alleged breach of contract. In an injunction filed at a Federal High Court, Lagos, on Monday, the label said the ‘Energy’ singer has been “deliberately breaching his contract”. Runtown The label also accused the singer, real name, Douglas Agu, of failing to fulfil his contractual obligations, recording an album without its consent, and performing at shows without approval. The record label two years ago sued Runtown, whose deal with Eric Many expires in June, over allegations similar to the ones he is currently being accused of. The legal dispute was settled out of court. This time around, the label is claiming that Runtown owes hundreds of millions. “He’s recording with artists like Del’B without the written approval of the label and without an Eric Many appointee at the point of recording as agreed in our contract,” a statement of claim read. “Runtown has also been appearing in venues and co...

Star Boy, Ayo ‘Wizkid’ Balogun, has said that his parents discovered that he was expecting a third child from a third baby mama on social media. Wizkid     The singer made the disclosure during an interview on Beat FM in Lagos. When asked how he breaks the news of welcoming a child out of wedlock to his parents, he said, “The crazy thing is this last one. My parents just kinda found out online. My Mom just wants me to get married, stay with one woman and have babies but I’m 27 years old. Already a father to three sons, Wizkid is not stopping soon as he revealed on a radio show. After three boys, the singer said he wants to father another child, but this time, a girl. “I’ve got three kids, three lovely boys that I love so much. I want a girl,” he said. The singer expressed frustration at his inability to keep his private life away from the prying eyes of his fans and media coverage. “I’m a private person. I like to keep my personal life out of the med...

Fans of the Kokomaster, Dbanj, and Don Jazzy now have cause to smile, as the long awaited Mo’Hits reunion tour is now reality. D’Banj and Don Jazzy announced the Mo’Hits Reunion Tour on their respective Instagram handles on Monday night. The exact dates, venues or musicians performing have not been stated, but their teeming fans can’t wait. The Mo’Hits Reunion Tour will see the crew perform old hits like ‘Booty Call’, ‘Pere’, ‘Ololufe’, ‘Why Me (remix)’, among others. If and when the tour eventually holds, it will be the second time the crew will be reuniting since their messy split. Mo’Hits reunited for the first time in five years at Davido’s ’30 Billion Concert’ in December. Davido, whose concert trended on Twitter, said it took him two whole months of effort to bring the moment into fruition. The Mo’Hits crew which comprises of production mavin, Don Jazzy; The Entertainer, D’Banj; Vocal Powerhouse, Wande Coal as well as Dr. Sid, K-Switch, Ikechukwu and D’Prince, wen...

Hubert de Givenchy, the aristocratic French fashion designer famous for the “Little black dress” and styling Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy, has died aged 91, his partner said Monday. Givenchy set the template for ladylike chic in the 1950s and 1960s, and his restrained style still informs the way Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II and older American and Chinese socialites dress. His partner, the former haute couture designer Philippe Venet, announced his death through the Givenchy fashion house, saying he had died in his sleep on Saturday. The pair lived in a Renaissance chateau near Paris. “It is with huge sadness that we inform you that Hubert Taffin de Givenchy has died,” it said in a statement to AFP. The designer’s “nephews and nieces share Mr Venet’s grief,” it added. At 6ft 6in tall, Givenchy, whose full name was Count Hubert James Marcel Taffin de Givenchy, was a giant of the fashion world in every sense. In 1969, the designer launched a menswear line call...

Nollywood actor John Okafor, aka Mr Ibu, has urged the Nigerian Film Corporation (NFC), to live up to its mission statement of developing an industry that is globally competitive. NFC, established in 1979, is a parastatal of the Federal Government of Nigeria under the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture. The Decree establishing it empowers the Corporation to lay a solid foundation for the development of a viable and sustainable Film industry and Cinema culture in Nigeria. The Corporation is therefore charged with the responsibility of planning, promoting and organising an integrated and efficient development of the Nigerian Film Industry. However, Mr Ibu in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the NFC was not living up to its mandate and needed to redouble its efforts. He alleged that there “is a non-existent relationship between the Actors Guild of Nigeria and the NFC and other bodies.’’ He further alleged that “they are not doi...

Operatives of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have paraded two suspects arrested at a centre in Abuja for alleged examination malpractice in the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The Commandant, NSCDC Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Patrick Ukpen, paraded the suspects in Abuja on Tuesday He said the suspects were apprehended at Baptist Academy, Karu, Abuja. He said one of them who is also a candidate was arrested for allegedly going into the examination hall with her mobile phone. The commandant revealed that the suspect was able to conceal the mobile phone in her underwear and brought it out during the examination. “We have in our custody today two suspects that were involved in examination malpractice in the ongoing JAMB UTME. Their level of involvement are as follows: A lady whose name is Joy Apkabio, went into the exam hall with a telephone handset and this is against the rules covering the JAMB ...

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has begun to release the results of the ongoing 2018 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The examination began on Friday and will end on March 17. The spokesperson of the board, Fabian Benjamin, confirmed the development He said the board has scrutinized the centres which led to the release of the results. He urged the candidates to visit the board’s website and check their results. “The results will be released in batches, candidates are free to check,” he said. Similarly, a candidate Segun Abidoye, who wrote the examination on Saturday in Ilorin Kwara State, confirmed the development “The result was released in the midnight and I have obtained my scores”, Mr. Abidoye said.  The board stating the results would not be released immediately, in order for it to review the activities of the candidates and to minimise the number of cancellations. “We want to monitor everything that happens through o...

