Why I Opened Film Academy —Helen Paul

Published on March 3, 2015 by Hon Taiwo

Helen Paul-Bamisile, famous female entertainer, shares her success story in this interview with BAYO ADETU

Congratulations on the arrival of your new born baby.

Thank you very much. I feel really blessed. God has been very faithful to me and my household. It was a great privilege and I’m excited about it.

You recently opened Helen Paul Theatre and Films Academy. What informs the decision?

The entertainment industry in Nigeria has no doubt become a force to reckon with nationally and internationally. The film and music sectors have reignited the pride of Nigeria all over the world. All over Africa and globally, Nigerian entertainers are highly respected and regarded as ambassadors worthy of emulation. Besides, in a country where unemployment rate has continued to be on the rise, the entertainment sector has also proved its relevance by providing employment for a reasonable amount of citizens by engaging them in productions and events on daily basis.

•Helen Paul-Bamisile

As a result of the boom in the entertainment sector, thousands of youths aspire to make a career in the industry, and this has subsequently given room for many charlatans and half-baked practitioners. It is in view of this that Helen Paul Theatre and Film Academy decides to create a strong, credible and professional platform where aspiring entertainers can acquire their skills in different departments of the entertainment sector under the tutelage of seasoned thespians, and in a structured environment. The academy provides its trainings in accordance with the required standards of the Federal Ministry of Education (FME) and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

How do you effectively combine your multiple roles as PhD student, entertainer, wife, mother and business woman?

I give all the glory to God for giving me a husband that is very understanding and supportive. If I come back to this life, I will pick my husband again and again. The credit goes to him and God. He is a fantastic guy. He has been very supportive. He is my friend, he makes life very easy for me and I pray it continues like that forever. Marriage is not an easy institution. It is the only school where you get a certificate before you begin schooling. That is why I say a big thank you to my husband. He is making it work, not me. It is all about sacrifice.

You also have your fingers on music, comedy, acting, compere?

I’m also a business woman. I have bridal and aso-ebi shops. I’m a proprietress and a columnist. I write for the New Telegraph newspaper every Sunday, and my ministry is still expanding. Very soon, you will get to know about the other things I’m working on. Yes, I’m a jack of all trades-but master of all!

Tell us about how your music career started?

I have always been singing, though not professionally at first. I was a chorister in my church and I have been doing that since childhood. I started it professionally as a back-up singer. I worked with P-Square on their Get Squared album, and many other artistes.

What is the difference between Tatafo and Helen Paul?

Tatafo is that little and inquisitive girl you hear on radio. She is a radio personality. Tatafo wants to know everything, and she asks questions a lot. Most times, she pokes her nose into issues that are none of her business! She uses satire a lot as well. But Helen Paul is the compere, actress, TV personality, singer and comedian. She is also a wife and mother.

Where do you get inspirations for your jokes?

I’m a spontaneous comedian. I look at the things around me to make my jokes. Most times when I’m going on stage, I don’t even have an idea of the jokes to crack, but the moment I see the audience, I flow with them, and the jokes will start rolling in. I interact with my audience. Most of the times, if I’m backstage, I see through. I understand the stage – if it is a proscenium stage, I know the audience will face me directly, if it is an arena stage, the audience will sit round me, so I have to look for a way to move round the stage in such a way that everyone sees me. Sometimes, I get there early to meet people buying tickets, so I observe what they are wearing. I also try to understand if they are from the elite category or ordinary people in the society.

Your comedy is based on everyday life, how are you able to interpret everyday life and crack your audience with laughter?

I do comedy of manners. This is a situation where you entertain and make people laugh, and at the same time, they learn. The easiest way you can educate and entertain people is by talking about issues they can easily relate with.

Why are you in the entertainment industry, passion or fame?

Even as I’m speaking with you now, I don’t refer to myself as a star. I’m just a brand. I see myself as the girl next door; I can walk on the streets when I feel like, stop by the road to buy roasted corn and plantain, name it. Most times, it is people that remind me that I’m a celebrity. What I’m trying to tell you is that fame is neither in my mind or head. I just want to be my natural self, and trust me; fame hasn’t changed anything about me.

Did you really set out to become everything in the entertainment industry or was it by chance?

Well, rather than say it is by chance, I will say it is God, hard work and the fact that I have the right people around me.  Right from childhood, I had always known that I would become a celebrity, but I didn’t know how it was going to happen. I was just a receptionist then, but I was so confident of becoming a star. It was later that I started as a back-up singer and voice-over artiste before the comedy and acting aspects took over. I wouldn’t say my success is by chance. I would rather say that it was God’s plan for me, and I worked relentlessly towards it.

I started as a voice over artist. I was a receptionist at Eko FM Studious and from there, I started doing back-up and voice-over. But when I got into the University of Lagos, I discovered the comedy part of me. I actually went for a show, and the MC did not come, so my friends said I can do it because I’m a funny character. I eventually did it and it was awesome, and from there, people started calling me for shows and the money kept coming in. I had to stick to it and of course met the likes of Ali Baba and others who now enlightened me on the business part of the job.

Who is a successful woman?

A successful woman is not known by the number of material things she has, or how expensive they are, but by the number of lives she has impacted positively.

‘Most Women Don’t Care About My Polygamous Life’  

Published on March 3, 2015

After forty-three years in the music business, King Wasiu Ayinde Anifowose, popularly known as K1 The Ultimate, seems not ready to slow down. A crowd puller any day, K1 was on stage at Eko Hotel & Suites last Friday for his much anticipated K1 Live Unusual. Recently, the Fuji music super star spoke to FUNSHO AROGUNDADE about his brand of music, women and state of the nation

Why did you put up K1 Live  Unusual?

I have been so busy travelling in and outside the country to perform and I believe I owe my fans a special concert. Even though it’s some people’s idea, I injected some beautiful ideas into it to make it a great show.

You have spent 43 years playing Fuji music. How has the experience been for you?

The best way wine makers make more money is when they have their stuff stay so long in the cellar. That is, the longer it is, the richer it becomes. Same with musicians. The experience I have garnered all these years has been so rich and diverse, not only locally but globally. I have featured in many world class concerts in Nigeria and abroad. I am a good export for Nigeria. I just returned from the first phase of my world tour. What I have been doing for Nigerian music especially Fuji is to bring them to global reckoning. As much time I spend performing at social functions, same at concert circuits. I recently presented Fuji music at the Royal Festival Hall. I have presented Fuji music at The Barbican and also at the WOMAD, which is the biggest musical expo. And we are gaining tremendously from all these exposition. What I have observed was that we seem to be looking down at what we ought to be celebrating. Out there in the western world, you will be shocked as millions of them appreciate Fuji music. They listen and dance to the music at their various homes. Most times, I have come across some people who could not utter a sentence in Yoruba but will shock you when they sing the line K’omode yii jo funmi. You will be surprised. That is the power of our music that we don’t know.

Waziu Ayinde

What is your take on those who say Fuji music is for the touts and dregs of our society but not for a decent, corporate audience?

It is ignorance that makes those people who have tried unsuccessfully to brand Fuji music as such. Who are the decent, corporate audience? I think, it is lack of knowledge and understanding of the music. Fuji music that Almighty God has bestowed on me to propagate has been embraced by every class of the society. I enjoy tremendous support from different people and command followers from every segment of the society. It is same thing with Fuji music artistes like Adewale Ayuba and others.

In terms of music composition, how do you handle that?

I do my composition by myself. I am gifted and give thanks to my God.

What message are you sending out in your latest album, State of The Nation?

I have always loved to use my music as a tool to address happenings in our nation. That also applies to the State of The Nation album. There are a lot of problems in our country at the moment and the problem is getting worse every day. Since there is no peace and tranquillity in the country, I feel we need to address this issue as musicians. I believe only two things can keep this country together: music and sports.  These two activities are in the same area and they are the only things that can keep us united. The political class cannot. Already they are divided and would want to divide us alongside their own thinking.

You featured Olamide, in the album, what was the experience working with him in the studio?

