Entertainment/Arts/Culture
Valentine’s Day Celebration:FCT Revellers Troop Abuja Cinemas
Some revellers in Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Sunday trooped into Genesis and Silverbird cinemas in Abuja, to celebrate Valentine’s Day, in spite of the second wave of Covid-19 pandemic.
St. Valentine’s Day is observed on Feb.14 every year globally and it is assume to be lovers day.
The residents, who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said they felt bored staying at home especially on this special day after months of lockdown, adding that they had numerous reasons to celebrate, in spite of the challenges.
According to them, it is fun to celebrate with your lovers, suitors, friends, children, others, inspite of the global challenge of COVID-19 pandemic that has claimed lives.
Mr Achem Chubi, a businessman, said Valentine’s day gave him a great opportunity to show affection to his fiance and other that he cherished.
Chubi said that they have been looking for something that would actually take them out, stressing that this great opportunity must be utilised, coupled with the fact that it was on Sunday.
” We all know that valentine’s day is known as lover’s day, it comes ones in a year and is a special day for people in romantic relationship.
“It is a day where you spend crucial time with spouses in appreciation, I want to appreciate my fiance by bringing her here to watch movie of her choice, since today is a day set aside to love and appreciate.
” I know COVID-19 pandemic is real, but with our hand sanitisers and face masks, I am rest assured that we are save,” he said.
Also, Mr Precious Monday, a student, said Valentine’ Day was a period when lovers should always show love to one another.
It was a period boyfriend or girlfriend should show love to themselves and to other including family members and friends too.
“I am happy to be here with my ‘babe’, we are new in Abuja. So, celebrating this special day together calls for more celebration.
” I will shower all the love to my girlfriend because I believe she deserves it. I actually bought her to watch the movie” Omo Ghetto’ (Saga) by Funke Akindele.
“I strongly believe that our staying together as lovers here will bring a remarkable moment for us,” he said.
Similarly, Mrs Victoria James said Valentine’s Day is a day set aside for the celebration of love and is observed globally.
James said that a little unwinding can help to reduce depression and stress, considering the state of the country.
She added that in spite of the situation of thing in the country, Nigerians would still celebrate.
“ As you can see, I am here with my family regardless of the situation, we will keep celebrating no matter the situation ,” she said.
NAN reports that COVID-19 protocols were observed from the entrance as revellers temperatures were checked, hands were sanitised and people were wearing face masks as well as observing social distance in obtaining tickets.
The movies shown at the cinemas include, “Vine Wine” ” Omo Ghetto” ” Still Falling” “The Little Things” “Soul” “A soldier’s story” among others.
Meanwhile, Mr Ihkaro Attah, Head Publicity, Enlightenment and Advocacy of the FCT Ministerial Enforcement Taskforce on COVID-19 had earlier warned residents on Friday not to violate COVID-19 guidelines.
Attah, therefore, advised residents to celebrate with their loved ones at home and also avoid behaviours that could put them and others in jeopardy.
He also noted that the enforcement taskforce would be fully out to ensure that the necessary protocols were followed and violators would be arrested and prosecuted.(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)