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Nollywood Star Actress, Funmi Awelewa Makes Directorial Debut With “A WISH”

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Funmi Awelewa

Delectable Nollywood actress, Funmi Awelewa who is also popularly called “Morili Omo Ibadan” for her comical roles has upped her game by stepping up from acting to directing.

In a statement released by the talented actress, Funmi Awelewa has made her debut as a director in a new short movie, “A WISH”, which is a true life story.

The movie was shot on location at Ibadan by her production company, Faab Entertainment. It was filmed at the actual places where she grew up and had her childhood.

According to the actress, “it’s really an awesome experience, though very tasking for me to direct this movie because it’s a TRUE LIFE story, and it is the story of my life. It is one story very dear to my heart, hence my resolve to take the risk and direct it myself and I thank God it turns out just the way I wanted it. It’s a very wonderful production in all ramifications.”

The plot of the movie is based on her life experience. How she left home to pursue her acting career and unknowing to her that her mother is suffering from eye problems that eventually led to her blindness.

Speaking on the movie, Awelewa stated that, “we often neglect our loved ones, especially parents in our quests for better life, and many times they have things and issues, especially health wise they go through but don’t have the opportunity to discuss it with their children since they rarely see them one on one.

“I want to use this movie to correct that misdeed. No matter how busy we are, we should always create time for our parents, check on them, talk to them and always advise and assist them to check their health status as often as possible”.

The movie started screening via her YouTube channel, FaabTV on Thursday 12 October, 2023 which also happened to be the day the actress celebrated her 35th birthday.

Funmi Awelewa was introduced into Nollywood by Sola Kosoko in 2013. She made her acting debut the same year when she appeared in the film “Wosi Kenke”. She later got under the mentorship of veteran Nollywood actor, writer, and director Antar Laniyan.

She is also a philanthropist and the founder of Funmi Awelewa Foundation, which is a non-governmental foundation that caters for the visually impaired. She is also an entrepreneur. She is the creator of Glow Envy beauty and skincare products.

She has her own production company, FAAB Entertainment and her production credits include: Aromimawe, Omo Ibadan, Natasha, Gbakoje, Ebudola, Morili Bilisi and Ewon Ife. 

Funmi Awelewa, before delving into acting in 2013, while being an undergraduate at the University of Ibadan was also into fashion designing. The actress mulls a comeback with her fashion brand, FashionENVY.

She enjoys great followership and has a huge fan base across various social media platforms. She is a social media influencer. The actress has an extensive following on Instagram. Presently she has close to 3 million followers on Instagram. She is also famous on TikTok, with over 600 thousand followers.

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TGMAAN Celebrates Veteran Actor Kola Olaiya with Premiere of Baba 70

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The Golden Movie Ambassadors Association of Nigeria (TGMAAN) will honor legendary actor Kola Olaiya with the premiere of his latest film, Baba 70, on November 10, 2024. The star-studded event will take place at Alinco Cinema, 1 Akibu Adeniji Street, Jankara, Ojokoro, Lagos, with the red carpet commencing at 4 p.m.

Baba 70 is a gripping drama that centers around a power-hungry landlord, who, after being the first to build and settle in a newly established estate, terrorizes the residents, insisting on being the lifetime chairman of the estate. His tyrannical rule is enforced through manipulative tactics and the use of juju (ritual power) to control the people around him. However, the landlord’s reign of fear comes to an end when the source of his power—his son—dies, exposing his vulnerabilities and ultimately leading to his downfall.

TGMAAN, established 10 years ago, is a professional association of film industry professionals, with Veteran actor, Saidi Balogun as President, Dr Afeez Oyetoro as Vice President, Dr Joke Muyiwa as Treasurer, Tunde Olaoye, a notable director, as Public Relations Officer and Moji Oyetayo (Mama Ajasco) as the Business and Branding Officer. The premiere of Baba 70 is one of the activities marking the 10th year anniversary of the association.

The premiere of Baba 70 is a significant moment for TGMAAN, as it brings together the Nigerian film industry to celebrate the life and career of Kola Olaiya, one of the most respected figures in Nollywood. Ambassador Saidi Balogun, the president of TGMAAN, emphasized the importance of honoring movie legends while they are still alive.

“We believe in celebrating our icons when they are with us, not just after they are gone. Kola Olaiya is one of the pioneers of Nigerian cinema, and his contribution to the growth and development of the industry, both on and off the screen, is immeasurable,” Balogun said in a statement.

“Through his work, he has not only entertained millions, but has also paved the way for many young actors and filmmakers to follow their dreams. This premiere is a tribute to his enduring legacy in Nollywood.”

Kola Olaiya’s career spans several decades, during which he has earned recognition for his remarkable acting range, his contributions to the growth of Nigerian cinema, and his mentorship of emerging talent. His versatility has seen him play a wide range of roles in both television and film, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.

