Zack Orji, Saidi Balogun, Foluke Daramola meet Tinubu - Newstrends
Connect with us

Entertainment

Zack Orji, Saidi Balogun, Foluke Daramola meet Tinubu

Published

on

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

NOLLYWOOD stars Zack Orji, Saidi Balogun and Foluke Daramola joined a list of creatives under the aegis of Ambassadors for Change Initiative to meet  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the week.

The popular film stars were received in audience by the APC presidential candidate where they expressed their support to his candidacy.

Zack Orji pledged that the group would stand by the APC presidential candidate until he wins the February 25, 2023 election.

“I have been in Lagos for many years and it has always been the safest place to stay in. It is a state where people from different parts of the country have found inclusion and accommodation,” he said.

READ ALSO:

In the same vein, Saidi Balogun commended Tinubu for being a pathfinder and mentor of many other leaders, pointing out that those in political limelight today were products of Asiwaju’s mentoring and leadership.

In his response, Tinubu charged the film stars to double their efforts saying, “As entertainers and filmmakers, you represent a key channel of reaching the people and disseminating important messages. You are the ones to help sell our country at home and abroad so that people change their mindset about Nigeria. The entertainment industry is at the heart and soul of our country. You are the creative people, the thinkers and doers.”

Others present at the meeting include Gentle Jack, Danfo Driver and Benedict Johnson.

The Nation

Loading

Entertainment

Oyo Abduction: “Don’t Come Under My Post to Act Silly” – Dayo Amusa Warns Online Trolls

Published

on

Oyo Abduction: “Don’t Come Under My Post to Act Silly” – Dayo Amusa Warns Online Trolls

Oyo Abduction: “Don’t Come Under My Post to Act Silly” – Dayo Amusa Warns Online Trolls

Nollywood actress and senior member of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has fiercely rejected online bullying, insisting that entertainers cannot be forced to abandon their livelihoods every time the nation faces a security crisis.

In a passionate social media outburst that has since gone viral, Dayo Amusa accused some Nigerians of attempting to silence the creative industry through relentless online attacks. The controversy erupted after social media users criticised celebrities for continuing to promote their movies and businesses amid the growing outrage over the kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo State.

The actress’s remarks come against the backdrop of a terrifying escalation in school kidnappings across Nigeria. According to authenticated reports, under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, no fewer than 551 students and school staff have been abducted in nine major incidents since 2023. The latest and most alarming attack occurred on May 15, 2026, in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, South-West Nigeria — a region historically less affected by mass abductions. Gunmen raided three schools: Community High School Ahoro-Esiele, Primary School Esiele, and Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School. Dozens of pupils and teachers were taken. Among the abducted was the vice principal of Community Grammar School, Alamu Folawe. A mathematics teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly killed during the raid. The attack has sent shockwaves across the South-West, with security analysts linking the incident to military pressure pushing terrorist groups from northern zones into southern forests, including the Old Oyo National Park.

Dayo Amusa, who was sworn in as the AGN South-West Vice President in February 2026, did not hold back in her strongly worded statement. She wrote, “The bullying many of you subject our colleagues to in the creative industry is crazy. They freely can’t share their opinion, they can’t post their jobs without being called insensitive. We go to banks to take loans to shoot movies with high interest rates, but you want us to suspend our jobs and be posting videos of kidnapping and cursing the government daily while you’re in your own office tweeting and enjoying your environment.” The actress emphasized that filmmaking is not a hobby but a high-stakes business, often funded through bank loans with double-digit interest rates. She argued that asking actors and filmmakers to pause promotions indefinitely is not only unreasonable but financially destructive.

Amusa made it clear that she would not be silenced or intimidated by online mobs or cancel culture. She stated, “The day I decided to start using this app actively, I made up my mind that many of you trolls don’t matter. I won’t pander to mobs as I didn’t build my brand on it.” She warned persistent attackers to stay away from her page, revealing that she has multiple streams of income and would not hesitate to shut down online provocation. “I have other strings of income. Don’t come under my post to act silly, I’ll send you home,” she added.

