Entertainment

Govt, CAN Announce Edo Gospel Art and Creative Award, Winners To Walk Away With N50m

Published

2 years ago

August 22, 2023

By Joseph Ebi Kanjo, Benin

In its bid to harnessing and promoting talents from the religion circle particularly Christianity, the Godwin Obaseki-Edo State government has launched what its called Edo State Gospel Art and Creative Festival/Award (EdoGof).

The festival, to be held in partnership with Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Edo State branch, is aimed at promoting young hidden talents in churches across the three senatorial districts of the state and the 18 local governments.

In a press conference held to herald the festival/award on Tuesday, Chairman of the festival/award committee and Senior Special Assistant to Governor Godwin Obaseki on Religion Matters, Osagie Erhunmwunse, said his principal conceived the idea of promoting talents from the church after rendition by young Chieftain artistes at the thanksgiving service of the immediate past chairman of CAN, Edo State branch, moved him (Obaseki)

He added that having moved by their performances at the thanksgiving service and the performance that took place during the birthday service of Arch Bishop Margaret Benson Idahosa, Obaseki made up his mind to support talents under the umbrella of EdoGof, adding that N50m prize has been placed for winners at different categories.

“…having witnessed what happened during the May 14th thanksgiving service of a successful tenure of the immediate past Chairman of CAN, Edo State branch, Bishop Dr. Oriname Oyonnude Kure, particularly how gospel singers showcased their god-given talents, His Excellency was so moved and said it’s high time to harness creativity in the gospel,” he added.

The SSA continued: “Last month, during the birthday service of our mother in the faith, Arch Bishop Margaret Benson Idahosa, His Excellency was there and again reiterated his commitment to harnessing creative talent from the church. And in his words: he is going to put a N50m prize for the winners. This prize is for the finalists, that is, those that will qualify to the final stage.”

According Erhunmwunse, to kick start the festival/award, the Governor directed that the talent-hunt start from the 18 local governments in the state before it collapses to senatorial level and finally to the state level which is the final stage, adding that nine winners from different categories would emerge and share the N50m.

“Nine persons are going to be competing to have their share of the N50m,” he added.

He added that, at the senatorial level, 27 winners are expected to take prizes home, emphasizing that their take home would not be part of the N50m.

He, however, said the modalities on how the N50m naira is going to be shared among the prospective winners at the final is being put in place by the committee saddled with the responsibility of organising the award, adding that the sharing formula would be made known at due course

He explained: “The senatorial contest is expected to climax on October 1st, and His Excellency is going to be having a very big event to celebrate the winners. We expect to have 27 winners at the senatorial level.

“The competition is expected to produce at the senatorial level, ‘first place traditional ‘; ‘first place contemporary’; and another ‘first place classical.’ This is how we are going to have it in the soloist and dancer.”

According to the Chairman, the committee is presently focusing on music and dance for the festival, adding: “The plan for now is to focus on just two aspects of this creative hub – music and dance. part of our plans is to ensure there is inclusiveness in every aspect that made up the body of Christ. For the music category we have the traditional, contemporary, the classical.”

Erhunmwunse explained that the senatorial competition is named after the immediate past chairman of CAN in the State, Bishop Kure, while the state competition is named after Arch Bishop Margaret Benson Idahosa.

He, therefore, urged choir members from different churches in the state and other independent choir groups to seize the opportunity to apply for the festival and compete.

Entertainment

Colleagues, Fans Pour Tributes As Funke Akindele Marks

Published

5 days ago

August 24, 2025

Editor

Nollywood star Funke Akindele was showered with warm tributes on social media on Sunday as colleagues, protégés, and fans marked her 48th birthday, praising the actress-producer for her friendship, mentorship and contributions to the film industry.

Akindele, best known for her comic creation Jenifa and the popular television series and films that grew from it, has long been celebrated as a mentor and role model to younger talents.

On Sunday, however, tributes poured in beyond her screen achievements to highlight her enduring friendships and influence on emerging entertainers.

In a viral post, skitmaker Akinyoola Ayoola, popularly known as Kamo State, and acclaimed as Akindele’s adopted son, paid tribute to Akindele with a birthday song and an affectionate caption that referred to her as “Grandma Sonia” and “OLUFUNKE Ayotunde.”

He posted, “Happy Birthday Grandma Sonia, lyami Olufunke Ayotunde…Words can’t express how much | appreciate you. You’ve always been more than just a godmother to me, you’ve been a source of strength, love, and unwavering support.

