Wednesday 30 April 2014

Photo: BLACK IS BEAUTIFUL!!!


Can you describe her in one word?

Photo: Newly weds Tiwa & TeeBillz leave Dubai for Lagos today

Tiwa Balogun, (Oh how I love the sound of that & I guess you know why) Tiwa Balogun nee Savage, took to her IG to share the pic below captioned: "Goodnight Dubai, Hello Lagos #homesweethome #thankingGodforjourneymercies #shorthoneymoon #workiscalling #mrsbillz cc @teebillz323"
So Mr & Mrs Billz leave Dubai back to Lagos today after one week of fun, wedding, honeymoon and so on and so forth.
Bon Voyage guys!!!

Tips: 10 Lessons From Dalai Lama That Will Change Your Life

It is not often that Oprah Winfrey is lost for words! Yet this was exactly what happened when she asked the Dalai Lama a very pertinent question, which is recounted in the book by Victor Chan entitled The Wisdom of Forgiveness.
She asked him, “Have you ever had to forgive yourself for something?” His Holiness replied, “My attitude towards mosquitoes is not very favorable, not very peaceful. Bed bugs also.”
Oprah was astounded that there was nothing else to be forgiven for in a life spanning 78 years.  Forgiveness and compassion for all living creatures are the two pillars of the Dalai Lama’s teachings. Let’s discover together how his teachings will change your life.

1. Be compassionate.

“The topic of compassion is not at all religious business; it is important to know it is human business, it is a question of human survival.”
Dalai Lama
Research now shows that when you are compassionate, you experience a similar feeling of pleasure as when you have sex, good food or a relaxing holiday. Basically, showing compassion is good for your health. Take compassionate action and get the “giver’s high.” Benefits are reduced stress, more regular heart beat and improved immune system.
You can show compassion by understanding the person’s feelings and emotions. That means talking to them and trying to share what they are going through. It is more demanding than a mere act of kindness. If you are compassionate, you are going to get emotionally involved. You also ask what help is needed. You could apply this to:
  • A friend who is ill
  • Someone who has lost their job
  • A relative who has been bereaved
  • Someone going through a separation
  • A homeless person

2.  Be kind and help others.

“This is my simple religion. There is no need for temples; no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple; the philosophy is kindness.”
Dalai Lama
Being kind and generous costs little and the benefits you gain in happiness are considerable. That was the conclusion that Michael Norton and colleagues at the Harvard Business School came to, after doing some very interesting research. The volunteers who gave away some money were happier than those who had spent it on themselves.
Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
Dalai Lama

3. Find happiness.

“The purpose of our lives is to be happy.”
Dalai Lama
In the rat race, the one thing you really want at the end of the day is the capacity to find happiness.
When he was interviewed about this, the Dalai Lama said that we are bombarded with messages about material possessions. There are very few messages about forgiving, being compassionate, patient, tolerant, and kind. You really have to give those values top priority in order to be happy.
“Happiness is not ready made—it comes from our own actions.”
Dalai Lama

4. Discover inner peace.

The Dalai Lama advises everybody to spend a little time alone each day. Time to reflect and chase away the negative thoughts such as anger, resentment, jealousy, and tiredness. Try to replace those with positive emotions such as optimism, gratitude, love, and peace. He rightly says that the truly calm mind is the source of happiness and good health.

5. Do not harm others.

“If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.”
Dalai Lama
If you start telling lies, gossiping and spreading nasty rumors, bullying, and taking advantage of others, then the negative fallout from them will come back to haunt you. These are just a few of the actions that can harm others.

6. Nurture your friendships.

Friendships should never be undervalued. They need tender loving care because they can generate trust and affection. Real friendships will never depend on money or political clout.  It is a sad fact that neglected or stillborn friendships lead to loneliness. This is one of the risk factors which probably contributes to depression in our society.