I give kudos to that boy because you will know a good artiste by his studio act. I didn’t write his line on that song for him. We have something in the studio that we call management; that is where you are jumping and merging tapes. But during our very little session time inside the studio, unknown to him, I gave him a test. I gave him his line and told him where he will come in during the recording and asked him to put something on it. He bowed for some minutes, took out a pen, jotted some lines and in a jiffy he came up with that perfect line. And you need to know that the session didn’t last more than 45 minutes. That experience makes me see that brighter future in him. And I pray that Almighty God will continue to keep him and make him continue to grow in the industry.

How would you assess his remix of your song, Anifowose in his own album?

When Lagbaja did the remix of Baby Mi Show Colour, not many as at that time ever thought you can have Wasiu’s song made into such remix. And the track was a masterpiece and success. To the glory of God, a young artiste like Olamide, has also taken another of my song and turned it into another masterpiece. I was out of the country when the music was released but when I returned home and listened to the song, I said Wow! I feel these are some of the greatest things that could happen when you are still alive. All the glory that I am seeing truly shows that God Almighty has bestowed something great on me and I can’t thank Him enough.

What is the state of your relationship with other Fuji artistes?

It is very cordial and good. I am okay with everybody. It annoys me each time I read that K1 and Obesere are at loggerheads or Osupa and I are quarrelling. I don’t feel happy about it. These are great artistes in their own right, I may be their seniors but the truth is that I have good relationship with every one of them. There is no problem at all.

You have five of your children involving in music.

Yes, I am lucky.

Did you groom them all to become artistes like you?

Not at all. They were born into it and it is in their blood. They took it from their father. I also took music from my mother’s blood. We are already at number five, who knows whether another one will be coming? I am blessed just like the legendary Fela Anikulapo Kuti. We have seen Femi and Seun Kuti taking the music to the next level just like their father.

Your last wife, Titi Masha, recently gave you another baby. How do you feel being a dad once again?

It was an awesome feeling. I was so busy and we had our new baby while I was on the road. I was in the middle of the ocean on my way to Mexico when the baby arrived. It was a wonderful feeling and we are still going to have the Nigerian leg of the party for the baby.

You are one of the known celebrities married to many women. How have you been coping as a polygamist with numerous children?

The truth of it is that it is my own doing. But on how I have been coping as a polygamist, may be King Solomon would have been able to answer that. This is a man said to have married 700 wives and had 300 concubines. So, someone with such number of women will definitely have thousands of children to show for it. But in spite of what people may think, I have not done anything extraordinary to keep my home intact and devoid of controversies. The fact is that any woman that meets me today, what I will not hide from her is my track record.

A track record as a womaniser?

Well, I don’t know o. I meet different women every day of my life; may be because I am lucky with them or by virtue of my situation as a popular musician. However, I give thanks to God for making me to keep my home without rancour. There are also other men who have large families and have been able to handle things with no problem.

As an artiste who performs longer hours, do you also take drug to energise yourself?

The truth is that some artistes take alcohol and drug to enhance their performance, but for me it is not many way. I don’t take any drug or smoke. Of course, I used to smoke cigarette in my early days as a musician but I was able to stop the habit before I became famous. When people see me performing energetically on stage for hours, it wasn’t enhanced by anything than the fact that I live a very healthy life. There is no drug or alcohol but I love what I do as a musician and anytime I am on stage, the energy always comes naturally.

What is the secret of your success and sustaining power?

Apart from the grace of God, the secret is know what you are doing. I give thanks to God for the gift of talent. I believe I am truly gifted because of what I have been able to achieve in the last 43 years of my music life. I was at a performance in Mohican Bay in the Coast of Scotland, where I was honoured with the Global Legend of Music. I was on duty for four hours, two times. I am an energetic performer. I have a staying power of six hours non-stop. I can hold the stage for that longer hour. You can imagine the lines of songs that can sustain me and keep my audience there on the dance floor with no dull moment and variety of classical music. So, the major secret is what is worth doing at all is worth doing well.

Do you have any personal dream?

God has been so good to me in all spheres of my life. But there are still a lot I wish to achieve musically, too numerous things to mention. But basically, I still dream to be one of the greatest artistes in the world. As Americans talk about Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson; the British talk about Mick Jagger; same way we talk of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, I want to be talked about in that positive light.

What about wishes?

If there is one thing I wish I could have now, it is to have loose $40 million in my account.

