Entertainment
Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux Withdraws From Miss Universe
In a significant development for the Miss South Africa Organisation, reigning Miss South Africa 2024, Mia Le Roux has announced her withdrawal from the upcoming Miss Universe pageant, citing health concerns.
The organisation confirmed Le Roux’s decision in a statement released on Friday, with the 24-year-old expressing her appreciation for the unwavering support she has received from South Africans.
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Le Roux described her decision as a “challenging” one, acknowledging the weight of expectations placed upon her. “I am profoundly thankful for the unwavering support from South Africa during my time at Miss Universe,” Le Roux shared in her statement.
“Making this decision has been incredibly challenging, knowing the dreams and hopes that have been placed upon me.
“However, I am deeply grateful to have the opportunity to focus on my health and recovery so that I may continue to serve my country with full strength.”
The Miss South Africa Organisation also extended its support to Le Roux, applauding her resilience during this difficult time. “Mia has shown incredible courage and grace throughout this difficult period,” the organisation said.
“Her health and well-being are our utmost priority, and we stand by her side, dedicated to ensuring she regains her strength and returns to full health.”
Le Roux’s withdrawal comes after a year of controversies that have impacted the Miss South Africa pageant.
Earlier this year, the pageant made headlines when contestant Chidimma Adetshina, who has Nigerian and South African heritage, pulled out of the competition following social media backlash over her nationality.
Adetshina, 23, was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father and a South African mother of Mozambican descent, but faced criticism about her cultural identity.
The controversy surrounding Adetshina deepened when South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs opened an investigation that reportedly uncovered allegations her mother may have committed identity theft.
Amid the fallout, Adetshina accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria 2024 pageant, which she went on to win.
Following these developments, Mia Le Roux, who has Boer heritage, was crowned Miss South Africa 2024.
While Le Roux’s decision to step down from Miss Universe has disappointed fans, her choice underscores the pressure and scrutiny pageant participants often face.
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.
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“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.
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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.





