Pakistani Taliban attacks school, kills 130

Doyin Adeoye captures the developments in Pakistan, where Taliban militants attacked an army-run school in Peshawar, killing at least, 130, most of whom were children.
A day after self-styled Islamic cleric, Man Haron Monis held and killed some hostages at the Sydney’s Lindt Chocolat Cafe, a similar and more horrible attack occurred at a Peshawar school, in Pakistan on Tuesday.
Wearing military uniforms and strapped with explosives,  Pakistani authorities said the heavily armed Islamist militants attacked the Army Public School and Degree College in the North-Western city of Peshawar at about 11:00 a.m. local time on Tuesday. According to BBC, the attack left at least 135 people dead, most of whom were children.

Trending campus radio stations

Entertainment is most students’ fascination. Consequently, the birth of institution-owned radio stations is on the increase. DOYIN ADEOYE relates with some student On-Air Personalities (OAP) and shares their passion.

UNILAG 103.1FM (University of Lagos)

Trust the University of Lagos (UNILAG), when it comes to entertainment, they do it well.

The frequency of 103.1FM was assigned to the institution in July 2003 and the station was officially commissioned on December 14, 2004. Serving as an channel of instructional and educational programmes for the students, the station’s motto is to inform, educate and entertain.

Campus OLDIES

By DOYIN ADEOYE
Initially known as the University of Ife, the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), was established in 1962, with a little over 200 students as its founding students.

With its temporary site at the then University College of Ibadan, the institution started with five faculties, which included the Faculty of Agriculture, Arts, Social Science, Law and Science, while teaching at the university started with a total teaching, administrative and technical staff strength of about 80.

The first students’ hostel at the home campus, the Adekunle Fajuyi Hall, was named after the then military Governor of Western State, Lt. Col. Adekunle Fajuyi, after he died in 1966, as he contributed immensely to the development of the school. And by 1967, most of the faculties had moved to the permanent site in Ile-Ife.

At NEST conference, stakeholders review, draw blueprint for Nigeria’s environment

By DOYIN ADEOYE
Scholars and stakeholders across the country gathered last week to discuss and take stock of what has been achieved so far in the environmental sector, as well as the directions to move forward.
Held at the Conference Centre, University of Ibadan (UI), the event which was organised by the Department of Environmental Health of the institution, in collaboration with the Nigerian Environmental Study Action Team (NEST), had the theme: “The Nigerian Environment: Past 100 years and the Future.”
With a focus on Nigeria’s total environment, the two-day symposium, which was chaired by Professor Emeritus Akin Mabogunje, witnessed a review on the trend, major achievements and lapses in safeguarding the Nigerian environment over the past century, and to draw a blueprint for future development.

Why ‘Lekki Wives’ is predominantly of Igbo casts

A woman in a man’s world, Blessing Effiom Egbe is a Nollywood producer and director. Strong willed and determined, Blessing is a woman who knows what she wants and goes for it. The producer cum director of the series, Lekki Wives, speaks with Doyin Adeoye, in this interview about her passion and career, among other things.
What were your childhood dreams?
I can’t recall if I really had a childhood dream but as I blossomed into the teenage years, I started getting drawn to modeling. I remember I would watch runway shows and emulate the models. So as time went on, I had the flare to organise things, I became the one to call on if anyone wanted to arrange anything or clear a clutter.
I couldn’t find a name for the passion and my sisters would tease me then that maybe I would become a secretary or someone’s personal assistant someday. But now I see where all that is playing out in my productions and home front.

Taboos: Social gap in beliefs

In the past, many tribes, traditions and cultures had sets of norms and values which guided their everyday lives. But in recent times, many of these values have faded away, with the 21st century generations having little or no knowledge of the taboos of their tribes. Doyin Adeoye writes on the behavioural social change and what accounts for it.
Taboos are major components of the existence of many African cultures put in place to guard against some behavioural patterns believed to be harmful to people.
Reflecting in almost all their ways of life; from marriage to religion, eating habits, day to day living experiences, the earlier generations were raised with certain beliefs which they unquestionably conformed to. Unfortunately, in recent times, people’s attitude to taboos, is changing.

