HOW MY MOTHER RUINED MY CAREER – NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, REGINA DANIELS

HOW MY MOTHER RUINED MY CAREER – NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, REGINA DANIELS In an emotional outpouring, Nollywood actress Regina Daniels has opened up about the emotional toll her relationship with her mother, Rita Daniels, has had on her career. During an intimate conversation shared on social media, Regina, often known for her bubbly personality, broke down in tears, confessing that her mother’s influence and decisions have severely impacted her life and career. Regina, who had been in the limelight since a very young age, revealed that while she always respected her mother’s guidance, there were moments when the pressure from her mother’s choices led her down a difficult path. The actress expressed felt betrayed, saying that despite her best efforts to thrive in her career, her mother’s decisions continually caused her setbacks. “I’m torn. I’ve done everything to make her proud, but I feel like I’ve been ruined in the process. Everything I worked hard for feels like it’s crumbling, and my own mother is to blame,” Regina said through tears, as she reflected on her journey in the entertainment industry. The revelation shocked many of her followers, who have been used to seeing her in a much more composed light. Mama Regina, who had been her daughter’s manager and one of her most significant influences, was reportedly taken aback by Regina’s public outburst. Close sources said Mama Regina was deeply hurt and devastated by her daughter’s revelation and was yet to process the emotional weight of the situation. The public has been left divided, with some fans expressing sympathy for Regina, while others speculate on the dynamics of the mother-daughter relationship. It is unclear whether Regina will continue her career under her mother’s management or if she will choose to distance herself for the sake of her own peace of mind. As the situation unfolds, Regina’s fans continue to rally behind her, sending messages of support and love, hoping that this painful chapter will lead to healing and empowerment for the young star.

MY MARRIAGE IS SHAKEN – NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, MERCY JOHNSON

MY MARRIAGE IS SHAKEN – NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS MERCY JOHNSON CRIES In an emotional and deeply personal revelation, Nigerian actress Mercy Johnson has opened up about the difficulties she’s facing in her marriage, revealing that her once stable relationship is now in turmoil. Known for her family-centered image and professional success, the actress spoke candidly about her struggles, leaving her fans and the Nigerian public shocked. Mercy Johnson, who is married to Prince Odianosen Okojie, broke down in tears during a recent interview, saying, “It’s over for me. My marriage is shaken. I never thought I would be here, but I need help.” The words were laden with pain as she acknowledged the challenges she’s currently grappling with. She went on to express how overwhelmed she feels, not only with her personal life but also with the pressures that come from being in the public eye. Despite her strong career in Nollywood, Mercy revealed that balancing her acting career with family life has become increasingly difficult, with the strains on her marriage taking a toll on her emotional well-being. She said, “I don’t know how to keep going sometimes. There are days I feel like everything is falling apart, but I’m trying to hold on for the sake of my family.” Her admission of marital struggles has caught the attention of fans, colleagues, and the public, as Mercy Johnson has long been regarded as a role model for many. Known for her dedication to her family and her thriving career, this public acknowledgment of vulnerability shows the complexities of life that even the most admired public figures experience behind closed doors. The couple has been married for several years and has children together, which has made Mercy’s confession all the more poignant. However, it appears that the ongoing strain on their relationship has led to an emotional breakdown, and Mercy’s raw honesty about her situation is a reminder of the unseen pressures that come with fame. Mercy Johnson’s decision to speak out during this challenging time is not just a call for help but also an invitation for people, particularly those in the public eye, to engage in more open conversations about mental health, relationship struggles, and the realities of navigating family life under the glare of the media. In the aftermath of the interview, fans have flooded social media with messages of support, expressing their sympathy and offering words of encouragement. Many have lauded her courage in sharing her pain, while others have urged her to prioritize her mental health and well-being during this difficult period. Mercy Johnson’s vulnerability has sparked a wider conversation about the pressures of celebrity life and the emotional toll it can take on individuals. As she navigates through this personal crisis, her courage to speak up might help others in similar situations feel empowered to seek support and understanding.

LAGOS MEN SPENT N661BN ON ‘RUNS GIRLS’ IN 2024 – SURVEY

LAGOS MEN SPENT N661BN ON RUNS GIRLS IN 2024 – SURVEY A survey has shown that in 2024, an estimate of N661 billion was spent by men in Lagos State to satisfy their sexual urge with the commercial sex workers, otherwise known as runs girls. According to the survey shared by an X user, Kayode MO (@kayomosebi), of the N661 billion, the sum of N329 billion was paid to hire the girls, while N332 billion was spent on other associated costs. The survey was carried out to establish the economic importance of commercial sex work, the market value and the players. The statistics from the survey shows that of the 3.1 million sexually active men between the age of 20 and 69 in 20 local government areas in Lagos, 1.86 million of them engages in transaction sex with non-partners. The average rate charged by the girls involved in such transactions is N36,750 while the the lowest is N20,000. In Eti-Osa local government area, transactional sex can cost as much as N100,000. The local government area contains affluent neighborhoods like Ikoyi where people with generational wealth live; Victoria Island which is known to house the headquarters of multinational companies; and Lekki which has a fast developing real estate sector with a seaport and a free trade zone in place while an airport is in the works. The other LGAs behind Eti-Osa in terms of expensive transactional sex include Surulere, Kosofe, Alimosho, and Oshodi-Isolo. Of the N329 billion received by the sex workers, N93 billion was spent by the ladies on body and skin maintenance products, including natural hair. The survey showed that the ladies didn’t just engage in the practice for themselves alone as they supported their families with N62.5 billion. Another N62.5 billion was gulped by clothing, accessories, rent, car and e-hailing, fitness and healthy living. N46 billion was spent on businesses like crypto, trading, forex, and betting. Health and education gulped N15 billion each as the ladies spent on antibiotics, supplements, STD treatment, check ups, Bachelor’s program, coursework, project writers, and settlements, amongst other. The survey showed that apart from the sum paid for sex, Lagos men also spent N332 billion associated costs on various activities with entertainment, food and hospitality being responsible for a joint N150.6 billion expended in 2024. “Gifts, ranging from souvenirs and other simple consumables from ‘loyal’ and repeat customers to expense-paid trips, vacations, cars, and luxury items in the more premium segments, represented the top single category of these other costs. “Drugs, sexual enhancers, stimulators and sex accessories also enjoyed a combined N33.4 billion in the time period,” the survey said.

FOOLING NIGERIANS

FOOLING NIGERIANS . Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, Natasha Akpoti’s husband, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Uloama, Senate President’s wife, and Natasha in joyful and relaxed mood while Nigerians fight over sexual harassment accusations.

FOOLING NIGERIANS

FOOLING NIGERIANS . Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, Natasha Akpoti’s husband, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Uloma Akpabio and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in joyful and relaxed mood while Nigerians fight over sexual harassment accusations.