What do you need that huge money for?

I need that money to buy myself holiday homes in Los Angeles; Miami, Florida; Johannesburg; London; and Lagos (Banana Island).

‘Why We’re Yet To Marry’

Published on March 3, 2015

BY HON TAIWO

Popular twin sisters and actresses, Chidinma and Chidiebere Aneke, better known as Aneke Twins have explained why they are still single.

The identical twins in a chat with a Lagos-based national newspaper said they are still waiting for the right men to find them.

“It is not as if we are delaying anything; God’s time is the best. It is written in the Holy Book that ‘he findeth and not she findeth. It is he that will find us,” the sisters chorused.

•Aneke Twins

They, however, declined to speak further on their relationship.

The Enugu-born Aneke twins are known for always being together, dressing alike which makes it difficult for people to identify one from the other.

They were once quoted to have expressed interest in marrying another identical twins

Mother, Daughter Are Lesbian Couple

Published on March 3, 2015

HON TAIWO

In a shocking confession that is reverberating across the world, a mother and her daughter have both announced that they are a lesbian couple.

Mary Josephine Carter, an African-American, and her daughter Vertasha, who both profess to be Christians, went further on social media with proofs of the incestuous affair.

They took to their joint Twitter handle, @VertashaAndMary, to confess to an amorous relationship between both of them, castigating all those who tried to rebuke them.

“I am Mary Josephine Carter and I refuse to let some little kids tell me about my damn self. I was in church yesterday, were you?” she asked her critics, while explaining that their kind of affair is not lesbianism, but a love affair between a mother and her daughter, and strengthened with sex.

“Vertasha and I knew we were attracted to each other when she was 16. But we decided to wait to have sex until she was 18, legally of age. We are now going public with our relationship to help others who might be in gay mother/daughter relationship feel confident and okay about coming out. We want the world to know we love each other as mother and daughter and romantically,” she said.

On their Twitter handle, which currently has 334 followers, they pride themselves as the first openly African-American mother and daughter lesbian couple.

Giving further details of the relationship, Mary Carter, who has two other children, one, a boy of 14 and the other eight, said she began the incestuous affair with his daughter when she divorced her husband.

•Lesbian mother and daughter

According to her, Vertasha was always there during that trying period.

“Vertasha was there for me during my divorce…Yes I am in a sexual relationship with my adult daughter. No, we are not demons. We are humanic (sic) with feelings.

“I am very well educated. High school diploma and my associates number 1. Then I received a bachelor’s degree. God may put one same sex love in your life. It does not make you a homo. I never looked at woman like I did Vertasha. I am not a lesbian. Vertasha and I fell in love unexpectedly.

“This is not a lesbian crusade. My relationship is a minority. They tell us we cannot be together because I birthed her. Unfair. Every morning, I drink a cup of coffee with a honey bun, and it tastes like Vertasha my honeybun,” she said, explaining further that the relationship was working because she knows how best to deal with her partner and daughter, whom she called “my little wife.”

“Vertasha and I know each other very well and we avoid conflict. I believe I have the guide to a firm and strong relationship. I know what works and does not work,” she said.

For those she called confused heathens for criticising her, Mary said against their opinion, her relationship was just as normal as any other relationship.

“Do not tell me I am a bad parent. My daughter Vertasha is over 18 years old and her choosing me as her sexual partner is her choice. I have a perfect relationship because she never disobeys and is obedient. I listen to her and every night we talk our issues,” she argued.

However, Mary Carter, who had earlier granted an interview on the love affair with her daughter, is currently facing the consequence of revealing the affair.

She has been fired in her place of work and is being despised by friends and family members. She and her family are also facing death threats from people.

She is currently out of her house with her children.

According to her, the family have moved into a motel while she met with her lawyer for several hours on Monday.

“We shouldn’t have come out to the world. We did the interview and it was just posted. I had to send my lawyer to pick up the little ones. We are going to a hotel because people are targeting us.

“Indeed the support from African-American women is horrible. Unsurprised at this. They hate themselves; fake hair and contacts. If Vertasha and I was a white mother-daughter same-sex couple,  it would be encouraged. Once again, white privilege. We are being discriminated against like criminals,” she lamented.