It takes good humour to make a frustrated person laugh - Bovi

Ugboma Bovi is a multifaceted entertainer. The Delta born actor and standup comedian has been able to carve a niche for himself as one of the top notch comedians in his six years of professional comedy making. In this interview with Doyin Adeoye, he talks about life as a comic, his family and the Nigerian comedy industry, among other things.
What does comedy mean to you?
Comedy, to me is life. I see comedy as a platform to express myself fully and doing that really makes me happy.
How and when did you develop the passion for comedy?
I actually developed a passion for entertainment. I believe I’m multifaceted and I have always had it in me since when I was a child. So I always knew I would take up a career that would involve entertaining people, and comedy happens to be one such channel.

I love being in the kitchen - Rotimi Morgan

Rotimi Jogunosimi, popularly known as Rotimi Morgan is an award winning chef, the second runner up at the Olympia cooking competition in 1997. He spoke with Doyin Adeoye about his passion for cooking, his style and prospects for restaurant business in Nigeria.
How was going up like for you?
Growing up was fun. I attended the Children’s Home School, Ibadan, Molusi College, Ijebu Igbo and the University of Ibadan, where I studied Mass Communications. After which I travelled out and studied Music at the Westminster University. I lived a very good life here before travelling abroad and my childhood and youthful days were really awesome.

Performing at Oscars was a big honour - Megryderz

Popularly known as Megryderz, Madu Margaret Adaeze is a dancer and the CEO, Stepryders Entertainments. A phenomenal dancer, she has performed at the Oscars and worked with top notch artistes. A graduate of Mass Communication from the Tai Solarin University of Education, Margaret spoke with Doyin Adeoye in this interview about her style, career and perception of dance in Nigeria, among other things.
When did you develop the passion for dancing?
My passion for dancing I would say is inborn, because it runs in the family. My grandmother is a good dancer and so is my mother. So I have always loved to dance right from childhood and over time, I grew to love it.
But sincerely, it is amazing how I chose dance as a career because I can’t seem to fathom how I did that myself, but I guess it was as a result of the fact that I derive joy in dance and I forget my worries when I’m dancing. In short, I feel fulfilled when dancing.

Every entrepreneur should see himself as a staffer of his company

With just N7, 000 in 2006, Adetunji Ifedapo Adebiyi started making shirts for his colleagues. In less than a decade, his brand, Rhobes Clothing Company, now designs for the likes of Ice Prince, MI Abaga, Gbenga Adeyinka, Olamide, Wande Coal and many other A-list artistes. Adetunji, in this interview with
Doyin Adeoye, speaks on his brand, tactics and tips for entrepreneurs, among others.
So I had the desire to make my own stuff, I wanted to wear what I was sure wasn’t everywhere and more so, something I could beat my chest and say is original. So that was how I began my sojourn into fashion and began to draw up sketches and source fabrics to make my own stuff.

I don’t have a religion. I am a man of no religion

Peter Fatomilola has been on the movie scene for decades. The veteran actor, who hails from Ifishin in Ido/Osi Local Government Area of Ekiti State, in this interview with DOYIN ADEOYE, speaks on his acting career, his foray into lecturing, and life as a traditionalist.

How did you develop the passion for theatre?
Theatre for me started when I was a child. I remember when I was in primary school and we would stage plays during the end of the year parties. Anytime we performed these plays, I loved to play prominent roles, and this continued through my secondary school education. I remember in 1967,
while I was at the Ife City College, I led my group, the ‘Ife City Dramatic Society’, to a competition, which was the Oranmiyan Festival of Arts. We performed a play entitled Oro Ikoko and I played the role of Atitebi.
Fortunately, the late Professor Ola Rotimi was the chairman at the occasion and he discovered my talent and decided to help nurture it. He collected my details that day and by the second week, he was in my school. He nurtured me into professional theatrics.

ASFL Conference: Students charged to be tools for national liberty

By DOYIN ADEOYE
IT was a weekend of inspiring lectures and endless networking between students and young professionals across Africa at the first annual African Students For Liberty (ASFL) conference held at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan (UI).
Witnessed by hundreds of students and professionals across different fields, the two-day event, which was held through Friday and Saturday, July 25 and 26, featured thought-provoking lectures on the ideas of a free society and the actions necessary to implement them.
Former member, House of Representatives and former National President, Association of Nigerian Authors, Dr Wale Okediran, spoke on the topic Stranger than Fiction: The Role of Literature in Sustainable Democracy and Good Governance.

