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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

Nollywood actress of the Yoruba extraction, Abidemi Adisa has affirmed that sex-for-role syndrome is a clear and present danger in the movie industry as it has driven some highly talented, well-meaning actors out of the industry.

Adisa said, “ “It sure does exist and it is one of the things driving many talented people away from the Nigerian movie industry. This is not even limited to actresses, but men too are sometimes victims. But we can’t stereotype Nollywood for this because it sure does exist in other Industries as well.”

“Luckily for me, no one has ever asked me for sex for a role because I’m not desperate for stardom”, she added.

She also speaks on her foray into the industry, “My passion for the make-believe industry drove me into acting. I always appreciate how great actors interpret roles and make people believe it is a real occurrence. This greatly influenced my decision to take up acting as a career”.

Abidemi Adisa learned the rudiments of acting under the veteran actor, Mr Saidi Balogun and she had starred in quite a number of movie productions such as: Violence part 1&2, Bisola Peperenpe, Tani, Drotimi, Ire, Asiri Pepe, Akete, etc. The delectable actress also had 3 movies she had produced herself namely Ota, Ojiji Ife, Bidemi Jagba 1 & 2.

The talented actress is currently working on a new project she’s planning to shoot in the United Kingdom and Nigeria. The title is “Iku Ore”. It is a story of a lady that pleases her friend in every way but who doesn’t care about herself.

In 2018, Brazilian pensioner João sought medical help after he found a wart on his penis.

“I started visiting medical clinics to find out what it was, but all the doctors told me it was due to excess skin and prescribed medication,” the 63-year-old recalls.

Despite the medication, the wart continued to grow. It started to take a toll on his marriage and João and his wife’s sex life declined. “We were like siblings,” he admits. He was determined to find out what was going on.

For five years João, not his real name, went back and forth to specialists who prescribed more medication and ordered new biopsies. “Nothing solved it,” he says.

Then, in 2023, he was given a diagnosis – João had penile cancer.

“For my family, it was a very unpleasant surprise, even more so because I had to have part of the penis amputated. I feel like I was decapitated,” he says.

“It’s a type of cancer that you can’t talk about with people because it could turn into a joke.”

Penile cancer is rare, but incidences and mortality rates are on the rise around the world.

According to the latest studies, Brazil, where João is from, has one of the highest incidence rates of 2.1 per 100,000 men.

‘Terrified of surgery’

Between 2012 and 2022, there were 21,000 reported cases, according to Brazil’s Ministry of Health. This resulted in more than 4,000 deaths and, over the past decade, there have been more than 6,500 amputations – averaging two each day. 

Maranhão, the poorest state in Brazil, was found to have the highest incidence rate globally at 6.1 per 100,000 men.

Symptoms of penile cancer often start with a sore on the penis that does not heal and a strong-smelling discharge. Some people get bleeding and colour changes of the penis, too.

When detected early, there is a high chance of recovery through treatments such as the surgical removal of the lesion, radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

But if left untreated, partial or total amputation of the penis, and possibly other nearby genital organs such as the testicles, may become necessary.

João underwent a partial amputation in January and says it was a difficult time. 

“It’s something you never imagine will happen to you, and when it does, you can’t just go around telling people,” he says.

“I was terrified of surgery, but there was no other alternative. The feeling in the first weeks after the surgery was one of sadness, I can’t deny it. Not having part of your penis is horrible.”

Some patients undergo a total amputation which is life-changing.

Thiago Camelo Mourão from the Department of Urology at AC Camargo Cancer Center in São Paulo says: “In the case of partial amputation, urine continues to exit through the penis.

“However, in total amputation, the urethral orifice can be relocated to the perineum, between the scrotum and the anus, requiring the patient to urinate while sitting on the toilet.”

Mauricio Dener Cordeiro of the Brazilian Society of Urology says the persistent infection of human papillomavirus (HPV), a name given to a common group of viruses, is “one of the main risk factors”. HPV can be transmitted during sex and in some cases, it can lead to cancers including in the mouth and penis.

He says: “Mass vaccination against HPV is essential due to its high effectiveness in preventing related lesions,” but he adds that vaccination rates in Brazil are below the level needed to be truly effective.

“In Brazil, despite the availability of the vaccine, the HPV vaccination rate remains low for girls – reaching only 57% – and for boys, it doesn’t exceed 40%,” he says. “The ideal coverage to prevent the disease is 90%.”

Vaccine

He believes misinformation about the vaccine, unfounded doubts about its effectiveness and a lack of vaccination campaigns have contributed to the low take-up.

According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS) website, smoking can increase the risk of getting penile cancer, too. It also says you might be more likely to get penile cancer if you “have problems pulling back your foreskin (the skin covering your penis) to keep your penis clean (a condition called phimosis)”.

“When a man does not expose the glans and fails to clean the foreskin properly, it produces a secretion that accumulates,” Dr Cordeiro says. “This creates a highly favourable environment for bacterial infections.

“If this occurs repeatedly, it becomes a risk factor for the appearance of the tumour.”

But Brazil is not the only place where penile cancer is on the rise. According to the latest research, the number of cases is increasing around the world.

In 2022, the journal JMIR Public Health and Surveillance published the results of a large-scale analysis involving the latest data from 43 countries.

It found the highest incidence of penile cancer between 2008 and 2012 was in Uganda (2.2 per 100,000), followed by Brazil (2.1 per 100,000) and Thailand (1.4 per 100,000). The lowest was in Kuwait (0.1 per 100,000).

“Although developing countries still bear the higher incidence and mortality of penile cancer, the incidence is on the rise in most European countries,” the team of researchers led by Leiwen Fu and Tian Tian from Sun Yat-Sen University in China found.

They reported that England had seen an increase in penile cancer, rising from 1.1 to 1.3 per 100,000 between 1979 and 2009 and in Germany cases increased by 50% from 1.2 to 1.8 per 100,000 between 1961 and 2012.

These figures are only set to get higher, according to the Global Cancer Registries prediction tool. It estimates that by 2050, the global incidence of penile cancer will rise by more than 77%.

This change can largely be attributed to the ageing population, according to the experts, who say the highest incidence occurred in men in their 60s.

Dr Cordeiro says: “Penile cancer is a rare disease but also highly preventable”. 

He advised that using condoms during sex and undergoing surgery to remove the foreskin in cases of phimosis could help reduce the risk of penile cancer.

Neil Barber, Clinical Lead for Urology at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, adds: “Penile cancer is almost unheard of in the circumcised population. Poor hygiene and infections beneath the foreskin, as well as conditions like phimosis that make it difficult to retract the foreskin and maintain good hygiene, are risk factors. This is linked to higher overall infection risks”.

“Established risk factors also include unprotected sex, specifically not using condoms, with poor hygiene further increasing risks through this route.”

João is currently waiting for his latest test results, which he will receive later this year. “I’m confident that these exams will show that I’ll be cured,” he says.

“Now, following the amputation, the pain has gone away, and I’ve been feeling much better. But I’ll have to live with a partially amputated penis for the rest of my days.”

According to Cancer Research UK, more than 90% of men diagnosed with penile cancer which has not spread to nearby lymph nodes survive for five years or more.

The piece was published by BBC