7. Don’t let technology rule your life.

Did you know that the Dalai Lama has over 8 million followers on Twitter?  While he admires the advances in social media in helping us to communicate, he nevertheless warns against its overuse for the following reasons:
  • It can control your life—look at people in restaurants using their cell phones.
  • Who is in charge? You or the technology?
  • It is a poor substitute for real friendship.
  • It cannot help you to be compassionate.
  • Real human interaction will suffer.
“We are the controller of the technology. If we become a slave of technology, then that’s not good.”
Dalai Lama

 8. Don’t argue or fight; just negotiate.

“Non-violence means dialogue, using our language, the human language. Dialogue means compromise; respecting each other’s rights; in the spirit of reconciliation there is a real solution to conflict and disagreement. There is no hundred percent winner, no hundred percent loser—not that way but half-and-half. That is the practical way, the only way.”
Dalai Lama
Whether it is an international crisis or an argument with your partner or boss, the key to a peaceful, non-violent outcome is dialogue. In this way, you learn the art of compromise and negotiation. His Holiness recommends that you should never bring up the past but concentrate on what is causing the present problem.

9. Be gentle with the earth.

In order to survive, we have a duty to preserve this planet as best we can. Learning how to recycle, looking at ways to create alternative energy, and learning about the current issues are all ways that can help to delay the tipping point.

 10. Learn from your failures.

“When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.”
Dalai Lama
When you screw up, it is important to examine what went wrong. Maybe you sad the wrong thing or maybe you haven’t thought the whole process through. Perhaps there was a problem in planning the project and maybe you did not think about worst-case scenarios. Reflection can help you learn every time you fail.
Could these ten lessons really change your life? Try to apply them to your life and work. You will soon discover that truth, honesty, warm-heartedness and compassion will be the driving forces in your life and will help you to gain real happiness.
Tell us in the comments what teachings or quotes from Dalai Lama have inspired you and how they have changed your life. 
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Thank you Dalai! Lovely Tips Yeah?

News: American Drummer For Scorpions, James Kottak Jailed In Dubai

Newspapers in the United Arab Emirates are reporting that the American drummer for the rock band Scorpions has been sentenced to one month in jail after being convicted of offensive behavior in Dubai.
The government-backed National newspaper reported yesterday, Tuesday April 29 that James Kottak was convicted of insulting Islam, raising his middle finger and being under the influence of alcohol while in transit at Dubai airport.
The Gulf News daily says he was arrested April 3 en route from Russia to Bahrain, where the German band was scheduled to perform at a Formula One race. Kottak was a no-show at the April 5 concert.
The newspapers say Kottak admitted to drinking but denied other charges.
The Scorpions' manager didn't respond to requests for comment. Kottak's local lawyer couldn't immediately be reached.
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News: Rumours have it that Lady Gaga will perform in Dubai come September

Is Lady Gaga coming to the Middle East? If rumours are to be believed, the pop icon could be making her way to the UAE this September to perform in Dubai.
According to the fan site, Lady Gaga News, the Poker Face star will be bringing her artRAVE tour to the emirate on Wednesday, September 10, stating that an official announcement of the show will be made on May 12. It is also being claimed that the concert will take place at the Meydan racecourse.
Rumours have also been rife that the Born This Way singer will perform in Istanbul on September 16, so dare we say it: A September 10 Dubai date makes sense.
However, the 28-year-old singer is known for her risqué fashion choices and controversial performances… would she be welcome to perform in the region? YES???
We hope so because we just love Lady Gaga and her gaga!!!!

Video: Spotted: Dubai tram in Dubai Media City as testing continues

Commuters in Dubai Media City have spotted the new tram cars as the second phase of testing of Dubai's multi-million dollar Al Sufouh Tram project continues.
The trial, which began on April 16, covers the area between Dubai Media City and Knowledge Village and includes four additional stations: Marina Towers, Mina Seyahi, Media City, and Palm Jumeirah.
The first phase of testing was successfully completed earlier this year. The Al Sufouh Tram will include 17 stations and is expected to cater to 27,000 passengers a day when it launches in November 2014.
The final phase will start June 14 and will cover the entire 14.6 km track.
A map showing the testing locations of the new Dubai Al Sufouh Tramway.

Photos: So Sad: Mothers Of Abducted Girls Storm National Assembly, Demand Immediate Rescue

Mothers of 200 abducted female students and other residents of Chibok, Borno State, came today, April 30, to Abuja to submit a protest letter where they demand the immediate rescue of the girls.
The protest march started at Eagle Square in Abuja, from where the protesters walked to the National Assembly. When the women were led into the premises of the national legislature by a group of senior female police officers, senators Barnabas Gemade and Helen Esuene received them. 





