Nigeria gal, Sope Aluko in Black Panther

Nigerians finally get a stake in Marvel Studios with the release of one of 2018’s most anticipated movies, Black Panther.

Black Panther follows T’Challa’s return home after the death of his father in Captain America: Civil War as king of Wakanda but finds his sovereignty challenged by a long-time adversary in a conflict that has global consequences.

The movie which is expected to release in Nigeria on February 16, 2018 boasts of a 90% black cast including Sope Aluko. Married and the mother of two (2) teenage boys plays the role of Shaman, a powerful primal leader who calls upon nature spirits for aid or guidance in Black Panther.

Nigerian-born but primarily raised in the UK, Sope started out with an undergraduate degree in Engineering and a master’s degree in Marketing. While in the UK, Sope attended drama classes at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) and extended her study into dance.

After a very successful career in the corporate space, the multi-linguist (speaks 4 languages including Yoruba) returned to acting and performing. Since then, she has played recurring roles on Netflix’s “Bloodline”, NBC’s “Law & Order SVU” and guest appearances on USA Network’s “Burn Notice” “Lifetime’s “Army Wives” amongst others.

Her film credits include supporting roles in feature films like Identity Thief, Pitch Perfect 2, 96 Minutes, Grass Stains,

Black Panther stars Chadwick Boseman, Michael B. Jordan; Academy Award® winner, Lupita Nyong’o; with Academy Award® nominee, Angela Bassett; and Academy Award® winner, Forest Whitaker.

Sope is currently filming another Marvel film, set to release in late 2018 and looks forward to working in Nollywood.

Davido Set To Release New Song ‘Chioma My Lover’ Dedicated To His Girlfriend

Davido’s love for his girlfriend, Chioma keeps blossoming as the days go by. He is so gassed about her, he made song entirely for her.

The popstar has a new single on the way titled ‘Chioma my lover’, and it’s dedicated to his one and only love, Chioma Rowland.

He sings in the verse;

“You’re the one i want o, Before my liver start to fail… You’re the one i need o, Before cassava start to hail…

Girl i’ll never leave o, make water carry me dey go. My lover, finally.”

The chorus;

“I am looking for a sister, Chioma my lover o… She get the dollar, she dey wear designer o.

I am looking for my sister, Chioma my lover o, She get the dollar, Chioma my lover. She say give me assurance, Assurance”

Chioma Avril Rowland, is a 300Level student of Babcock University. According to insiders, Chioma is also besotted with Davido and his 30Billion, so much that she is willing to do anything for him including missing school and repeating a year.

Davido keeps showing us that he is serious with Chioma as we can recall when they both stepped out together for a family’s private event.

Davido who is already a father of two beautiful daughters and doesn’t fail to show that he loves his girls. From bringing his first daughter, Imade to stage at his #30BillionConcert in Lagos to showing them off on his Snapchat.

Davido welcomed his second daughter, Hailey in 2017 with his then-girlfriend, Amanda May 9, 2017.

Saidi Balogun, Patience Ozokwor and Harrysong For INDEPENDENT Awards

The Independent Newspapers Limited awards is set to take place on Saturday, February 17, 2018 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. .

In keeping with its avowed commitment to promoting the common good and rewarding excellence in the society, the Independent Newspapers Limited, publishers of the Daily INDEPENDENT, Saturday INDEPENDENT and Sunday INDEPENDENT has nominated Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa, Executive Governor of Delta State as the INDEPENDENT 2017 Man of the Year.

Asides other governors billed to attend, Governors Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos and Nyesom Wike of Rivers State were nominated as Governor and Political Icon of the year respectively.

For his sterling role in weathering the storm of the killer herdsmen in his state recently, Samuel Ortom of Benue was nominated and would be decorated as The Governor of the Year on Security, while David Umahi of Ebonyi State emerged Governor of the Year in Agriculture.

Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State was equally nominated as the 2017 Grassroots Governor of the Year, while the Outstanding Deputy Governor of the Year goes to Otunba Titilayo Tomori of Osun State.