While Amusa’s stance has drawn support from colleagues in the entertainment industry, it has also sparked debate. Some argue that celebrity influence should be used to amplify national tragedies, while others side with the actress, stating that online bullying achieves nothing and that entertainers have every right to work. The Nigerian government has largely remained silent on tactical rescue operations, citing operational security risks. A presidential aide, Dada Olusegun, explained, “The kidnappers are on social media with us and follow the trends to get updates. You cannot possibly expect the government to update rescue plans on social media if you really have the interest of those kids at heart.” On the ground, however, frustration is boiling over. In the affected Oyo communities, grieving parents recently rejected rice and cash relief packages offered by the government, insisting they only want the safe return of their children.

Despite her strong rebuke of online trolls, the actress did not dismiss the tragedy. She concluded her statement with a heartfelt prayer for the victims: “That said, may God bring succour to the family of the kids and teachers kidnapped in Oyo.”

In summary, key points from this story include the following. Dayo Amusa has become a leading voice defending celebrities against forced silence during national tragedies. The statistics are staggering, with over 551 students and staff abducted in Nigeria since 2023 alone. The Oyo State school kidnappings mark a dangerous expansion of mass abductions into the South-West for the first time at this scale. As AGN Vice President, Amusa revealed that many actors take high-interest bank loans to fund their movies. She described online bullying against entertainers as “crazy” and refused to pander to mobs. Meanwhile, the government cites operational security for its limited public updates on rescue efforts, even as grieving parents reject aid packages and demand only the safe return of their children.

Oyo Abduction: “Don’t Come Under My Post to Act Silly” – Dayo Amusa Warns Online Trolls

Loading

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Nollywood Actress and Abia Gov Candidate Doris Ogala Collapses in Umuahia, Hospitalized at FMC

Published

on

Nollywood Actress and Abia Gov Candidate Doris Ogala Collapses in Umuahia, Hospitalized at FMC

Nollywood Actress and Abia Gov Candidate Doris Ogala Collapses in Umuahia, Hospitalized at FMC

UMUAHIA, Abia State – Nollywood actress and African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State ahead of the 2027 electionDoris Ogala, was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Umuahia, on Friday after she lost consciousness and collapsed during a consultation earlier in the day. The incident, which quickly spread across social media, has drawn a flood of reactions — from concern and prayers to skepticism and accusations of a publicity stunt. Within hours of her hospitalization, Ogala took to Instagram to confirm the episode, reassure her followers, and even share videos of herself praying with other patients at the facility. Reports also later emerged that she paid medical bills for several indigent patients while receiving treatment. This health scare comes at a pivotal moment in her life, just weeks after she secured the AAC governorship ticket, positioning herself to challenge incumbent Governor Alex Otti in the fiercely competitive Abia 2027 gubernatorial race.

According to reports accompanied by a video circulating online, Ogala lost consciousness while attending a consultation in Umuahia on Friday. She was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where medical personnel attended to her and successfully stabilised her condition. Details of the specific medical emergency have not been officially released, but unconfirmed online reports suggested the collapse may have been linked to a recent surgery relapse. Neither Ogala nor her campaign team has issued a formal medical statement addressing the cause.

Shortly after being stabilized, Ogala took to her Instagram page to update her followers. She posted a video showing her seated in a wheelchair at the hospital, interacting warmly with patients and healthcare workers. “I was rushed to FMC Umuahia. I lost consciousness. Glory to God I am stabilised now,” she wrote in the caption. In the footage, the actress was also seen praying alongside some patients at the facility, a gesture that drew praise from many of her supporters.

READ ALSO:

Beyond her own recovery, reports emerged that the AAC governorship candidate extended financial support to other patients at the hospital. According to multiple social media posts and unconfirmed reports, Ogala paid medical bills for a number of indigent patients who were unable to settle their hospital expenses. Some posts claimed she acted after receiving “direct instructions from God” to assist them. While the reports have not been independently verified, the gesture generated significant positive commentary, with supporters describing it as compassionate, thoughtful, and encouraging.

Ogala’s hospitalization comes just weeks after she emerged as the African Action Congress (AAC) flagbearer for the 2027 Abia State governorship election. She secured the party’s ticket following a primary election and has since positioned herself as a challenger to Governor Alex Otti, who is widely expected to seek another term under the Labour Party. Her political message has centered on people-focused governance, economic development, and employment opportunities. She has also been vocal in criticizing the current administration, promising a fresh direction for the state. Political observers note that her sudden health scare could affect campaign momentum if not properly addressed, though her rapid return to social media and hospital interactions suggest an effort to remain visible.