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New Video: Darey - Special Fever (Official Video) Starring Rita Dominic

The official video for Darey Art Alade's newest international single "Special Fever" which features Nollywood star actress Rita Dominic as the leading lady.
The video also boasts of exciting cameos from Zaina, Mo Eazy, JJC, Sose, Muna et al.
Watch the lovely vid. below starting from HERE.

                      
Photo - PHOTOS: Rita Dominic plays lead girl in Darey’s ‘Special Fever’ video

News: Russell Simmons tweets: "234 Nigerian girls have gone missing, and no one is talking about it"

Russell Wendell Simmons is an American business magnate. He co-founded the hip hop music label Def Jam and created the clothing fashion lines Phat Farm, Argyleculture, and American Classics. The fabulous Kimora Lee Simmons was once married to him and together they have 2 daughters.
Russell tweets:
A change.org petition has been created to raise awareness about Nigeria’s missing girls. To sign it, click here.

As reports of the missing Malaysia Airlines Flight and the capsized South Korean ferry continue to be looped on popular cable networks, news of more than 200 Nigerian students being kidnapped from school is slow to make its rounds.
But why?
It’s been two weeks since rumored Islamic extremists stormed a remote boarding school in Nigeria to carry out the mass abduction of 200 young women and girls. It is said that two groups of the girls, perhaps 30 in all, managed to escape.
The rest, however, seem to have disappeared into the forest. And despite efforts from local security forces to recover the young women, the search has produced not even a lead.
Mothers and fathers, desperate for any clues about their whereabouts, are urging the Nigerian government to rescue their daughters, begging with the kidnappers to have mercy on the girls.
“I have not seen my dear daughter, she is a good girl,” cried Musa Muka, whose 17-year-old Martha was taken away. “We plead with the government to help rescue her and her friends; we pray nothing happens to her.”
But the families are skeptical. The government, despite their efforts, announced last week that security forces had rescued all but eight of the kidnapped girls, a statement they were forced to retract days later. Still, they insist the search is going as well as it can.
“The operation is going on and we will continue to deploy more troops,” Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Chris Olukolade told the Associated Press, adding that air and land patrols are hunting for the students.
BBC correspondent Will Ross spoke with parents in Lagos about their frustrations.
“I’ve spoken to one father who told me they feel thoroughly let down by the government. When I said the military put out a statement saying they are intensifying the search he said, ‘They haven’t shown us they have don’t anything yet, I’ll have to see it.’”
Skepticism over the way Nigeria’s military has handled the five-year-old Islamic uprising has also contributed to the loss of faith in the government.
According to The Guardian:
No one has admitted carrying out the mass kidnapping, although it is assumed to be the work of Boko Haram, the al-Qaida-linked jihadi group. Amnesty International says 1,500 people have been killed this year in the conflict between Boko Haram and Nigerian security forces, more than half of them civilians. The latest bombing by the group was in Abuja, on the same day the girls were abducted, in which at least 70 people died.
Meanwhile, parents have begun to search for the girls, who have been missing since April 15, themselves. People have also taken to Twitter, using the tag #BringBackOurGirls to foster awareness regarding the tragic incident. All of which has begged Twitter users and parents of those abducted to ask, “why isn’t this important to big news stations?”
Anne Perkins of the Guardian has a theory:
The fate of the Nigerian girls, who had been recalled to class in order to sit a physics exam, when all the other schools in the area were closed by security fears, has not been entirely ignored by the world’s media. But it has been overwhelmed by the story of the sinking of the Sewol.
Some of the reasons for that are obvious. The South Korean story has unfolded on camera, in a first-world country with every facility for news reporting. In contrast, the young Nigerians have vanished into the darkness of a dangerous world.
It is easy to feel that what happens [in Nigeria] is not real in the way that what happens on camera in South Korea is real. Watching the images of the almost mad grief of the parents, ready to plunge into the water themselves to find their sons and daughters, is like an awful realisation of one’s own worst imaginings.
There is no such vivid expression of suffering from Borno, only the grainy images sent on poor satellite links showing the familiar devastation of catastrophe that could come from any of countless news reports.
Or, could it be, that the world believes these girls to be dispensable? Does the media divert their attention from an abduction of this scale because it occurred in Nigeria?
Whatever the reason, the blindness needs to cease. Moving into another week without finding the girls lowers the chances that they will be found alive. And refusing to talk about it doesn’t make the problem go away — it makes it bigger. Dire. And maybe even fatal.
To follow along with search efforts or to start a conversation about the missing girls, remember to use the hashtags #BringBackOurGirls, #Bringbackourdaughters or #HelpTheGirls.

