Entertainment
AGN holds candlelight service for late Nollywood veterans Mr Ibu, others in FCT
The Actors Guild of Nigeria(AGN)has organised a candlelight procession to pay tribute to late Nollywood actors John Okafor, popularly known as ‘Mr Ibu’, Amaechi Muonagor and Zulu Adigwe.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the thespians, alongside fans and friends of the late veterans gathered for the procession at the Unity Fountain on Friday night in Abuja.
The procession was led by Emeka Rollas, National President of the AGN ,alongside veteran actors Kenneth Okonkwo, Zack Orji, Sidney Idiala, among others.
In a heartfelt display of respect and emotions, the attendees took turns to pay tribute to the fallen heroes for their contributions to the Nigerian film industry.
Mercy Salma, FCT mayor of AGN, said the event was to show appreciation and honour for the life and times of the late actors.
“These are Nollywood veterans that put smiles in the faces of Nigerians during their lifetime, so we should celebrate their legacies and memories.
“They have both the young and the old Nigerians, and even across Africa and beyond as their fans.”
“So this procession is to show that we love them and appreciate their sacrifices and contributions to our industry and nation at large,” she said.
In his speech, Emeka Rollas said the procession was to demonstrate the solidarity that exist in the actors guild and to reflect on the moments they shared with the late thespians.
According to the AGN helmsman, the candlelight service was also an occasion for actors to reflect on how they want to be remembered at the end of their works.
“This is a season of sorrow for us at the AGN, our hearts are filled with grief over the loss of our three veteran members.
“But as the saying goes, when someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
“The Late John Okafor, Amaechi Monaugor and Zulu Adigwe lived life that exemplified brilliance and inspired emulation.
“They also lived a life that burned so that others’ paths were lit, and they made impact on the society through their profession.
“Today we are here to honour them, not only by profoundly feeling and expressing our loss, but also to remember their amazing personalities.
“They all played unique and special roles in all of our lives and the acting profession and they were loyal colleagues and special friends to many of us.
“Today, we honour these men as we recall special moments ,they were living proof of how fine a person can be, caring hearts to their friends and colleagues, loving and devoted father to their children.
They gave their all in their acting careers as they worked with passion, integrity and energy and our hearts and prayers are with their families at this most difficult time,” he said.
On his part, Kenneth Okonkw, foremost Nollywood actor said their commitment to their profession were part of what made the Nigerian film industry a toast of fans.
According to him, they were driven by passion to join the industry that was why they rose to their peak and made indelible marks.
He urged young artistes to focus on value delivery and shun the rush for quick monetary gains for them to make their marks in the industry.
“As one of the pioneer actors in the industry, I was connected personally to each of them that came to Nollywood at that time, and I can tell you that they were all driven by passion for acting.
“Wherever they are today, we should appreciate what they have contributed towards they growth and development of our industry,” he said.
NAN reports that the high point of the event was prayers for the repose of the departed souls and for Nollywood industry, and as well as prayers for Nigeria. (NAN
In a groundbreaking achievement for Afrobeats and Nigerian music, Davido has become the first living male artist to grace the cover of Rolling Stone Africa. This significant milestone was announced with the unveiling of Davido as the cover star for the March/April 2025 issue.
The renowned Nigerian afropop artist, celebrated for his global hits such as “If,” “Fall,” “Blow My Mind,” and “Unavailable,” has played an instrumental role in the evolution of Afrobeats and the international recognition of African music. Since his debut at the age of 19 with “Dami Duro,” Davido has established a multifaceted empire, excelling not only as a musician but also as a record label owner, mentor, and cultural ambassador. The Rolling Stone Africa cover story delves into his resilient journey, highlighting his forthcoming fifth studio album, *5ive*, and his enduring influence on the African music scene.
Obi Asika, Director General of Nigeria’s National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), expressed pride in Davido’s accomplishments.
“At the National Council for Arts and Culture, we are thrilled to embark on this expansive partnership with Rolling Stone Africa. It is fitting that our launch icon is Davido, one of the Kings of Afrobeats and a global ambassador for Nigerian music, culture, and fashion, who shares positive energy with his vast global audience,” Asika stated. He further added, “We take pride in Davido and all of our Ambassadors who continue to make Nigeria a focal point in global music, film, fashion, literature, sports, comedy, and more. Congratulations to him on his fifth album and to Rolling Stone Africa on their relaunch. Stay tuned for ‘Nigeria Everywhere’ and other unique collaborations with Rolling Stone.”
