MOCSOS, reggae star, Yellow Banton grateful to Nigerians after surviving skin cancer

*MOSCO Founder, Mabel Oboh, Yellow Banton and Peter Oboh at the press parley recently in Lagos.  

Mabel Oboh Centre for Save Our Star, MOSCSOS, has expressed gratitude to Nigerians both home and in disapora after they helped to save the life of popular reggae star, Yellow Banton, who was recently down with skin cancer ailment.

The ghetto singer, who’s best known in the late 90’s and early millennium with his style of infusing pidgin language into reggae and successfully blending both in a unique way, was down with the deadly disease for about eight years before help came his way, courtesy of the Mabel Oboh Centre for Save Our Stars.

The NGO, mobilizing AJ-based artistes, including Baba Fryo, African China , Nico Gravity among others appealed to the singer's fans to donate towards his surgery, which was successful.

Now back on his feet, the reggae star is full of thanks to everyone that donated to save him from dying. He's also ready to return to singing and entertaining fans and Nigerians with his melody.

"I want to thank all those that donated generously to save my life. I have to thank Mabel Oboh Centre for Save Our Stars for rendering all assistance and mobilization through her NGO, Baba Fryo for introducing me to Mabel, African China, Nico Gravity, Tee Mac, Sir Borg, ex-boxing champion, Peter Oboh, B'Clean, Mrs Josephine Oboh-Macleod, who was a major backbone of the NGO and several others who stood by me.”

"I also have to thank two great Nigerians living outside the shores of the country, Esy Oluwa-Femi (UK) and Dr. Prisilla Okwuzor(USA). These women did everything possible to raise both personal and public funds towards my recovery. Speaking on Yellow Banton's recovery, Mabel Oboh said she had decided to use her will power and influence to ensure Nigeria's shinning stars of yesterday are not forgotten and left to rot away. “In line with our vision of caring for the health needs of Nigerian entertainers, the NGO swung into action, flagging off a fund-raising campaign to save Yellow Banton from dying. Today, our effort was not in vain as Nigerians within and outside the shores of the country responded promptly. We are happy to announce to the world that Yellow Banton is back on his feet. He underwent a skin surgery at Lagos State University Teaching hospital and the operation was successful.”

“Banton’s life saving project becomes the first to be successfully executed by the NGO. We officially want to announce the closing of the project as the doctors have given Yellow Banton a clean bill of health. However, the NGO shall continue monitor Yellow Banton’s progress from time to time,” said Oboh. She also used the opportunity to unveil her NGO's latest project, sklls acquisition for entertainers training project. “While we are closing Yellow Banton’s project today, we equally want to unveil our latest project, skills acquisition for entertainers training project,” she added.

USAID increases support for good governance and health in Nigeria

A USAID-supported nurse sets an IV line for a patient at the Dikwa General Hospital, Borno State.

The U.S. Agency for International Development,USAID, recently announced additional development assistance to support achieving the development goals outlined in the bilateral Development Objectives Assistance Agreement between the U.S. and Nigerian governments signed in 2015.

Of the new funding, $25 million will strengthen good governance by supporting state governments’ efforts to bolster Nigeria’s Open Government Partnership commitments to improve transparency and fight corruption. An additional $1.5 million will support a healthier, more educated population in targeted states through the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), for a total of $26.5 million in additional assistance.

USAID is also partnering with federal and state health ministries to build stronger health systems with the aim of guaranteeing equitable access to quality healthcare services nationwide. The additional new funding brings the total U.S. government assistance provided under the five-year Development Objectives agreement to $1.1 billion.

“The United States believes that as the most populous country in Africa, with the largest economy on the continent, Nigeria holds tremendous influence over the future of Africa,” Acting Mission Director Erin Holleran said.

“USAID is committed to partnering with the government and the people of Nigeria to address its development challenges.”

USAID collaborated with Nigeria’s ministries of Budget and National Planning, Health, Agriculture, Power, and Education, as well as state-level government counterparts to structure the bilateral assistance agreement, which runs through 2020.

Abia Creators Hold Entertainment Summit In Lagos

ABIA State boasts of a large numbers of players in Nigeria’s entertainment industry. It is against this backdrop that a group of notable personalities has come up with idea to hold the first edition of “Abia Creative Economy and Tourism Development Summit”, an event that was hatched as part of activities marking the state’s 27th Anniversary.

