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I FEEL SO ELATED TO HAVE COME THIS FAR— Adebayo Salami a.k.a Oga Bello, Speaks On 50th Anniversary

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Veteran Theatre art practitioner and one of the frontliners of today’s Nollywood, Adebayo Salami a.k.a Oga Bello is set to celebrate his 50th anniversary as an actor. The celebration would be a little different from the regular entertainment we are used to in this part of the world, as he plans to thrill his fans with a stage play to commemorate his Golden Jubilee.

Speaking with Journalists at a press conference which held in White House, Ikeja recently, Oga Bello said the journey through his 50 years as a theatre art practitioner is one thats been filled with God’s endless grace and mercies.

In his words, he said “I feel so elated to have come this far, i thank God almighty for his love and kindness, my maximum appreciation also goes to the media who have been supporting me as Adebayo Salami and also pushing the ‘Oga Bello’ brand all along.’

When asked if he’s got any regret as an actor, he said “In my 50yrs as an actor, i can tell you categorically that i’ve got no regret though its normal to have challenges because thats what makes a man. Challenges makes champions, i remember vividly some years ago when i was shooting a movie titled Eri Okan, the bus conveying all the equipment got burnt on the express and we lost all. People attached it to some spiritual attacks but i concluded its just the will of God, challenges makes one get stronger.

When asked if he has anything he would like to change about himself if possible and also about marriage, Oga Bello said ‘I will never advice anyone to go into Polygamy, never.’ Continuing he said, I feel the best is to stay glued to one woman and have peace of mind though polygamy tends to come with it owns benefits but lets face reality here, i’ll always support a man marrying just one wife.

On the forthcoming 50th anniversary, Oga Bello said he decided to have the celebration at the National Theatre where fans and invited guest will be entertained by veteran actors via a stage play titled Oloko Oba because he wants to revive the art.

Amongst those who will be performing in the stage drama includes TAMPAN National Chairman Mr. Yemi Solade, Madam Saje, Ebun Oloyede aka Olaiya, Yinka Quadri, Muyiwa Ademola, Femi Adebayo.

The one-day event will hold on the 10th of December at the Muson Centre, starting by 4pm and entry will be strictly by invitation.

Oga Bello also revealed that Adebayo Salami’s documentary will also be unveiled on the celebration day, there will also be live drama performances by his threatre group (UB Group) and that of his son Femi Adebayo (J-15). There will also be a compilation of 12 of Oga Bello’s great movies of all time.

Oga Bello who is the current National Leader of TAMPAN ( Theatre Arts Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria) took time out to speak on crisis rocking the ANTP and the emergence of TAMPAN. He said TAMPAN was born out of neccessity because we realized that ANTP is retrogressive, imagine when as ANTP you’re pushing a proposal to a brand or government agency and one of your supposed members or exco writes a petition to always counter your moves. ANTP is full of crisis, no agreement or cordiality.

Yemi Solade who also spoke at the event said TAMPAN will give a new face and meaning to the Yoruba theatre art practitioners, he gave kudos to Adebayo Salami for his exemplary leadership qualities and discipline. He said ‘Many people don’t know that Oga Bello is not my senior colleague but my Uncle, thats a fact that you must know today, we’re blood related.

Son of the Oga Bello, Sadiq Adebayo, a graduate of Geology turned Production Manager also showered praises on his father for his unbiased love towards all and sundry. Sadiq commended him for been a worthy father, he said a father who loves his children and would also speak the truth is who u can call Adebayo Salami. In his words he said “‘Oga Bello is a brand, Adebayo Salami is an institution to study, he’s a father to all, VERY strict father, has policies which must be maintained.’

Biodun Okeowo, an actress and member of the 50th anniversary working committee said Oga Bello encouraged her to be focused and stay disciplined to attain the height of success.

When asked what other profession would have loved to embrace if he had not been an actor, Oga Bello said ‘I would have loved to be a lawyer but thank God Femi my son is one though’.

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Coal City Film Festival 2024: A Celebration of African Cinema in Enugu…….

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Theo Ukpaa, Shuaibu Hussein, Others Shine at the Event!

 

 

The Coal City Film Festival 2024, hosted at the scenic Nike Lake Resort Hotel in Enugu, Nigeria, was a spectacular showcase of glamour and glitz. This premier film event, the largest in the South East, was organized in partnership with the Enugu State government through the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The festival celebrates the richness of film, culture, and authenticity while providing a platform for industry stakeholders to enhance their artistic and business acumen.

 

This annual event, dedicated to celebrating African cinema, offered a variety of engaging activities in this year’s edition. Attendees enjoyed free film screenings, master classes, and panel discussions. The festival also featured unique cultural experiences, such as a palm wine and bush meat roundtable, a city tour, an awards gala night, and a lively party, all of which attracted many beautiful faces from the film industry and beyond.

