Global documentary filmmakers set to for #iREP2016

=================== Documentary filmmakers around the world continue to have growing interest in the iREP Film Festival, this year, our international guest will include:

PROF. MANTHIA DIAWARA - Malian writer, filmmaker, culture theorist, scholar, and art historian. He holds the title of University Professor at New York University, where he is the Director of the Institute of Afro-American Affairs. Prof. Manthia Diawara will deliver a keynote speech, and his latest film Negritude: A dialogue between Wole Soyinka and Senghor, will be screened at the festival.

Broadway Musical SISTER ACT berths in Nigeria

 World–acclaimed Broadway musical, SISTER ACT, will berth in Nigeria later this year and will parade an all-Nigerian cast.

One of the most successful musical theatre productions of all time, its Nigerian production is the brainchild of Nigerian manufacturer and 'serial entrepreneur,' Dr. Soji Akinkugbe in collaboration with top executives of the prestigious Waterfront Theatre Company, Cape Town, South Africa.

Based on the 1992 film of the same name, Sister Act tells the story of aspiring disco diva, Deloris Van Cartier, who having witnessed her gangster (and married) boyfriend commit a murder, ends up in hiding in a convent whose parish has fallen on hard times. Though the sequin-free lifestyle doesn't agree with her, Deloris finds her calling working with the choir, and breathes new life into the dusty convent while discovering a sisterhood she's never had before.

Akinkugbe, managing director of Colours in Africa, who grew up in the 70s/80s campuses of the University of Lagos, and Ife when a robust theatre performance tradition ruled, has long nursed a vision to produce international musical hits with Nigerian casts. He also desires to use the productions to create a training platform that would transform raw local talents and skills into best standards available around the world.  He has been a regular patron of many theatrical productions at home and abroad, especially in southern parts of Africa.

Nolly Awards set to hold fourth edition on May1

BY
ADA DIKE

Organisers of the Nolly Awards announced recently that the fourth edition of its awards will hold at Land Mark Event Center, Victoria Island, Lagos on May 1, 2016.

This was disclosed at a press briefing held in Lagos. Nolly Awards, formerly known as Nollywood Movies revealed that it has changed its name to Nolly Awards. The oragnisers began by saying that, “We are pleased to announce that we are changing our name from Nollywood Movies to Nolly Awards. The rebranding is more than just a mere logo make-over; it is a reflection of our commitment to growth and quality within Nollywood is a reflection of their commitment to growth and quality within Nollywood.”

They maintained that Nolly Awards is not just an award but their passion, and added that, “Four years on, we remain unique in our exclusive focus on Nigeria’s film industry and passionate about transforming it through the recognition and celebration of its diversity and promising future.”

The Nolly Awards technical director, Kingsley Ogoro emphasized that the anticipation of this year’s edition is huge.

‘Positive Disruption – in the field of entrepreneurship’, theme for February Enterprise Challenge Competition

 Enterprise Challenge is a competition developed by the British Council, in partnership with Virgin Atlantic Airways and Zenith Bank. Firsts held in 2014, new partners for 2016 are Samsung and Etisalat.

The competition provides a platform for young, brilliant entrepreneurial minds to further develop their skills, businesses and bring their innovative ideas to the fore for possible future development. It is designed to test a range of consumerist skills, and this year’s competition will be open to Nigerians domiciled in Nigeria who fall within the 18 to 35-year-age bracket. 

The initiative takes place during February with the theme of ‘Positive Disruption – in the field of entrepreneurship’.

Sensitive to the current economic climate, and the new government’s strategy to drive change within all sectors, the initiative’s goal is to identify and foster a ‘new breed’ of home-grown entrepreneurs. It is hoped that these individuals will act as future agents of change and, through their work, support the policies and strategies for economic diversification. In effect, they will act as the ‘disruptors’ of the status quo, driving much needed change and development within the Nigerian business environment.

There are three tasks within the competition with successful candidates shortlisted to the next level of intensity.

The competition stages are:

1^st level task – Essay:

Mike Odiachi: Exit of a Nollywood star

In the evening of Monday February 15, 2016, the Nollywood industry was thrown into mourning with passing on of Mike Obi Nkemakonam Odiachi which sad event occurred at the General Hospital, Ikorodu, Lagos state.