Scheduled to hold on Friday, August 31, 2018 at the Banquet Hall of Four Point Hotel, Plot 9/10, Block 2, Oniru Chieftaincy Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos, at 11am, Chairman, Project Team; veteran Nollywood star Mr. Ejike Asiegbu said the Abia Creative Economy and Tourism Development Summit” “was created for the unity and partnership of all creative industry personalities of Abia State towards creating a forum for the development of Abia Creative Economy and Tourism promotion. The vision is to lay a solid foundation for the support and welfare of all Abia Creative/Entertainment Personalities across the world.”

Chairman of the event is no other person than Dr. Chima D. Anyaso, MD/CEO,Ceeson Energy Oil & Gas Limited and Chairman Le Paris Continental Hotel, Lagos. The Governor of Abia State, Dr. Victor Ikpeazu is Special Guest of Honour while the commissioners for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Ogbonna Obioma as well as Information, according to Asiegbu are being expected at the Summit.

The theme of this year’s event Asiegbu revealed is; ‘Strengthening the Global Partnership for Abia Creative Industry and Tourism Development’. “Like I said earlier on, the summit is designed to create a platform for creative and intellectual interaction amongst Abia intellectuals, Captains of Industries, Creative Industry Personalities, the International Community and Representatives of Multinational Companies in Nigeria on the “The Role of the Creative Industry and Tourism Promotion Towards Abia Development’. The event focuses on discovering a narrative that all constituencies can share, as we embark on the Abia creative industry business and tourism developmental objectives of taking Abia to the world stage,” the Nollywood star said.

Asiegbu listed some of the corporate objectives of the summit as Connecting with Target Partners for Global Acceptance for the Abia creative industry, Investment opportunities and Tourism Potentials; Communicating Key Messages to potential local and foreign investors using the faces of Abia Creative Industry personalities even as he gave an insight on what the day will look like: “The event will also feature topics by reputable Keynote Speakers, the unveiling of “Ada Abia Universe Beauty Pageant” and a mini documentary of the works of Abia creative industry personalities, investment opportunities and untapped tourism potentials in Abia State.

“The Project Team is committed with the responsibility to producing an action plan of recommendations and synergy for partnership with major stakeholders, brands, groups and well meaning personalities for the establishment of modern day structures for Abia Creative Industry and Tourism Development. The music and comedy concert will take place after the summit (on the same day) at the O’jez Entertainment Arena, National Stadium, Surulere Lagos at 7pm till dawn. I must add here that Barrister Mrs Ngozi Nwangwa Head of Abia Tourism Board has given some assurance that she and officials of the board would be present at the two events that day.”

Ojez Entertainment, Culture TV Concept and Forever Communications Limited are driving the idea with team members comprising Admin/Event Director; Mr. Peterson Agu

National Coordinator General Frank Dallas, Director Media Alozie Alonzo Uzoukwu, Director Presentation; Emeka Enyiocha, Director Protocol Mathew Nwankwo, Liaison Gloria Mba and Lisa Onu will be in charge of Welfare. Others include Kendra Okwara, Mercy Ndukwe, Saint Maradona among others.

For the benefit of the doubt, some Entertainment/Creative Industry personalities from Abia include; Legendry highlife musician Bright Chimezie, Kanu Nwankwo, Ogbonna Kanu, Ikechi Uko (Tourism Scion and Ambassador)

Bright Okpocha (Basket Mouth) Stephen Okechukwu (Rugged Man)

Daddy Fresh, Gloria Anozie Young, Bond Emereuwa, Madu Chikwendu, Diewaite Ikpechukwu, Ngozi Nwosu, Nkiru Silvanus, Buchi the Gospel Singer, Chinedu Ikedieze (MFR) Emeka Enyiocha, Mike Ezuruonye, Uche Jombo, Frank Dallas, Gloria Mba, Mathew Nwankwo( NTA)

Alozie Uzoukwu (Silverbird TV), Enyinnaya Nwachukwu (GLOBACOM) Wisdom Nwankwo, Temple Ugochukwu Ikeji, Thelma Nwosu, Ugo Ugboh, Reginald Ebere, Uche Anyamele, Uche Elendu, Kalu Ikeagwu, Lisa Onu, Vera Kanu, Blessing Asibe, Ijeoma Imoh, Nigga Raw, Emeka Okoro , Ekubo Mike, Ukeje Iyke, Uche Nnanna, Mary Uche, Kalu Anya (Movie Director), Ajebo the Comedian, Niga Raw, and Nnenna Nwabueze 'MERIT' of Living in Bondage fame now Mrs Okonta , Alex Ekubo, Iyke Ogbonna, O. C. Ukeje among many others.

