By Joshua Olomu

Mr Dominic Nwuzor, manager of Nollywood comic actor, John Okafor, a.k.a ‘Mr Ibu’, says the late comedian used humour to promote peace and unity across Africa.

Nwuzor, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Don Singles International (DSI), stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja.

The DSI helmsman recounted how Mr Ibu used his craft and popularity to make people happy, build bridges, reconciling warring communities across the continent.

Nwuzor said the late veteran comedian was given several honours and recognitions by leaders and communities across Africa during his lifetime.

“I remember vividly, how two warring tribes in Ghana came together for the first time because of John’s performance and he ended up reconciling them.

“He was thereafter given a Chieftaincy title as the ‘Malangula I of Tamale Land’, meaning the peacemaker, and I was named the ‘Ngulala’, meaning the mouthpiece of the peacemaker.

“When we went to Botswana, he held the Nigerian flag when we landed to show how proud and patriotic he was because they were hearing a lot of negative things about Nigeria then.

“He was a man I would say made Africans laughed and was held in high esteem like a people’s leader across Africa,” he said.

According to him, DSI as a foremost showbiz company in Nigeria, managed the late superstar for over two decades and was part of his entertainment expedition across Africa and beyond.

He said Mr Ibu’s ability to evoke laughter with his natural wit, made him fans favourite all over Africa and acclaimed as one of the continent’s beloved comic actors of all time.

“Mr Ibu, as John was popularly known, was not just an actor, but Nollywood ambassador that used his talent and humour to promote peace, happiness and unity among Africans.

“I signed John in 2004, and then our relationship grew beyond that of business to become that of friendship as we have become so close till his death.

“The deal started with first two years, and I did not bother him with the aspects of Nigerian movies, so he could deal with anyone on Nigerian movies.

“But for anything concerning international showbiz, I have to discuss with the promoters on the basic access requirements and then we would move.

“There was no airport, especially in Africa, where crowd of fans would not gather to welcome John, and that was how I realised his popularity outside the shores of Nigeria.

“I can tell you that he was even more celebrated in countries like Ghana, South Africa ,Kenya, Tanzania, Gambia, Garbon, Botswana and he always held the Nigerian flag showing his love for his country,” he said.

According to him, the late thespian used his craft to project Nigeria in a positive light to the world, especially in countries that have heard negative stories about the country.

“Then, John was one of the positive things other countries wanted to hear about Nigeria and everybody looked forward to meet him, including presidents of nations.

“For example, even a two-year-old child in Ghana knows Mr Ibu, and one thing about him was his friendliness and originality, as everything he does is just himself and does not copy anyone.

“Foreigners fell in love with Nigeria through John and wanted to visit the country because of him, as we got calls from even the Caribbean,” he said.

He therefore urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late actor, and should be given a posthumous national honour for using talent and humour to promote Nigeria’s image during his lifetime.

NAN reports that John Okafor, born on October 17, 1961 in Nkanu West Local Government of Enugu State, acclaimed to have appeared in over 200 Nollywood films.

He was well known for the ‘Mr Ibu series’, which included Mr Ibu (2004), Mr Ibu 2 (2005), Mr Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr Ibu in London (2005).

Some of his iconic films include Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006) and Keziah (2007). (NAN)(www.nannews,ng)

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Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Esther Mamudu

‘Colour Me Mad’, an advocacy play aimed at raising awareness against domestic violence has premiered in the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) .

The premiere, organised by Pyros Academy in collaboration with Orange Poetry, held at the Dike Chukwumerije Centre on Friday in Abuja.

The three-part play titled “Colour Me Mad: The Ego and Femi story”, featured Tamara Dogubo and Falade Oluwaseun co-founders of Pyros Academy, among other stars, with fans drawn from different parts of the FCT.

The performance explored the challenges of toxic relationships, and also projected the importance of empathy, understanding, support for healthier relationships among mutually abusive couples.

Dogubo told NAN on the sidelines that the event was a platform to use poetry as a tool for advocacy and tackling issues surrounding domestic violence and other social vices in society.

“The focus of this live production is domestic violence and we are passionate about advocacy as we believe it is a task we have been given as poets.

“There is no doubt , with art, we can help build a better the society.

“Sometimes, domestic violence can be handled through counseling or therapy but if your partner is not willing to make it work, seek legal redress.

“Leave when you still have life, because you deserve to stay alive,” She said.

Also, Oluwaseun, popularly known as ‘’Pariolodo, said the play, staged to mark the 2024 International Women’s Day. was inspired by a true life story, and was presented to give succour to victims of domestic violence

“My older sister experienced domestic violence and it was something that broke my mother and myself, and to a great extent, I can relate with it.”

“Even men are abused , so with this production, we sought to create a balance, showing how both genders can be victims, not just the woman even though it is International Women’s Day.

“Because of society standard, it is difficult for men to come out to say thy have been abused.