The flagship newspaper also nominated Ike Ekweremadu, Senate Vice President, and Mudashiru Obasa, Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly as the Outstanding Legislator of the Year (National) and Outstanding Legislator of the Year (State) respectively. Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, former factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was named the Party Leader of the Year.

Similarly, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife was nominated as the Bridge Builder In Leadership in 2017.

Foremost industrialist, Alhaji Rasak Okoya was not left out, and he has been nominated for Life Achievement Award, while Wale Babalakin, Chairman Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, clinched the Most Outstanding Aviation Terminal Operator of the Year.

The Federal Inland Revenue Service and the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) emerged nominees as the Federal Agency of the Year and Most Outstanding State Agency of the Year respectively

Nomination as the Most Outstanding Telecommunications Company of the Year goes to Globacom Limited.

The highlight of this year’s awards is the fact that entertainers and those who dazzle on the silver screen and dominate the airwaves are not left out.

For the artiste of the year, Alterplate CEO, Harry Song was nominated as Musician of the Year, while Saidi Balogun and Patience Ozokwor emerged Actor and Actress nominees of the Year respectively.

Adey releases 'Slender' on Valentine’s Day

Temple Music talented producer cum artiste, Adegboyega Ogunlesi, popularly known as Adey has released a new hot song titled 'Slender' to his fans.

The self-produced mid-tempo jam sees Adey flirting freely with his muse, ‘Slender Baby.’

Slender is another hot follow-up to his hit song entitled ‘Oluwa Wavy’ where the talented musician collaborates with wave-making rapper, Olamide and Grammy Award nominee and Afrobeat king, Femi Kuti. The song is released by Temple Music on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 for download on local and international digital stores.

Gulfstream G500 Jet Launches in Nigeria

The all-new Gulfstream G500 business jet made its Nigerian debut this week, with Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation’s senior executives visiting Nigeria to give current and potential customers an opportunity to experience firsthand the new aircraft’s cutting-edge technology, unparalleled comfort and superior craftsmanship.

The Gulfstream G500 business jet was on display for private viewing at the ExecuJet Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on February 16 and 17.

At a networking event attended by senior leaders from diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy, Commercial Counsellor Brent Omdahl reaffirmed the strong economic ties between the United States and Nigeria.

“The U.S. Foreign Commercial Service continues to facilitate long term business relationships between companies from the United States and Nigeria. We are excited to welcome this stellar group from the Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation to share their experience and expertise with Nigerian business executives,” Omdahl said.

Private aviation is a growing industry in Nigeria, which is home to more than 20 Gulfstream business aircraft, most of them large-cabin, long-range jets capable of connecting companies and business owners with their corporate interests around the globe. The Gulfstream G500, for example, can fly 8,149 km at nine-tenths the speed of sound, easily carrying passengers from Lagos to London or Moscow. At Mach 0.85, the aircraft can travel 9,630 km, linking Lagos with Caracas or Mumbai.

Diamond Platnumz announces major breakthrough after being dumped by babymama

It was a sweet-better experience for Tanzanian singer, Abdul Naseeb Juma popularly known yesterday as Diamond Platnumz as he announced a major breakthrough few hours after he was dumped by his South African-based Ugandan baby mama, Zari Hassan.

The sensational singer and WCB music label boss announced his plans to launch his music label branch in Kenya and asked his fans to tag talented musicians they would like to be signed under the label.

“As we are about to launch @wcb_wasafi Branch in Kenya...Please help me tag all the Kenyans talented artits, you would like to be signed under @wcb_wasafi , starting with this one..... (Kama unavyofaham mwaka huu @wcb_wasafi tunafungua Tawi jipya nchini Kenya, Maalum kwajili ya kuendelea kunyanyua vijana wenzetu wenye Vipaji tokea mtaani.. tafadhali nisaidie kuwatag vijana wote wenye Vipaji kenya, akianziwa na Huyu...),” Diamond wrote on his Instagram page.