“We are expecting a lot of corporate bodies such as Nigerian Breweries, British American Tobacco Company, Viju Milk, Seven Up, banks, members of the National Assembly and State Assembly from Abia, Abia Tourism Board, all eminent Abia sons and daughters such as Alex Oti, Uche Ogah among many others. I want to state clearly here that this event is non-political. We are not associated with any political body,” Asiegbu submitted.

Tears, as Orits Williki, Okoroji, others pay last respects to reggae legend, Ras Kimono

Emotions ran high yesterday, as the remains of late reggae legend, Ras Kimono, who died on Sunday, June 10, were brought for lying-in-state at the headquarters of Copyright Society of Nigeria, COSON, in Ikeja, Lagos.

The motorcade conveying Ras Kimono’s body arrived the COSON House, at about 9.30a.m.,where a short prayer for the repose of the soul of the departed was offered, before setting out for his home town, Onicha Olona, Asaba, the Delta State capital, for the activities leading to the burial tomorrow. Ras Kimon’s remains were accompanied by a strong delegation of the COSON leadership, family members, friends, fans and other personalities in the Nigerian entertainment industry.

While the lying-in-state lasted, the deceased’s wife, colleagues and close friends could not hold back tears knowing that it was the last time they were going to behold the reggae icon’s face on earth

From Orits Williki to Alariwo of Africa and Shina Peters, it was a free flow of tears as they filed out to pay their last respects to their departed colleague.

Kimon’s wife, Efe was overcome by grief and could not contain herself on sighting the glass casket bearing the remains of her late husband. Standing beside the casket, she kept confessing her undying love to the man she fell in love with as his manager and recently had a baby girl for. Leading the procession, the Rastafarian Movement in Nigeria, led by its grand patron, Ras Edu Dickson, said Ras Kimono lives on. He said he was confident that the ‘Rub-a-Dub’ master had gone to be with his maker. “Ras Kimono never dies, but lives on,“ he said.

Speaking in the same vein, the Chairman of COSON, Chief Tony Okoroji, said his happiness is that Ras Kimono did not die unsung.

His words: “Ras Kimono was a giver. He always gave his heart, his smile, his immense talent and his love to one and all. He had no angst against anyone. “Kimono was totally dedicated to the COSON cause.

He was not just a COSON member, but 100 percent committed COSON activist. As a hyper-creative person, he fought anything that he thought would bring COSON down or tear the music industry apart. He saw in COSON a watershed institution for the development of the Nigerian creative industry which must be nurtured for the next generation.”

Kimon’s daughter, Oge who has taken after her father as a reggae star, said she would miss everything about him, including his love and care, while his widow, Efe, described him as ‘a loving husband’ adding that he was a different specie.

“We were always together, he was always the best. Of course, I have had other relationships, but Ras Kimono was different. I would miss him forever,” she mourned.

Meanwhile, Kimono’s lying-in-state was preceded by a red-carpet tribute night which climaxed the week-long funeral programme of the music legend, who would be laid to rest in his hometown, Onicha Olona, Delta State on Saturday August 25, 2018. Ras Kimono celebrated his 60th birthday amid fanfare in Lagos in May.

In October 2017, he dropped a new single after many years of hiatus from the music scene. It set the tone as he released more songs and toured Africa, Europe and the U.S.A. He also won several awards, including the Nigerian Music Awards, and Fame Music Awards.

Superstory out with new season of 'Danaldo'

Millions of families across the country are in for a delight as Superstory is set to commence a new action-packed season, titled Donaldo, on top terrestrial and cable television stations on Thursday, August 9, 2018. The TV drama follows the double life of Donaldo (Emem Ufot), a loving family man, philanthropist and awesome football player on one hand, but on the other side, an overambitious, hardened criminal mastermind who has an insatiable lust for money, women and the luxurious life. His only challenge is Jalade (Elizabeth James), a persistent female cop obsessed with bringing Donaldo and his cohorts to justice. Donaldo also features Amaechi Muonagor, Jide Kosoko, Chinyere Wilfred, Saheed Balogun, Ayo Adesanya, Eric Obinna and other talented stars.