The news of the veteran actor’s demise was announced by his family, Odiachi Family of Ogbeawo, in Ugbomanta Quarters, Asaba in Oshimili South Local Government of Delta State.
An astute artiste whose talents saw him practice as an actor in all genre of theatre, Mike Odiachi is best remembered in his role as Innocent Man in "IGODO" a pioneer adventure movie in the now world renown Nollywood. He performed and toured with the National Troupe of Nigeria in Ahmed Yerima's "ATTAHIRU" but his most memorable theatrical adventures were in his days as a member of the Anansa Playhouse in the 1980s. Influenced by great theatrical minds like Bassey Effiong, Barclays Ayakoroma, Rowland Henshaw, Richard Mofe Damijo, Ehi Omokhuale, Francis Onwochei, Ngozi Nwosu, among others,  Mike decided on a professional career and headed for the University of Ibadan (UI) to study Theatre Arts. At UI, Mike was an integral part of the movement for a relevant Nigerian students Theatre practice in NUTAF (Nigerian Universities Theatre Arts Festival). It was no surprise therefore, that he was an active member in the movements that led to the formation of the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP). He became the Chairman of NANTAP Lagos chapter in the year 2000. Mr. Odiachi was a pioneer member of cast of the world famous "Story Story" produced by the BBC World Service, where he voiced the Linus Igbokwe character. Mike Odiachi would forever be remembered for his stage interpretation of 'Odewale' in Ola Rotimi's "The Gods Are Not To Blame".

‘Love never dies’ as MUSON alumni thrill guests at MTNF/MUSON Pre-Valentine Concert

By ADA DIKE

At the remarkable evening of music, dance and instrumental extravaganza held on February 12, 2016 at Shell Hall, MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos, some members of the MUSON Alumni put up scintillating performances that thrilled and wowed the gorgeously dressed and handsome looking guests that graced the event.

Goodness Onuoha kick-started the concert with Claude Debussy’s Arabesque. She wore a long black gown and adorned her hair with a red rose and walked majestically to the stage and romanced the piano, lifting her hands intermittently, which attracted a resounding applause. This was followed immediately by F & C Doppler’s Fantasie.

Singing like Whitney Houston, Fatima Anyekema rendered ‘May it Be’ from ‘Lord of the Rings’. The soul-inspiring music caused the hall to be still as everyone focused their attention on Fatima while Fagbohun handled the violin even as Ayo Ajayi played the piano.

Emir of Kano orders immediate release of Ese Oruru

The Emir of Kano,Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, on Monday,

ad more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/breaking-news-emir-of-kano-orders-sharia-commission-to-repatriate-ese-to-bayelsa/Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II Monday

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/breaking-news-emir-of-kano-orders-sharia-commission-to-repatriate-ese-to-bayelsa/

 ordered the immediate release of this 13 year old girl Ese Oruru who was abducted in Bayelsa by a Mallam who changed her name to Aisha and married her out without her parents consent.

By Abdulsalam Muhammad KANO – The emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II Monday ordered the state Sharia Commission to liaise with office of the Assistant Inspector General of police, zone 1 to commence process of returning the 14 years old teenager, Ese Oruru allegedly abducted by one Yunusa of Kura local government area of Kano state. Ese Ese In his first official reaction, the emir of Kano distanced himself, Kano emirate council from the purported abduction of Ese Oruru by suspected lover. Sanusi II said “I have ordered the sharia commission to liaise with the office of Deputy Inspector General of police zone to repatriate and reconcile the teenager with her family immediately” Ese Oruru was allegedly abducted in Opolo, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, by one Yunusa an indigene of Kura local government area of Kano sometimes in August, 2015.

Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/02/breaking-news-emir-of-kano-orders-sharia-commission-to-repatriate-ese-to-bayelsa/

Olamide takes selfie with bread seller turned model Olajumoke in Abuja

Fuel scarcity bites hard in Nigeria

Since Saturday, February 27, 2016, fuel scarcity has hit many states in the country, which is linked to non-availability of dollar in the foreign exchange markets.
We gathered that marketers were finding it difficult to source for dollars to finance importation of the petroleum products. Many fillings stations have long queues while some others are under lock as they have run out stock.

Breaking News: Security agencies rescue Dickson's sister

The younger sister of Bayelsa State governor, Mr. Henry Seriake Dickson has been rescued after spending over two months in the hands of kidnappers.
A statement issued on Monday by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, said 26 year old Nancy Dickson, was rescued on Sunday evening from her abductors without any payment of ransom.

