Ngerian-Briton superstar, Tayo Elesin has starred in widely acclaimed television soaps such as Law and Order UK, Holby City (BBC), Doctors (BBC) and many others. Tayo, who lives between London and New York depending on where she has work, studied law and has staggering LLB, LLM, and MSC to her name as well as an acting career! She is one of the very few black young people making strong incursion into Hollywood and European TV and film scenes.

Beautiful, charming and with a high level of charisma, Tayo, 25, has done several stage plays as well. She has also done various voice-over works in the UK and US. She has worked in London’s West End and off-West End shows like Godspell and Pippin.

She is particularly proud of A Cry of Innocence, as this was a huge production at the Greenwich Theatre with the finest opera singers in the world.

Tayo, who came home for the AMAA Awards held recently in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, opened up to The Entertainer on her career and sundry issues. Excerpts:

What is a typical day like in the life of Tayo Elesin?

It depends really on what the programme of the day is. But, in all days, I get up and talk to my friend. His name is Jesus. He’s a really cool dude and I like to talk to him firstly in the morning. It’s always a beautiful thing. Thereafter, I get up and usually check emails or talk to my admin to ask for any updates that I need to know of for the day/week/month or anything generally. I respond to what needs responding. If it is a day where I am filming or rehearsing for a project at hand, I tend to just talk to Jesus, shower and get out of the house a.s.a.p for set or rehearsal! Lateness is not permitted in my industry so I try not to be late. Also, religiously, daily, I have a raw fruit and vegetable smoothie in my fruit blender. I cannot live without that stuff! It’s brilliant.

Tell us about your background?

My background is simple. I am Tayo Elesin. There are so many facets to myself that I celebrate. I celebrate my ‘Brigerian’ self. I am British and Nigerian, the last of seven children; I was raised up with poise, class, goodness and travelled a lot.

How did you get involved in acting?

I have acted since I was young, in professional jobs since I was 16 years old or so.

Your resume is quite impressive, at such a young age. How did you manage it?

Grace and favour from that friend I talked about in the first question. Secondly, relentless, almost ‘inhumane’ levels of hard work coupled with raw talent and an unexplainable level of charisma.   

How long have you been an actress? Where did you get started?

For about 10 years now. It started from the day that I read out the soliloquy from Macbeth in year 8 at St. Saviours and St. Olaves Secondary school in New Kent Road, London. I felt free. Free to be someone else. Just free!

Growing up, did you always want to be an actress? Or did you have something else in mind?

Growing up, I wanted to be great. I knew with every inch and bone within me, my name was destined to be great. I was interested in the legal field and it was between being a lawyer and an actress. Both of them manifested but I professionally work in the latter.

Do you regret this decision?

Heck no!

Did anyone ever try to discourage you on becoming an actress?

No. Not overtly or to my knowledge anyways.

What drives you?

I don’t know. I am just driven, it’s innate. I would, however, say that my friend from the first question, my mother and my sisters and especially my brother who has passed. I want to make him proud.

Look back to your first audition. What was it like?

Bloody scary yet freeing; two much juxtaposed emotions.

What were the challenges you faced starting a career on foreign soil?

Britain is not ‘foreign soil’ to me. However, I would say that there are complexities as a black woman working in film, TV, stage in the UK, US and Europe generally. But they are complexities that talent and nothing but talent can overcome and they are not impossible to overcome at all.

What kind of roles have you performed throughout your career?

Very diverse roles I am absolutely blessed. I have been a domestically abused young woman who has a son with her abuser in the Journey of Alfred Small by Michael Archer, a prostitute in Law & Order, a refugee cleaner in Doctors, a bully in Casualty, an unrefined young woman-turned politician in Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again.

Are you satisfied with them?

Absolutely. They have been real characters with the shades and complexities of humanity. That is what acting is for me and that is what those roles have enabled me to delve into.

How different is it to act in a movie and to act in a stage play?

The mediums are different. As such, the ‘level’ of acting is different. By that I mean, screen acting is best when there are subtleties to how you act as the camera picks up literally everything! The stage, however, you can afford to be ‘big’ if you will. Nonetheless, both mediums have to be truthful and have a concrete character creation. Acting in essence, in whatever medium, be it stage, radio, TV, film, voice over, is all about truth. Being true to the moment and to the character.

Which of the two do you prefer?

Both are excellent. The energy on stage is electric and I would say, that for me, gives stage an edge. TV, film and commercials pay the bills very well! But, everything is about the character for me in whatever medium. Plus, acting is acting in every medium.

Tell me an area in which you would like to improve as an actress?

I am not sure there is. Acting is not a sport for me. I think acting is being real in a make belief world – so, for me, I wouldn’t use the word ‘improve’ per se, I’d say I would always want to remain ‘truthful and in the moment’ with every scene that I do in every medium of acting.