The Managing Director of Wale Adenuga Productions, and producer of Superstory: Donaldo, Wale Adenuga Jnr., has this to say: “Viewers of all ages can’t afford to miss a single episode of the action-packed Donaldo. A lot of research went into the preproduction stage of this project; so while there are several elements of comedy, romance and suspense, there are also many serious lessons about security consciousness, based on shocking actual events in this story for every member of the family to learn from.” The 52-episode series would air across Nigeria on NTA Network, AIT, and wapTV on DStv 262, StarTimes among others.

Do collabo with Timaya to end aged-long rift, former boxing champion tells Nico Gravity

Former British and Commonwealth boxing champion, Peter Oboh has prevailed on popular ghetto singer, Nico Gravity, to make peace with dancehall singer, Timaya, by featuring him in any of his upcoming album.

Peter Oboh, made the passionate appeal recently while in a chat with NollyNow. Recall that Nico Gravity hit the limelight in 2009, after releasing his controversial debut song, “I Wan Finish Timaya” , which locked him in an aged-long battle with the self-styled 'Egberi Papa 1 of Bayelsa.'

The ex-boxing champion, said while he knew Nico Gravity through his elder brother, John Oboh, popularly known Mighty Mouse, who created the Ajegunle beat, he never saw the AJ singer as a troublesome guy.

According to him, Nico Gravity is actually a big fan of Timaya. The controversial song, he said was done not with a malicious intentions by the singer, rather it was a sheer display of showmanship. He, therefore, advised the AJ singer to make peace with the dancehall singer by featuring the latter in his upcoming album. Meanwhile, when contacted for his comment, Gravity affirmed that he's ready to do a collabo with Tiamya.

Run for your life if your husband is a wife beater ----Yinka Olukunga

Nollywood actress, Yinka Olukunga popularly known as Nnenna following her lead role in Wale Adenuga's children's series “Nnenna and Friends”, has advised women not to remain in a marriage where they are turned into a punching bag.

The actress gave the advice, in a recent chat with NollyNow. The light- skinned mother of a set of twins, said while she would not advice any woman to divorce her husband, she, however, would not tolerate a situation where the latter is involved in wife battering.

Responding to question on why celebrity marriages are crashing in Nigeria, the actress who got married to her beau in 2014, stated that no woman would want to go for divorce after marriage.

According to her, “ When it happens, I'm sure it's because there are some irreconcilable differences. It's just for you to self-guard your own marriage and ensure that nobody tampers with your home. For me, if your husband is not a wife beater, you can stay back and see how you can work things out with him. But if he's involved in wife battering, that is the one I wouldn't tolerate. I wouldn't advice any woman to remain in that marriage. No one is perfect in marriage. But if you can survive the first five years of your marriage, you should be able to pull through.”

Yinka Olukunga got married to her hubby, Rotimi in Decembler, 2014 and the lovely couple are blessed with adorable twin girls. The pretty actress made her debut in the Wale Adenuga Production’s Super-story TV series as Nnenna. Ten years down the line, the actress, model and singer has become a household name among kids and teenagers.

TONTO DIKEH: Her controversies, weaknesses and new faith !

She was relatively unknown in the Nigerian entertainment circuit. But after featuring in that reality TV show, 'The Next Movie Star' in 2005, where she finished up as the first runner-up on the show, Tonto Dikeh instantly became a 'hot item', stealing both fame and favour from leading Nollywood heroines.

Her stellar performance in that competition gave her edge over her contemporaries, as no sooner the show ended than she landed her first lead role in the movie ‘Holy Cross.’ Thereafter, torrents of movie roles started coming her way, and Tonto Dikeh never looked back then as she was steadily rubbing shoulders with the high and the mighty in the industry. All that was also spiced by her quest for controversy. And like a 'roaring and untamed' screen diva, Tonto Dikeh was causing stirs wherever the sole of her foot stepped. Every lover of Nigerian movies or critics, would not forget this sultry actress in a hurry, if not for her daring roles in movies, then for her widely criticized musical singles which she released in 2012. The daring role, Tonto played in the highly controversial movie, “Dirty Secrets” alongside late actor, Muna Obiekwe, is still being talked about in some quarters. The actress received widespread criticism for her role in that ‘Soft Porn’ movie, with many Nigerians describing her role and actions in the movie as indecent and irresponsible. But Tonto did not give a damn even as she went on to play more daring roles in other movies.

At the height of her acting career, Tonto Dikeh delved into music to show the world her other side.

But instead of earning accolades and fortunes from her work, she earned criticisms and disapproval from fans, marking a starting point of what was to become a second nature to her- controversy. To many, Tonto Dikeh's musical career remains a mirage and till date, the Ikwerre, Rivers State-born actress can hardly remember she once tried her hands in singing.