According to him, "some of the kidnappers took to their heels while others were apprehended following a tip off on their hideouts."
While calling on the people of the state not to succumb to the demands of ransom made by kidnappers, Governor Dickson assured that plans were underway to amend the Bayelsa State Secret Cult, Kidnapping and other Related Offences Prohibition Bill 2012 to proscribe payment of ransom in the state.
He stressed that the Bill when passed into law, would go a long way in putting a stop to the incidence of kidnapping in the state.
Dickson urged Bayelsans to take a cue from his personal experience with kidnappers when his aged mother was abducted in 2009 and efforts were made to secure her release without payment of ransom.

Lagos Theatre Festival 2016 kicks off Feb 23

Lagos Theatre Festival, the highly anticipated event filled with music, dance, spoken word, musical and performance theatre is back and better.

 Organised by the British Council, this third edition of the festival that showcases the largest outdoor theatre festival in Nigeria is scheduled to hold in the metropolitan city of Lagos this February, 23rd- 28th 2016.

Its organizers noted that it will be the biggest Arts gathering the city has ever witnessed! “This year, the festival will feature over 100 performances from producers such as Bani Productions, Comic Republic, Creative Arts Collection UNILAG, Make it happen Productions, Thespian Family Theatre, Troopers Arts, Women in Arts and many more including four International productions from the United Kingdom!

“Taking place across 20 venues to include British Council, National Arts Theatre, Freedom Park, Terrakulture, Bogobiri, Muson Centre, UNILAG, among others, there will also special workshops for actors, creative writing, directors and producers.

“Lagos Theatre Festival 2016 will be an extravaganza of music, dance, spoken word, musical and performance theatre,” they added.

What you need to know about Nollywood movie "One Good Deed"

One Good Deed  portrays the experiences and challenges facing the average
student and how one decision whether good or bad can cause a huge chain
reaction in our lives and also affect the lives of those we come across.
Enjoy and Share....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZWmTyIP7I0

Attachments area

Preview attachment Screenshot_2016-01-24-00-03-27.png

Preview YouTube video One Good Deed - A Short Film

Femi Fani-Kayode's son Joshua, Oluwafemi, Emmanuel, Lotanna, Aragorn Fani-Kayode's naming ceremony

I give thanks to God for the 8th day naming ceremony of my son which took place today. His names are Joshua, Oluwafemi, Emmanuel, Lotanna, Aragorn Fani-Kayode. I thank the Lord for this great gift and blessing. May he live long and prosper.

17 die in ghastly crash on Lagos-Ibadan expressway

Not less than seventeen persons were confirmed dead  in an automobile crash on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Sunday.
Mr Yusuf Salami, Oyo State Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) said  that 79 persons were injured in  the accident, which involved an articulated vehicle and a Peugeot J5 bus. The crash  occurred at Sepo area of the highway.
Salami said the accident occurred due to impatience, over speeding and struggle for the right of way by both vehicles, which were travelling from Ibadan to Lagos.
“A Peugeot J5 with number plate XS 626 LSV and a DAF articulated vehicle with number plate AA 902 MML, crashed as both drivers were struggling for the right of the way.
“They were both going to Lagos when the accident happened at about 9.30 a.m.,’’ he said.
“There were 96 people involved with 17 confirmed dead; it is obvious that both drivers were over speeding and suddenly lost control of the vehicles.
“The Peugeot bus was loaded with passengers and goods but the casualty figure rose because the other vehicle was travelling to Lagos with huge number of illegal passengers,’’ he said.
Salami said that the corpses had been deposited at the Adeoyo State Hospital morgue in Ibadan, while the injured were taken to the University College Hospital, Ibadan Central Hospital and Kejide Hospital.
Source: The News
 

Spotted on Facebook

Labour unions in Nigeria protest to oppose the 45%!increase in electricity tariff

Labour  unions in Nigeria today embarked on a protest to oppose the 45%!increase in electricity tariff in the country. Members of the unions and hundreds of electricity consumers trooped into the streets of Abuja and other state capitals calling on the government to rescind the increase. They say they are also opposed to arbitrary billing of consumers. The labour unions appear to have found their voice after several months of inactivity and infighting that led to emerging of factional bodies.

