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Sakoba Takes Home Top Prize At Ara’s Female Drummer Fiesta

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Sakoba Takes Home Top Prize At Ara's Female Drummer Fiesta
Ara

 

Female singer and talking drummer, Aralola Olumuyiwa, known professionally as Ara, recently hosted the first-ever Female Drummer Fiesta in Lagos.

The event, titled “Ajo: The Journey of the Talking Drum,” featured a competition in which female drummers from across the country showcased their skills on the talking drum. Among the contestants were 5-year-old Anyandunni and 8-year-old Anyanwura, as well as seasoned performers like Abike Gangan, Dorcas Omele, Ife Ara, Sakoba, Queen Drums, and Anyanbiyi Ebunoluwa Bata.

After all the performances, the judges shortlisted five finalists: Owo Ara, Abike, Ife Ara, Ayanbukola, and Sakoba. In the end, Sakoba from Akure in Ondo state was crowned the winner, taking home the star prize of N300,000. Ife Ara placed second and won N200,000, while Anyanbukola came in third and received N150,000. Anyandunni and Anyanwura received a consolation prize.

The event also featured a special performance by Ara herself, accompanied by legendary storyteller Jimi Solanke.

Speaking about the purpose of the event, Ara said, “This event is to celebrate females in traditional drumming. When I started out it was just me over 20 years ago, today we have as young as 5 years old who have picked up the talking drum. For me, it’s about empowering the girl child to see that their gender is no barrier to achieving anything in life.

“When you celebrate those who have done well in this field, others will come. Our culture needs to be preserved. Music is part of our culture, drumming is part of our cultural heritage. So, we need to promote, preserve, and project it so that our children yet unborn can understand who they are and how their history came about, not only in the art of music but generally. I want to implore everyone to please project our culture.”

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After Years of Controversy, Tonto Dikeh Declares Love for Ex-Husband Churchill

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Tonto Dikeh Slammed For Calling Ex-husband "Mini Man"

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.

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Monday Okpebholo Names Mercy Johnson-Okojie Special Adviser

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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.

ALSO READ: Court Grants Angela Okorie ₦5m Bail Over Alleged Cyberbullying of Mercy Johnson

“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.

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How Two Nollywood Crew Members Died On Set, Experts Investigate

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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.

 

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