The incident generated widespread reactions across social media platforms, with opinions sharply divided. Many fans and political supporters expressed genuine concern for her health, urging her to prioritize recovery over political activities. Those who praised her for praying with patients and paying medical bills described the gestures as thoughtful and encouraging. “Despite her own condition, she still thought of others. That is leadership,” one commenter wrote. However, a significant number of social media users questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident. Some described the episode as a possible publicity move linked to her political aspirations, citing her background in the Nollywood movie industry. Several commentators labeled the situation as “acting” or “drama,” suggesting the collapse was staged to generate sympathy and media attention ahead of the 2027 election cycle. “She is an actress. This is just a script,” another user posted. Others simply expressed worry about her physical fitness for the rigors of political office, arguing that she should focus on her health before proceeding with her governorship ambition.

As of the time of this report, no official medical statement has been released by Doris Ogala, her campaign team, or the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, regarding the exact cause of her collapse. Indications suggest she remains under observation while continuing her recovery.

For readers seeking a quick summary of the key details, the following information has been confirmed. Doris Ogala is a Nollywood actress and the African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate for Abia State in the 2027 election. She collapsed and lost consciousness during a consultation in Umuahia on Friday and was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, where she was stabilized. She confirmed the incident on Instagram, writing, “I was rushed to FMC Umuahia. I lost consciousness. Glory to God I am stabilised now.” Unconfirmed reports suggested the collapse may be linked to a recent surgery relapse. She was also seen praying with patients and reportedly paid medical bills for several indigent patients at the hospital. Social media reactions have been mixed, ranging from genuine concern and praise to accusations of a publicity stunt, with some commentators citing her Nollywood background. No official medical statement has been released as of this report.

Nollywood Actress and Abia Gov Candidate Doris Ogala Collapses in Umuahia, Hospitalized at FMC

Loading

Continue Reading

Entertainment

Portable Rejects EFCC Invitation Over Alleged Naira Abuse at Son’s Naming Ceremony

Published

on

Portable Rejects EFCC Invitation Over Alleged Naira Abuse at Son’s Naming Ceremony

Portable Rejects EFCC Invitation Over Alleged Naira Abuse at Son’s Naming Ceremony

Controversial Nigerian singer Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable, has refused to honour an invitation from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of Naira abuse linked to his son’s naming ceremony held in May.

In a series of videos shared on his Instagram page on Tuesday, Portable confirmed that he received an official letter from the EFCC, stating that the invitation was connected to alleged spraying and mishandling of the Nigerian naira during the private ceremony.

Portable said he would not appear before the commission immediately, explaining that he had already instructed his lawyer to handle the matter on his behalf while he focuses on his family’s safety amid what he described as insecurity and hardship in the country. He added that his lawyer advised him to postpone any appearance until September, citing concerns about the current security situation, including rising cases of kidnapping and general instability.

The singer maintained that he is not evading the anti-graft agency but is acting on legal advice and prioritising safety. He also questioned the basis of the EFCC invitation, insisting that the alleged incident occurred during a private family celebration and should not attract such attention or scrutiny.

READ ALSO:

Portable further criticised the EFCC, describing the tone of the invitation as harsh and suggesting that entertainers are being unfairly targeted in enforcement of Naira abuse laws. He alleged that other public figures have engaged in similar conduct without facing comparable treatment and called for more consistent application of the law.

He also appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging intervention and claiming that he is being unfairly targeted despite his public support for the administration. He warned that any action against him could trigger public reactions, while insisting that he is not involved in fraud, money laundering, or theft.

The singer stated that the funds used during the ceremony were sourced through a bureau de change operator, adding that he is gradually repaying the money. He questioned why a private family event should attract regulatory attention from the EFCC.

The controversy stems from allegations that Portable sprayed and mishandled naira notes during his son’s naming ceremony in May, an act prohibited under Nigerian law. Under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act, it is illegal to spray, tear, stamp, or mutilate the naira, with offenders liable to penalties upon conviction.

The EFCC has recently intensified enforcement of currency abuse laws, particularly at social events such as weddings, concerts, and naming ceremonies involving celebrities and public figures.

As of the time of filing this report, the EFCC has not issued an official response to Portable’s refusal to honour the invitation or his public statements.

The development adds another chapter to the singer’s history of public controversies, as he remains one of Nigeria’s most talked-about and polarizing entertainment figures.

Portable Rejects EFCC Invitation Over Alleged Naira Abuse at Son’s Naming Ceremony

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending