Entertainment/Arts/Culture
National Theater to Become Number One Event Centre in Africa – Lai Mohammed
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Sunday said that the National Arts Theater would become the number one event centre in Africa.The minister disclosed this during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Bankers’ Committee and the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in Lagos.
Mohammed also added that the renovation of the theater would lead to no job loss but rather, create more jobs during and after the reconstruction. “The main essence of what we are doing today is to set the stage for restoration and upgrade of the national theatre and the development of the fallow land within its premises.“When completed, the new national theatre will become the number one event centre in Africa.“There can be no more fitting tag for this edifice that is situated in the home of Afrobeat, Nollywood and the pride of Black African Arts and Culture.“For the Federal Government, this is a win-win situation. Not only will the national theatre be restored and better managed, the project will not lead to a single job loss and some 6,000 jobs will be created during the construction phase of the clusters.“Upon completion, it is estimated that an additional 600 permanent and 2,000 to 3,000 call-on/call-off jobs will be created,” he said.The minister further clarified that the theatre had not been sold to any individual, as was wrongly speculated, adding that it was a world class facility for Nigeria’s creative industry.“Like I did in July, let me make a clarification. This iconic edifice, the national theatre, remains a national heritage and will not be sold to any person or group, as some have chosen to frame the agreement between us and the Bankers’ Committee.“Apart from the restoration of the national theatre, there will be the development of a purpose-built clusters to provide world class facilities for Nigeria’s creative industry.“The clusters will comprise hubs for fashion, music, film as well as information and technology hub.“We are excited by this project because, for over 40 years, no major renovation work has been done on this theatre, while the adjoining land has been lying fallow.“Many attempts to restore the theatre have failed and the government has no money to restore the complex, which is the hub of the creative industry in Nigeria.“Let’s remember that the national theatre was established to encourage the advancement of the performing arts throughout the country,” he stated.He added that it was also to create opportunities for performing artistes of the country, as well as to aid the promotion of social development and the improvement of quality of life.“In its present state, it is not living up to its billing, hence this innovative decision to partner with the Bankers’ Committee,” he added.The minister then lauded President Muhammadu Buhari, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and the entire Federal Cabinet for making the agreement a reality.He also commended the Central Bank Governor, Mr. Godwin Emefiele; the Bankers’ Committee and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, Dr. lfeoma Adaora Anyanwutaku.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the National Arts Theatre in Iganmu was handed over to the Banker’s Committee for renovation on July 12, 2020.However, work could not commence as the Federal Executive Council (FEC) was yet to approve the deal.On Feb. 10, the FEC approved the agreement that would lead to the renovation and commercialisation of the theatre in Lagos, for N21 billion. (NAN)Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Rapper Drake Loses $615,000 Bet on Joshua vs Ngannou Fight
Canadian International rapper, Drake, has lost a massive 600,000 dollars bet after Anthony Joshua knocked out Francis Ngannou in their much-hyped heavyweight showdown in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Reports says that Anthony Joshua secured a brutal knockout(KO), against Francis Ngannou in the second round of the ‘Knockout Chaos’ clash on Friday night.
The superstar recording artiste, known for placing massive bets on sporting events, posted earlier on Instagram that he was betting $615,000 on Ngannou to beat Joshua outright.
“Betting on a scary man,” Drake said.
Drake joined several fans of combat sports to believe that Ngannou could get the job done against Joshua, and if the bet had clicked, it would have paid out $1.
9million .Although Drake has recorded some big wins and losses in betting, he has gained notoriety with the “the Drake Curse”, assertion by fans accusing him of ‘cursing’ athletes and teams after being pictured with them.
The ‘curse’ has affected numerous victims such as quarterback Johny Manziel,UFC fighter Kamaru Usman, Tennis star Serena Williams, and even the entire Kentucky Wildcats Basketball team in the United States.
In January, the rapper lost over half-a-million pounds when he incorrectly backed Sean Strickland to defend his UFC middleweight championship against Dricus Du Plessis.
One of Drake’s biggest bets in 2023 was on YouTube boxer, Logan Paul to knocout Conor McGregor’s training partner Dillon Danis in their Misfits Boxing fight.
The rapper won $1.3million after Danis was disqualified in the final round for trying to choke Paul unconscious, prompting a massive brawl to break out in the ring.
Earlier before that fight, Drake missed out on a $920,000 payout after Nigerian born Israel Adesanya lost his UFC middleweight title to Sean Strickland.
Drake was routing for Adesanya to knockout Strickland in their world title clash, but Strickland produced a massive upset to win on points.(NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Nollywood Stars, Fans Celebrate Veteran Actor Pete Edochie at 77
Nollywood stars and fans have felicitated with veteran actor, Pete Edochie as he clocked 77 on Thursday, March 7. expressing gratitude to God for his life.