SECURITY ALERT: Armed Robbers Device New Robbery Strategy (Copied)

There is a new number plate hijacking trend. Robbers, follow you to a parking lot, after you leave your vehicle, they remove your number plate and wait. When you come back and drive off, they follow you.
They then overtake you and display your number plate out of their window as if you have just lost it and they want to give it back to you.
When you stop to get the plate back, guns come out and they take the car. Maybe even kidnap you with your car!
It's a very well rehearsed and organized plan and everything happens very quickly. Other motorists may not be aware of what's happening as you stopped the car yourself

Nigerian creates electricity generator that is powered by water

A Nigerian, Emeka Nelson creates an electricity generator that is powered by water. He also invented what he calls the "MGBANWE C12", a machine that turns non-biodegradable wastes like plastics, waterproof nylon, etc into petrol, kerosene, diesel and some other heavy oils and interlocking stones. In the pictures: L-R: the Hydroelectric Generator and MGBANWE C12.
Creative and inventive minds in Africa should be identified, supported and celebrated. Instead of marrying a 3rd wife or building a 4th house you would hardly ever sleep in, invest that money in people like Emeka Nelson. African "angel investors" must arise!
You may not have money to invest. But you can share this post. You can spread the message in different ways. You can petition your elected officials to do more in ensuring the growth of the Science & Technology sector of the economy. Always remember, a country that does not produce man-made goods and services will always lag behind. Choose prosperity today! And WORK for it

Chocolate City and Ebonylife TV set to float Talent Hunt Show

(L-R) Artiste, Chocolate City Music, Victoria Kimani; President, Chocolate City Group, Audu Maikori; CEO, Chocolate City Music, Jude Abaga (MI); Founder and Executive Chairman, EbonyLife Television (ELTV), Mo Abudu; and Executive Director, ELTV, Lanre Olusola, at the Press Conference announcing "Chocolate City Unsigned" music reality show in Lagos. Photo: Bode Agbede.

One of Africa's biggest indigenous record labels, Chocolate City, in conjunction with Africa’s first Global Black Entertainment and Lifestyle network and production powerhouse, EbonyLife TV, have rolled out plans to organize an indigenous annual talent hunt show.

 Tagged:  ‘Chocolate City Unsigned’, the show, Newswatch Times learnt, is a genuine homegrown reality TV show created to search for the next Africa’s biggest music star.

They disclosed this proposed plan at a press conference which held on January 28, 2016 in Lagos, and which had in attendance the Executive Chairman and CEO of EbonyLife TV, Mo Abudu; President of Chocolate City Group, Audu Maikori; CEO of Chocolate City, Jude Abaga (M.I), as well as Victoria Kimani, and other key Chocolate City talents.

 According to them, Chocolate City Unsigned is set to be the first ever indigenous pan-African talent hunt show created with the sole aim of discovering, developing and supporting fresh artistes, giving them a platform to showcase their skills, launching them into a professional career of instant music sensation, stardom and celebrity status.

Our movie, Chalk is a story told "as is" -Oksy Nwankwo

Oksy Nwankwo

 Mr. Okechukwu Nwankwo, popularly known as Oksy, directed and edited a movie Chalk that will soon be released into the market. In this interview with ADA DIKE, he speaks on why they produced the film, Nollywood and other sundry issues. Excerpts:

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Cast and crew of Chalk

We heard that you will soon release a film in Nigeria. Is it a comic or tragic movie?
Yes, "grab your copy now". OK, let me be serious, yes, it is a tragedy titled Chalk. We took a risk and we are getting positive feedback. We know that the general belief is that people like happy endings but we felt that "too much of a good thing is bad" so we decided to do a tragic movie. We are truly amazed by the feedback. I guess the people are more than we thought.

"Philosopher's Muse:An alternative Art Exhibition holds from March 26, 2016

Moniyke’s love song ‘Water Don Pass Garri’ best this Valentine season

A musician with a difference and popular record label owner, Moniyke, has released a love song, ‘Water Don Pass Garri’.

Born Ikechukwu Solomon Keneze, the founder, Chief Executive Officer, Hybreed Music and Entertainment Company has unflinching affection towards mankind which led him to use music to preach love.

The singer’s foray into music began when he was in the university. He was formerly the Creative Director of Fahrenheit Entertainment Limited from 2007 to 2013 before he set up his own organisation, Hybreed Music and Entertainment Company.

This is his third single after Were Obim (Take My Heart), a deep song that connects to people together and Oh My God! (OMG!), a song used as a medium to testify to God's goodness in one's life.

Aside his music career, this industrious Production Technology graduate who hails from Anambra State is also a Business man and a Fashion Designer with a clothing line that speaks of his creativeness.

Signed on to Hybreed Music, Water Don Pass Garri was produced by the combined effort of the Hybreed Team, mixed and mastered by Suka Sounds.