Recall that her two singles ‘Hi’ and ‘It’s Ova’ featuring Snypa which she released in 2012, received mixed reviews, with one party applauding her efforts, and the other advising that the actress should forget about music and stick to acting. Though the criticisms did not get at Tonto Dikeh as she continued to pursue her passion, releasing another single ‘Crazically Fit’ in which she featured singer ‘Terry G’. Yet, Tonto did not sustain her passion for music. As soon as music superstar, D'banj announced that he had signed the actress on to his record label, DB records and unveiled her new nickname ‘Pokolee’ the actress dumped music for acting again. In the midst of all this, Tonto was also busy creating buzz with her tattoos scattered all over her body. As a great lover of tattoos, the controversial actress once revealed that she had over 58 tattoos on her body and she was flaunting the tattoos at random.

When many thought the actress was slowing down, she was romantically linked to several entertainers. At a point, the rumour mills were agog with stories of Tonto Dike dating Wizkid, which both of them vehemently denied. She was also rumoured to have dated Don Jazzy, D'banj, Micheal Awujoola(Malivelihood) and a couple of other celebrities in the past. In February 2015, Tonto Dike revealed via her Instagram page that she was now dating Olakunle Oladunni a.k.a‘Churchhill’, a popular Lagos socialite who later became her ex-husband.

The actress, also sparked another controversy on social media after a film maker, Ada Slim claimed that she made the actress who she is today, even after losing N2 Million because of the movie star. The feud, which went viral online started when the filmmaker took to her page, on August 2, 2017, to accuse the actress of mocking her behind her back, dismissing her as a 'fan', and not returning her car. Tonto had replied, and according to her, she never lied against Ada Slim, nor did she dismiss her. “I can’t remember having your car in my possession nor owing you or having your clothes with me but If true, please big sister send me the bill. God has blessed me now and am super grateful,” the actress

Tonto Dikeh's sad story

wrote on her Instagram page. At a point, Tonto also apologized to Mercy Johnson on Instagram for calling her daughter a witch back in 2013.

Tonto's sad story was the crashing of her marriage. From the outset, the marriage was built on accusation and counter-accusation. And Nigerians were not surprised, when it finally crashed like a pack of cards. The aftermath interim court injunction, restraining the actress from “airing, showing, disseminating or broadcasting any name, face, image, likeness or picture of their son, King Andrea Omodayo Igo Churchill in her well-publicized reality TV show, 'the King Tonto Reality TV Show', was another hurdle she had to cross. Her estranged husband, Olakunle Churchill had approached the court to protect their son “from undue indecent exposure and exploitation by the actress for personal gain and fame”. He prayed to the court that his son be regarded as a minor who is not fit to make a decision for himself. ‎

However, it's interesting to note that Tonto Dikeh, is one actress you can't ignore. Despite being controversial, Tonto has a heart of gold, and this is evident in some of her charity works. But what has continued to baffle some of her admirers is her inability to stay out of spotlight even when the chips are down. The actress, in her nature has continued to spring up surprises at any given opportunity. She's always on the fast lane. It pays her. But there are times it has not augured well for her re-branding. After the annulment of her marriage by the court, Tonto announced to the world on her Instagram that she has given her life to Christ. But her actions and inactions most times have given her fans a cause to worry.

Recently, Tonto was spotted kissing popular cross-dresser, #Bobrisky on the lips during her 33rdbirthday bash. The photo which has since sparked controversy on social media was shared by the screen diva on her Instagram page. Bobrisky also shared the photo showing them kissing with the caption, “My sis Tonto” and a lovestruck emoji. Some followers of the actress on IG lambasted and questioned her motives for sharing such controversial photo, reminding her, however, that she’s meant to be a “spirit-filled, tongue speaking and radical for Jesus.” She also, announced changing her name to ‘King Tonto’. The actress has been bearing the name on her Instagram page for some time after she got separated from her husband. She disclosed this on her Instagram page alongside a picture of her voter’s card as proof. “Officially changed my name to King Tonto, that feels good. Bear with me while I opt for greatness, King Tonto,” she wrote.

Interestingly, while Tonto is busy sharing sermons and professing a new faith on daily basis, on IG, the talented actress is also not considering it important to separate herself from the things of the world. Till date, she's busy creating buzz and enjoying being in the spotlight. It's her world.