Diamond made the announcement few hours after his baby mama told the world on Valentine's Day that they have gone their separate ways.

In a post on her Instagram page, Zari who is popularly knowmn as ‘The Boss Lady’ declared that she was no longer partners with Diamond and that it would not affect the fact that they have children together. She said that she had ended their relationship and she could not compromise her respect, integrity, dignity and well-being after the multiple rumors of Diamond cheating on her.

Zari who broke the news on Valentine’s day yesterday via social media wrote:

“Understand that this is very difficult for me to do. There have been multiple rumors some with evidence floating around in all sorts of media in regards to Diamond’s constant cheating and sadly I have decided to end my relationship with Diamond, as my respect, integrity, dignity and well being cannot be compromised.”

“We are separating as partners but not as parents. This doesn’t reduce me as a self-made individual, and as a caring mother, and the boss lady you have all come to know. I will continue to build as a mogul, I will inspire the world of women to become boss ladies too.”

'I will teach my four sons to always respect women, and teach my daughter what self-respect means. Unlike many, I’ve been in the entertainment industry for 12 years, and through all my challenges I came out a victor because I am a winner, and so are all of you Zari supporters.”

Zari had three children with Ugandan tycoon Ivan Ssemwanga before he died last year, and she also has a boy and one girl with Diamond Platnumz.

I'm not drunk, I'm just interpreting my movie roles—Muonago Collins

Comic-actor, Muonago Collins popularly called Nche Security who is known for his excellent delivery of roles and striking resemblance with veteran actor, Nkem Owoh a.k.a Osuofia is not usually drunk as he portrays in movies. In real life, he presents a different picture of himself- a calm and harmless gentle man.But on movie set, he's branded as a village jester or a mischief maker who staggers at most times. However, believe it or not, Collins has carved a niche for himself as one of the hottest stars rocking the Asaba movie scene.The wave-making actor who joined the industry a few years back is renowned for his comic roles and unique style of acting which has endeared him to many movie buffs.

In a recent chat with HVP, Collins described himself as a versatile actor, explaining that he has never been drunk before. Rather, “I'm just interpreting my movie roles.” He dismissed the notion that he's stereotyped in movies, saying “I have played such roles that did not portray me as drunk in movies.”

Popularly known as Nche Security, Collins is happily married with kids. He has acted in over 50 movies since he joined the industry. Some of his movies were, “ Painful Soul”, “Mothers Tears”, “The Great Odumodu”, “Mr Ibu in Trouble”, “Only Hope”, “Oga on Top”, “Osuofia's Wedding” among others.

22 years after, Ivie Liberty drops second single

Twenty-two years after she dumped music to concentrate on her studies, Felix Liberty's daughter, Ivie has dropped her latest hot single titled, “ Zionite.”

Ivie,who released her first solo album, “Nigerian Girl” in 1996, when she was 11 years broke the good news on her Instagram page. “ I am so excited to announce to you that my new single , “Zionite” is finally out,” she wrote.

Recall that Ivie was in the country last week, where she was recording the five track- EP with her father. A London-based Nigerian fashion designer, Ivie dumped music after her father advised her to concentrate on her studies. Now, 22 years after she obeyed the voice of her father, the beautiful mother of four, who is married to Efosa Efe-Eweka, from the Benin royal family looks promising to take the place of her father in the Nigerian music scene. The beautiful fashion designer-turned singer is overjoyed, returning to her first love-music after many years of hiatus.

Abuja guest writer session features Anima Aboje, Elsie Oghenekaro

Two female writers, Amina Aboje and Elsie Oghenekaro, will take centre stage at the February 24, Guest Writer Session at Aso Hall, Nanet Suites, Abuja by 4pm. The monthly event, an intervention by the Abuja Writers Forum (AWF) which features readings, a Q and A session, live music and a raffle –draw for books is open to the public.

