Wednesday 14 January 2015

I refuse some roles now because I am born again

Toyin Aimakhu Johnson is an actress that has been soaring since she joined the movie industry over a decade ago. The talented lady, who hails from Auchi, Edo State, in this interview, speaks with DOYIN ADEOYE about her career, marriage, the movie industry, among other issues. Excerpts:
How would you describe yourself as a person?
I am first and foremost, a wife. I see myself as a role model, daughter, mother to-be and a born again Christian.
Born again? That sounds strange?
Yes, I have fully given my life to Christ, because I realised that without Him, one is nothing. I was born and brought up as a born again Christian, but the thing is when you get into school, you’ll meet a lot of people and they influence you. But, I have been into the world and I’m back. So I can tell right from wrong now.
What influenced your decision to go back to Christ?
I would say my husband and my pastor. My husband is a practising Christian and they both influenced my life positively.

Thursday 8 January 2015

New Year resolutions every student should make

It is a new year, a time of the year that gives an opportunity to start afresh and set reality goals to look forward to. Do you make New Year resolutions? Here are some more you could include on the list.
Don’t forget to be a student
Many students often forget the fact that they are students and quickly turn their backs on their primary responsibilities of facing their studies and making good grades. This is a habit that should be dropped this year.
Also ironically, others get so engrossed in their studies that they forget that they are actually students.
What do I mean? Although your studies should be your priority, the university gives an experience like any other; it gives you the opportunity to discover yourself. Do something different; you could volunteer, it not only helps you grow as a person, but also looks great on a resume.
Party and hang out with friends that will motivate you. Enjoy life. The trick is maintaining moderation and not overdoing it. Try to balance both sides.

Our New Year Wishes for Nigeria —Student beauty queens


Monday 5 January 2015

Generally acclaimed movies of 2014

The Nigerian movie industry improved drastically this year, with many world-class productions to show for it. With captivating storylines and presentations different from what the audience is used to. Doyin Adeoye chronicles some movies that went beyond the imagination of many movie lovers in 2014.
Half of a Yellow Sun
Not just in Nigeria, ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ is one of the most acclaimed films from Africa in 2014. Based on the story of a couple in the newly independent Nigeria and the effect of the Nigerian Civil War of the late 1960s on the family, the film is an adaptation of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s novel of the same title.
With world-wide rave reviews and critical acclaim, the N1.27 billion ($8m) budgeted movie was directed by Biyi Bandele. First shown across cinemas in Nigeria on August 1, the movie featured both Nollywood and Hollywood actors which included Chiwetel Ejiofor, John Boyega, Genevieve Nnaji, Hakeem Kae-Kazim, Joseph Mawle, Kasper Michaels, Onyeka Onwenu, Paul Hampshire and Thandie Newton, among others.

Medicinal benefits of fruits and leaves


Herbs and natural fruits have been a means of maintaining good health over time, but with the advent of modern health care services, traditional herbal treatments seem to be going down the drain. However, Reverend Tony Akinyemi, among other people, still believes in the importance, effectiveness and reliability of natural plants. DOYIN ADEOYE reports his convictions.

THERE have been numerous of controversies surrounding the usage of herbal medicine. From the modern health practitioners to religious groups and traditionalists, the argument rages on. But when a clergyman says many benefits abound in usage of herbal leaves and fruits, all ears must be opened.Speaking at a lecture organised by the Foursquare Gospel Church, at Oke Bola, Ibadan district, Reverend Tony Akinyemi, emphasised the importance of good health and how to achieve it with the aid of natural plants and faith in God's words. Having been his passion for more than a decade, Akinyemi explained how an individual's health affects his entirety, 'when you are sick, you are distracted and you cannot maintain a focus, thus your productivity declines.

Exposing some flesh won't kill... Adunni Ade

Born to a Nigerian father and an American/German mother, Adunni Adewale is a fast-rising star in the Nigerian movie industry. Popularly known as Adunni Ade, the beautiful actress, in this interview with DOYIN ADEOYE, speaks on why she relocated to Nigeria, her style and career among other things.

Adunni Adewale as a brand
In terms of brand, I would say that I am a hardworking, dedicated and a strong-minded person. I believe in hard work to attain my best in my choice of career.
Growing up
Just like everyone, we all have one story or the other to tell and mine is no exception. Overall, my childhood groomed me to be my best as I am today.

I didn’t follow anyone’s music formula, I created mine — Ikechukwu

Ikechukwu Onunaku is one rapper with intense lyrical vocabulary rap and has managed to stay relevant in the music industry for years. Popularly known as Killz, he speaks with DOYIN ADEOYE about his brand, the World Famous Academy (WFA), issues with Dbanj, why he is always in the news, among other things. Excerpts:

What kind of childhood did you have?
I’d say I had somewhat of a privileged childhood, because I had seen a lot of things out there. I never wanted anything as a child. I was born abroad, but raised here in Nigeria. It was a lot of fun; I was in Nigeria until I was about 17 before I moved back to the UnitedStates.
How would you define Ikechukwu as a brand?
Brand wise, I believe I’ve had a rocky road as far as my career is concerned in Nigeria, but one thing is for sure, I am a significant name when it comes to entertainment and I am definitely one of those who brought the game to where it is today.