2BABA PROPOSES TO EDO LAWMAKER NATASHA OSAWARU

2BABA PROPOSES TO EDO LAWMAKER NATASHA OSAWARU Unlike his proposal to Annie on Valentine’s Day in 2012, his engagement to Ms Osawaru took place on the eve of the romantic holiday 13 years after. On Valentine’s Day in 2012, Nigerian music star Innocent ‘2Baba’ Idibia proposed to his now divorced wife, Annie Macaulay in front of friends and family. Dropping to one knee at Club 10—owned by football legend Jay-Jay Okocha—he presented her with a ring. Thirteen years later, history took an unexpected turn—the 49-year-old once again knelt in proposal, not to renew his vows to Annie, but to another woman: Natasha Osawaru, the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly. Unlike his proposal to Annie, which happened on Valentine’s Day, his engagement to Ms Osawaru took place on the eve of the romantic holiday. The ‘African Queen’ hitmaker announced Ms Osawaru as his fiancée following his separation from Annie Macaulay, his wife of 12 years. The singer proposed to the graduate of Igbinedion University in Edo State in front of friends in a viral video. In the viral video, the singer and Ms Osawaru were seen dancing together inside a house with friends. The video also captured the moment the singer performed a song before presenting a ring to the lawmaker who holds a Master’s in Film Production from Full Sail University in the United States, after which they shared a long embrace. In the video, he was also spraying the 30-year-old lawmaker with N1,000 notes. The 49-year-old singer’s relationship with Ms Osawaru, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), became the talk of the town after their photos and videos surfaced online. On Monday, he unexpectedly appeared at the State House of Assembly during a plenary session, sparking speculation and seemingly confirming his romance with Ms Osawaru. Nigerian Singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2baba was seen at the Edo State House of Assembly during plenary on Monday. However, on Tuesday, 2Baba put all doubts to rest by announcing on his Instagram page that he’d married the lawmaker. He professed his love for her: “To Whom It May Concern. I do yarn my truth. Feel free to continue alleging. We shall all be alright. Natasha is a young, brilliant, fabulous woman who has been unfairly labelled a home breaker. Allegedly, I have been seeing so many things, so many people coming up with their false narratives and malicious nonsense after I posted that stuff that I posted. ”Yes, I posted what I posted. Hon. Natasha has nothing to do with what happened between me and Annie in our marriage. Yes, I love her; she is fantastic; I want to marry her’’. BackgroundThe singer proposed to Ms Osawaru seventeen days after ending his relationship with Annie, which began as a friendship in 1999 before evolving into romance. Annie gained widespread recognition in 2004 after starring in 2Baba’s iconic ‘African Queen’ music video. The couple welcomed their first daughter, Isabella, in 2008. On Valentine’s Day in 2012, 2Baba proposed to Annie in Lagos, and they had a private wedding the same year. Their grand white wedding took place in Dubai on 23 March 2013, and they welcomed their second daughter, Olivia, in 2014. They faced several challenges throughout their marriage, primarily due to 2Baba’s past relationship with Pero Adeniyi, the mother of three of his children. Despite public controversies and periods of tension, the couple renewed their vows in 2022 to mark their 10th anniversary, reaffirming their commitment and remaining one of Nigeria’s most celebrated celebrity couples. Since 2Baba announced their divorce on 27 January, Annie has remained absent from social media.

NOLLYWOOD’S MOST FEARSOME WOMEN: ‘WICKED’, BOLD, UNFORGETTABLE

NOLLYWOOD’S MOST FEARSOME WOMEN‘WICKED’, BOLD, UNFORGETTABLE In the early days of Nollywood, there was a special group of actresses who printed their names on audiences’ minds not as heroines or damsels in distress but as the ultimate villains. These women skilfully portrayed cruel stepmothers, deceitful mothers-in-law, and terrible mothers, causing audiences to speak their names in wonder and horror. In this feature, Weekend Trust revisits the legendary roles of Patience Ozokwor, Franca Brown, Clarion Chukwura, and others who turned villainy into an art form. Patience Ozokwor Patience Ozokwor, also known as Mama G, is perhaps the most famous Nollywood actress associated with the evil stepmother and overbearing mother-in-law roles. She played a variety of villainous characters who often resorted to manipulation, emotional abuse, and outright cruelty to control family dynamics. An example will be the role Patience played in the popular Nollywood film ‘Market seller’ where she manipulated her daughter Omotola Ekedinde into destroying the marriages of Bob Manuel Udokwu and Kanayo. O. Kanayo. In another old classic titled ‘Submission’, Patience Ozokwor played the role of an evil mother who was having an intimate affair with one of her daughter’s husbands and attempted to indulge in another affair with her other daughter’s (Stella Damasus) husband (Zack Orji). Ozokwor’s portrayal of wickedness was so real that many couldn’t separate her from her roles; however, the actress refuted the claims, stating she was nothing like her on-screen persona. Still, for a generation, Mama G became synonymous with terror. Inside Delta community where bicycles are essential commodityNnamdi Kanu’s N20bn defamation suit against police spokesman, Adejobi‘wicked’, bold, unforgettable; nollywood’s most fearsome women Sola Sobowale Sola Sobowale is one of Nollywood’s fiercest females, known for her feisty and memorable performances. Sobowale’s charging presence and devoted delivery dominate every scene, whether she’s playing a troublesome mother-in-law, a ruthless businesswoman, or a tough-talking queen. In Super Story: Oh Father, Oh Daughter (2001), she portrayed the wise and wicked Toyin Tomato, a mean husband snatcher and gold digger who was ruthless to the men in her path. In The Wedding Party (2016), she played the theatrical and overprotective mother-in-law who would do anything to influence her daughter’s wedding. However, it was in King of Boys (2018) that she sealed her status as Nollywood royalty. In an exceptional performance, she blended raw energy, emotion, and strength as the feared and merciless matriarch Eniola Salami. With an ability to balance strength, cruelty, and vulnerability, Sola Sobowale is forever one of Nollywood’s most celebrated matriarchs. Franca Brown If Patience Ozokwor was fire, Franca Brown was ice. Her villains weren’t loud or dramatic. Instead, they were cold, calculating, and emotionally detached, making them even scarier. Unlike Patience, whose wickedness could be seen outrightly, Franca was best at hiding her negative thoughts till it was time to exert evil on those who crossed her parts. An iconic role of Franca Brown is the one she portrayed in the Nollywood classic ‘The Only Solution’. In this epic drama, Franca Brown was able to convince her husband ‘Pete Edochie’ to use their first daughter for money rituals as she needed to keep up with her affluent lifestyle. As if that wasn’t enough, she let Edochie take a second wife, who will later be used to renew their cult vows. In Tears and Sorrow (1996), she played a heartless stepmother who used emotional and physical abuse to suppress her stepdaughter’s potential. Brown’s portrayal of this character was so believable that many children dreaded having stepmothers in real life. Clarion Chukwura Clarion Chukwura is another of Nollywood’s most unforgettable matriarchs, known for playing bold and often fearsome characters. With her striking beauty and powerful presence, she brought elegance to even the most villainous roles. One of her most iconic roles…