According to the song writer, "This is a love song for the season. You just have to listen to Water Don Pass Garri.”

Water Don Pass Garri, Moniyke's special Valentine gift to Nigerians

Founder, Chief Executive Officer, Hybreed Music and Entertainment Company, Moniyke, in this interview with ADA DIKE, divulges why people should listen to his latest single, Water Don Pass Garri.

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 A prominent record label owner in Nigeria and renowned musician, Moniyke, recently released a love song,  Water Don Pass Garri.  Born Ikechukwu Solomon Keneze, Moniyke’s unflinching affection towards mankind led him to use music to preach love. Hybreed Music act,  Water Don Pass Garri was produced by the combined effort of the Hybreed Team, mixed and mastered by Suka Sounds. According to the song writer, “This is a love song for the season. You just have to listen to  Water Don Pass Garri  by Moniyke.

Moniyke

He explains:  Water Don Pass Garri is a song which has its root on Highlife, but you can’t afford not paying attention to the Soul, Rhythm and Blues in it. It is a song which every single person who is totally in love and ready to take a relationship to the next level has to listen to. It is a beautiful song from the soul, deep down from the soul, and I am sure every person who is sincerely in love will like to play the song for his girlfriend (for the single men) or his wife (for the married) or his boyfriend (for girls) or husband (for married women).

“I have been hearing the phrase,  Water Don Pass Garri  from childhood but I realised that most times, when people say  Water Don Pass Garri, they always connect it to the negative direction. I understand that  Water Don Pass Garri is a phrase like an idiomatic expression that has to do with you being able to say this situation is beyond your comprehension or beyond what you can handle. Apparently, when the phrase came to my mind I thought about instead of putting it in the negative direction, to infuse it in the positive way, and I decided to write ' Water Don Pass Garri'  to be a love song. So it stands for the kind of love that you cannot resist and it seems overwhelming to your imaginations, and that is the inspiration for the song,” he added.

APC CONDEMNS TRANSFER OF FATHER MBAKA BY CATHOLIC CHURCH

The APC has condemned the transfer of Rev Mbaka from his adoration ground in Enugu by the Catholic Church.In a statement issued through its South East Spokesman yesterday ,the Party said it picked holes in the purported transfer which it said was done in bad faith.

Mbaka

Missing person: Habiba Shaba Ibrahim

Mrs. Habiba Shaba Ibrahim, with maiden name Habiba Salami (daughter of Alhaji Siyaka Salami, CEO S.S. Motors, in Ikuehi-Ihima) hails from Okehi LGA, Kogi State. She graduated from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi and she is the Founder of an NGO, Initiative for the Awareness of Cancer in Women (IACW). She is married to Hon. Shaba Ibrahim, former Chairman of Koton Karfi LG of Kogi State.
Habiba has been missing since 30/01/2016 in Abuja, Nigeria. She went to town and her car developed mechanical problem on her way back home to Kubuwa. She parked her car at her inlaw's house and took a taxi but she never got home since then. She left a 3 year old child at home and she is 5 months pregnant. Please call 08027019481 or 08033081390 if you have any information of her whereabouts.Please help share

Femi Fani-Kayode welcome his first son from Precious Chikwendu

Congrats to Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, and his fiancee, Precious Chikwendu, welcomed their first child together, A baby boy born on February 1, 2016.

Nollywood actors and on-air personalities are storming Abuja this Saturday to kick-start this year's Goodwill Ultimate Talent Show.

Host of the show Tchidi Chikere in a chat with newsmen on telephone on Tuesday said Zack Orji, Francis Odega, Oge Okoye and Amanda Ibeye would arrive Abuja on Friday to prepare for the show, and expected to be unveiled to the media the following day.

According to him, "the Nollywood actors who are judges in the median edition of the show would be presented to the media on Saturday.

Confirming the development, Founder of the NGO for the Elderly and the Poor and promoter of the Goodwill Ultimate Show, Hajiya Abibat Abubakar, said she will use the occasion to present the star prize of the scratch card lucky take of Toyota Corolla 2014 model to the public.

In addition, Hajiya Abubakar said samples of the wrist watches, phone covers, face caps, iPad, iPhone, birds, recharge cards and T-shirts would be unveiled to members of the public.

 She disclosed that the star price of the show is three million and a movie role, second price is a cash price of N1.5million while the third price is N500, 000.00 only.

The show, according to her will take off this quarter