Born in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, Amina Aboje had her primary education in the beautiful city of Buguma, one of the many towns in the Kalabari Kingdom. She holds a first degree in Biochemistry and is currently running a post-graduate course at the Nasarawa State University, Keffi. Her interest in writing was birthed when she discovered the delight of reading as a little girl. Ms Aboje expresses herself in both poetry and prose.

Her short stories have featured in some online literary journals like Dugwe and Lunaris Review. Her poems and short stories have severally topped the Abuja Writers Forum Writing Challenge series. In 2016, she won the Mandela Day Poetry Prize. She’s also the third place winner (in the poetry category) of the maiden edition of the Communicators League writing contest.

Aboje is one among several featured in the soon to be published Best New African Poets 2017 Anthology. She is the author of Promises on Sand, a collection of poems focused on the many intricacies of life and the disturbing issue of corruption in politics.

Ms Aboje who is an independent editor, also finds pleasure in teaching poetry. She works and lives in Abuja, Nigeria.

Elsie Dennis Oghenekaro started her journey into writing in the very early nineties when she worked as a reporter for newspapers and magazines, including Abuja's first newspaper, Abuja Newsday.

She later veered off into diplomatic circles as Liaison Officer for the International Committed of the Red Cross (ICRC). Some of her duties in the Red Cross required her to use her writing skills for various high level reports. Leaving the Red Cross, she worked with the Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and several other organizations.

She has run her own travel business as well as other businesses. After a ten year absence from Abuja with her family, she finally came back to the city she considers home in 2012 and has since focused on her writing and literary consulting.

Under the nom -de -plum Elsie O. Dennis, she has written several books for young children as well as several novels and inspirational books. She runs a small reading NGO for urban ghettos and trains young people on how to live a more meaningful life. Her latest book is God Is Not Here.

Mrs Oghenekaro is passionate about the Nigeria project and speaks in issues concerning the girl child, women empowerment and the Nigeria of her dream. A mother of five children,her hobbies include travelling, cooking, reading, and is currently working on her MBA. She is a craftsman of the Jerry Jenkins Writers Guild USA, and considers writing as her life's purpose.

Veteran Actress, Victoria Inyama Embattled In Marital Crisis

Veteran Nollywood actress, Victoria Inyama might be enmeshed in marital crisis with her now estranged husband and renowned novelist Ben Okri, popular for one of his books ‘The Famished Road’.

The mother of 3 wrote a message on facebook that has since gone viral and it is obviously about her marriage and her ”psychotic beast” husband who has refused granting her divorce while allegedly cheating on her Victoria says.

She wrote on her Facebook page, "What’s on my mind hmmmmmmmm. Happy to be alive. Healthy……. getting better…brighter….standing up for myself……regardless of d demon in human form that I have to deal with…………… legion lawyer……….. If not for God……..psychotic beast with his Never ending drama……. he wouldn’t even grant her a divorce………… and d poor bitch living with him……..May God give her sense… she’s so dumb ...miserable pair…..

“D bondage is sickening and all his legal antics. They saw the law is fair but not when he manipulates it like he does. He has a live in lover and still wouldn’t divorce me! He asaulted me yesterday and d first time, I called the police on him”.

*PM News

BBNaija: Nina speaks on kissing Miracle during shower hour

Big Brother Naija housemate, Nina has apologised for kissing fellow housemate, Miracle during a shower hour on Tuesday.

Nina, while apologising said she was trying to control herself cause she knew her boyfriend would feel bad.

It would be recalled that Housemates Nina and Miracle were caught kissing in the shower on Tuesday morning.

She said, “I know my bf will feel bad, I know he’s feeling bad at the moment. I’m begging him not to feel bad about everything happening here. I’m sorry, I’m trying to control it.

”My bf might even be crying watching me here. I’m really sorry but I’ll keep controlling it #BBNaija.

“Miracle knows I have a boyfriend, I told him. He told me he was single.”

Recall also that housemate, Bitto yesterday, got an erection by just hugging fellow housemate Nina, who was crying.