D.R. Bellegarde Smeralda, CEO of Rolling Stone Africa, also lauded Davido’s contributions to Afrobeats and Pan-Africanism.
“To kick off our partnership with the National Council for Arts and Culture in Nigeria, which will introduce our monthly segment called Nigeria Everywhere, we could not have chosen a more fitting cover story than Davido’s,” Smeralda remarked. “Davido has long been a stellar ambassador for Afrobeats and Nigerian culture on a global scale, and it is inspiring to see what he and his team have accomplished in music and beyond, consistently promoting Pan-Africanism.”
Rolling Stone Africa, launched in August 2024, aims to celebrate African music, culture, and narratives, functioning through a joint venture between the Mwankom Group and Penske Media Corporation (PMC). A portion of the magazine’s proceeds supports charities focused on preserving African history and promoting children’s welfare, underscoring its commitment to making a meaningful impact beyond entertainment.
Follow Rolling Stone Africa on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube for the latest updates. Davido’s feature on the cover is not just a milestone; it embodies the unstoppable momentum of Afrobeats and the global influence of Nigerian culture.
The auxiliary nurse who treated the late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba, popularly known as Mohbad, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, has revealed what transpired that led to his demise.
Testifying before Justice C.A. Shotobi at the Coroner’s Court in Ikorodu, Lagos, on Friday, Ogedengbe recounted that after giving Mohbad the injection, he developed goosebumps. His wife, Omowunmi, allegedly described it as a “normal response” for him.
According to the nurse, she was called to treat Mohbad for a cut on September 11, 2023. The following day, she administered tetanus, paracetamol, and antibiotic injections.
After the third injection, Mohbad reportedly felt nauseous and threw up, leading to weakness and goosebumps.
Nurse’s testimony on how Mohbad died
“On Sept 11, 2023 I was at Cotonou to process my admission. As I was on my way back , I saw Spending’s missed call and I called him back. Then he told me I should come and treat his friend in the house who had a cut. I told him I was just coming back from Cotonou.
“I later missed his calls because I couldn’t pick up. As I got to CMS, a call came in from DJ Bami, he introduced himself that he was from Spending. I couldn’t go to the house that day. I got there the next day at about 2:30pm. I met a guy in the sitting room carrying Liam and DJ Bami led me upstairs.
“On getting to the room Mohbad was, I saw some water on the floor which Dj Bami mopped. We then moved Mohbad from the room he was to another room. It was only the 4 of us that were upstairs. Me, Mohbad, Djbami and Wunmi. As I was giving the first injection, Mohbad asked me the type of injection I wanted to give him and I told him Tetanus Injection, Paracetamol Injection and antibiotics. I first gave him Tetanus and Paracetamol Injection. After I gave him the paracetamol injection, Wunmi said he had ulcer.
“When I gave him the third injection, he started reacting and saying he wanted to throw up. Djbami and wunmi led him to the bathroom where he threw up. After throwing up, he sat down on the floor and was very weak. Then, goose bumps appeared on his body. Wunmi told me that is how he used to react to injection and I told her that she should have told me before.
“She then said that if they pour water on his head, he will calm down. Wunmi then poured water on him. When I saw the goose bumps, Dj Bami and I quickly went down to rush to the pharmacy so we could get an antidote. We got to the first pharmacy but they didn’t have what we wanted, we then went to another pharmacy. They called Djbami from the house that Mohbad was convulsing and I told them to rush him to the hospital.”
US actress Mikey Madison attends the Vanity Fair Oscar Party at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California, on March 2, 2025. (Photo by Michael Tran / AFP)
Here are the winners in key categories for the 97th Academy Awards, which were handed out in Hollywood on Sunday.
“Anora” was the big winner of the night, with five Oscars: best picture, best director, best actress, best film editing and best original screenplay.
Full list of winners below:
Best picture: “Anora”
Best director: Sean Baker, “Anora”
Best actor: Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”
Best actress: Mikey Madison, “Anora”
Best supporting actor: Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”
Best supporting actress: Zoe Saldana, “Emilia Perez”
Best original screenplay: Sean Baker, “Anora”
Best adapted screenplay: Peter Straughan, “Conclave”
Best international feature film: “I’m Still Here” (Brazil)
Best animated feature: “Flow”
Best documentary feature: “No Other Land”
Best film editing: Sean Baker, “Anora”
Best costume design: Paul Tazewell, “Wicked”
Best production design: Nathan Crowley and Lee Sanders, “Wicked”
Best makeup and hairstyling: “The Substance”
Best original song: Clement Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard, “El Mal” from “Emilia Perez”