Nollywood has left the dark age - Uche Jombo

Uche Jombo Rodriguez is one actress that has grown from the girl next door into a scintillating screen diva. In this interview with DOYIN ADEOYE, she talked about the transformation in her career,

her marriage and style, among other things.
When and how did you develop the passion for theatre?
It all started when my mother put me in a drama group in church, called the Children of the Lord group. We ministered every Sunday, but I was not really happy about that, because I thought with that, my mother wanted to curtail my excesses, as a tom-boy. Later, when I heard they gave scholarship every quarter, I started competing to win and that was the only time I had an acting experience. I have played every woman in the Bible. So it was a very good starting point for me.

How I felt interviewing Williams sisters, Sean Paul —Dolapo Oni

Marcy Dolapo Oni has endeared herself to many with her style of presentation.  A co-host  of  ‘Moments With Mo’, and  graduate of the University of Bristol, United Kingdom. The Ogun State-born actress spoke with DOYIN ADEOYE about her style, career, how hard work and professionalism have helped her in the Nigerian show business. Excerpts:
You have been in the show biz for sometime and you are gradually raising your game in a very competitive industry, could you tell us how it all started?
My journey into show biz started way back. I remember going on a school trip to the theatre where I saw the musical “Aspects of Love” by Andrew Llyod Webber. It was something that really caught my fancy back in the days. To say the least, I was in awe of the performance and that was when I knew I wanted to be on stage. I was just ten years old at the time.

Tomatoes can boost sperm count by 70 per cent if…

By DOYIN ADEOYE
Although they are often considered as vegetable, in actuality tomatoes are citrus fruits. They are versatile food, which could either be cooked or eaten raw, and either way, they contain a wide array of beneficial nutrients.
Many fruits have been scientifically proven to be a booster for male fertility and the tomato is no different. According to a recent study, lycopene, which is the key nutrient that gives tomatoes their bright red colour could boost fertility in men It can increase sperm count by up to 70 per cent.

Ejike Ugboaja: UK-based Nigerian basketballer, CEO •Says life is all about helping others

Ejike Christopher Ugboaja is a member of the Nigerian national basketball team. He is also  the Chief Executive Officer,  Ejike Ugboaja Foundation, a humanitarian project that gives the younger generations the opportunity to achieve their academic and athletic dreams, both home and abroad. He spoke with DOYIN ADEOYE about his career and foundation, among other things.

How was growing up?I had a very terrible childhood and because I was not from a very rich family, growing up for me was really rough and tough. But when I made it, I didn’t want things to be that tough for other people, that is why I decided to come up with something that would help achieve that. I wanted youths with talents to have better education while they follow their dreams and it has been great so far.

When did your foray into sports begin?I grew up in a family that loves sports. My mother used to play football professionally, so I used to go with her for trainings then. So after a while, with my height, I decided to start playing basketball.

Names: What’s the new influence?

By DOYIN ADEOYE
Child naming, across different cultures in Nigeria, is believed to be of utmost importance in shaping the life of any individual. Among the Yoruba especially, a name is believed to play a key role in influencing an individual’s development and future.
Back in the days, although a child’s name was often influenced by the parents’ personal experiences, family affiliations and the circumstances surrounding the birth of the child among other things, positivity was often encouraged in christening a child.
Many Yoruba names, for instance, Aduragbemi, meaning “I’m a benefactor of prayers”; Abayomi, “the enemy would have rejoiced over me”; Boluwatife, “it is as God desires”; Durojaiye, “wait to enjoy life”; Bamitale, “live with me till old age”; Enitan, “a person whose birth comes with a story”; Ekundayo, “my tears have become joy”; Abidemi, “a child born while the fathers was away”; Kokumo or Ikumapayi, “he or she will not die again”; Taiwo and Kehinde for twins; Oluwatimilehin, “God backs me up” and Oluwawemimo, “I am vindicated”, among others, are all names influenced by what surrounds the birth of the child, thus the saying, ile la n wo ka to so omo loruko (circumstances influence a child’s name).