“Thank you for the countless ways you’ve shown me kindness, for believing in me, and for always being there, no matter what. I’m incredibly grateful for your presence in my life…Enjoy your day, lya Beji, Alase gbogbo FaanTV, JENIFA Kan, Lefty Miii,”

Popular actress Eniola Badmus, posting as @eniola_badmus on Instagram, described the box-office star as “more than just a friend,” calling her a “playmate, my gist partner, my safe place” and a source of joy.

“Thank you for all the memories and for making life so much brighter,” Badmus wrote, praying that the new year brings Akindele “endless joy, success, and blessings.”

Another well-wisher, @tobimakinde, lauded Akindele as a “true trailblazer, luminary and exemplar of excellence,” wishing her “greater strength, peace, and overflowing joy” and praying for continued success and good health.

Fans across platforms joined in the celebrations, sharing clips, photos and messages under birthday posts, with many praising her career achievements and role as a mentor in Nollywood.

@Metalistix commented, “Happy 48th Birthday, Funke Akindele! Congratulations to you on this special day. Many of us grew up watching you in our teens, and we’re still watching and celebrating you as adults – and we know we’ll continue cheering you on even in old age. Cheers to a beautiful life, more success, and endless joy. Keep shining, Funke!”

@Tina_rayx described Akindele as “The Wizkid of Nollywood. Number 1. Nobody comes close. Aura upon Aura.”

@TowFunFun posted, “Happy birthday to the most successful actress in Nigerian history. The mother of many of us.”

Meanwhile, the creator of Jenifa used the occasion to reveal details of her next big project.

In a birthday message to fans, she announced her upcoming film Behind the Scenes, set for release in December 2025.

She said, “It’s my birthday today, and I feel so fulfilled. I’m graciously grateful to God for the grace to keep telling our stories… I’m using this special day to reveal my blockbuster movie, which premieres in December 2025, Behind The Scenes.”

Entertainment

How Toke Makinwa’s Pregnancy Unveiling Sparked Social Media Frenzy

Published

6 days ago

August 23, 2025

Editor

Nigerian media personality, entrepreneur and actress, Toke Makinwa, sent shockwaves across the internet exactly a week ago after unveiling her pregnancy, a revelation that has since dominated conversations both online and offline.Newspaper-inspired merchandise

For over a decade, Makinwa has remained one of Nigeria’s most recognised media figures. From her early days as a presenter on Rhythm 93.7 FM’s ‘The Morning Drive’, to her widely followed YouTube vlog, Toke Moments, and her best-selling memoir ‘On Becoming’, she has built a reputation for candour, glamour and resilience.Newspaper-inspired merchandise

At 40, she has grown into an entertainment powerhouse, with endorsements, acting roles, and businesses that have cemented her influence across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle spaces.

Over the years, Toke Makinwa’s views on relationships have often sparked debate. Following a high-profile divorce from entrepreneur Maje Ayida in 2017, she became vocal about self-worth, financial independence and rethinking traditional expectations of marriage.

While she once remarked that “marriage is not an achievement,” she later admitted she remained open to remarriage but only on her own terms.

In her exact words, she remarked, “As independent women, do you think that we have glamorised this notion of being independent? Yeah. It’s tough, I won’t lie. Let me break it down. Forget the cameras. At this point in my life, if I have the opportunity to be the second, third, fourth or fifth wife, I will take it.”

This history of outspoken reflections made her pregnancy announcement more striking to fans and critics alike.

The pregnancy unveiling
Ahead of her Instagram unveiling, Tribune Online on Tuesday, August 12, exclusively reported that the actress is pregnant and nears delivery. Digital edition of the newspaper

Following the report, Makinwa took to Instagram on Wednesday to announce what she called “the biggest project of my life.”

Accompanied by radiant photographs of her growing bump, she described the journey as “the highest calling ever,” adding:

“Of all the projects I’ve embarked on in my life, this one trumps it all. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. God truly makes all things beautiful in His time.”

Her heartfelt caption, infused with gratitude and spirituality, immediately struck a chord with millions of followers.

Social media frenzy
The reaction that trailed Toke Makinwa’s unveiling was nothing short of explosive. Within two hours, her Instagram post had attracted over 20,000 comments. By the five-hour mark, the figure had crossed 40,000, as fans, colleagues and celebrities flooded the comments section with congratulatory messages.

At the time of writing this and barely 10 days after the unveiling, Toke’s Instagram post has 75,000 comments and continues to generate 75,000 reactions from fans and critics. Many hailed her story as inspirational, particularly as she is experiencing motherhood at 40, a milestone that challenged cultural expectations about timing and family.