NIGERIAN MUSICIANS WHO FEEL FROM FAME

NIGERIAN MUSCIANS WHO FELL FROM FAME In the fast-paced Nigerian music industry, many artists rise to stardom only to experience sudden declines in their careers. While some make comebacks, others face challenges that prevent them from maintaining the level of success they once had. In this article, we will explore the stories of Nigerian musicians like Dammy Krane, Sean Tizzle, Tekno, Klever Jay, and Runtown—who once topped the charts but are now navigating periods of struggle. Eyes Of Lagos reports, Though Dammy Krane has tried to revive his career with new music and collaborations, the impact of the scandal has lingered, and he has not regained the level of success he once enjoyed. Several years passed without major hits, and fans began to question his whereabouts. Though he returned with new music in 2019 and 2020, Sean Tizzle’s popularity has never reached the height it once did. His failure to maintain consistency and follow-up with hits has led to a decline in his fanbase, making him one of the most notable examples of a career that went from grace to grass. Despite the controversy, Tekno tried to stay relevant by releasing new music, but his career has not quite returned to its previous level of success. While he is still active in the music scene, his peak seems to have passed, and he has faced increasing competition from newer artists. Despite several releases, Klever Jay never managed to get back to the same level of fame and recognition he once had. His lack of consistent hits and the ever-changing nature of the music industry left him struggling to reclaim his place in the spotlight. However, Runtown’s career took a hit after his legal battles with his former record label, Eric Many. The dispute led to a hiatus, and Runtown struggled to keep up the momentum. Though he returned with new music in 2020, it wasn’t enough to completely revive his career. His absence from the limelight and ongoing legal troubles contributed to a significant decline in his popularity, showing how even top stars can falter when faced with personal and professional obstacles. ConclusionThe stories of Dammy Krane, Sean Tizzle, Tekno, Klever Jay, and Runtown serve as important reminders of the challenges that come with fame in the ever-evolving Nigerian music industry. While many of these artists once enjoyed massive success, they have faced personal and professional setbacks that led to their fall from grace. Whether it’s scandal, lack of consistency, legal battles, or simply the intense competition in the industry, these musicians’ experiences highlight the unpredictability of a music career. For aspiring musicians, the rise and fall of these stars also offer valuable lessons about maintaining relevance, staying grounded, and adapting to change in order to sustain long-term success.

NGOZI EZEONU, VETERAN NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, SLAMS UPCOMING ACTRESSES – HOW CAN YOU COME HERE WITHOUT BRA?