What are your strong points as an actress?

I am an excellent storyteller through character and I have the ability to be ‘chameleon like’ and be in the moment, I think!

What has been your biggest achievement in the field of acting?

The fact that I am still in it and I still retain every sense of who Tayo Elesin is – acting has not overcome me. I am Tayo Elesin first.

Which of your works would you say is the best so far?

I can’t pick! All of them; even though I have to say playing ‘Sikira’ in Our Husband Has Gone Mad Again was very enjoyable for me. The depth and arc of that character is a testament to the finesse of the writer, Ola Rotimi.

You have worked with many prestigious bodies: Sony Music, Law and Order, Alison Jackson Studios, to name a few. How does that make you feel?

Good. Grateful.

You’ve handled many local and international projects. How does that make you feel?

Even better and even more grateful!

Who is your favourite actor/actress?

That’s a hard one but I like the following people a lot: Audrey Toutou, Sophie Okonedo, Thandie Newton, Naomie Harris, Anthony Hopkins, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Nse Epe-Etim, John Light, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, Funke Akindele, Joke Silva, Denzel Washington, Al Pacino, Phylisha Rashad, Hlomla Dandla, and Jada Pinkett Smith.

Working on such tight schedule, what do you do to relax?

I don’t, work is relaxing and travelling is relaxing! I do try to sleep well, so I guess that is relaxing?

Are you married?

No comment!

What is the craziest thing a fan has said or done to you?

Asked me to marry them.

You are also a woman with a heart of gold. You have contributed to a lot of charity work. What’s the driving force behind it?

Love you neighbour as yourself. That’s what my friend in the first question said. I thought that’s a pretty cool thing, I’ll follow it!

Where do you see yourself in the next 10 to 15 years?

Alive!

What’s your take on Nollywood?

I am not sure I agree with the term ‘Nollywood’ but if your question is: what’s your take on Nigerian cinema, my answer is this: I think Nigerian cinema is vibrant, exciting, improving, worth of international praise, energetic and its coming, coming!

Would you like to join Nollywood?

I’m not sure what Nollywood is, so the answer might be no. But, would I like to do Nigerian films? Yes. With the right story, right director, right character, absolutely.

Are you engaged in any other thing, aside acting in the UK?

Presently no. But I go where the job is – Canada, LA, New York etc. and I have worked in all of them at one point or the other.

Why did you dump law?

I didn’t ‘dump’ it. I studied it and I loved every moment of it. Should I ever at any point need to re-live anything legal, I have the knowledge and ability to.

What are your dreams?

To be great, to leave a legacy – neither for my family nor myself, but for the advancement of anybody that needs help in this world to be greater.

Who will you like to work with, in Nigeria?

This is easy. Kenneth Gyang. That is the type of filmmaker that I want the world to see is coming from Nigeria. Also, I would like to work with a Nigerian in the Diaspora, Niyi Towolawi. Acting wise, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde, Nse Etim, Stella Damasus, Genevieve Nnaji, Richard Mofe-Damijo, Olu Jacobs, Joke Silva, and Funke Akindele.

Popular actor, Funsho Adeolu, recently added a year. Unlike many of his peers in the entertainment industry, Adeolu didn’t throw a lavish party neither did he ‘soak’ his friends and associates in liquor to celebrate the day. The deeply spiritual entertainer elected to spend the day quietly with his family.

In this interview with The Entertainer, Adeolu, a cultural ambassador to the Ondo State government bares his mind on his career, his past, and his relationship with God among others.

Excerpts:

In the beginning I was born on May 9, over four decades ago. I hail from Ondo State and I read Guardian and Counselling at the Ondo State University (OSUT). But I was already acting before I concluded my university education because of the passion I had for the entertainment industry even when I was growing up. For me, growing up was like fun because I had time for myself and to the glory of God, I’m able to achieve what I have set my mind to achieve in the industry.

Today, I’m one of the Ondo State Cultural Ambassadors for Culture and Tourism. The Ondo State government under Governor Olusegun Mimiko honoured a few of us making the state proud in the industry and it was interesting that people up there could appreciate us.

I feel humbled by the honour.

How I got into acting

Before I got into acting, my aim was to make a name for my children, my grandchildren and myself. I have set my mind to make a name they can live on, even when I’m no more. I had wished that my name could help my generation and the next generation after me.

So, I developed the interest because of the passion I have for the entertainment industry. My secondary school days were at the Baptist Academy. Then, and even when I was a Higher Student Certificate (HSC) student, I used to attend the Baptist Church.