SOURCE: The Guardian, BBC, Twitter

News: Jonathan Cancels FEC Meeting Over VP's Brother, Sambo's Death

Jonathan Cancels FEC Meeting Over VP Brother’s Death
President Goodluck Jonathan has cancelled the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) today, to enable the council members attend the three-day prayer for the late Captain Yusuf Sabo Sambo, younger brother of Vice President Namadi Sambo.
Captain Sambo, the Vice President’s brother died Sunday in a fatal accident along the Airport Road Abuja and he has since been buried at Apo cemetery, Abuja, according to Islamic rites.
Senator Pius Anyim, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, made this known in a statement on Tuesday night.
Special assistant to the vice president, Sani Umar, said in a statement that the younger Sambo, a pilot, died in a motor accident on Bill Clinton Drive, Airport Road, Abuja.
Aged 58, Mr Sambo is survived by a wife, three daughters, 10 brothers and sisters.

Photos: TIME 100 GALA: Dangote, Iweala, Omotola, Pharrell, Carrie Underwood et al honoured

They are the artists, scientists, entrepreneurs, leaders, writers, activists and performers who most profoundly shape our world. And each year, TIME invites 100 of them to meet for an evening of conversation, laughter and music. TIME 100 Gala which held last night Tuesday 29th April at Jazz, Lincoln Center in New York had Aliko Dangote, Omotola Jalade-Ekeinde and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala in attendance.
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  Carrie Underwood & Amy Adams         

Carrie Underwood & hubby


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The 100 Most Influential People in the world by TIME
5
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        Laverne Cox                                             Frank Ocean      
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Uzo Aduba


Video: Oprah tells Donald Sterling: "We're off the plantation"

You do not want to be on Oprah’s bad side.
This past weekend may have been the worst ever for Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling.
After audio recording of Sterling’s racial rants to his girlfriend V. Stiviano surfaced, celebrities from Barack Obama to Snoop Dogg have spoken out and voiced their opinion.
The most recent celeb to be anti-Sterling is the queen of media, Oprah Winfrey. TMZ caught up with Oprah as she departed CBS Studios in NYC this morning.
When asked about the Donald Sterling allegations, she yelled:
“We’re off the plantation! The plantation days are over!”
She also revealed that it’d be ideal for Magic Johnson to take over ownership of the Clippers, so they could leave Sterling in the dust. Leave it up to Ms. O to tell it like it is.
Watch the vid. below.

News: Dr Sid weds his fiancée Simi Osomo this July

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Nigerian singer, Sidney Onoriode Esiri, popularly known as Dr Sid, whose fiancée Simi Osomo, graduated from Law school in November 2013, has finally declared his intention to tie the knot this year.
The Nigerian entertainment industry has lately been abuzz with celebrities getting married to their sweethearts. Last weekend, Tiwa Savage and her husband, Tunji ‘Tee Billz’ Balogun held their wedding in Dubai.
At the ceremony, Tiwa's co-Mavin records mate, Dr Sid, dropped a bombshell. The ‘Surulere’ crooner announced that his wedding would come up in July. His announcement was hailed by his colleagues who are eagerly waiting for the day to come!

Photos: South Africa sensation Mafikizolo in Lagos for premiere of new video with Davido

South Africa’s music sensational duo, Mafikizolo quietly breezed into Lagos for the video launch of Tchelete which features Davido and holds tonight. Nhlanhla Nciza and Theo Kgosinkwe who make up Mafikizolo will be on media tour throughout the day.


