Lifestyle & Entertainment

Nigerian Idol: Francis Atela Gets Govt Appointment

Published

3 years ago

July 28, 2021

NewTimes

Nigeria Idol: Francis Atela Gets Govt Appointment

Francis Atela, the runner up in the just concluded Nigerian Idol TV show was on Wednesday decorated by Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom as the Youth Ambassador of the State.

Governor Ortom, who performed the decoration at the New Banquet Hall of Benue Peoples House Makurdi said Atela had showcased his thrilling performance to the world and deserved to be honoured.

He stated that Benue youth remain the hope of the state and Nigeria, stressing that their mature behaviour during the End SARS Protests and demonstration of competence in many other areas of endeavours were worth celebrating.

The Governor urged the youth to identify and develop their talents so as to add value to the state and country in general.

While acknowledging other artistes for their thrilling performances, the Governor announced his administration’s plans to organise a carnival or performance to showcase Benue talents to the world.

He noted that Francis Atela would be supported to fulfil his dream and to launch him out to the world, even as he directed his Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase to liaise with Information, Culture and Tourism Commissioner to work out a plan of support for the honored.

The Governor stated that the reception accorded Atela by Benue youth was a show of love and synergy by the youth and encouraged them to sustain the tempo.

The star singer, Francis Atela thanked Governor Ortom and youth in the state for the honour, saying he felt alone for a while when he started the Nigerian Idol show but brothers and sisters came in to make it happen.

Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Mr Terrence Kuanum, acknowledged the love always shown the Benue youth by Governor Ortom, pointing out that though Atela did not win the crown, he didn’t lose out.

Other Benue artistes who accompanied Atela to the Benue Peoples House also thanked Governor Ortom for his fatherly support to the youth and entertainment industry and pledged their commitment to make the state proud.

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Lifestyle & Entertainment

Soludo Reveals How Daughter’s Marriage Broke 142 Years Family Jinx

Published

4 months ago

August 11, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael Ojo

The governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has revealed that the traditional marriage ceremony held on Saturday between his daughter Ifeatu Adaora Soludo and Arinze Ibekwe in Aguata Local Government Area of the state, was the first of its kind among the Soludo’s family.

The elated former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria and a father of four girls, who stated this in a post via his verified Facebook account said the birth of female children had been a major challenge in the family until he was blessed by God through four of such beautiful children.

The now viral post reads: “In the presence of my family, kinsmen, friends, and my in-laws from Onitsha, I gave out my lovely daughter, Ifeatu Adaora Soludo, to her heartthrob after all traditional rites had been met and certified in line with the customs of the Isuofia community.

“I celebrate this historic event for two reasons. First, God has graciously blessed the larger Soludo family with another such marital union after 142 years.

“This is largely due to the fact that female children have been a rarity in the past three generations of the Soludo family.

“To break that “jinx,” God has mercifully provided me with four beautiful daughters, whom I celebrate every day,” he added.

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Popular Musician Onyeka Onwenu Dies At 72

Published

5 months ago

July 31, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael Ojo

Popular musician, Onyeja Onwenu is dead

Onyeka, 72, is said to have slumped on Tuesday night shortly perfuming at Mrs Stella Okoli’s birthday party in Lagos state.

It was also revealed that she was thereafter rushed to Reddington Hospital where she gave up the ghost.

VIDEO: At 70, Singer Onyeka Onwenu Recounts Early Life, Divorce

Though the deceased family is yet to issue any statement regarding the death of the singer as at the time of filing this report, an eyewitness who gave an account of what transpired, said: “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped.

“She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it.”

Onyeka Onwenu, born 31 January 1952, was a multi-talented singer/songwriter, actress, human rights and social activist, journalist, politician, and former X Factor series judge.

Onwenu will be remembered for her roles in movies such as government house, tyrant, half of a yellow sun and recently obara’m amongst others.

She is survived by two children – Tijani Charles and Abraham.

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Lifestyle & Entertainment

VIDEO: Nollywood Actor Olu Jacobs Is Not Dead – Family

Published

6 months ago

June 30, 2024

NewTimes

By John Michael Ojo

The family of multiple award-winning Nollywood Actor, Olu Jacobs has debunked the rumors making rounds social media that the 82-year-veteran who has been dealing with dementia is dead.

This was made known by the family in a now viral clip to support their claims.

Also collaborating with the family claims via her official X handle formerly called Twitter, Kate Henshaw, a veteran in the Nigerian make believe industry asked why Nigerians keep wishing the thespian dead despite his contribution in the movie industry.

“HOW YOU PEOPLE PUT UP RIP POSTS ABOUT SOMEONE WHO IS STILL ALIVE, YEAR IN YEAR OUT IS VERY SICKENING, TBH!!!

“You do this to this great man and his family ALL THE TIME!!

“It is all shades of wrong!!

” Stop for goodness sake!!

” UNCLE OLU JACOBS is ALIVE!!!,” she maintained.

On his part, Shehu Sani, a former Senator of the the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the seventh assembly simply wrote: “Thank God for the news that Olu Jacobs is alive.”

Click link to watch video:

https://x.com/abazwhyllzz/status/1807437270309327010?t=AhOHUpZl4_w5zZsRqwgbsg&s=19