Serena Williams continued her tennis comeback with a 7-6(5) 7-5 win over Kiki Bertens at the BNP Paribas Open on Saturday, setting up a third-round encounter with her sister Venus. Serena, who is returning to the sport after taking more than a year away to have a baby, was ragged at times but used her power to wear down the Dutch 29th seed in Indian Wells, California. “I’m getting there. I have such a long way to go,” the 23-times grand slam champion told reporters. “It definitely felt better than the first round, but I’m still a little rusty. “I’m still making errors that I don’t normally make. I call this a trial run, of traveling with the baby and all of this is just so new to me.” Venus moved into the third round by beating Romanian Sorana Cirstea 6-3 6-4 in the preceding match. Monday’s meeting will be the earliest between the Williams sisters since their first professional match in the second round of the 1998 Australian Open. It will be the 29th between ...

Rapper, Olamide Adedeji aka Olamide, is officially taken. The rapper popped the question to his long-time partner, Adebukunmi Suleiman, on her birthday, Thursday night. The couple who have been together for years now, welcomed a son, Milano, in 2016. Olamide shared the news on his Snapchat account. She is also the only woman who has a child for the popular singer. Bunkumi and Olamide allegedly began dating from the beginning of his music career way back in 2014. Quite private, very little is known about the bride-to-be.

Nigerian pop singer Tiwa Savage, has featured American artiste, Omarion in remix of her song “Get it Now”, taken off her recent “Sugar Cane” Extended Play (EP). Omarion is a Grammy Award nominee and BET award recipient best known as lead singer of the American RnB boy band “B2K”. The rapper, singer, songwriter, actress and dancer’s 2015 hit song “Post To Be” was certified three times platinum and reached number 13 on the Hot 100 chart. The Mavin Records first lady announced the release of the song on Friday through her Instagram handle @tiwasavage. Sharing the art cover of the song and eulogising Omarion, Savage wrote: “Distance is constant on my playlist. Now, I got my own joint with the INCREDIBLE @1omarion. “If you like ‘Get It Now’, you will love the remix featuring Omarion. It is out now, link in my bio. Let’s get the world ‘savage soldiers.” The ‘Eminado’ crooner who recently released the video of the original ‘Get it Now’ song had dropped hints about the co...

Flanked by members of the All Progressives Congress caucus in the House of Representatives who arrived the Lagos House on February 17, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State smiled as photographers clicked away. The APC House of Reps caucus, led by the Majority Leader Femi Gbajabiamila, were at the government house to present a letter to the governor asking him to re-contest in 2019. Mr. Gbajabiamila, who said the lawmakers’ unanimous decision to endorse Mr. Ambode for a second term was as a result of his “brilliant performance” in office in the last two and half years, noted that the lawmakers were indeed proud to associate with the governor. “Because of the giant strides of our amiable Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode in the last two and a half years in governing the State; because of the things he has done across board, across all the Local Government Areas, across different sectors, we sat together and we decided without a dissenting voice to seek his audience and ...

Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo, has declared his intention to run for Governor of Enugu State at the next general election. The 52-year-old actor also revealed that he will be contesting on the platform of the All People’s Congress. He said the immediate past governor of the State, Sullivan Chime, has endorsed his bid. He disclosed this on his official Instagram account on Monday morning. “I just declared my intention to contest for the Governorship candidate of APC in Enugu State. It was heart warming to receive the blessings of the immediate past Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Gov Sullivan Chime. To God be the glory,” he wrote. Speaking on the motivation behind his political ambition, the actor who ho started his acting career in 1991 said, “It’s time for Nollywood to produce an Executive to fulfill our Nollywood dreams. The entire APC structure attended the declaration. God is awesome.” If Kenneth wins the election, he will join fellow actor, Desmond...

American music superstars have rallied support for Rick Ross after the rapper was hospitalised in Florida. The 42-year-old Ross (real name William Leonard Roberts III) reportedly suffered a “medical issue” at his home near Miami on Thursday morning, according to Fox News. His family including Fat Trel, a close associate have, however, denied media reports claiming the rapper was on life support. Rick Ross TMZ had initially reported that Ross was rushed to the hospital after he was discovered to be both unresponsive and breathing heavily. Upon arrival to the hospital, according to the news site, Ross was taken to a cardiac unit and placed on a form of life support called ECMO (Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) – which provides assistance to a person whose heart or lungs are deemed to not be functioning properly. After news broke of Ross’s hospitalisation, his peers in the music and entertainment world began to rally round in support of the rapper. Back in 2011...

Members of the World Bank Group, Senate President Bukola Saraki and the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole will on Tuesday headline a summit on improved healthcare financing model for a sustained investment in the provision of quality healthcare for Nigerians. The event is being put together by THISDAY newspaper in conjunction with the World Bank Group. The theme of the summit, scheduled to begin at 10.00 a.m. at the Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja is “Moving Nigeria towards Universal Health Coverage through Appropriate Financing”. Organisers say the summit aims to galvanise discussions on why the country should prioritise financing of the health sector as a bastion of human capital development critical for the achievement of the Economic and Growth Recovery Plan (ERGP). According to THISDAY Newspaper Board of Directors, the Summit is significant because Nigeria’s health sector allocation in the national budget has continued to decline over the years despite the increase...

YKS! YKS!! YKS!!! The Redeemed Warriors for Christ Invite you all to their quarterly program It's is here Again: The Youth Kingdom Service Season 2 Episode 8 Date: 16/March/2018 Time: 9:00pm Venue: RCCG Jesus Reigns Zonal Hqts