“While we are telling women to walk away, if need be, we are also telling them, to do better in their relationships with men,” he said. (NAN) (nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

By Joshua Olomu

Dr Shaibu Husseini, the new Director –General of National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has urged staff to adhere to professional best practices and productivity in ensuring the board effectively fulfill its mandate.

Husseini gave the charge during his first meeting with staff of the board on assumption of office at NFVCB headquarters in Abuja.

According to the new helmsman, the board as a critical stakeholder in the nation’s creative sector, particularly the film industry, is expected to discharge its statutory functions in the best professional manner.

He urged officers of the board to be more productive to ensure that the motion picture industry contributed maximally to national economy in line with the ‘renewed hope’ mantra of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

The DG pledged that NFVCB under his watch would work together as a family towards the best interest of stakeholders and the nation at large.

He, therefore, solicited the cooperation and support of the board’s management and staffs across its offices nationwide to enable him achieve his visions for the board.

According to him, “I have demanded for this meeting because it is good that when you come to a place, you will talk to people before you start the work.

“I have come to serve you, the board, Mr. President who gave me this assignment and to serve God, because ultimately everything we do should bring honour to him.

“So, I am here to serve but in serving, I want to solicit your support, cooperation and prayers.

“When leaders do not do well, it is because to some extent, their people do not pray for them and if you pray for me very well, I will not miss road.

“Also, I do not want you to start doing comparison between me and anybody that has run the board.

“I have come to build, so Let us build together; I am not rebuilding, there is nothing to rebuild, but let us add more to the pyramid, so that the pyramid will be better.

“I am happy to meet everyone in this meeting which I am also going to have with your colleagues in different centres and zone,” he said.

In his remarks, Mr Ferdinand Abua, Director of Administration of NFVCB, appreciated the new DG on behalf of the staff of the board.

He, therefore, pledged the loyalty and support of officers of the board to the new DG to ensure a successful tenure.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Husseini was among the 11 new Chief Executive Officers recently appointed by President Bola Tinubu for agencies under the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and Creative Economy.

He is a journalist, film critic, performing artist, cultural administrator and film curator, with over a decade tenure as the Chair of the Selection Committee for the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA).

Husseini has been parts of boards and juries of several local and international film-related committees, including those of the Mainframe Film Institute, the International Film Festival, and the Bank of Industry (BOI) Nollywood Fund.

He is the author of the acclaimed 2010 masterpiece “Moviedom”, a book that offers insights into Nollywood’s developmental stages.

NAN also reports that NFVCB is a Federal Government agency that regulates the film and video industry in Nigeria.

The Board is empowered by law to classify all films and videos whether imported or produced locally.

It is also the duty of the Board to register all films and videos outlet across the country and to keep a register of such registered outlets among other functions. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

By Priscilla Osaje

Mr Peter Obi, 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has mourned the death of veteran Nollywood actor, Mr John Okafor, popularly known as “Mr Ibu”.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Mr Ibu died on Saturday, March 2 at age 62.

The death of the comic actor was announced by Emeka Rollas, National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) on his Instagram page on Saturday.

Rollas said that Mr Ibu suffered a cardiac arrest according to his manager of 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor.

In a condolence message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Obi stated that Mr Ibu’s death was a huge loss, not just to the entertainment industry but to the nation.

“His death is very saddening. He was one legendary comic actor who embodied laughter, exuded joy and spread happiness.

“When sadly he took ill, we all prayed for his quick recovery and hoped he would bounce back in good health.

“Those artists who lighten the mood of the nation also perform a great task of helping us all to weather the dark storms of life.

“On behalf of my family, I commiserate with his bereaved family, the Actors Guild of Nigeria, who just lost two legendary actors within a few days, and the entire Nollywood family.

“We share the pains of his death, but are comforted by the cherished moments of joy and happiness he left behind,” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Nollywood veteran actor, Kenneth Okonkwo has also mourned the death of Mr Ibu.

Okonkwo, a renowned actor, lawyer and chieftain of the Labour Party, took to his Instagram page @iamkennethokonkwo to bid Mr Ibu farewell, saying he has lost a friend, brother and colleague.

He said that Ibu started his acting career under his watch, adding that it was painful to bid him goodbye.

According to him, Mr Ibu captured the world with his splendid performance in comedy by carving his own unique path in Nollywood and succeeded on his own peculiar terms at his own pace.

“Farewell to John Okafor (Ibu), just lost a friend, brother and colleague.

“His footprint will remain indelible on the sands of Nollywood.

“May his soul rest in peace and may his memory be a blessing,” he wrote.

NAN also recalls that in October 2023, the actor revealed that he was suffering from an ailment that might require amputating one of his legs.

The actor appealed to his fans and the public for prayers and financial assistance to cover his medical bills.

He also shared a video of himself lying in a hospital bed and expressing his fear of losing his leg.

In November 2023, Okafor underwent a leg amputation after suffering from an illness that required seven surgeries.

His family said the amputation was done to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Chioma Ugboma

By Taiye Olayemi

Nollywood actor, John Okafor, popularly known as “Mr Ibu”, is dead, aged 62.

