Entertainment
Actor Zack Orji Had Brain Surgery – Minister Musawa
Hannatu Musawa, the Minister of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, announced on Tuesday that Zack Orji, a Nollywood actor who’s been unwell, underwent brain surgery at a private hospital where he was transferred to, from the National Hospital.
The minister disclosed this following her visit to the private hospital in Abuja on Tuesday.
The Minister was welcomed by Ngozi Orji, the wife of the ailing actor, along with other family members.
Musawa mentioned that her visit aimed to show support to the veteran actor, extend well wishes for his speedy recovery, and convey the Federal Government’s goodwill to him and his family.
She said “This is a man who has given his time, his effort not only to make us laugh but to entertain Nigerians for decades.
“He is one of the individuals who was the very foundation of the film industry in Nigeria, and unfortunately, he is having health challenges and had a Neurosurgery.
“The least that we can do as an administration is to give him all the necessary support to ensure that he recovers quickly. Neurosurgery is very delicate, so it was important for me not only as a minister of arts, culture and the creative economy but as a Nigerian to visit him.
She added “For me, it was just a matter of coming to see him and his wife, and we can talk today, by God’s mercies, he is alive. I want Nigerians to pray for him and do what we can to give the family the necessary support to save his life.”
Musawa further emphasized that the Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, recognizes the crucial contribution of the creative industries to national economic growth.
She reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting the welfare of stakeholders within this sector.
She said “the ministry of Arts, Culture and the Creative Economy, under my watch, is working painstakingly towards ensuring that programmes and policies are in place towards the welfare of industry players.
Musawa, who privately contributed an unspecified amount to aid the actor’s medical expenses, reassured Nigerian creatives that brighter times are ahead, expressing hope and optimism for their future.
She further said “One of the main initiatives that we have within our ministry is to give welfare, not only to veterans in the industry but to see how we can give welfare to all members of the industry.
“We understand that the issue of mental health is key in determining the quality of life of members of the society, especially members in this particular industry.
“One of our initiatives in the ministry is to ensure that we look at and interrogate the different policies in terms of the kind of welfare that we give them and we will be able to run that very soon.
“I can assure you that members of the entertainment industry and of course, members of the arts, culture and creative economy will have full support from this particular administration.
The minister added “It is part of the renewed hope agenda of Mr President to ensure that we give the best and achieve the best in terms of what the industry has to offer.”
Controversial Nigerian singer Darlington Okoye, popularly known as Speed Darlington or Akpi, has been released from Kuje Prison following a court directive.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju disclosed this development on Tuesday, stating on X (formerly Twitter), “Speed Darlington is out of Kuje Prison.”
The singer’s release came after an Abuja court granted him bail. This decision followed intense public pressure on the Nigeria Police Force, which led to his arraignment.
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Prior to his release, Speed Darlington had petitioned Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Intelligence Bureau, DIG Dasuki Galadanchi, over his prolonged detention. He called on the DIG to comply with a court order directing his release or formal arraignment.
Justice M.S. Liman had earlier issued an order on December 23, 2024, mandating the police to charge the singer within 48 hours or release him unconditionally.
Speed Darlington’s arrest stemmed from allegations he made against Grammy Award-winning singer Burna Boy. The singer accused Burna Boy of being involved in an immoral relationship with embattled U.S. rapper and music executive Sean Combs, also known as P. Diddy.
The situation has sparked widespread discussions, with many Nigerians expressing relief at Speed Darlington’s freedom while others continue to debate the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Veteran Nollywood actor, Dele Odule, has opened up about the most heartbreaking moment of his life, revealing it was when he lost his first child.
The 63-year-old Yoruba movie icon shared the emotional experience during an interview with his colleague, Kunle Afod, recounting how the loss deeply affected him, especially given the challenges surrounding the child’s birth.
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Odule described the tragic news as “very hard” to bear, adding that he has since come to accept it as the will of God. Despite the acceptance, the actor expressed his fervent hope never to endure such a devastating tragedy again.
He said, “The saddest moment of my life was when I was called that my first child died. It was very hard on me. It was hard because of the situation faced during the child’s birth, but no one can question God’s authority. It was so bad that I don’t pray for it anymore.”
Known for his roles in classic Yoruba films, Odule continues to share both his professional and personal experiences, endearing himself to fans and colleagues alike.
In early January 2025, Grammy-winning Nigerian artist Burna Boy fulfilled a promise by gifting $30,000 to Bethel Okechukwu, a phone repairer from Alaba Market who had claimed to be related to socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
This act of generosity occurred amid an ongoing feud between Burna Boy and the Cubana Chief Priest.
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Following the donation, Cubana Chief Priest clarified that Bethel Okechukwu is not his brother, stating, “I have only one biological big brother & two kid sisters. They ain’t doing so bad.” He emphasized that he is not obligated to support his siblings financially and urged the public to verify such claims.
As of now, there are no credible reports indicating that Burna Boy instructed Bethel Okechukwu to take any specific actions towards Cubana Chief Priest after receiving the $30,000. The narrative appears to be centered around Burna Boy’s charitable gesture and Cubana Chief Priest’s subsequent clarification regarding his familial relationships.
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