Baba 70 promises to be a testament to Olaiya’s career, featuring a compelling story that explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of unchecked authority. The premiere event will be attended by key industry players, celebrities, and fans, all coming together to celebrate a man whose work has significantly influenced Nollywood’s rise as a global force in the entertainment world.

In addition to the film’s debut, the event will also feature performances and speeches, providing a platform for the Nigerian film community to appreciate Olaiya’s tremendous impact. The evening will serve as a reminder of the important role that seasoned actors and filmmakers like Olaiya continue to play in shaping the future of Nigerian cinema.

For Balogun and TGMAAN, the Baba 70 premiere is not just about a movie release, but about recognizing the contributions of the individuals who have built the foundation of Nollywood and celebrating them while they are still with us.

As the red carpet event approaches, excitement is building in anticipation of an unforgettable evening that will honor the life, work, and legacy of one of Nollywood’s true legends, Kola Olaiya.


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Rising Gospel Star Sade Ajayi set to Take the Industry by Storm

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Sade Ajayi is not only   devoted Christian but a  gospel music minister  and a lover of ministerial affairs  that has been doing music for quite some years but has now decided to raise the bar as she is set to unveil her fresh single titled Ore Ofe (Grace).

The melodious single which has an infusion of danceable praise medley is set to drop on the 15th  November 2024 across all platforms for good music lovers.

In her words, she expressed her excitement while anticipating the release of her official single

She stated that the song is a reflection of her personal walk with Christ, where she has experienced his unending grace as inscribed in the lyrics.

 

“By His grace, I have been saved through Christ who strengthens me. This truth has brought peace to my life, and I hope it resonates with everyone that will be touched by my song’’ The Ekiti State born singer said.

 

She further said explained that in the midst of life’s chaos, GRACE is a reminder of the peace and salvation we found in God’s love.

‘’It’s not just a song—it’s a message from my heart to the world as an invite to us all to return to the grace of Christ” She added.

 

 


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World Tourism Day 2024: Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah Invests billions into World Class Tourism Centres

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-Story by Joy Agamah

 

As part of the efforts to drive tourism in Enugu state, Governor Peter Mbah has invested billions of naira in the state tourism sector.

The investment is part of the broader plan to beautify the state as well as upgrading the parks and develop numerous projects in the tourism sector across the state.

The program, according to the Executive Chairman of Enugu State Tourism Board, Dame  Rita Mbah, is part of the state’s strategy to key in into this year’s world tourism day theme to promote the connection between tourism and peace

“So, by preserving our cultural and natural heritage we can reduce tension and nurture peaceful co-existence,” Mbah said.

She explained that the state government recently commenced the first stage of Enugu city beautification project from the Enugu gateway at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

She hinted that the state government removed the barricades at the airport gate and replaced them with modern security cameras to give tourists and visitors to the city a peaceful feeling as they arrive the state.

‘’We are also creating and improving the ambience at our airport gateway by introducing art murals which depict our cultural heritage with welcoming works of art and photos of some of our landmarks.

‘’Moving from the Airports, the capital territory is working towards ensuring that we have a welcoming view by removing unnecessary items that create eye sore. The ministry of environment is also working towards making sure that our green areas are maintained,’’ She stated.

Speaking further, Mbah said that the tourism board is almost done with the first phase of the city beautification and roundabout scheme.

‘’We are upgrading about 13 roundabouts in the first phase, planting flowers and upgrading our parks.

“We would discuss the upgrade of the parks. We are also looking at one some major projects that would enhance tourism in Enugu.

“Also, on the card are the development of the International conference centre, the development of a 5-Star Hotel, development of Hotel Presidential, and the development of a 300-bed hospital for medical tourism.”

According to her, when completed these projects have the capacity to put Enugu on the global tourism map.

‘’For example, the international conference centre would cater to many conferences within Africa and Nigeria. When people come for conferences, the 5- 5tar hotel will come in handy because of its proximity to the conference centre within the same vicinity.

“Not only that, the International conference centre also houses an amusement park; a theater; event centre and retail shops. So, the centre serves as a one stop shop for tourism activities.’’

Dame Mbah also disclosed that the state government recently awarded a contract for the development of five recreation parks across the state. They include the Edward Nnaji Park, Unity park, Ejindu Park, Ngwo Park and Eze park.

’The Edward Nnaji park will house a state of the art game arcade, amusement and water park, while the other four parks will be equipped with football pitches, five aside pitches, basketball court, lawn tennis court, quad bike arena, horse rides, kiddies recreation and fun equipment.

She also hinted that the state government is taking the annual Unity Christmas park to a whole new level.

‘’The metal fabrication for this year’s Christmas park started over a fortnight ago with over 30 indigenous welders working day and night to create a memorable Christmas fun for all.

‘’With all these projects and over 1,000 projects going on at the same time in Enugu State, I am proud to say that indeed we handed over our future to a governor that understands the assignment and he has continually proved to us that indeed tomorrow is here,’’ she added.

 


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