Mary Carter added: “Our story is new to everyone, our family, friends and the community. I have been told to not show up to work today().”

For those persecuting her because of her sexual orientation, she said: “I serve a mighty, mighty God who gives me the strength to complete my goals and guide me to holiness. No weapon formed against us, shall prosper,” Mary said

She quoted ‘Romans 12:10 which says: “be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves,’ to justify her love affair with her daughter.

On her part, Vertasha, whose name was coined from Tasha, her real name and Vergel, her surname, confirmed that she and her mother started having sex when she turned 18 after they started dating when she was 16.

Vertasha, who seems to be happy with the affair, said: “My mom is still my mom. She does normal mom stuff: buys me clothes, pays for food, and tells me to make our bed. We just happen to enjoy sex with each other too.

“The love is the root of our relationship. My mother and I love like everybody else and the sex is just the perks of being so close. A mother knows how to please her child the best and, yes, I’ve had a man before but after age 16, I knew home is where the heart is.”

Since Mary has been sacked, the duo is now trying to set up an account for assistance from fans as well as establish the Mothers and Daughters For Love, MADAL, to propagate their beliefs.

Impact Of Self Worth On Relationships

Published on September 12, 2014 by Hon Taiwo

For anyone seeking to enter into an intimate relationship that would last for a significant part of their life, the first step should be to ask what type of person you are or would be to your mate, what you have to offer in the union and how to succeed despite odds.

An adult ready to love and be loved should not forget that they have travelled from a long distance of their childhood to where they are today as the urge to explore love presses hard. It is really this expedition through life and the experiences gathered that create, shape and determine a person’s attitude, personality and general concept of life.

People have different upbringing and the values passed on to them from where they were raised are going to form to a great extent the basic foundation of life. The early years at home, school and immediate society play a formidable role in a person’s formation, belief system, inspiration and probably aspiration.

As a matter of nature, values are consciously or unconsciously passed down generational line to maintain the culture of people.

Self concept therefore evolves based on who you think you are, past experiences, memories, disposition and what you feel about yourself. This is why you can end up with either a positive or negative impression of yourself.

People with negative self image can be very difficult to love as they have no confidence in their ability to genuinely attract love. This could have occurred due to constant criticism from parents, siblings or early years’ friends who saw nothing good in them. The memories of those negative responses, words and derogatory comments tend to form part of development and graduate to becoming a personality not too easy to erase.

We can now see why they tend to disbelieve every compliment given but rather feel you are either lying or trying to be nice – how do you convince them of your love/care when they won’t even trust you in the first place? Hearing something nice is first of all a shock as they’ve conditioned their mind to the negative and in most pathetic cases make no further effort to improve or change for the better.

According to Abraham Lincoln, “It is difficult to make a man miserable while he feels worthy of himself and claims kindred to the great God who made him”. Everyday life will continue to present situations and people who tend to make you feel less.

The more you try to shake off the dust and continue your journey, the more sophisticated attempt would be employed. You then find yourself asking if life itself was designed for trouble and sorrow or was man not meant to have peace on earth?

The favour you owe yourself therefore centres on your decision to move ahead in spite of unfavourable circumstances. You may not want to accept that this battle of the mind is bugging you dead but the people who spend time with you can tell how embattled you are because it shows through your attitude, responses, decisions and approach to issues.

A person whose self worth is low will be a problem in relationship; his/her partner would have a lot of explanation to make about almost everything or everyone.

How to know if your spouse has issues with self worth……

Suspicion: When you see a person who suspects the partner unnecessarily, get to know some more about them and you’ll discover there is a deep sense of insecurity looming in the relationship. The key player of the ‘suspicion game’ feels he/she is not good enough and as such, the other will be seeking solace in any available arm whenever or where ever possible.

Sad enough, there is an extent to which you can police an adult –if you go with them to the shopping mall will you be allowed to enter a work place where you are not an employee and spend the whole day checking on who he/she talks to or smiles at? This indeed is a draining game and can destroy relationships faster than words could say.