Emeka Rollas, National President, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), disclosed this on his Instagram page on Saturday.

Rollas said: “Sad Day for Actors Guild of Nigeria. Kate Henshaw lost her mother earlier today and Mr Ibu suffered cardiac arrest according to his manager of 24 years, Mr Don Single Nwuzor.

“I announce with deep sense of grief that Mr Ibu didn’t make it. May his soul rest in peace.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that in October 2023, John Okafor revealed that he was suffering from an ailment that threatened to amputate one of his legs.

Okafor said he was struck by the problem while on a movie set with other Nollywood actors and actresses.

He appealed to his fans and the public for prayers and financial assistance to cover his medical bills. He also shared a video of himself lying in a hospital bed, expressing his fear of losing his leg.

However, on Oct. 18, 2023, the Abubakar Bukola Saraki Foundation paid off Okafor’s entire medical expenses.

The foundation also stated that Okafor still required a lot of financial assistance to sustain him in the hospital and for his travels abroad for further treatment.

In November 2023, Okafor underwent a leg amputation after suffering from an illness that required seven surgeries.

His family said the amputation was done to keep him alive and increase his chances of recovery.

Okafor acted in more than 200 Nollywood movies. He also ventured into music, just for a short period.

On Oct. 15, 2020, he released his songs titled “This girl” and “Do you know”. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

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Edited by Folasade Adeniran

By Taiye Olayemi

Nollywood Yoruba actor, Tolani Oyebamiji, popularly known as “Sisi Quadri”, is dead.

The National President, Theatre Arts And Motion Pictures Practitioners Association Of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Bolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin, confirmed this in an Instagram post on Friday.

Amusan, with a display of the deceased’s picture wrote: “Hmmmmmm! May God grant him eternal rest.”

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Sisi Quadri dominated the online comedy skit and the Yoruba movie industry.

His major breakthrough in the movie industry was when he played the role of an insultive personality in the Yoruba epic movie, “Seniyan Seranko”.

Late Sisi Quadri captivated his audience with his outspoken personality and ability to rain insults on his opponent in movies without pausing. (NAN)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Anything and Everything Journalism, a book authored by a foremost journalist, Azuh Arinze, will be formally presented to the public on March 25.

Arinze, publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL Magazine, dedicated the 448-page book to his deceased comrades, Dele Giwa and Dimgba Igwe.

Giwa, one of Nigeria’s most charismatic journalists, was the founding editor of the Newswatch. He was killed via a parcel bomb on Oct. 19, 1986.

Igwe, on the other hand, was an astute journalist and worked with the Sun Newspaper. He died on Sept. 6, 2014.

Some analysts have summed up the book as the “Bible” of journalism.

It features 37 detailed interviews with some of the best and brightest Nigerian journalists cutting across print, broadcast and online media, on how they made it to the top.

They include Segun Osoba, Ray Ekpu, Bayo Onanuga, Mike Awoyinfa, Dele Momodu, Femi Adesina, Reuben Abati, Olusegun Adeniyi, Azu Ishiekwene, Simon Kolawole, Ikechukwu Amaechi and Gbenga Omotoso.

Others are Dare Babarinsa, Musikilu Mojeed, Dotun Oladipo, Lanre Idowu, Eze Anaba, Christopher Isiguzo, Ali M. Ali, Bisi Olatilo and Larry Izamoje.

Also interviewed are Soni Irabor, Adesuwa Onyenokwe, Femi Sowoolu, Bimbo Oloyede, Seye Kehinde, Louis Odion, Gbenga Adefaye, Funke Egbemode, Lekan Otufodunrin, Ibim Semenitari, Shola Oshunkeye, among others.

On why he dedicated the book to Dele Giwa and Dimgba Igwe, Arinze said the gesture was to ensure that their memory lives on “especially in the profession to which they gave their all”.

“The works of our heroes past must never be in vain,” he declared.

Arinze said that it took him years to have a one-on-one session with all those featured in the book.

The author said that he embarked on the massive project because of his love for the profession.

“Another reason is because I want up and coming journalists, aspiring journalists, the current practitioners and even lovers of the noble profession, to know and understand that it could be rewarding if practiced professionally and without cutting corners,” he said.

Dr Lasisi Olagunju, who wrote the foreword, said he “strongly recommend this book to students of journalism, practicing journalists, persons in public relations and image management, and to all who seek to understand why journalists do what they do and how they do it.”

Anything And Everything Journalism would be unveiled alongside Arinze’s other book, My Story Of Many Colours, on March 25, at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

My Story Of Many Colours and Anything And Everything Journalism are Arinze’s 8th and 9th books.

The previous ones were The CEO’s Bible 1 & 2, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, A Taste Of Success and Conversations With Showbiz Stars.

Others are Encounters: Lessons From My Journalism Career, and Tested And Trusted Success Secrets Of The Rich And Famous.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin