Entertainment
‘Almajiri’ , ‘Obsession’ , ‘Ayinla’ Win Big At BON Awards 2022
Nollywood’s top actors and musicians triumph at the 14th edition Best Of Nollywood Awards (BON) ceremony hosted by Governor Hope Uzodinma in Owerri, Imo State on December 3.
Almajiri by Toka McBaror and Obsession by Director Mo stood out as the two largest winners of the 2022 BON awards.
The awards, which were hosted by Lateef Adedimeji and Queen Nwokoye saw various entertainment stakeholders receive awards for their works in 2022, with ‘Almajiri’ winning the ‘Movie of the Year’ award.
Apart from clinching the Best Actor in a leading role (English), ‘Almajiri’ also bagged the Best Cinematography, Best Actor in a Supporting Role (English), Best Production Design, Best Child Actress, and Best Social Message awards. Giving ‘Almajiri’ a run for its money at the awards were Tunde Kelani and Jade Osiberu’s ‘Ayinla,’ Izu Ojukwu’s ‘Amina’, and Director Mo’s ‘Obsession’.
‘Ayinla’ carted away with four awards in different categories including Best Actor in a Lead Role (Yoruba), Best Actor in a Support Role (Yoruba), Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba), Best Use of Nigerian food, while Izu Ojukwu’s ‘Amina’ also took home the award for Best Costume, Best Sound, and Director of the year. Director Mo’s Obsession also won the award for Best Supporting Actress (English) and Best MakeUp categories.
In the same vein, Prince Jide Kosoko, a popular thespian, and Ebele Okaro won the Special Recognition awards. The awards were presented by Governor Uzodinma, who said he was happy to host the awards ceremony in Owerri.
Kosoko and Okaro expressed delight for being recognised in the creative industry with Kosoko dedicating his award to the industry as well as All Progressive Congress presidential candidate Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The prize for the most promising actor went to Abayomi Alvin, and the prize for the most promising actress went to Efe Irele. Again, Abayomi was recognized for giving the best kiss in a movie. Damilola Oni and Kiki Bakare are two more honorees who received Trailblazers awards. For the Revelations of the Year Awards, Lanre Adediwura and Juliet Njemanze, Cold for Best Editing and Special Effects, Breaded Life for Best Screenplay, and Best Actress in a Leading Role for Cold.
During his statement during the occasion, Seun Oloketuyi, the founder and CEO of BON Awards, emphasized the significance of supporting the Nigerian film industry.
He said: “Nollywood brings about employment, and if properly structured and managed can be a major source of annual earnings. Looking back at the Nollywood year, it’s been tough but practitioners move on as usual while putting smiles on the faces of Nigerians. I thank Governor Hope Uzodinma for agreeing to host the event and not just paying lip service, but going all out to ensure this is a success.”
Entertainment
Why Osun is Tapping into $2 Trillion Global Creative Industry Economy
The desire to create community prosperity and productive engagement for youths has driven Osun State to tap into the two trillion dollar global creative industry economy.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke made the assertion after the massively attended concert organised by his son, B-Red and other music stars at Osogbo.
“The creative sector is a gold mine. It is an area I know holds huge potential for our youth and that is why I personally attended the free concert. I choose to boost the entertainment sector using my family brand which is very big in the Nigerian and global music industry.
“Osun is destined to be the hub of global entertainment. We have all the big stars and the network. An annual concert in Osun will boost local commerce and provide upward movement for local artistes.
“I expect the organisers to build on the successes recorded today. By 2027, a similar concert in expanded format should be held. Osun should become the rallying point of the creative industry, not only in Osun State but across Nigeria”, the governor posited.
ALSO READ: Peterside Harps on Strong Leadership at NCDMB Book Reading Series
Commenting on the maiden event, the chief organiser and son of the Governor, Adebayo Adeleke (B-Red) expressed happiness that despite the initial rain, the concert was held with massive attendance of music enthusiasts across the state.
“I thank God, my father, the governor, the government of Osun State and all partners for the successful outing. We plan to make it an annual event to feature leading musicians and artists from far and near.
“Personally, my goal is to provide a platform for upcoming artists to be mentored and to be afforded the opportunity to be seen. Our concert is designed to build careers and make a success out of many aspiring youth”, B-Red noted.
Entertainment
UK Says ‘No Entry’ to Kanye West Ahead of Big Comeback Show
The United Kingdom government has denied entry to controversial American rapper Kanye West, blocking his planned return to the European stage ahead of a highly anticipated comeback performance.
According to reports, the artist recently applied for permission to travel to the UK, where he was scheduled to headline the popular Wireless Festival in July.
SEE ALSO:Adidas, Kanye West Reach Settlement, Ending Legal Dispute
However, authorities turned down the request, citing concerns that his presence would not be in the interest of public good.
The decision is believed to be linked to widespread backlash over West’s past antisemitic remarks, which have sparked global criticism and strained his professional relationships in recent years.
The UK government’s move reflects a growing trend of holding high-profile figures accountable for statements considered harmful or divisive.
West was billed to perform across all three nights of the festival, set to take place at Finsbury Park in London, as part of what many fans saw as a major comeback tour.
His absence now leaves organizers scrambling to adjust the lineup for one of the summer’s biggest music events.
While officials have not provided further details beyond the decision, the development has stirred reactions across the entertainment industry, with fans and critics divided over the government’s stance.
As anticipation builds toward the festival, attention now shifts to how organizers will fill the void left by one of music’s most polarizing figures.
Entertainment
‘Cancer Is Not a Joke, Show Proof’ – VDM Calls Out Blessing CEO
Nigerian entertainer Martin’s Ortse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM) has expressed skepticism over influencer Blessing CEO’s claims that she is battling breast cancer and seeking financial support for urgent surgery.
In a Facebook post on Thursday, VDM cautioned about the sensitive nature of cancer and the need for transparency before public appeals.
“I just hope what Blessing CEO is saying is true because cancer is a very sensitive matter globally. Cancer is not something that someone should joke with; it has claimed the lives of many people. A friend of mine lost his mother from cancer,” he wrote.
SEE ALSO: Blessing CEO Battles Breast Cancer, Appeals to Fans for Urgent Surgery Support
VDM questioned the authenticity of Blessing CEO’s claims, pointing out the absence of hospital documentation.
“I’m not convinced enough that Blessing CEO is telling the truth. Why? Because you did not post any proof from the hospital that diagnosed you. You did not provide the hospital or a doctor’s report.
“You said a lot of resources have gone into your health, yet you did not provide receipts for people to see. Instead, you came online appealing emotionally, saying this is the time for people to show you love,” he added.
Recall that Blessing CEO had shared in a video on Instagram that she was diagnosed with breast cancer and urgently needs surgery, including a possible amputation, to halt the progression of the illness.
She revealed that what initially seemed like a harmless lump in her right breast last year was later confirmed as cancer, and the illness has now spread to her left breast.
“I have not been able to work, and my resources have been exhausted. That is why I am appealing for support. If my words have ever had a positive impact on your life, and you are a fan, this is the time to show it. Nothing is too small. I just want to be well,” she said.