Moaning: Hanging out with someone who is different from you is enough trouble left alone sticking to a carping spouse who sees nothing but dissatisfaction in everything life gives. They complain about the sun, rain, heat and cold. Their expectation of people is totally out of this world and you wonder how they can ever be able to see the beauty that nature lavishes on its creatures. Life to them is not really worth the trouble; things appear to be better with other people than them, everyone else has a wonderful spouse except them, money flows easily elsewhere but their pocket remains dry. The complain keeps pouring.

Appearance: A person’s appearance speaks volume of his state of mind, attitude, taste and appreciation of life. People with low self esteem never seem to get the balance of looks right. They find themselves in either extreme of over-dressing to cover up for inadequacies or they are not bothered at all about their looks.

This is not a case of a nursing mother who forgets to take proper care of her looks after delivery or a handy man walking into a social gathering with his work clothes still dangling. It is more than that; it is a revelation of what transpires inside of a person. The way you appreciate your self will define the care you offer it and if you don’t feel you’re worth much, little or no attention will be given too.

Use of words: Mouth they say is the door to a man’s heart. If you spend a little time talking with someone who is crumbling under the yolk of low self worth, the words they speak give them out so easily.

It’s also common place to find that people with this terrible condition find a lot of pleasure in talking down others. They forget that bringing down other people cannot raise you up in any way- instead; you deteriorate the more as smart people would do anything possible to avoid your poisonous company.

Criticism: When you are heavily criticised, there is a possibility that your spouse is playing a fast one on you; thinking their constant venom will force you to feel inferior and incompetent. There is a place for constructive criticism though so make sure you truly weigh and understand the point your loved one is trying to make and try to be objective as this may help you learn vital lessons.

How To Make Friends

Published on March 3, 205

By Hon Taiwo

A lot of people are trapped in the claws of loneliness probably because they feel no one cares for them enough to be their friend. Not to worry, just be yourself; don’t be afraid to express your opinions. If someone insults you, just ignore them – they have no idea what they’re talking about! Show yourself friendly and you attract more friends than you could ever imagine.

Be Optimistic. Even if you are feeling really down, remember that there’s always something out there to smile about. A positive outlook will make people want to be around you more.

Crack a joke. Having a sense of humor is important, but don’t get too carried away, there are some things you have to be serious about.

Smile as much as you can. Signs of encouragement let people know you care about what they are saying.

Share interesting/silly ideas. Your thoughts can open up many doors that can lead to friendship.

Listen more than you talk. Instead of nodding and smiling and occasionally wiping the drool off your face, try to take what the person says and run with it. Add your own thoughts into the mix – but don’t hijack the conversation.

Start by doing little things if you are very reserved. For example, every time you go to school, work, or wherever, say hello to one person and have a one-on-one conversation with them.

Say “hello” to those that don’t talk much. Share something about yourself, such as where you’re going or why you’re there.

Don’t expect perfection out of anyone, especially yourself. Entering relationship with too much expectation could lead to anxiety on one hand and frustration on the other. Make room for human weakness and error; be ready to pick up bits and pieces; continue building till you have a strong friendship.

Be Patient. If you are still among strangers, the apprehension of a conversation may cause a delay in comments. Don’t worry, that will go away in short order.

Talk to older people, maybe even your own folks. They will be less likely to ridicule you, therefore making it easier to learn to talk well.

Place importance on making social contacts. The people who are considered popular may not be the sharpest tacks in the box, but they are acquainting with important people who may contribute to their future careers. It is never too late to feel that being popular is important. If your work environment allows for it, host a party, organize a sports game, etc. Love yourself. It is difficult to like others when you do not appreciate yourself for who you are. Try exercise to improve your self-esteem. Start your journey to “self-discovery.”

Be loyal. Little things count. If you make an appointment, be on time. If you’re in a group, show up early, and stay late (even if you don’t have anything to say at the moment).

Be nice to others. Always give compliments, but don’t try too hard. If you are shy, take a deep breath and risk it – you never know what might happen. Also, crack a joke every once in a while. Again, if you are shy on the outside but a little crazy on the inside, let it out once in a while. Wear your hair up high and spin around or dance. Others will laugh and find you fun and funny to be with.

Stand up for your rights. When someone is being too hard on you or perhaps showing signs of prejudice, speak up! Let it out in the open: “Is there any reason to make you prejudiced?”

Be honest. Lying will make people not want to be your friend any more.

Bride Dumps Groom On Wedding Day

Published on January 7, 2015 by Hon Taiwo

A final student of Federal Polytechnic, Oko in Anambra State, southeast Nigeria, did the unthinkable when she snubbed her groom on her wedding day and called off the wedding already arranged by the two families.

The wedding was to take place on Saturday, 3 January, 2015 and guests invited to witness the ceremony at St Patrick Catholic Church, Umuchu in Aguata Local government, Anambra State, were shocked when Ifunanya Igwebuike refused to show up to tie the knot with Ekene Uzoigwe.

After several hours of waiting, she later sent a message to the Parish Priest, Rev. Father Lawrence Maduagwu, that she was no longer interested and asked him to cancel the wedding.

•Ekene Uzoigwe: Dumped at the church by wife during wedding

Ifunanya alleged that she could not go ahead with the marriage because she was a graduate unlike Uzoigwe whom she claimed was a school drop-out.

Rev. Maduagwu had no option than to inform the groom and the guests that were already seated at the church hall that the wedding had been cancelled.

This caused an uproar in the church as guests who expressed shock over what happened started trooping out of the church.

Narrating what happened,  Uzoigwe said he proposed to Ifunanya for marriage and she agreed on condition that he would send her to school, which he agreed.

He said after she gained admission, he was financing her education and they agreed to wed during her final year.

He said he had paid her bride price and she was part of the whole wedding plan and he even gave her parents N160,000 to prepare for the wedding, besides other arrangements and expenses incurred on the wedding and reception.

Uzoigwe said she did not inform him about her decision to back out of the wedding until he got to the church only for the priest to inform him and the guests about  the cancellation of the wedding.

“If she had informed me, I would not have made arrangements. We had already cooked food and bought drinks for the wedding,” he said.

He said when he contacted her parents, they said they would not force her and asked him to come and take back the money he gave them to prepare for the wedding.

Uzoigwe said he was still shocked about what happened because he did not quarrel with Ifunanya before the fateful day.

He said he also made sure she was comfortable by making money available to her while in school.

Uzoigwe is a business man based in Abakiliki, the Ebonyi State capital. He met Ifunanya at their home town, Umuchu, where he proposed and sent her to school.

In Pictures: P-Square Buries Dad In Class

Published on January 31, 2015 by Hon Taiwo

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Chief Moses Okoye, the father of Peter and Paul Okoye of P-Square fame was buried today, Friday, 30 January, 2015 at his hometown in Ifitedunu, Anambra State.
His final burial began on Thursday with a service of songs. This was followed by a courtesy visit to the monarch of the village by P-Square.
On Friday, the burial mass was held at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, Ifitedunu. Security for the event was marshalled by Golden Events Solution team led by Mambo Adeniyi, P-Square’s official bodyguard.
Here are some pictures from the Anambra:

Again, Jonathan storms Redemption Camp, kneels for prayers  

Published on February 7, 2015 by Hon Taiwo

Again, Pastor E.A. Adeboye prays for President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of a presidential candidate

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President Goodluck Jonathan graced the Redeemed Christian Church of God Holy Ghost service on Friday 6 February. Again, he gets to kneel before Pastor Adeboye like he did four years ago.

Again, Pastor E.A. Adeboye prays for President Goodluck Jonathan ahead of a presidential candidate

President Jonathan & Pastor Adeboye at the Holy Ghost Service of the Redeemed Church, on Friday

R-L: Pastor Adeboye welcomes President Jonathan to the Holy Ghost Service of the Redeemed Church

President Jonathan and Pastor Adeboye share some ideas at the Holy Ghost Service of the Redeemed Church, on Friday

President Jonathan acknowledges the cheers of the crowd

Few Words For Children of God: President Goodluck Jonathan on the pulpit at the Redemption Camp

President Jonathan (M) with Pastor & Pastor (Mrs) Adeboye at Holy Ghost Service, Redemption Camp,

Step Aside: Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, running mate to Muhammadu Buhari (APC) shakes President Goodluck Jonathan who was center of attraction