Best of Nigeria’s literary adaptations into movies

A great source of storylines for the big screen, literary adaptations for movies is a goldmine many movie makers in Nigeria are yet to tap into. Unlike in Hollywood, where movies such as Harry Porter, The Lord of the Rings, The Godfather and so many other blockbusters were adapted from novels, only few producers in Nigeria know about this unique connection. DOYIN ADEOYE writes on some of the achievements of the literary works adapted into movies in the Nigerian film industry.
Half of a Yellow Sun
The second novel to be written by author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Half of a Yellow Sun was published in 2006 and since then, it has gained an international recognition. The 488-page book tells the story of the Biafran War in such an astonishing way that it earned the writer the 2007 Orange Prize for Fiction, an award given annually for the best original full-length novel written by a woman in English.

Visit to African Shrine inspired my hit ‘Shoki’ —Orezi

Ever since artiste, Esegine Orezi Allen dropped the track, ‘Rihanna’, it has been one hit song after the other. Better known with his stage name Orezi, the artiste, who hails from Delta State, speaks with Doyin Adeoye in this interview about the ills in the Nigerian music industry, his style and career, among other issues. Excerpts:
Foray into music?
Music started for me when I was a child; I have been a music lover since I was young. Coming from a religious family, we listened to music from Don Moen, Kirk Franklin and the likes and that influenced my love for music. My father is a lover of all kinds of music and so I listened to everything.
I also loved to sing in church, although I was never in the choir like many artistes would say, I just loved to sing in church. So, it became a part of me and when I got into secondary school, I was the social prefect by popular demand and by the time I got into the university, the passion blossomed; I would sing and mime other people’s songs and by the second year, I decided to start recording music.
I was doing it for fun then, but after I graduated, I made a decision to build a career in music and by 2009, I came out professionally into the industry.

Tribal marks in modern Nigeria: The burden, the anguish

Tribal marks have a long history in the African tradition, most important of which was the era when having a sense of identity was paramount to individuals. DOYIN ADEOYE writes on tribal marks in modern days and its effect.

Although tribal marks are becoming extinct because of the extant laws that forbid parents or anyone from marking a child’s face, tribal marks in the olden days were interesting features used to adorn the faces.

According to researches, the act of marking the face dates back to the fifth Century B.C. when some foreigners were said to have lived in Egypt. The Greek historian- Herodotus wrote that these foreigners, in an attempt to prove that they were not Egyptians, cut their foreheads with knives, creating marks which differentiated them from their hosts.

Promoting my fatherland through music, my calling -Skillz

Popularly known as Johnny Just Come (JJC) or Skillz, Abdulrasheed Bello has been a major hit maker over the years, both in the Nigerian and European music industries. In this interview with DOYIN ADEOYE, the co-founder of the 419 Squad shared his passion for anything African, his style of music, among other things.

When exactly did music become your passion?

Music for me started at an early age, about when I was 12 years old. It was more of Apala back then. I remember I would go from door to door singing to people just to entertain them. I did that right until I went to the United Kingdom (UK) when I was 14. But professionally, I started music when I was 19.

Nigerians making waves in Hollywood

They are Nigerians and they are world class entertainers. From movies, to art and music, these Nigerians are forces to be reckoned with in their various choices of career. DOYIN ADEOYE writes about Nigerians making waves in Hollywood.

Chiwetel EjioforA renowned British actor of film, television and theatre, Chiwetel Ejiofor was born in July 1977 in London to Nigerian parents. He gained a scholarship to the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art after he enrolled at the National Youth Theatre in 1995 and by age 19, and only three months into his course, Chiwetel was chosen by Steven Spielberg to play a small part in Amistad as James Covey.

His archive of awards and nominations include the BAFTA Orange Rising Star Award in 2006, five Golden Globe Award nominations and the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor for his performance in Othello in 2008.

Can the first female governor emerge in 2015?

Despite the increasing rate of women’s involvement in politics, the chances of a woman being elected to head an office, compared to that of a man, is slim. Could it be that women are not competent or Nigerians are not just willing to vote them in? DOYIN ADEOYE brings people’s views on the issue.

Shola Kudaisi: There is nothing wrong in having female governors. They can even perform better than their male counterparts, but unfortunately, Nigeria is not mature for such now. How many husbands can allow their wives attend nocturnal meetings with other men? Most women in Nigerian politics today are not happily married, hence they can’t govern well.
Mosinmileoluwa Ajayi Daniels: Nigeria’s first female governor can emerge in 2015 if someone who is up to the task contests. Women are also competent and we now live in a world where women are in high places; there are female presidents, therefore, saying we can’t have a female governor in Nigeria in this present time is just what you choose to believe. Opportunities should be given to women. What have the so called men been doing? They are only siphoning our funds.

