FEATURES

FEATURES

The General Overseer of Christ Embassy Church, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome, has spoken out about the fire outbreak that gutted the church’s building in Oregun, Ikeja, Lagos.

Recall that the Loveworld Convocation Arena (LCA), formerly the headquarters of Christ Embassy Church, was gutted by fire on Sunday morning.

 

In a message to his congregation, Pastor Chris, President of the Loveworld Nation disclosed at the ongoing International Cell Leaders Conference (ICLC) Sunday Service at the Church Camp Grounds in Asese, along the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, that the building is one of the best worship facilities.

“That’s the best worship facility, frankly, in this part of the world. It’s worth multiple millions of dollars,” he said.

Pastor Chris called on the Secretary General of Loveworld, Kay Adesina, to share his eyewitness account of the incident.

Adesina said: “It’s really, really messed up. We were not able to enter, but we could see from outside. I took some of the pictures. The whole of the interior was coated in fire. And everywhere inside actually collapsed, including the offices.”

 

He also noted that the fire services tried to put out the fire from outside, as they couldn’t enter the building.

“The fire services that were there, they saw that they couldn’t go in. So they tried to put out the fire from outside. But all, including the external wall, you see, all the walls are compromised.

“But the only reason why the whole structure is not compromised is because they are steel structures. Otherwise, you would think that the whole building would collapse. So it’s really in a bad state,” the Secretary said.

Pastor Chris however emphasized that the church is not defeated and will build an even more beautiful structure.

 

“We will build a beautiful one, let the devil licks his wounds. We must look at life from the spiritual.

 

“It is painful to watch such a thing happen. The place is filled with fire and smoke, they can’t even go inside.

“When a thing like that happens, you can say, oh Lord, why? You say, Lord, Thank you for your Grace from those very grounds,” he said.

The general overseer also referenced a past experience where the church faced a similar challenge, the Ikebukuro attack, and how they overcame it.

“I’ll never forget, when the supposed bombings took place at the Ikebukuro attack, they thought it was war.

“There were explosions at Ikebukuro, atomic. The sounds were so loud, the explosions were so loud. Many thought there was war. And they began to flee from all that area,” he recounted.

When asked if he was surprised by the fire outbreak, Pastor Chris said, “Not, not even the slightest surprise, not even the slightest surprise. But that’s another day’s talk.

 

“When something like this happens, we have to remember that we are not of this world.

“What do I mean by that? Every single day, God protects us. He protects us, He protects everything that He gives us, with His glory and His grace, every single day. He protects us.”

The cause of the fire remains unknown, but officials from the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service are currently investigating the incident. Despite the physical damage, Pastor Chris and the Christ Embassy Church are determined to rebuild and continue their mission.

A student of the Air Force Comprehensive School, Kaduna, Blaise Felix Aliyu, has died.

The student was punished to death by two of his senior colleagues.

Aliyu, an orphan, who lost his parents in 2013, is said to be survived by his twin brother, who is also a student at the military boarding school, located in Mando, Kaduna.

Two SS3 students reportedly summoned the 15-year-old to their room under the pretext of punishing him but ended up killing him.

The deceased body has been deposited in the mortuary.

Reacting to the development, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, spokesperson for the Nigerian Airforce (NAF), expressed the institution’s sorrow.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Gabkwet said an investigation to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing.

“The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, and indeed the entire NAF family are saddened by the painful and unfortunate incident of the untimely death of one of our students at Air Force Secondary School, Kaduna, on June 19, 2024.”

“To avoid all sorts of speculations, a thorough investigation is currently ongoing to unravel how, why, and what actually led to the death of the victim. Rest assured that this matter is receiving the utmost urgency it deserves, and we won’t rest until it is unravelled,” the statement said.

An inferno has engulfed the headquarters of Christ Embassy Church located in Oregun area of Ikeja, Lagos State.

An eye witness confirmed this to Channels Television. Multiple videos on X have also shown the massive edifice being destroyed by fire.

The fire which broke out early hours of Sunday caused a significant damage to the church property, sending shock waves throughout the immediate community and beyond.

Officials of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service are also said to have arrived at the scene to try and put out the fire.

The area has been cordoned-off  by the police to prevent a breakdown of law and order.

The church is headed by influential pastor, Chris Oyakhilome.

Media

Stanley Okorie, the veteran Nollywood soundtrack composer and singer, has disclosed the reasons behind the failures of his first two marriages.

