Entertainment
Buhari Bestows Burna Boy, 2Baba,Teni with National Honours
By Funmilayo Olusanya
The Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy, the multi-award-winning Afrobeats icon, 2face Idibia, and the music sensation, Teni, have each received national accolades from President Muhammadu Buhari in honour of their outstanding contributions to the Nigerian music industry.
In a ceremony conducted at the Government House Villa in Aso Rock on October 11, 2022, the president presented national honors to 447 Nigerians and foreigners, including kings, previous ministers, icons, and the senate president.
Burna Boy, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, received the Member of the Federal Republic, MFR, honor and the National award when his album “Twice As Tall” won the World Album Category at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
Likewise, superstar vocalist Teniola Apata “Teni” and music legend Innocent Ujah Idibia, known 2Face, received the honorary title of Member of the Order of the Niger, MON.
President Buhari commended the musicians, stating that people should be encouraged and recognized for their contributions to the development of their country.
He said, “Worthy of mention are our artistes, particularly, our very own Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu (Burna Boy), who won the Grammy Awards in 2020. He along with other artistes have repositioned the Nigerian entertainment industry and placed it on the global map.”
“At the just concluded Dubai Expo 2020, Nigeria’s pavilion was a beehive of activities as our musicians entertained guests from around the world.” the statement added.
Six individuals received the GCON, 55 were given the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), 65 were given the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), 77 were given the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR), 110 were given the Officer of the Niger (OON), 74 were given the Member of the Federal Republic (MFR), and 55 were given the Member of the Order of the Niger (MON).
The Federal Republic Medal I (FRM I) and Federal Republic Medal II (FRM II) Second Class) each had four recipients.
The OFR Award was given to the seven honorees who were foreigners.
Entertainment
After Years of Controversy, Tonto Dikeh Declares Love for Ex-Husband Churchill
Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has publicly declared love and appreciation for her former husband, Olakunle Churchill, years after their highly publicised split.
The emotional moment occurred during their son King Andre’s 10th birthday celebration held in Abuja, where Dikeh offered heartfelt prayers and words of affirmation for Churchill in the presence of guests.
In a video from the event that has since gone viral on social media, the actress described Churchill as “an amazing father” and expressed gratitude for his role in their son’s life.
SEE MORE: Tonto Dikeh, Bodyguard Summoned To Court Over Alleged Assault, Others
“You are an amazing father, thank you so much,” she said. “Your businesses will flourish; whoever curses you shall be cursed. I love you with the love of God.”
Dikeh further prayed for Churchill’s family and children, asking for divine protection, success and progress in all their endeavours.
“I pray for your family. I pray for your business. I pray for all the children. They will progress. Failure will not meet them. Everything that they touch will be blessed,” she declared.
The development marks a significant shift in the relationship between the former couple, whose marriage ended in 2017 amid allegations and public disputes that dominated entertainment headlines for years.
Recently, Dikeh revealed that they had reconciled and “buried the hatchet,” signalling an end to their long-running feud and a renewed focus on peaceful co-parenting.
Churchill later married actress Rosy Meurer in 2021, and the couple have two children together. Despite past controversies, both families appear to have embraced maturity and mutual respect.
The birthday celebration and Dikeh’s public declaration have since sparked mixed reactions online, with many applauding the former couple for putting aside differences for the sake of their son.
Entertainment
Monday Okpebholo Names Mercy Johnson-Okojie Special Adviser
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor.
According to the statement, the governor approved the appointment as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen communication between the government and the people of Edo State.
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“This is to inform the general public that Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy,” the statement read.
Johnson-Okojie, a renowned actress, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most celebrated figures, with nearly two decades in the industry and appearances in over 200 films.
Beyond her acting career, she is the founder of the Mercy Johnson Okojie Foundation, which focuses on women empowerment, child welfare, educational support, and healthcare outreach.
The Edo State Government expressed confidence that her influence, public appeal, and grassroots connection would help boost awareness of government programmes and encourage citizen participation in state policies.
Her husband, Odianosen Okojie, represents Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The appointment has sparked conversations across social media, with supporters describing it as a strategic move to bridge the gap between governance and the entertainment industry.
Entertainment
How Two Nollywood Crew Members Died On Set, Experts Investigate
Preliminary autopsy results have ruled out food poisoning as the cause of death for two Nollywood production crew members found dead at a movie set in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, on February 7, 2026.
The victims, 36-year-old cinematographer Walter Odediran and his childhood friend Godstime Imeh, Lighting Director and Chief Officer of GeeTee Light, were discovered lifeless inside a Nissan car owned by Imeh, parked within the premises of Evercare Hospital, where a film was being shot.
SEE MORE: 2 Nollywood production crew members found dead on location
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According to sources, the autopsy revealed that one of the victims had an empty stomach, while the other had only a small amount of food — “almost as if he hadn’t eaten anything,” a source said.
Walter Odediran’s elder brother, Kola Odediran, confirmed that the family had received the preliminary autopsy report. He said: “The autopsy itself is complete, and no food was found in my late brother.
“The results indicate he did not eat anything. But they are going to carry out toxicology and histology tests, which will provide the definitive answers we are looking for.”
To determine the exact cause of death, experts will conduct additional tests on blood and tissue samples to find out whether the victims ingested or inhaled any harmful substances before their deaths.
These results are expected in two to three weeks.
Relatives of the deceased, as well as colleagues in the Nollywood industry, are awaiting the findings with bated breath, hoping the upcoming tests will shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.