Photos: Psquare Peter Okoye tweets regarding the family brouhaha

Peter Okoye just took to Twitter to thank "us" for the support and prayers and that all is now well and added that everybody quarrels, which is true!
It wasn't a publicity stunt after all AND there was an issue! So glad it's all over now.......
Read his tweets below.

Photo: EME 1st lady Niyola poses nude for her new music video

EME singer Niyola posed nude in a shot for her song 'Love to love you'. The music video was directed by Kemi Adetiba and will be out real soon.
 


News: Enugu State Govt Seizes Aero Helicopter For Landing Without Approval

Enugu State government yesterday seized a helicopter belonging to Aero Contractors for landing at the Governor’s Lodge without approval.

According to sources at the Lodge, the helicopter caused panic at the Government House as workers were said to have scampered for safety on sighting the helicopter. Security operatives attached to the Government House cordoned off the area when the flight landed and arrested the operators.

Chief press secretary to Governor Sullivan Chime,  Chukwudi Achife, who  confirmed the
development in a statement, explained that it took place at about 10.30am when workers were already in their offices.
“At about 10:30am today (yesterday),  a helicopter bearing the markings of Aero Contractors landed without permission at the Governor’s Lodge. The mission of the visitors was unknown to the government. After preliminary inquiries, the chief security officer  to the governor, Mr Fidelis Ogarebe, handed the three occupants of the aircraft -two pilots and one engineer – over to the State Police Command for further investigations”, he stated.
LEADERSHIP, however, gathered that the helicopter was actually meant to pick up the remains of former member of the old Anambra state House of Assembly, Late Sir Andrew Okonkwo Umeoji, whose valedictory session was taking place at the nearby State House of Assembly.
The House of Assembly is very close  to Enugu Governor’s Lodge and it is suspected that the helicopter landed in the Governor's Lodge in error.

Late Sir Andrew Okonkwo Umeoji's remains was to be flown in the helicopter to his hometown for burial in Anambra state. But had to be driven to Anambra state in a motorcade as an alternative arrangement since the 3 crew men were still in police custody.

News: Donald Trump set to buy historic Turnberry Golf Course from Dubai government in £35million deal

US property tycoon Donald Trump has confirmed that he has bought the Turnberry golf resort.
He has purchased the entire South Ayrshire complex, including the hotel, from Dubai-based group Leisurecorp for an undisclosed sum.
In a statement, Mr Trump said it was "an honour and privilege to own one of golf's greatest and most exciting properties".
The course will continue to be managed by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.
Turnberry is the only course in the Open circuit to be owned privately. Mr Trump has ambitions to host the Open at his other course in Aberdeenshire.
In a statement, Mr Trump said: "I intend to invest many millions of dollars (pounds) in order to bring the hotel to the highest levels of luxury.

"When completed, I believe that the Turnberry Hotel will be the finest and most luxurious hotel in all of Europe."
Donald Trump
Turnberry Hotel
The Turnberry purchase adds to Donald Trump's ownership of a golf resort in Aberdeenshire
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Business magnate Donald Trump is reportedly set to add one of the world's most famous golf courses to his portfolio.
The U.S. tycoon is close to completing a £35million deal to buy Scotland's Turnberry Golf Course, following months of secret negotiations.
The South Ayrshire course, which is tipped to host its fifth Open in the next 10 years, is currently owned by Leisurecorp, a subsidiary of the Dubai government.
A source said: 'Turnberry will be the gem to crown Trump's golf portfolio and it is 95 per cent certain to go through.
Billionaire U.S. businessman Donald Trump is reportedly close to securing a deal to buy Turnberry Golf Course in Scotland

News: Atiku, Nollywood, AfricaMagic, AMAA, Nigeria mourn Amaka Igwe

The entire Nigerian film industry, Nollywood has been thrown into mourning since early hours of Tuesday April 29, when the news of veteran filmmaker, Amaka Igwe’s death hit everyone like a storm. Few movie practitioners have been able to put their thoughts in words. Top producer, Don Pedro Obaseki has written brief elegy about Amaka, while top actress Genevieve Nnaji has pronounced today the darkest day in her career.

Don Pedro wrote:

"AMAKA Ene Igwe, MFR(1963-2014) - A Brief Elegy. Born 2nd January 1963, Amaka Igwe (nee Isaac Ene) may be the singularly most important WOMAN in the creation & evolution of Nollywood. Starting out as a young Lecturer Assistant at the then Anambra State University, Amaka Isaac Ene dedicated her young adult life to the creation of CHECKMATE (a Soap-Opera that leveraged on the previous success of Lola Fani-Kayode's MIRROR in The SUN).

"Her star actors were the 1st Stars of Nollywood. Her RATTLESNAKE movie trilogy, though came out a few weeks after Living in Bondage, was the 1st artistic success of Nollywood's videography. With her FUJI House of Commotion, Amaka redefined the landscape of Situation Comedy on national TV. Married to ex-banker-turned-Film producer/marketer Charles Igwe in April 1993, Amaka was Nollywood's female colossus.

"And together, Amaka & Charles Igwe strove to evolve a seismic paradigm shrift in Entertainment Content provision in Nigeria, the latest being TOP FM Radio, Lagos. Toe-to-Toe with men she stood! In recognition, she was awarded national honours as Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR).

"Last night, Amaka was on set of her current movie! And Last Night, Amaka Died, still working on a Movie! Goodnight, great woman! Goodnight!! :'( Tears rain down. Rest in Peace, Great Amazon. Rest. We Won't Miss you, because everywhere we turn in Nollywood, we see you! We feel you, Amaka!! I remain ur friend, even in the afterlife! - Don Pedro OBASEKI, PhD (Enogie-Isi of Benin Kingdom)

"On the same development, Genevieve Nnaji declared that she has experienced the darkest day in her career today. “This is the darkest day of my entire career. That I believe sums up how I feel right now. Your legacy will leave on Aunty Amaka. I promise you. #RIPAmakaIgwe ????”

One of her colleagues, Don Pedro Obaseki, Enogie-Isi of Benin Kingdom, could not hide his sorrow as he declared: “We won’t miss you because everywhere we turn in Nollywood we see you! We feel you, Amaka! I remain your friend, even in the afterlife! Your body of work will be an inspiration to many generations.”

Comedian Julius Agwu, whose life was also touched by the famed Amaka, had this to say: “Death visits the wrong home at the wrong time and snatches the wrong person. She gave me my first movie role in Nollywood as Peter, Jnr. in her blockbuster Rattlesnake. May Almighty God grant her family the fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss. Rest in Peace, Aunty Amaka.

Top Nollywood actress, Genevieve Nnaji, expressed her grief thus: “This is the darkest day of my entire career. That I believe sums up how I feel right now. Your legacy will live on, Aunty Amaka, I promise you.”

For Kate Henshaw, “a great woman who dared where men tread has passed on! RIP, Aunty Amaka. Our prayers are with you, Uncle Charles.”

According to Stephanie Linus, “I am still in shock. Oh! How we have lost a great one. Rest in Peace, Amaka Igwe.”

Stella Damasus said: “She has gone home. God rest her soul. For the rest of us here, I wonder what the future holds or how long we have. I would rather spend each day working towards my salvation. Death does not have a clock. RIP Aunty Amaka. My prayer goes out to Uncle Charles and the children."

Alex Eyengho, President, Association of Nollywood Core Producers, ANCOP, wondered why Amaka Igwe should bow to death now. Substantial part of Nollywood is dead“ A substantial part of Nollywood and the African motion picture industry is dead with her sudden demise. She was indeed the Duchess of Nollywood. She never did any business outside Nollywood and the Nigerian entertainment industry generally. She gave the industry her all,” Eyengho said.

However, actor John Njamah, remembered in the sitcom “Fuji House of Commotion” as the notorious Gbenro was discovered by the deceased and John could not hide his feeling.
“Words are not enough to say goodbye to this awesome woman that carved my yesterday and defined my today as a film-maker. Farewell, Mrs Igwe,” he said.

Belinda Effah, a fast-rising Nollywood actress, gave a stirring account of her meeting with the great lady and expressed her emotion: “A lady with a great personality. Her name resonated in the industry such that those that spoke about her revered her. My first encounter was not short-lived at all. I relive the moment all the time because she was able to impact upon me and challenged me not to restrict my acting locally but aim for the sky and become an internationally acclaimed actor.

Another fast-rising actor, Ken Eric, eulogised her in few, yet touching words: “Shocking. She really was a pace setter. A director par excellence. Words cannot explain everything she stood for. She would be greatly missed. But her towering legacy lives on. Adieu, Amaka Igwe.”

Also paying tribute to the prolific film maker was the AfricaMagic family. It said:
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of iconic Nigerian film and TV producer, Mrs. Amaka Igwe.“The African creative arts industry has lost an admired and respected leader whose vast knowledge, proven business acumen and boundless imagination made an immeasurable contribution to the development and success of our community.“
AfricaMagic extends its sincere condolences to her husband, her children, her family and friends during this difficult time, and will honour Mrs. Igwe’s memory by screening a collection of her most beloved works in the days and weeks ahead.”

M-Net West Africa Regional Director, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu confirmed the special tribute, saying: ‘Amaka Igwe was a giant in our world, a loyal supporter, a committed professional and a valued partner.”AMAA boss mourns.

In her tribute, the CEO of Africa Film Academy Award, AMAA, Ms Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, said: “I received with sadness this morning the news of the passing away of my big sister and Nollywood icon, Mrs. Amaka Igwe.“The motion picture industry in Nigeria and Africa will sorely miss this revolutionary who raised the bar of professionalism and artistic excellence early in Nollywood when it was not fashionable.”

Wunmi Tunde-obe tweets:
AMAKA IGWE.. I REFUSE to believe it..! Just like THAT..??! #devastated
The ONLY movie maker/director who believed in me so much, she created a soap opera just so I could star in it.#Tempest #RIPAmakaIgwe

Atiku mourns.
Former Vice President and chieftain of All Progressives Congress, APC, Atiku Abubakar, yesterday described Amaka Igwe as “a jewel of the Nollywood industry.”In a statement by his media office in Abuja, Atiku expressed shock at the demise of Mrs. Igwe, who was a major player in the Nigerian movie industry. Atiku recalled that Mrs. Igwe’s first major production, “Decrees of Fate” won four awards at the National Festival of Television Programmes in 1988.“Amaka (Igwe) was one of the pioneers of the movie industry. Her presence in Nollywood grew to become quite impressive as she amassed a number of well received movies,” Atiku said. He said the versatile artiste organized the annual BOB TV film festival and was noted for productions, which included “Rattlesnake” and “Violated” that dwelt heavily on contemporary family issues. The Turaki Adamawa expressed his condolences to the Igwe and Ene families and friends and associates of the deceased, in particular members of Nollywood.

Life and times of Amaka Igwe.
Born Amaka Isaac-Ene, the deceased was an accomplished writer, producer, director, entrepreneur and teacher. She is the founder of BoBTV Expo, founder and CEO of Top Radio 90.9FM, Amaka Igwe Studios, and the newly-launched Q Entertainment Networks. A visionary and pioneer of modern Nigerian TV drama and film, she hit national limelight as the writer and producer of award-winning TV soap ‘Checkmate’ and its off shoot ‘Fuji House of Commotion’. Her Nollywood projects include RattleSnake and Violated, two critically-acclaimed movies that set apart Amaka Igwe Studios in the much-criticised Nollywood industry.Amaka Igwe studied Education/Religion at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University). She had a Master’s degree from the University of Ibadan. She had her early education at All Saints School (now Trans Ekulu Primary School), Girls High School Awkunanaw, Enugu and Idia College, Benin, where she did her A levels. She worked as a lecturer at Anambra State University of Technology and briefly in the oil and gas sector before settling for the motion picture industry. She is arguably the most important woman in the creation and evolution of the movie industry, called Nollywood and was born and bred in Enugu.

Jara TV, Dele Momodu and many others also pay their tributes.
#May your beautiful soul rest with the Lord Mrs Igwe, Nigeria mourns!!!


Photos: Yoruba Actress, Bimbo Akinsanya's Introduction Ceremony

Yoruba actress, Bimbo Akinsanya is engaged and had her family introduction ceremony on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at her parents’ home. The elated actress, who was discharged and acquitted of an alleged murder charge in 2011, couldn’t contain her joy as she kept thanking friends and few colleagues that attended the close-knit ceremony.
Congrats to them!