How to make your relationship survive —Meg Otanwa

Meg Otanwa is a Benue State-born actress. She is a combination of beauty and brains, with a B.A in English, a Masters degree and an MBA Training. She spoke with DOYIN ADEOYE on why she gave up a banking job in Tunis, Tunisia, for an acting career in Nigeria and her style, among other things. Excerpts:

Educational background
I have a degree in English Language from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, a Masters degree in Human Resource Management from Time University, Tunis, Tunisia. I also went to Business School for MBA training at the University of Jean Moulin, Lyon, France.

Growing upGrowing up was a lot of fun for me. I am from a very large family, so there was never a dull moment amongst my siblings. I was very reserved and would lay back and watch everyone else play. That was fun for me.

Every part of me is an asset — Ijeoma Aguh

Ijeoma Aguh is a lady who is very passionate about what she believes in. The actress spoke with DOYIN ADEOYE in this interview about her passion and how her career has grown over the years.

Educational background
I attended Franej International High School, Benin City for my primary and secondary school education. Then I went to the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where I studied Biochemistry.

I was born to sing — Amarachi

Amarachi Uyanne was just eight years old in 2012, when she won the debut edition of the Nigeria’s Got Talent show with her dazzling dance styles. She had since then made her presence known in the Nigerian entertainment industry, with a couple of singles to her name. The child celebrity and her manager cum mother, Mrs Emike Nyanne spoke with DOYIN ADEOYE about her career, education and projects, among other things.
How does it feel to be famous at a really tender age?
It is really exciting, I am enjoying it and I give all the glory to God for the grace and the talent.
How did you develop the passion for dance?
I am a born dancer. Dancing makes me happy and I derive joy from it.

My life as daughter of a traditionalist —Oyinkansola Elebuibon

Born to the prominent Ifa priest, Chief  Ifayemi Elebuibon, Oyinkansola Elebuibon is a television presenter, red carpet host, actress and a producer. In this interview with DOYIN ADEOYE, she talks about her style, career and passion. Excerpts:

Description of self and greatest asset
I am a free and caring individual. I let things go rather than to remain angry. I cherish that a lot about me. I love my dimple, my nose, eyes and my gap tooth. There are a lot of things I love about myself and I wouldn’t want to go there (laughs).

Campus social clubs:What you need to know

Are you a student thinking of joining a club within your campus that will impact you positively, but you don’t know what many of these social clubs are all about? DOYIN ADEOYE writes on the types and responsibilities of social clubs on campuses and speaks with club leaders across institutions

First on the list are professional clubs, whose memberships are solely drawn from the departments or faculties. Many departments and faculties across institutions have these associations. For instance, the Association of Sociology Students, Law Students Association, and so on.
The religious clubs, on the other hand, are faith-based associations which serve the interest of students who belong to their faith groups. Examples of such are the Evangelical Christian Union, Muslim Students Society, Baptist Students Union and so on.
Also are the home-based societies such as the Ondo State Students’ Union, Delta State Students’ Union, and others, whose membership are restricted to students from such communities, while they serve to protect the interests of their members.
The social or cultural clubs are those that promote the cultural heritage of the society. These include clubs like Kegites Clubs. The philanthropic clubs are aimed at rendering selfless services to the community and instill discipline in their members. Examples of such are the Man O’War, JCI, Red Cross, Rotary and the likes.
Other campus-based clubs include groups for campus journalists, foreign students and so on.

My life as a medical doctor-turned actress —Kiki Omeili

Kiki Omeili is a medical doctor and an award-winning actress. A goal getter, the Anambra State-born actress, who has achieved a lot since she hit the movie screen in 2011, in this interview with DOYIN ADEOYE, speaks about her style, her driving force and other issues. Excerpts:

Growing up
I grew up with three siblings, an elder sister and two younger brothers. Our parents raised us to be God-fearing and very independent. They never forced anything on us and allowed us to be ourselves and to push towards being whatever we want. My childhood dream was to be a doctor, I wanted to be a professional in a field and I went ahead to do that, but it is funny that I am towing a different part entirely now.

From child acts to grown up celebs

Many child celebrities warmed the hearts of a lot of people with their acts back in the 80s and 90s. They were television darlings people loved to watch and one would expect that they would be making waves at this time when the entertainment industry is booming. However, just a few are still relevant in the industry.DOYIN ADEOYE profiles these few.