Theo Ukpa On Red Carpet

The 3-day event saw a gathering of filmmakers, actors, policymakers, and development agencies in the vibrant Coal City. Notable attendees included the President of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, Emeka Rollas, Film and TV Producer Theo Ukpaa, Dr. Shuaibu Hussein, Ijeoma Onah, Andy Amenechi and veteran actors like Segun Arinze and Obi Okoli, adding to the star-studded ambiance of the festival.

 

A major highlight of the festival was the screening of ‘IFEDICHE,’ a movie that opened the Coal City Film Festival 2024. This special film, made in Coal City, revolves around a cultural meal of Enugu, showcasing the region’s rich culinary heritage.

 

The Festival Jury includes Jude Idana, Theo Ukpaa, Chichi Nworah, Arul Marewad and Charles Okwuowulu.

 

Uche Agbo, the founder and Executive Director of the Coal City Film Festival, expressed the festival’s vision to open the doors of South-east Nigeria to the rest of the world through the medium of film. This year’s festival not only celebrated African cinema but also served as a bridge connecting the local culture and creativity to a global audience.

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2024 Young Orators National Finals

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The city of Ibadan, Nigeria, hosted a captivating spectacle as finalists from across the nation gathered for the 2024 Young Orators national final competition. Organised by the Peat Philips Foundation, this prestigious event serves as the Nigerian franchise of the International Public Speaking Competition, annually conducted by the English-Speaking Union.

 

Akinleye Olu-Philips, Team Lead at Peat Philips Foundation, highlighted Ibadan’s rich literary heritage, underscoring its significance as a nurturing ground for literary talents in Nigeria.

 

Amidst fierce competition, 20-year-old Folakemi Adebayo, a second-year Law student at the University of Ibadan, clinched the coveted title. Torkuma Mimidoo Perpetual (17), a science student from Rosladys College, Gboko, Benue State and Inioluwa Sodunke from De – Glorious Heritage School, Lagos State, secured the second and third positions respectively.

 

Folakemi Adebayo’s victory earns her the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the 2024 International Public Speaking Competition scheduled in London from May 13 to 17. The national final was generously sponsored by Learn Africa Plc, with support from Alpha FC Abuja.

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Charles Inojie, Ali Nuhu’s #Makewehalla Video goes viral, Ignites Dialogue on Domestic Abuse

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In a nation where the discussion on domestic violence often remains shrouded in silence, two power actors have ignited a powerful movement that is resonating deeply across Nigeria.

 

Charles Inojie and Ali Nuhu, through their viral video titled #MakeWeHalla, have initiated a much-needed conversation on the pressing issue of domestic violence.

 

The video features the two talented actors in a humorous yet thought-provoking short video, emphasising the importance of speaking out against domestic violence.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C43iD60Nh7e/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

 

With their trademark wit and charm, Inojie and Nuhu delivered a compelling message; when Nigerians witness domestic violence, they must make noise, they must ‘halla’.

 

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C5BEb4wMq5h/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

The video is capturing the attention of viewers across various demographics, sparking discussions on online platforms.

 

Among many Nigerians who have been inspired by the video is a fast-rising actor and social media influencer, Joseph Momodu.

 

He wrote, “Yesoooo Oga Charles. The voice of the people is the voice of God. Domestic violence is not good and the more reason to really Halla!!”

 

A popular Nigerian film director and social media personality, Falalu Abubakar Dorayi, also known as Falalu A. Dorayi, added his voice against sitting on the fence while witnessing incidents of domestic violence. To him, “Women abuse is a bad behavior. Silence, when we see people doing (it), is like giving a chance to continue. It’s true, everywhere we see signs of “abuse” happening. Let’s expose the secrets. #MakeWeHalla.”

 

“This is powerful. We must halla! Like I always say, to fix this nation, you must fix yourself first. You are a part of the nation; once you fix you, you have fixed the nation. This is applicable to a community where domestic violence thrives,” Lanre Adediwura, an award-winning actor and online personality, opined.

 

A Nigerian actress and online celebrity, Kiitan Bukola, said that Nigerians can’t continue to sit on the fence in the face of domestic violence. “We must halla; we can’t continue to ignore. let’s kick against domestic violence… ,“ she wrote.

 

The success of #MakeWeHalla by encouraging individuals to speak up, is empowering communities to break the cycle of silence and stigma.

 

Inojie and Nuhu’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, as their initiative has garnered widespread praise and support from both fans and advocacy groups alike.

 

Monsurah Hamza with handle @ayotibami0 wrote, “Kudos to Charles Inojie and Ali Nuhu for sensitizing Nigerians on domestic violence #MakeWeHalla.”

 

Elated social media user @oladebuofficial stated, “How do I like this video 1 million times cos Bravo. Thank you for this… #MakeWeHalla.”

 

Bammy_ay wrote, “We really need more of this kind of video to educate people on domestic violence. Do not die in silence! #MakeWeHalla.”

 

@ekumastanleyifeanyi3 simply commented, “Say no to domestic violence.”

 

Through their creativity and dedication, Inojie and Nuhu have leveraged their platform to shine a spotlight on a critical issue that often remains hidden in the shadows.

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