Popular celebrities such as Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, Iyabo Ojo, Adesua Etomi and others publicly celebrated the news, while fans reposted her images with beautiful captions describing her as a “beacon of hope” and a “symbol of divine timing.”

‘Unknown husband’ question
Yet, the wave of celebrations quickly gave way to speculations. Toke did not disclose the identity of the father, prompting thousands of curious and sometimes intrusive questions across social platforms.

Comments about who the “baby daddy” dominated the conversation for days. Controversial social media personality, Uche Maduagwu, weighed in with a question, somewhat rhetorical: “Toke, who gives you belle? Na married man or single, let’s know abeg.”

Another Instagram user, @halibut, commented: “Where is your husband? For you all you girls saying you can’t settle for less, can you see Toke Makinwa? She don settle for less, she no fit show her husband, maybe na gateman give her belle.” @Afroblog001 also wrote: “Thought you said you no need man for your life or na woman sperm did the job?”

The absence of clarity also gave rise to conspiracy theories. Some online users suggested she may have used a surrogate, pointing to the lack of earlier bare-belly photos. @shemstrends commented: “Why do I feel artificial and lowkey a surrogate, but however I’m feeling, congratulations to her.” Similarly, @the.halfcast wrote: “The Toke we all know will definitely want to show us the naked body of her tummy.”

The speculation gained traction until she eventually shut it down herself by posting a striking image of her bare bump.

As if that wasn’t enough, the announcement also attracted moral criticism.

Commentators questioned her decision to frame the pregnancy in spiritual terms while being unmarried, igniting heated discussions on the intersection of faith, motherhood, and societal expectations.

Popular social commentator Solomon Buchi wrote: “As a Jesus girl or Christian, we need to be very careful how we mix God with our personal decisions, decisions we have decided to pursue, whether they are Godly or not. Now I am not saying there is anything ungodly or not about having a child but you are having a child outside of wedlock, you are not married, and so there is just no need bringing God into that. There is no need spiritualizing it. Honestly you can give your testimony without implicating God’s word and His standard. Just say that you wanted to be a mother and now you are about to be a mother, or you are a mother already. There is no need to infuse God into it because, according to God’s standard, the only right way to be a parent is in the premise of marriage.”

Anothe Instagram user, @iamkennethudeh, also commented: “God’s standard is a good man and good woman to bear and raise children and live happily. Don’t normalise this abnormally for our young men and women, child without a father and you are even posting.”

While some viewed such remarks as judgmental, others felt they echoed long-standing cultural beliefs about marriage and parenting.

Throughout all the noise, Toke Makinwa has maintained her silence on the identity of her unborn child’s father, focusing instead on celebrating what she describes as a new and fulfilling season in her life

Beyond the Gossip

Beyond the frenzy, Makinwa’s announcement resonated because it spoke to broader themes: women defining family on their own terms, the intersection of faith and timing, and the pressure society places on female celebrities.

For many, her story reinforces that motherhood and fulfilment can come at any stage, irrespective of age or marital status.

As one fan wrote in a widely shared comment: “Toke’s journey is proof that delay is not denial.”

Entertainment

Music Earnings Couldn’t Have Sponsored My Wedding To Otedola’s Daughter – Mr Eazi

Published

1 week ago

August 22, 2025

Editor

Nigerian singer and entrepreneur, Mr Eazi has insinuated that his music earnings alone couldn’t have covered the expenses of his wedding to actress Temi Otedola, daughter of billionaire businessman, Femi Otedola.

The ‘Leg Over’ crooner stated this while reacting to an X user who claimed that he was trying to recoup his wedding expenses by releasing his new single, ‘Cassanova.’

Reacting, Mr Easy said, “U think sey music go fit pay for that wedding my G? lol”.

However, another X user stated that Mr Eazi’s earnings from 2018 could have sponsored the wedding.

Responding, the singer explained that he had a successful hit-run in 2017-2018, but it was his most financially challenging year in the past decade.

“You got a point tho, but 2017-18 is the brokest I’ve been in the last 9 years! But all the music I put out then enter like mad sha im really thankful,” he wrote.

DAILY POST reported that Mr Eazi and Temi held their wedding in a private Iceland ceremony recently.

The couple got engaged in April 2022 in London, England.

Mr Eazi has previously revealed that he met Temi through her elder sister, DJ Cuppy, who was his friend.