Sharon EzeamakaA familiar face in the TV series, Dear Mother, Sharon Ezeamaka started acting at the age of five, when she featured in the movie Narrow Escape in 1997.
Often playing roles that command emotions, she won the heart of many movie lovers with her mature way of interpreting roles. And to her credit, she featured in the likes of Little Angel, Romantic Attraction, Burning Desire and Broken Marriage.
Now in her early 20s, Sharon worked with FAB Magazine for a year before making a comeback with a feature in MNet’s TV series, The Johnsons, a couple of other gigs and also starring in the  MTV Base TV series, Shuga.
Also a talented singer, Sharon often performs at the Bogo-biri Ho-use, Ikoyi with the house band.

Our fears about national insecurity –Student leaders

The issue of national security in the country is becoming alarming. Doyin Adeoye speaks with student leaders across various institutions and brings their thoughts on the issue and how they think it can be tackled.

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Officers need reorientation to face challenges of 21st century - IMSU
The security situation is really alarming; Nigerians are not suicide bombers, so I believe we have been infiltrated by persons who have intentions to disintegrate this nation. If someone makes a pronouncement that “Nigeria may disintegrate before 2015” and we have been witnessing series of bomb blasts, what efforts have we made to trace the makers of the bombs and their origin?
The vehicles that were used for the blast were all registered in this country, who registered them, in what name were they registered and which license office and FRSC office allocated the plate numbers to them? With this, then we can start tracing the bombers. We can politicise some issues, but not security issues. The Federal Government and the state governors should look into this beyond political, ethnicity and religious issue.
The Federal Government can start installing bomb detector or radiation detectors in military and police patrol vans to find bombs. We need to retrain our officers to face the challenges of the 21st century. The military and police personnel are eager to work, but they don’t have the needed tools. The police need to move round neighbourhoods and enlighten the people within their jurisdictions, because most Nigerians don’t watch local televisions and news, they prefer home movies and entertainment stations, so they lack information on the preventive measures on happenings around them.
Ogbu Christian is a 400-level student of the Department of Philosophy, Imo State University (IMSU), Owerri. He is the Students’ Union president.

 Only a political apologist will not be concerned - OAU
It is only a political apologist that will not be concerned about the seemingly hopeless level of insecurity in the country.
Nigeria needs intervention, not only divine, but human intervention and the only body or institution through which this can be actualised is the government. As a matter of exigency, the Federal Government which is the de facto custodian of our nation’s security by virtue of section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, 2011 as amended, should take productive action or else resign, for the government has all resources necessary for combating the menace, only that political will is missing.
Ibikunle Isaac is a 400-level student of the Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. He is the Students’ Union president.

At NDLEA, I was ordered to be given 24 lashes —Baba Suwe

Comedian, Babatunde Omidina, otherwise known as Baba Suwe, has carved out his own niche in the Yoruba movie industry. The veteran actor speaks with DOYIN ADEOYE on the aftermath of his ordeal at the hands of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), issues around the Association of Nigeria Theatre Act Practitioners (ANTP), the death of his lawyer, Bamidele Aturu, among other things. Excerpts:

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You have been in the movie industry for decades. Would you say it has been fulfilling?
I would be an ingrate to God if I said I am not fulfilled on the job. It has been a worthwhile experience and I appreciate God for that. There have been lots of opened doors through it and in fact, my first trip abroad was through theatre.

I didn’t predict my death – Kunle Afolayan

When it comes to movie production, Kunle Afolayan is known for professionalism, class and creativity. Son of the legendary movie maker, Ade Love, the award winning producer, in this interview with DOYIN ADEOYE talked about his successes, fears and prospects, among other things.

HAVING grown up under the wings of a successful entertainer back in the days, what memories of your childhood have you?
I have so many of them and that has helped me in moulding myself into what I have become today. Despite the fact that my father was wealthy and well known, I lived as a child whose parents were striving to survive.

‘Lagos taught me to be patient’

Michael Bonny Bassey was the clown of the house at the last Big Brother Africa (BBA) show. The Sierra Leone born actor, model and entertainer was one of the favourite housemates at the show. He speaks with DOYIN ADEOYE about his acting career, style and why he moved to Nigeria, among other things.