NGOZI EZEONU, VETERAN NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS, SLAMS UPCOMING ACTRESSES – HOW CAN YOU COME HERE WITHOUT BRA? – Veteran Nollywood actress, Ngozi Ezeonu, has slammed two upcoming actresses over their choice of outfit for an audition. The movie star was one of the judges sitting at the audition table when two ladies wearing crop tops and leggings came for the audition. Ngozi berated the ladies for not wearing bras and the kind of crop top they were wearing. The thespian added that any day she oversees an audition and any lady shows up dressed like the ladies before her, she would disqualify the person In other news, Nollywood actress, Stella Damasus has disclosed that her family name was changed during the Nigerian civil war. According to the actress, her family name was initially Ojukwu before the civil war forced them to change it in order to avoid attack and criticism. She said this during an interview with popular media personality, Ebuka Obi Uchendu. While reacting to the mistake people make with her name, ‘Damasus’, she explained that her family’s name was assumed to be related to the late Biafran war general, Ojukwu. Ebuka said; ” It was interesting that so many people didn’t even understand that your surname was not what it was. So many people were shocked at the revelation, are you as shocked as a lot of people were?”

FAME, FORTUNES, FAREWELLS IN NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN 2024

FAME, FORTUNES, FAREWELLS IN NIGERIAN ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY IN 2024 The year 2024 has been a remarkable one for Nigeria’s entertainment industry, with Nollywood delivering box office hits and Nigerian artistes dominating global music charts, the nation witnessed some of the most talked-about weddings and controversies that made headlines. In this feature, Weekend Trust takes you on a journey through these highlights, celebrating the stories that made this year unforgettable. Gone but not forgotten Saratu Gidado – Daso In April 2024, the Hausa film industry was plunged into mourning with the announcement of the sudden death of famous actress Saratu Gidado also known as ‘Daso’. The actress died in her sleep at her home in the Kano metropolis. John Okafor (Mr Ibu) John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, was a celebrated Nigerian actor and comedian known for his roles in over 200 Nollywood films. Born on October 17, 1961, in Umunekwu, Enugu State Nigeria, he became a household name through his comedic portrayals that resonated with audiences nationwide. Tragically, Mr. Ibu passed away on March 2, 2024, in Lekki, Lagos State, after a prolonged battle with diabetes. El-Mu’az Birniwa In early December 2024, famous Kannywood singer Muhammad Mu’azu Birniwa popularly known as El-Muaz Birniwa died. The singer, according to sources close to the Hausa filmmaking industry, slumped while playing a football match in Kaduna. The match was said to have been organised to celebrate the marriage of one of his colleagues in the industry Auta Waziri who is also a singer. He was later pronounced dead at a hospital. Inside life of Nigerian inmates awaiting trialHow Southern Kaduna cultural festival is reviving lost bonds Amaechi Muonagor Amaechi Muonagor was a veteran Nigerian actor, comedian, and producer, known for his roles in films such as “Aki na Ukwa,” “Karishika,” and “Igodo.” In 2016, he was reported to be suffering from diabetes, which led to his withdrawal from the film industry. In 2023, he suffered a stroke that resulted in partial paralysis of his left leg. He passed away on March 24, 2024, due to kidney failure, at the age of 62. Fati Slow In May 2024, veteran Kannywood actress Fatima Usman popularly known in the Hausa entertainment industry as Fati Slow died. The actress who has been in the entertainment sector for over two decades died in a town called Adasha which is close to Sudan after a protracted illness. The death was announced by her colleague in the entertainment industry Mansura Isa when she posted the news on her verified Facebook account. Charles Olumo (Agbako) Alhaji Abdulsalam Sanyaolu, known professionally as Charles Olumo or Agbako, was a veteran Nigerian actor from Abeokuta, Ogun State. Born in July 1923, he began his acting career in 1953 and became a prominent figure in Yoruba-language films. He passed on October 31, 2024, at the age of 101, leaving behind a legacy that spanned over seven decades. Onyeka Onwenu Onyeka Onwenu was a multifaceted Nigerian entertainer, known for her work as a singer, actress, journalist, and politician. As a musician, she was celebrated for soulful hits like “One Love” and “You and I.” Onwenu’s extensive career made her a cultural icon in Nigeria. She passed away on July 31, 2024, at the age of 72, leaving a lasting impact on the nation’s entertainment industry. Dayo Adewunmi (Sule Suebebe) Veteran Nollywood actor Dayo Adewunmi, popularly known by his stage name Sule Suebebe, was renowned for his roles in Yoruba-language films. He passed away on June 12, 2024. Most streamed artistes of the year Asake Asake was named as the most streamed Nigerian artiste in Sub-Saharan Africa on Spotify wrapped in 2024. His hit songs like “Fuji Vibe” and “Active” continued to dominate playlists but locally and internationally.…