According to Okorie, his first wife divorced him because she found his songs “stupid.” He also admitted to being an “insensitive” husband.

 

The soundtrack composer shared his candid reflections during a chat with popular media personality Chude Jideonwo.

He said, “My first divorce was the most painful. You know, the first cut is always the deepest. I have my own share of blame. Most people, when they talk about their problems in a marriage or a relationship, are quick to highlight the other person’s faults. I’m not saying I was entirely at fault, but I was a very insensitive husband. I blame myself for that one.

“I wasn’t a caring husband. Sometimes, if my wife did her hair, I’d say, ‘I’m going to the studio, come ooo.’ No, that’s not nice. I wouldn’t remember her birthday because there was a time I was doing all the job [Nollywood soundtracks], and people would call me from London, pay for my ticket, and I would go and do the music. I thought providing for the family was enough. But sometimes, the first rule of love is presence. You can give all the money, but the first rule of love is presence.

 

“My first wife wasn’t after money. Sometimes, when I gave her money, I’d return to find the money on the table. I was very busy with music, going from studio to studio. So when I look back, I see that’s the cost. Everything comes at a cost. Economists call it opportunity cost. In my first marriage, I was very, very insensitive. If I had been more mature—of course, I married very young—I wondered why she wasn’t seeing all the work I was doing. I failed on that score.

“The first day she looked at me and said, ‘I can’t take this anymore,’ I knew she was telling the truth, so I didn’t want to argue. Instead of going to beg her, I was singing stupid songs to console myself.

“After that, I went through a second divorce. At some point, my wife died. My son died. Some of the songs I sing were my escape from my sad reality, and they helped me deal with it to some level. But I tell you, there’s no method of dealing with a problem better than confronting the problem. So music wasn’t fair to me on that score. I was using it as an escape instead of confronting my problems. Some things that delight you today will, at some point, hurt. So that’s how it’s been a blessing and a curse. But I’m happy now where I am. I’m happily married with kids, doing well, and still recording music.”

A Nigerian man who lost both arms in an accident while working, has tied the knot with his woman. 

Samuel Odugbesan who worked as an electrical staff member in his previous employment, lost both arms in a work accident two years ago.  

On Friday, June 21, Samuel and his woman exchanged vows at the Ikoyi registry in a ceremony that was attended by their family and friends.

 

Congrats to them!

 

Man who lost both arms in an accident while working weds his woman
Man who lost both arms in an accident while working weds his woman
Man who lost both arms in an accident while working weds his woman
Man who lost both arms in an accident while working weds his woman
Man who lost both arms in an accident while working weds his woman
Man who lost both arms in an accident while working weds his woman
Man who lost both arms in an accident while working weds his woman
Man who lost both arms in an accident while working weds his woman
Man who lost both arms in an accident while working weds his woman
Man who lost both arms in an accident while working weds his woman
Man who lost both arms in an accident while working weds his woman
Man who lost both arms in an accident while working weds his woman

Nigerian actress, Laide Bakare has lashed out at the Nigerian police for driving her car away with her minor daughter in it.

Taking to her Instagram page, her daughter, Simi revealed that they were going to a party when they were stopped by the police for no reasons and the officer drove the car away with her in it.

Joining her, Laide stated that her daughter was left terrified over the incident as she questioned which sane man would drive someone’s car with their minor kids in it.

 

Describing the encounter as a terrible experience, she revealed that the incident took place towards Ikorodu expressway and noted how for the first time, she experienced the brutal way Nigerians are being treated along that axis.

Laide Bakare who debunked being remarried asserted that a lot of things are happening in the country which needs to be addressed. She said:

“Yesterday, it was terrible experiencing the brutal way Nigerians are been treated towards Ikorodu expressway.

No agency will ever drive a 14-years-old girl. My daughter was confused about where she was being taken to. A lot of things are happening in this country that needs to be attended to. I can’t imagine how someone with a brain and sanity will enter someone’s car and drive it away with a minor in it”.

In another post, Laide noted how the police officials only target big cars and vulnerable people to exploit and rob. She further revealed that the police officials wanted her ATM card to rob her of N70,000. Laide Bakare wrote:

“They Targeted Big cars and any vulnerable people to exploit and rob, this is my lane all through following the flow of Traffic in the heavy rain, these set of people are Evil More to come.

She was Terrified! Just because they needed our ATM card to take out 70,000 Naira. The guy entered my car and zoomed off with this little girl . Still feels like a movie”

See Laide Bakare’s posts below:

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has established a dedicated task force to address issues of touting and extortion at the country’s airports. 

Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of FAAN, announced that Mr. Henry Agbebire, the Director of Special Duties at FAAN, has been appointed as the chairman of this task force. 

 

In a press briefing in Lagos, Kuku expressed deep concern over the persistent harassment and extortion faced by passengers at airports. She declared her intention to personally engage with all government agencies operating at the airports to ensure compliance with anti-touting and anti-extortion measures. 

Emphasizing that the era of business as usual is over, Kuku highlighted the administration’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct and warned that strict disciplinary actions would be taken against anyone found engaging in illicit practices.

 

She also announced plans to establish magistrate courts at international airports to expedite the legal process for prosecuting offenders. The task force is mandated to enforce discipline among airport staff and maintain a culture of professionalism.

 

Kuku added, “Dedicated phone lines and QR codes will be set up to provide passengers with a means of giving feedback on their airport experience. All airport personnel must prominently display their on-duty cards and name tags for easy identification and accountability. FAAN is committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring a safe and secure environment for all passengers and airport users.”

Famed Nigerian actor Kanayo O Kanayo recently made a noteworthy appearance on Nedu Wazobia’s popular podcast, “The Honest Bunch.”

In his revealing interview, the veteran actor candidly discussed the obscured aspects of Nollywood, highlighting secretive practices that have significantly impeded the industry’s advancement.

During his engaging chat with Nedu and his team, Kanayo O Kanayo also reflected on his enduring aspirations in acting and his desire for a long-lasting career.

 

The veteran actor bravely addressed the prevalent issue of homosexuality within the movie industry, shedding light on its prominence.

Kanayo candidly expressed concerns about the influx of inexperienced young women in Nollywood who have gained entry through dubious means. He lamented the prevalence of individuals who lack acting talent but have secured roles through questionable practices like “sex-for-role.”

The Thespian passionately emphasized that acting is a craft requiring innate talent that can be honed but not easily acquired through shortcuts or manipulation.

He also disclosed his ambition to continue acting well into his 90s or beyond.

 

This coming hours after Kanayo O. Kanayo publicly accused teenage actress Angel Unigwe and her mother, manager Juliet Unigwe, of violating a contractual agreement.

According to the filmmaker, Angel Unigwe prematurely left a filming contract with his production company due to her mother’s intervention.

Kanayo O Kanayo urged Nollywood producers to avoid working with the young actress and even threatened to disrupt any shoots involving her in the future.

 

WATCH HIM SPEAK BELOW 

Former Big Brother Naija housemate, Adekunle, has officially confirmed the end of his romantic relationship with fellow reality star, Venita Akpofure.

The two had sparked a connection during the All Stars edition of the show last year, but it appears their bond has fizzled out.

Venita

In a recent interview with YouTuber Olufemi Daniel, Adekunle opened up about the end of their relationship.

 
Adekunle

Adekunle revealed that he and Venita had a post-show conversation about their relationship, but the outcome wasn’t what they had hoped for.

“I would like to think that we were in a relationship in the Big Brother’s house. I wouldn’t want to use the word love. It’s too strong for that scenario. But what we had was more than an understanding. I think we when were in the House together, it was a real thing,” Adekunle said.

After the show, we had a conversation about our relationship. Out of respect for her and also because she’s not here, I will not give out the details. But we had a conversation outside the House. It was a conversation and it was an understanding but the end result was not what was anticipated“.

The reality star also made it clear that they no longer communicate.

 

He said:

I don’t talk to her anymore because we don’t have a relationship. We don’t communicate, we don’t speak [with each other]. A lot of bad things happened, that’s why I’m not going to share them here out of respect for her.”

Recall that Venita in a recent interview also confirmed that she and Adekunle  have gone their separate paths.

Venita revealed this during her appearance on Tacha’s ‘The Big Friday Show’, that she and Adekunle are not romantically linked.

She went into further detail about the distinctions between their current paths and their prior experiences.

Venita claims that she is now devoting the most of her energy to her work and her acting career.

As part of effort to create an enabling environment for the growth of the Nigerian movie industry and further consolidate its enviable standing in the world, the highly revered Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has brokered peace between veteran actor Kareem Adepoju ‘Baba Wande’ and award-winning movie producer and director, Tunde Kelani.

Dotun Taylor, the President of Aroba Groove, an International Cultural Organisation, made this known in a statement on Saturday.

The two gladiators of the Nigerian movie industry are said to have been at loggerheads for more than three decades.

 

Taylor who’s also the Asoju Asa of Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi, asserted that the reconciliation of Baba Wande and Kelani would paved way for the advancement of Nigerian cultural heritage globally.

According to him, the longstanding feud between the two veterans has affected the growth of Nollywood industry in one way or the other.

He said that the reconciliation, marks a significant milestone in the promotion and preservation of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

“The three decade-long dispute revolved around royalties from the movie “Ti Oluwa Ni Ile.”

 

“Ooni of Ife also told me how great the film was ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ and that’s why he choose me as agent for the reconciliation of the long time feud.

“The Asoju Asa Oodua to the Ooni of Ife, played a pivotal role in facilitating the peaceful resolution.

“Delegates from the palace, at the behest of the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi (Ọjaja II), visited Tunde Kelani at his Abeokuta home in Ogun State, Nigeria, to seal the settlement.

“This historic reconciliation is a testament to the Ooni of Ife’s commitment to promoting Nigeria’s cultural heritage and the core aim of Aroba Groove Ltd. in preserving the rich cultural history of the Yoruba lineage.

“The Aroba Groove successful mediate the reconciliation which has been giving birth to the seamless production of ‘ASIYANBI’, the stage adaptation of TI OLUWA NILE,” he said.

According to him, ASIYANBI ‘Ti Oluwa Nile’ is produced by Aroba Groove in collaboration with the House of Oduduwa with the endorsement of the Ooni of Ife, Ogunwusi for new generation to learn from rich history of the Yoruba culture.

Taylor said that following the successful reconciliation, he praised the exemplary leadership displayed by Kelani and Baba Wande citing their willingness to put aside differences as a valuable lesson for the industry and beyond.

He said that their actions demonstrated the importance of intergenerational collaboration, ensuring a seamless transfer of knowledge and values between the old guard and the next generation.

Taylor added that by working together, we could avoid misunderstandings and misaligned efforts, ultimately driving progress and development in the entertainment industry.

Taylor said that the two veterans have put aside their differences, attributing the past feud to royalty issues from the 1993 hit film Ti Oluwa Ni Ile.

He said that in a heartwarming reconciliation, they expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ife for his intervention and the vital role played by Asoju Asa Oodua.

 

Baba Wande in his remarks during the reconciliation said that Kelani is his bossom friend.

“We will continue to work together for the growth of our beloved industry and Yorubaland.”

Kelani also in his remarks said that the peace initiative was a reminder that their work (Ti Oluwa Nile) was appreciated.

“This peace initiative is a reminder that our work is appreciated, and we are being watched.

“I thank the Ooni for his intervention and assure my full support to the production of ASIYANBI, the stage adaptation of TI OLUWA NILE,” he said.

 

Mr Ibitayo Akindeji, the Producer and Project Coordinator of ASIYANBI, said that Aroba Groove was reviving the classic tale through a groundbreaking stage production, promising a thrilling and innovative theatrical experience.

Akindeji said that the captivating stage play, ASIYANBI, was set to captivate audiences in major cities in Nigeria, UK and USA later in the year.

According to him, the historic reconciliation embodies the core values of Yorubaland’s ‘Omoluabi’.

“While the timeless story of TI OLUWA NILE remains unchanged, its presentation this time around is nothing short of breathtaking,” said.

The production couldn’t have come at a more opportune moment for Nigeria, as the country navigates its current challenges. 

“With unwavering belief, the team affirms that Nigeria is God’s beloved nation, and this land is indeed God’s own – TI OLUWA NILE.

“Following a teaser released, Aroba Groove has announced that drama enthusiasts can look forward to a treat from October as the ingenious production tour cities across the country and abroad.

The talented cast for the stage-play featuring Kareem Adepoju (Baba Wande), Actress Aisha Lawal, Ozain, Lekan Agba Inaki, Jude Chukwuka, and Dele Omo Woli amongst others, will bring the production to life in these cities, promising an unforgettable experience.

The iconic film, released in three parts, remains one of the best-selling Yoruba movies of all time, and this reconciliation marks a new chapter in the industry’s history.