I was one of the instrumentalists at the Baptist Church in FESTAC Town then. As a choir leader of the church, I later met Niyi Ojemakinde, the broadcaster, who also was a choir leader in another church, also in FESTAC. That was how we met and started a dancing crew named Monidex. We gathered quite a number of young boys and girls and floated the group.

At the time, we were also young, and we were just enjoying ourselves. But the passion, the interest later grew beyond that and we later invited Mr. Antar Tunde Laniyan to be our trainer. He was to train us and put us through since he was a professional.

That was how it all started sometimes in the late ‘80s. But interestingly, Antar saw the talent in me. He noticed the passion that drove me and quickly developed a special interest in me. He immediately took me on and I became what I am today.

Those who made me First, my parents are wonderful. They gave me the time to express my God-given talent. Antar Laniyan also played a very important role in my life. He was like a mini-god that held my hand and led me to my destiny. At a particular time in my life and career, he’ll be there to play the role of this messiah. So, he has been wonderful to me.

For instance, the first film I featured in was Ida Oluwa. The late Funmi Martins produced it. Antar Laniyan was the director. So, he really played wonderful roles in my life. My wife has been wonderful too. She remains my very close friend and has played the role of a mother, a wife and a friend. We are that close and God has on so many occasions used her to touch my life positively.

Apart from acting…

I am a total entertainer in the real sense of the word.

I do general entertainment, I have a band, I compere events as a Master of Ceremonies, and I cover events and manage events. And as an event manager, I do all sorts of entertainment. I’m not an office person. I am involved in entertainment at all levels.

How I get inspired God inspires me. I’m also inspired by the script from the director. Let me say for instance, in one of the movies I featured in not long ago, I played the role of a blind man. It was in the movie entitled Agbaakin, a Yoruba movie.

It eventually turned out to be a fantastic role because I did it differently. In the movie, as a blind man I didn’t wear eyeglasses. I opened my eyes and it worked. I did it perfectly. Most times, I like to be different in whatever I do. For me, money is not the determinant factor.

Money matters because I have to pay some bills, but I don’t see it as the most important factor to whatever I do in life. I’m not that rich but I’m comfortable and I enjoy what I do for a living. That’s where I derive my joy. So, for whatever role I play in movies, I’m inspired by God.

For instance, if a certain producer invites me for a role in a movie, I don’t charge a constant figure. It all depends on my mood. It depends on how rich I am at that particular point in time. More so, if I like a script, I will do it. Sometimes, my fees are high and sometimes they are not. But I thank God that I’m still relevant in the industry.

My social life I’m not a party person, but I do attend parties every weekend as a Master of Ceremonies and Event Manager. Sometimes, I attend family outings when I’m invited. What I value most I value what people say about me when I’m not around.

What people say about me matters most. So, I make sure that in everything I do, people must see me as a role model. I want to be real and original in everything I do. I don’t pretend and I hate pretenders. My most memorable day That was the day I got married. It was on December 18, 2004, about nine years ago. That was the day I got married to the only friend I had. She’s very close to my heart. She’s Mrs. Victoria Adeolu Adegeye from Akwa Ibom State.

My God and me

I’m a religious person. I attend church always. I am a devoted member and worker in a parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in my area. My wife is even a very active member of the church. In truth, I don’t joke when it comes to the issue of my relationship with God. Sometimes I go on long days of dry fasting while on location, without eating anything. It’ll never affect my mood even when I’m on set.

That’s me. For instance in my church, we do our annual 21 days of fasting and prayer and most of the times, it coincides with the days I would have to be on location. I don’t break the fast, and it has never affected the role I play or how I act in movies.

Like former United States president, Jimmy Carter, who has dedicated his life since leaving the White House to serving humanity through charity works and high profile peace advocacy under aegis of his non-governmental organization, The Carter Centre, former First Lady of Cross River State, Mrs Onari Duke is waving waves impacting society in very positive ways.

Ever elegant, graceful and charming, the svelte Onari has kept herself busy driving the vision of Child Survival and Development Organization of Nigeria, CS-DON, a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 2002 with the primary objective of providing support for maternal and childcare initiatives in the country. One shining success story of the NGO is the Calabar Women and Children Hospital (CWCH), which is accredited by the National Health Insurance Scheme. CS-DON has also actively engaged in the fight against HIV/AIDS through its campaign initiatives. Other projects of CS-DON include the support and resettlement of displaced children in refugee circumstances and the advocacy of child care matters.

With the same of passion, she has thrown herself in the battle against breast cancer. For this purpose the NGO is organizing the sixth edition of “Run-for-a-Cure 7Km Charity Walk, which is aimed at creating awareness for breast, cervical and childhood cancer. The event is scheduled to hold on June 15, 2013. In the run-up to the event, she took out time to talk about the initiative.

Excerpts…

How has life been since you left office as the First Lady of Cross River State?

I have not missed a beat. Rather I have continued doing everything I did while I was the First Lady. In fact, when I went to Calabar I did what I was already doing – maybe I did more of it. So, there wasn’t anything that was totally new. Having left Calabar I just continued my work and it has continued to expand even though we have left office. For me, my life has been just the same – there hasn’t been much difference; the only difference, probably, is that I don’t have any state duties now. Back then I had to attend different functions at state level. That isn’t there anymore. I also am engaged in training activities – I run a programme for the United Nations on Entrepreneurship.

So what does your typical day look like now?

I don’t have a routine, except to pray. Apart from praying, maybe I spend some time to exercise, which is not regular. In essence, I don’t really have a routine.

What drives your passion for the activities of the NGO?

I have also done voluntary work. I was always a Guide. I worked in the Red Cross. That has always been part of my life, working and giving. For me, that is the essence of giving, if you are not ready to give why are you there? You should be able to bless people. Bible says it’s more blessed to give than to receive.

Please talk more about the new programme being organized by the NGO.

Basically, the Child Survival and Development Organization of Nigeria, CS-DON is organizing the sixth Run for a Cure 7KM Charity Walk event aimed at creating awareness for breast, cervical and childhood cancer. Too many Nigerians are losing their battle with cancer because of late detection of the disease or even the lack of detection. We believe that this can be changed. Many types of cancers are treatable if they are detected in time. Globally great strides have been made in the fight against cancer through research, creating awareness, early detection and aggressive treatment of the disease. Run for a Cure 7km Charity Walk is aimed at creating awareness for breast, cervical and childhood cancer. The Run billed for June 15, 2013 will start early morning from Muri Okunola Park Victoria Island to the Bar Beach along Ahmadu Bello Way and back to Muri Okunola Park.

The participants in the RUN will be drawn from different sectors – including the Corporate, education and the entertainment Industry.  Twelve Trophies will be won at the race for the first second and third positions as well as, oldest and youngest participants. The best teams t-shirt, most exciting team spirit and largest teams will also be awarded.

Traffic control and security will be taken care of by LASTMA and the Nigerian Police force respectively. Ambulatory services have been made available with a team of medical personnel as well as certified fitness instructors. A gynecologist, pediatrician and an oncologist will be on site and available to answer any question.

Some of our sponsors include United Bank for Africa, Dangote group, Honeywell group, Ekulo Group, GlaxoSmithKline amongst others. All proceeds from the event will go towards supporting treatments for patients with breast, cervical or any childhood cancer in the country.

Okay, let’s change direction a little. You are really looking good. Do you go extra mile to look this beautiful?

No, we just thank God. I don’t do anything extra.

What is your take on fashion?

I just dress to be comfortable because I multi-task. I go to children’s school everyday when I’m in Lagos. I have to be ready to go to church everyday. When I leave my house I dress to fit into work, meetings, church and it has to be comfortable. What is style to me is that I’m comfortable in whatever I wear.

What is your philosophy about life?

Hmmm: fear God. He is so great, awesome, he does the impossible, the unexpected, the miraculous and He has shown me in different ways to know how special I am to him. When I look at myself, I ask, why God has been so good to me? Am I able to love Him as I should love Him? I just have a reverent fear of the Lord.

Looking back at your childhood, what memorable experiences bring smiles to your face when your recall them?

My father loving me everyday – he gave us a lot of love.  My dad gave me a lot of confidence in respect of what happened around me, I feel happy and content. My father loved me so much. I could wake up in the morning and tell him that I don’t want to walk to school that day. If my mother was scolding me, he would say, ‘ok let her be.’ He was a school principal, an educationist and yet he loved me that much. He would tell my mother, ‘Today, she doesn’t want to go to school, please let her be.’

Is he still alive?

No.

Are you the only child?

No, I’m the fifth child. And each of my siblings thinks that he or she is special, and each of us thinks that he loved us more.

Did you grow up in Calabar?

No, I grew up in Port Harcourt. I’m from Rivers State and married in Cross River.

How was life growing up?

It was good. With a father like mine it had to be good. My father helped me to appreciate the love of God. When you say Jesus died for me, God loved the world so much. I know how much my father loved me. If my father could love me so much, how much more God? Because of my father it was easy for me to appreciate God.

How much support do you get from your husband?

Support comes in different forms. He is always there to support me at any time.

Do you take time off to relax?

We do have family holidays. By and large, beyond the holiday, a good portion of my work is relaxation for me. I have not drawn a line between that says this is work and this is not. I just enjoy anything I do. If I don’t want to do something I don’t do it. If I decide to do something I do it and have fun doing it because I feel I will get fulfillment from doing it.

How have you been able to strike the balance between life in office and out-of-office?

When my husband left office my lifestyle did not change. I am not the outgoing type. I remained myself even when he was governor. Life in office was something outstanding. But you should not change your lifestyle to be what you were not before just because of something that is so short. I believe God would give me long life on earth. If people can see life-in-office in that context then there is absolutely no reason why you won’t prepare for life out of office. It’s just a phase of life and it’s going to be over.

‘I have just been in an accident in Nashville. I was crossing an intersection going for a walk. A car turning didn’t see me and boom! Sent me flying. Thank God I landed on my padded butt. The only thing that got crushed was my water bottle.’ Asa also twitted that paramedics came to her rescue and gave her first aid. However she added that aside feeling woozy she was okay.

The singer stated that she was not pressing charges but gave the driver a stern warning.

Prolific director and actor, Fred Amata has come a long way. He has also come of age. Fred turns 50 today and he’s more than happy, he is excited. In this exclusive interview with The Entertainer, Fred Amata takes a look back at his life and agrees that it’s worth celebrating. Excerpts:

If you take a holistic look at it, what comes to your mind now that you turn 50?

Generally, I look at a journey that has been unique mostly by the grace of God, I discovered that a lot of things just come to me not because of… and when they don’t come to me I hardly feel it. I am the type of person you could describe as being content. You see that song, Content, means a lot to me.

When you say content, does that mean not settling for less?

I am content with what I have, little be it or much.

At 50, apart from being content, are you happy?

More than happy! I am excited. Why else would I be celebrating if I’m not? I am excited. Yes, I will say I am happy.

Do you still dance?

I can’t stop dancing. Part of the reason why I originally started this is because I wanted to dance but the story became a lot more. I still dance a lot, I still dance normally; I dance a lot.

I saw you at Encomium ‘White and Groove’ party and you were everywhere…?

You will see me dancing again tomorrow on the pitch; I’ll be doing a Roger Mila dance. We have a party again; I am going to be dancing. I don’t think I am going to stop dancing.

Any regrets?

They’ve asked me that question in months honestly speaking, and I have come to answer it like this because it actually captures how I feel. I usually see regrets as temporary because a lot of times you regret something and want it to be different but when you take your time to measure it against time, you find out that what you thought you regretted is best exactly how you regretted it. So, there’s no regret essentially.

I saw you for the first time some years ago. Between then and now most of your colleagues have fallen by the wayside. Between that time and now what have you been able to do to evolve with time and still be reckoned with?

The way I understand your question is ‘maintaining relevance’ and if you look at my history well, you will realize that I am not in as many productions as my other colleagues so to speak. People nowadays tend to see it as a ‘bigger guy’ but before this time I probably used to do as many films, which is like one or two films a year, and I maintain my relevance with that. But in recent times, maybe its just a little less but the challenge being the kind of jobs, productions that are available and the kind of productions that I aspire to do, and its complicated further by the amount of funds available to achieving the goals. A lot of times even when you feel this is a job I can do and its all good, the money is bad and they can’t even get off the ground or when they get off the ground there is no end. At the end of the day, it affects production value. So, I have been careful in selecting the jobs that we have done. In terms of relevance, I will say the revolution in Nigeria now is going towards the cinema, the cinematic films; it’s in the cinema that your true worth is truly tested. We have pursued that and I am proud to say that I belong to a production that has truly gone international, Black November, which would be coming out soon, it was suppose to be out last year. It’s huge and for me its about the biggest production out of Africa in terms of the Nollywood phenomenal, and hopefully by the time its out, people will understand exactly what I am saying. So, that way we are able to select the relevant jobs that will make us relevant.

I learnt that the studio abroad actually dismantled the production that Jeta (Amata) did and started all over again?

Which studio abroad? The studio abroad that is handling the production is Jeta and Wes, which is owned by Jeta Amata and Wes Ekubong. There is no influence whatsoever in production, finances, or in anything that is coming from America; they are all coming from Nigeria. So, that rumour is false. Wes and Jeta is a production company that runs into the production of Black November right from Nigeria here; that rumour is false.

He didn’t re-shoot the movie abroad?

He re-shot bits of the movie, the bits were his personal decision and there were other bits that were shot. Scenes that have been shot four years ago in Makurdi are still in the film. The reason for re-shoot is different from what people are making it out to be and the reason for re-shoot is to reach into the American market. They advised us to get an A-list actor, twist it and put in. Then we went and sought out Rich Rook who took the role and we re-shot it.

Which other A-list actors were there?

We have Akon, Wyclef, Vivica Fox, Ann Herch (we don’t know her much here but she’s big in Hollywood), and White, who won Best Actress award in Pan African Film Festival a year ago, Fred Amata, ZZZ Nzuki, and OC Ukeje.

I am sure you will be surprised if I didn’t ask you this question. Looking back, whatever happened in your marriage, will it get to…?

(Cuts in) I won’t answer that question.

I am not asking you about…?

(Cuts in) No, no, no. I don’t answer any question in whatever disguise that has to do with my personal life and marriage. So, please oblige me.

So, will your family be at the 50th birthday?

Please oblige me. You will find out when you get there but please oblige me.

Okay, have you remarried? The reason I am asking is because…?

(Cuts in) I have not remarried, I can answer you that.

I am sure you read the papers where it was reported that you married one woman?

Oblige me. Wetin concern me…(general laughter).

What else should we expect from you at 50?

Hmmm. They say life begins at 40 but nowadays life begins at 50. As you can see, I do not look like 50. If you look closely at people turning 50, you will find out that they are looking more youthful, more energetic and that is what we are trying to say.

Should we expect more from you production wise?

Of course! Definitely! What the whole celebration has also taught me is that I actually should be going back to my roots, handling stage production and movies. You are going to be seeing a lot more of that.

Can you give us a rundown of your 50th birthday celebration?

On Saturday, May 18 (today) which is my birthday, we are having a white tie dinner where we are expecting the governors of Lagos and Delta States, and that is where we are performing the excerpt from the play, The king Must Dance Naked; it’s a 20-mins excerpt. We are having the white tie dinner and the stage play and that is the height of the celebration.  Subsequently, next week we are visiting about three different charities and that is where we intend to end the celebration.

Are you happy at the state of Nollywood?

Nollywood is blah, blah, blah (noisy).

What went wrong with your company?

It has to do with the increasing problem in Nollywood. Nollywood is a very complex industry. It has to do with the understanding of the practitioners against the challenges of the market, challenges of the environment, misunderstandings and a lot of…whatever.

Why were you not at AMAA?

I was not invited, my invites didn’t get to me and they accused me of not attending. But I cannot be blamed for their distribution error.

Rapper and singer Sound Sultan thrilled guests at the just-concluded MTN Link Forum held at the Transcorp Metropolitan Hotel, Calabar, Cross River State. Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Patrick Ugbe, said: “ MTN Link Forum has added value in terms of capacity-building to the youths in Cross River State.”

He noted that MTN Link Forum is encouraging youths in the state to be bold and has given the challenge of becoming their own bosses. Although it is a difficult step to take, considering that they are stepping into the unknown. But, by listening to those who have done it and made a success of their businesses, they are inspired to also become entrepreneurs and add value to the economic development of the state,” he stated. Sharing his success story, Nzan Ogbe, the Special Adviser to the state governor, harped on the need for self-discovery and staying focused.

According to him, knowing who you are and what value you have been created to add to the human race, is the first step to becoming an entrepreneur and a successful one at that. “Most times, we are quick to look at the finished products without sparing a thought for the story that made the man. My journey of self- discovery started when I was nine years old.

Since then, I knew I had to stay focused to achieve all my dreams. Even when I had the opportunity of staying back abroad, when things were all rocky, I had a plan and I stuck to it. Life is about principles, life is a process, learn to stay focused,” he stated. Reiterating MTN’s commitment to enriching lives, Aminu Sani, the Brand Manager, Progressive Segment, said the forum is one of the many initiatives by the leading network to enrich lives. MTN Link Forum is a value-added platform for young, budding entrepreneurs and professionals to network and connect to their dreams.

To further reward and recognize those that have contributed immensely towards Nigeria’s growth politically, socially and economically, organizers of the Independence Hall of Fame Award, are set to unveil the nominees soon.

The executive producers, Princes Rotimi Akapo and Adegbola Onatoye, said, “the much-anticipated event has been repackaged and rebranded to accommodate more categories.

“After consulting and networking widely, this year’s edition of the Independence Hall of Fame Award is back. This year’s outing promises to be bigger, better and more colourful with touches of international standards. Like you already know the prestigious award centres on rewarding those that have contributed immensely to our nation’s growth politically, socially, economically and other spheres of human endeavours,” stated Princes Akapo and Onatoye.

With “A Few Good Men” as the theme of this year’s celebration, the award, according to the prime movers, will continue to reward excellence and celebrate hard work and national icons and role models. Also commenting on the award, the project consultant and Nollywood star, Segun Arinze, appealed to well-meaning Nigerians and corporate bodies to partner the organizers to give it the desired success.

“This is a very laudable initiative that must be supported by well meaning Nigerians and socially responsible corporate bodies. I’m very proud to be associated with Independence Hall of Fame Award as well as the organizers…”

From Geoffrey Anyanwu, Awka

Experts who gathered yesterday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) Awka agreed that despite the increasing impact of the social media, the orthodox media will not fizzle out, particularly the newspaper.

Speaking at the 2013 World Communication Day celebration organized by the Department of Mass Communication, NAU with the theme “Social Networks: Expanding the Horizon of Communication,” the Publisher of Manufacturing Today, Mr. Stanley Egbochukwu and the Managing Director, The Sun Publishing Company Limited, Mr. Tony Onyima observed that though the social media is a threat to the newspaper, it would not kill the print medium.

Egbochukwu in his paper looked at the challenges and the changing trends and submitted that, “Despite all the threats posed by the new media, the newspaper will not die,” the print media needed to face the challenge.

Onyima in his own paper titled, “Is the end of newspaper here?” said that as modern technology booms, the future of daily newspaper falls, and the practicality of having a physical newspaper, as opposed to a virtual one, was slight but stated that it was not a verdict of death for the newspaper.

He therefore said that “Newspaper brands must embrace information, comment, blogs and services from many sources. They must escape from old world thinking where newspapers conspired to pretend they were the only reliable source of news and information, a monopoly for the reader.”

He charged publishers and managers of newspaper to become creative in riding the crest and the journalists to update their journalism curriculum in schools as that would help in securing the future of newspaper. Others who delivered papers are the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Abubakar Jijiwa and the General Manager, Purity FM, Awka, Mrs. Miriam Menkiti, while the Managing Director/Chief Executive of Reads and Marks Limited, Mr. Willy Nnorom was the chairman of the occasion.

Governor Peter Obi who was represented at the occasion by his Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Chief Joemartins Uzodike who was also the Chief Guest of Honour, commended the Department and asked the university to forward to him the budget for the upgrading of the Unizik 94.1 FM radio station for discussion.

Earlier at a courtesy visit to the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Boniface Egboka, the chairman local organizing committee for the conference and former Head of Department, Prof. Kate Omenugha said “We brought these gurus here, this is part of the town we have brought to the gown and we hope we will liaise with them to show the students the practical things about journalism. We talk about theory a lot here and we want them to share their experiences with our students. We want them to interact with our students for them to really know what it takes to be in journalism profession.”

Speaking on behalf of the special guests, the Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Abubakar Jijiwa commended the Vice Chancellor for the support he has been giving the Mass Communication stressed the need to make the Nigerian student more productive. He appreciated the said marriage of town and gown noting that most times when interviews are conducted for graduates seeking jobs “You find out there is a disconnect,” which according to him is worrisome. Jijiwa also said that as Nigerians “We must learn to recognize the labours of our leaders past,” stressing that one of the things that made him come to Unizik was to honour his former boss, Dr. Nwabu Mgbemena who is in the Mass Communication Department of the institution. Responding, Prof. Egboka noted that there was nothing any one could do on earth without communication and appreciated the visitors for leaving their tight schedule to come and speak to the students.

He further said, “We have a lot of innovative ideas in this university, we run a student first philosophy in this university, we believe students here are our children and we handle students here like our own children.”

He noted that the university had, in the last 12 years, ran a normal university academic calendar which made people to clamour to bring their children to the university, adding that in 2011, the institution came third, in 2012 it came second and this year third, in the most sought university in Nigeria by JAMB candidates. Prof. Egboka commended the Nigeria media for ensuring the exchange of people’s ideas; especially The Sun newspapers which he said has taken the duty to an enviable level.

He said, “The Sun is charging, one is very proud of Sun newspaper because very early in the morning you have The Sun on news stand and everywhere, on the road in the hands of people and vendors and The Sun writes a lot of things both beautiful and esthetic and so also other newspapers.”

Tinsel star, Gbenga Anaimashaun dazzled with his heartthrob, Chinelo Aningwu as they walked down the aisle at St. Leo’s Catholic Church, Ikeja, Lagos, on Saturday, May 4. Both faces brimmed with undying joy as they exchanged vows.

The elated Osun State-born actor-cum-model during the reception disclosed to The Entertainer why he chose to tie the nuptial knot with an Igbo woman describing it as the true definition of what love is all about.

“Once you are in love, you become blind to where he or she is coming from. I am glad I have been joined to my wife today in holy matrimony. My joy knows no bounds,” he declared.

How did their paths cross and what attracted him to her?

Joyous Gbenga, shortly after signing the dotted lines narrated thus: “We met about a year ago at the gym centre where I went to lose some pounds. We started as friends. Within the periods of our friendship, I discovered that she has the qualities I desire in a woman. Apart from her striking beauty, she is kindhearted and very positive in her thinking.”

Describing her hubby as the most wonderful man she has ever come across, Chinelo corroborated that the love she has for her husband is so deep that ethnicity could not have been a barrier: “We love ourselves so much that nothing could have stopped us from exchanging marital vows. He is loving, caring, and very understanding; what else could a lady ask for?” She queried.

However, Gbenga also revealed reasons why he wouldn’t settle for an actress despite working with and meeting so many beautiful actresses: “Basically, it is not good to have a relationship with someone you are in the same profession with. It is not advisable. Whenever I am on location doing my job as an actor, I take my acting profession seriously; I don’t really look at girls in the industry. I can only allow my wife to be an actress unless I am the director and producer of the movie,” he added laughing.

As producers supposedly build the new judges’ panel from scratch, they plan to adopt a more economic approach to recruiting talent. “No more big checks for divas,” the source told The Wrap, after Carey netted a reported $18 million for one year, Minaj nabbed $12 million, and Lopez made $15 million.

The once-unstoppable singing show saw its worst-ever ratings performance last Thursday, when only 11 million fans tuned in. The report also claims that Executive Producer, Nigel Lythgoe will also be replaced. However, reps for Jackson, Carey and Minaj did not reply to The Wrap’s request for comment. Also, reps for Fox and Urban declined to comment. Nicki Minaj in tears Meanwhile, this season of American Idol has been heavy on the judges’ drama and light on the actual contestants’ talent, but that all changed on Wednesday night when the Top 3 contestants – Candice Glover, Angie Miller, and Kree Harrison – went back to their hometowns.

The homegrown visits rejuvenated all three singers, with one of them bringing tough-girl judge, Nicki Minaj to tears. The hometown montages featured a peek at the contestants’ homes as well as the obligatory welcome home parades and concerts, and after watching Candice Glover’s emotional trip to South Carolina, Mariah Carey said, “I feel like I went home with you. You got re-energized when you went home.”

Glover sang a triple shot of powerful songs, picked for her by the judges, show producers, and in-house mentor, Jimmy Iovine, belting out U2’s One (Glover had never heard U2’s or Mary J. Blige’s version of the song before last week), Emeli Sande’s Next To Me, and the West Side Story classic, Somewhere. Glover, who has tried out for Idol three times, got this positive prediction from Randy Jackson: “I think the third time is going to be a charm for you.” But it was Nicki Minaj who had the most emotional reaction to Glover’s home video and performances.

“That video was so emotional and so hard for me to watch,” a teary-eyed Nicki said. “You have come out swinging in this competition. I just am so proud of … I have to tell you that I am so proud of you.” (And yes, the hardcore judge’s voice even cracked a bit as she said this.) The rapper added, “You are going to inspire so many women around all the world – and it’s not black, it’s every woman, no matter who they are, what they look like. You come on that stage and you just own who you are and it’s reflected when you sing, every time you sing.”

Boston-area native, Angie Miller, who is typically strongest with her piano in front of her, stunned the judges by not playing it for two piano-worthy songs. Jimmy Iovine saddled her with Elton John’s Sorry Seems to Be the Hardest Word, a song that has been a death sentence for past Idol wanabees. When an incredulous Randy Jackson asked Miller why she didn’t play piano for the number, the 19-year-old admitted she didn’t think she’d be able to learn it in time. Later she sang Pink’s Try, also sans piano.

(Nicki Minaj’s spot-on quote of the night: “You are Miley Cyrus’ long-lost twin,” she told the toothy contestant.) But when Miller took on Emeli Sande’s ballad, Maybe (Sande was getting some airplay this night!), she did play the piano, prompting that wacky Keith Urban to tell her to try singing a song under the piano next time, because she’s that darn good. Oh, Keith! (Hey, what do you expect from a guy who’s from Down Under?) And after a very emotional trip to Texas, Kree Harrison sang Pink’s Perfect, an odd choice for the country singer, but Jimmy Iovine wanted to force her to sing a pop song.

The 22-year-old also sang Here Comes Goodbye by Rascal Flatts, and The Band Perry’s Better Dig Two, setting Nicki Minaj up for her second excellent line of the night: “Whoever picked that song for you should be stoned. But Nicki also told Harrison – who tragically lost both of her parents before she was 18 – “I don’t think people realize how much strength you need to have to be this young and have no parents…I just want to say again I am so super proud of you.” In the end, the judges seemed to have deemed Candice Glover this season’s winner.

Nicki told the singer: “See ya next week,” while Keith said, “If you don’t want to vote for Candice, call your doctor, you don’t have a pulse.” By the way, while the judges behaved this week, did host Ryan Seacrest deliver the strangest line of the night? He opened the show with, “Somebody hasn’t had many carbs this week. Looking good, Mariah!”