What brings you to Nigeria?
The Nigerian entertainment industry is better than that of my country and so I am basically here for my career. I’m here to promote my acting career, as that is what I was into professionally prior to BBA. So I think Nigeria is a good platform for that.

My life as a Yemoja priestess – OAU student

Iyalorisa Egbelade Omitonade Ifawemimo is a Yemoja worshipper and a traditionalist. The 22-year-old, who is a 300 level student at the Department of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, shares in this interview with DOYIN ADEOYE, her religious beliefs and passion for the indigenous African religion, among other things.

My religion and how it started...

I was born into the African traditional religion. My father, Chief Olukunmi Omikemi Egbelade is a Yemoja Chief priest as well as a Babalawo. He is the president of all Onisese in Oyo State and although we were not allowed to really get involved when we were young, I was later gradually tutored in it as I grew up, when my parents realised I had passion for it. I practise the African traditional religion and I am a Yemoja worshipper, as well as a Yemoja priestess. I’m also versed in Ifa and other Orisas, besides Yemoja. I was initiated into the Yemoja religion in 2007 and that was when it fully became my passion.

I am weird, not gay-- Denrele

Adenrele Olufemi Edun is one celebrity with a wild personality and a VJ who has earned a reputation for being really good at what he does. In this interview with DOYIN ADEOYE, he talks about his style, his last moments with artiste, Goldie, the gay allegations and controversies, among other things.

What was your relationship with Goldie?

Susan Olubimpe Harvey aka Goldie and I were best of friends and whilst in death, we still remain best of friends. I met her in 2006 around the time I featured in Dbanj’s ‘Why me’ video which many artistes loved and also wanted me to be in their video. So I received a call from her and when we met at her house, then she told me she wanted me to be in her video. She gave me the song to go and listen to, but funny enough, I didn’t even listen to the song, but I told her I liked it. I remember she offered to pay me N50, 000, which was a really good deal back then, but I featured in the video without collecting any money from her and that was how we struck our friendship and became very good friends.

About Beverly and I, I’d prefer people keep guessing

Bimp Beamlak Tesfaye Haile was the Ethiopian contestant at the last Big Brother Africa reality show. To many, he was a strategist and a controversial person, especially with rumours about him being in a relationship with Nigerian representative, Beverly. He spoke, in this interview, with DOYIN ADEOYE about his relationship with Beverly, why he relocated to Nigeria, his career and style, among other things.

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What makes your culture unique from others?
A lot of things, for instance, our calendar is different from the rest of the world. At the moment, we are in 2005, because we use a calendar that is eight years behind the Gregorian calendar. Our months are different from the likes of January, February and others.

Tricks of running an online food business —Falter, CEO, hellofood Africa

Joe Falter is the founder and CEO, hellofood.com Africa, a mobile platform where people can order food from restaurants in their cities. Falter tells DOYIN ADEOYE that the platform is currently in 14 cities across 10 countries in Africa, how the company has grown so fast since 2012 and tricks of running an online food business, among other things.

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What exactly is hellofood.com Africa all about?
hellofood.com Africa is a web and mobile platform where people can order food from all the restaurants in their city. And we work majorly with all the most popular restaurants in each of the 14 cities that we currently operate in Africa. Our goal is simple; we introduce our Hellofoodies to the incredible choice of restaurants available in their city, while also making it incredibly fast and easy to place an order.

I paid my brother’s school fees at 17 — Minjin

Playing the role of Troy in the High School Musical show in 2010, Minjin Adewale Lawson came into limelight at the time and with determination, still remains a name to be reckoned with in the entertainment industry. An actor and artiste, the versatile individual is making waves with his Soukous genre of music. He speaks with DOYIN ADEOYE on his career, leaving Kennis Music and life as an artiste, among other things.

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How did you come about the name Minjin?
Minjin is actually my real name. My mother named me that and it means ‘my son from God.’ It is Asian; she used to love Asian movies as a youth, and as the first born, I happened to be the one to bear the fancy name she had in mind.

Celebrity marriages that have stood the test of time

Are you one of those who believe marriages of celebrities  are farcical or ephemeral? DOYIN ADEOYE writes on star-couples whose marital lives not only stand the test of time but also serve as standard bearers of matrimony.

Isaac and Nneka MosesTalk Goge Africa and the first name that comes to mind are Isaac and Nneka Moses’. They are one couple whose marriage tells a story of faith, love and excitement.