Actress Rita Edochie, who happened to be the celebrant’s brother’s wife, took to her Instagram page @ritaedochie to celebrate the Nollywood icon.
According to her, the celebrant has been loving, caring, concerned and amazing, adding that she is delighted to be his sister-in- law.
She thanked God that she had no regrets knowing Edochie as her brother-in-law due to the kind of person he is.
” In over 30 years of knowing you as my dear husband’s brother, I have never known any regrets nor discomfort .
“Ibobo , you have been remarkably loving, caring , concerned and amazing. I am greatly delighted to be your sister-in- law.
“I have said it before and I will say it again, in my next life , I will surely be married by the Edochies.
“On this special day that marks another year of wonderful existence, I want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible person you are.
“Happy birthday my great husband, your charisma, wisdom and warm heart have left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know you.
“May this year bring you so much joy, success, unforgettable moments. As you blow out the candles, may your wishes soar high and your dreams come true.
“Your presence in our lives is a true blessing, today is a reminder to cherish the remarkable soul that you are.
“Here is to another year of laughter, love and unforgettable memories, cheers to you my great brother-in- law like no other.
“I will always love and respect you, live in longevity and soar immensely. Wishing you more of March 7, the great lion of Africa,”she wrote.
Also, actor Yul Edochie, son of the legend, took to his Instagram page to wish his daddy a remarkable birthday celebration.
He wrote, “A very happy birthday to you, Daddy. The Lion of Africa. The Legendary Chief Pete Edochie @peteedochie. The most handsome 77yr old man. Ibobo Umueri, The Greatest. I wish you many more beautiful years filled with God’s blessings.May God lead you always..’
Actor Kanayo O Kanayo wrote, “We are birthday mates. He makes it a duty to call me on March 1. Ebubedike, Ogadagidi, Mmuo nabu. Great to celebrate you while you are alive and kicking wellA fan @amoson_01: “Happy birthday, living legend. My Godfather. God bless your new age. Many more fruitful years to come sir.”
Another fan @donracy wrote, “Happy birthday Ogadagidi nwoke ike. Age in grace sir.”
Meanwhile, the celebrant Pete Edochie, also known as ‘Lion of Africa’, has taken to his Instagram page @peteedochie to celebrate himself for the gift of life as he marked 77 years on earth.
Edochie flooded his Instagram page with adorable pictures in different outfits with a warm smile to specially celebrate his 77th birthday with a caption ‘Ibobo 77.” (NAN)
Entertainment/Arts/Culture
German-based oil Company Unveils Nollywood Actor, Pete Edochie as Ambassador
A Nollywood actor, Pete Edochie, was on Saturday, unveiled as the brand ambassador of Rowe Motor Oil distributed by a German based company, 9th Integrated Energy Solutions Ltd.
Speaking during the endorsement held in Enugu, Mr Okechukwu Benjamin, the Managing Director, of the company, said the deal was a multimillion Naira contract that would last for two years.
The managing director said the deal was renewable after its expiration in 2026.
He said the company chose Edochie because of his class and impeccable character in Africa and beyond as a reputable movie star.
He explained that 9th integrated Energy Solutions Limited was a German company that brought Rowe oil into Africa and owned the franchise for the whole of Africa.
“We are here today to officially unveil Chief Pete Edochie, as the brand ambassador of Rowe oil Nigeria and we are glad that he accepted the offer.
“Our product is a German premium oil that comes with a seal which makes it difficult to be adulterated in the market.
“We have different categories of the oil that would improve Nigerian vehicles, their engine efficiency and save fuel for them.
He added that they sold the oil based on specification of vehicles.
Reacting, Edochie thanked the company for choosing him noting that companies endorsed him as their brand ambassadors because of his reputation and impeccable character.
Edochie popularly known as “Okonkwo and Ebubedike” by his fans, said he had managed to live above board within a society marked with criminal tendencies, describing the offer as a “credible achievement”.
“I am glad to be here and to be made the ambassador of Rowe oil and I am stating my reputation on the quality of this product.
“I have enjoyed a very international marketable reputation for a very long time and I am glad to say that if you go outside this country, first thing they come across as a thespian is Pete Edochie.
“It is a not magic. When I did Things Fall Apart, I became so celebrated even before the Nollywood came into existence.
“There are some parts of the world I am being moulded and people lean on them to take photographs and pay,” Edochie said.
Speaking on his endorsement, the Nollywood actor, who expressed gladness over the organisation’s choice, said the Rowe oil was unique as it sustained the life of a car.
He said Nigeria had come of age to be introduced into things that were modern and scientific, hence, there was need for them to patronise the oil due to its quality and effectiveness. (NAN)