As 90th birthday gift, Tinubu renames National Theatre after Wole Soyinka – Newstrends
Connect with us

Entertainment

As 90th birthday gift, Tinubu renames National Theatre after Wole Soyinka

Published

on

As 90th birthday gift, Tinubu renames National Theatre after Wole Soyinka

President Bola Tinubu on Friday renamed the National Theatre in Lagos after Professor Wole Soyinka.

The announcement was contained in a birthday message to the Nobel laureate who turned 90 on July 13.

“It is also fitting we celebrate this national treasure while he is still with us,” Tinubu said.

“I am, accordingly, delighted to announce the decision of the Federal Government to rename the National Theatre in Iganmu, Surulere, as the Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and the Creative Arts.

“We do not only celebrate Soyinka’s remarkable literary achievements but also his unwavering dedication to the values of human dignity and justice.”

The President added that “Professor Soyinka, the first African to win the Nobel Literature Prize in 1986, deserves all the accolades as he marks the milestone of 90 years on earth”.

“Having beaten prostate cancer, this milestone is a fitting testament to his ruggedness as a person and the significance of his work,” he said.

In 2005, the professor served on the Encyclopædia Britannica editorial board of advisors.

Soyinka was also in the trenches when activists battled the military to enthrone democracy.

“Beginning from his 20s, he took personal risks for the sake of our nation,” the President said.

“His courage was evident when he attempted to broker peace at the start of the civil war in 1967.

“Despite deprivation and solitary confinement, his resolve to speak truth to power and fight for the marginalized was further strengthened.

“His early writing, such as ‘The Lion and the Jewel,’ ’Death and the King’s Horseman’, not only testified to his mastery of language, his innovative storytelling, but also his unflinching commitment to enthroning a fair and just society.

“Our paths crossed during our just struggle for the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

“When faced with a trial in absentia and death sentence by the military regime at home, he galvanized opposition in exile through NALICON and NADECO.

“His global stature made him the face of our struggle to validate June 12 and restore democracy in Nigeria.”

Tinubu described Soyinka as a Nigerian whose influence transcends the country, noting his criticisms of the then-apartheid era in South Africa and racism in the US.

Entertainment

Portable orders attack on car dealer for delaying US shipment

Published

on

Musician Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable

Portable orders attack on car dealer for delaying US shipment

Controversial Nigerian singer Portable has been accused of ordering his associates to assault a car dealer who allegedly failed to deliver a vehicle imported from the United States.

The incident, which was captured during a live stream on Portable’s social media, showed the car dealer visibly distressed, seated on the floor, while Portable furiously demanded answers.

The singer, known for his outbursts, shouted, “Where is my car? I will destroy your life. Where is my car? Are you trying to kill me or scam me? Where is my car?”

READ ALSO:

Portable explained his frustration during the livestream, claiming the car dealer had promised to deliver his vehicle, which was shipped from the U.S. two months prior.

The singer expressed disappointment over the continuous delays, stating that the dealer had provided various excuses.

According to Portable, he was supposed to pick up the car the previous day and announce it on social media, but was let down.

“He helped me ship my car from America; it has been two months and I have not seen my car. I was supposed to pick the car up yesterday and make my social media post, but he has been lying to me. He first said that the car was picked up by customs but when we got there, we didn’t see them,” Portable explained.

Portable orders attack on car dealer for delaying US shipment

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Nollywood actor turns plumber in Canada, says it pays better than tech jobs

Published

on

Chris Bassey

Nollywood actor turns plumber in Canada, says it pays better than tech jobs

A well-known Nigerian actor and film producer, Chris Bassey, has made an unexpected career shift since relocating to Canada.

In a recent Instagram live session with media personality Daddy Freeze, Bassey shared that he now works as a plumber, finding more satisfaction in his new profession.

He emphasized that his new career pays better than tech jobs and also gives him a more relaxed lifestyle.

Daddy Freeze asked: “I know you as a producer and actor, what career are you into this Yankee?”

READ ALSO:

Bassey replied: “I’m into construction here. I do construction; I am a plumber.”

Daddy Freeze who was surprised by the development, however questioned the actor’s transition despite his fame.

Bassey said in pidgin: “In the last seven months, the province I have visited just on weekends in Canada, even person wey dey do tech no fit afford am. For here, I don’t know about the UK or US.”

Nollywood actor turns plumber in Canada, says it pays better than tech jobs

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Blessing CEO warns Alax, viral fish-pie hawker, of being used, dumped

Published

on

Blessing CEO warns Alax, viral fish-pie hawker, of being used, dumped

Controversial Relationship expert Blessing CEO has shared words of advice to the recent viral fish pie seller.

In a recent video, she advised him to be mindful of his newfound fame and to approach opportunities with carefulness.

Blessing emphasized the importance of being strategic and productive in the face of sudden fame, warning that without a thoughtful approach, he may be discarded by those who initially supported him.

Alax Evalsam, the once-anonymous seller of fish pies, shot to fame when a video of him passionately belting out catchy chants to sell his pies went viral on social media. His infectious energy and raw talent struck a chord with millions, turning him into an overnight sensation.

But as his story unfolded, it became clear that Alax’s life behind the screen was a far cry from the bright, vibrant energy he exuded in his videos.

READ ALSO:

He has since received support from individuals, including celebrities, who have offered him gifts, collaborations, and performances at prominent Venues.

In a heartfelt revelation on her page, Miraj detailed how she ventured into the slums where Alax and his family lived, offering them a lifeline out of hardship. She instructed Alax and his family to pack up their belongings, a command that must have sounded like a dream come true. And without hesitation, they obeyed, eager to embrace whatever new chapter lay ahead.

But the surprises didn’t end there. Nons Miraj, like a fairy godmother, whisked them away to several grocery stores, where Alax and his family were given free rein to fill their carts with food, clothes, and other essentials. The look of sheer joy and disbelief on their faces spoke volumes as they picked out items they had once only dreamed of owning.

The pinnacle of this emotional journey came when Miraj drove them to a newly rented apartment. No longer would Alax and his family have to endure the harsh realities of slum life.

In a final act of benevolence, Nons Miraj handed him N200,000, ensuring that Alax and his family had more than just a fresh start—they had hope, dignity, and a newfound sense of security.

Blessing CEO warns Alax, viral fish-pie hawker, of being used, dumped

Continue Reading

Trending