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Nigerian Celebrities Who Have Received Political Appointments

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2 years ago

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It is usually a headline grabbing event whenever a celebrity receives a political appointment.Over the years a good number of popular Nigerian celebrities have left the glamour of the showbiz world to serve in various capacities in government.

In this piece LEADERSHIP Weekend takes a look at some Nigerian celebrities who received political appointments.

Bob-Manuel Udokwu

Veteran Nollywood Bob-Manuel has featured in so many Nollywood blockbusters like, Living in Bondage, Rattlesnake, True Confessions,When the Sun Sets
Karishika, The Key for Happiness, Black Maria,among many others.In 2014, he received the Lifetime Achievement award at the 10th Africa Movie Academy Awards,and was nominated for Best Actor in a supporting role at the 2013 Nollywood Movies Awards for his role in Adesuwa. In April 2022, the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Soludo, appointed Bob-Manuel Udokwu, as his Special Adviser on Entertainment, Leisure and Tourism.The appointment was announced in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.Bob-Manuel had previously served as Senior Special Assistant on Creative Media during the administration of Peter Obi, and as an aide to the immediate past governor, Willie Obiano.

Richard Mofe Damijo

Richard Mofe Damijo, popularly called RMD,is unaguably one of the most famous faces in Nollywood.And not a few eyebrows were raised when he was appointed as the Special Adviser of Culture and Tourism to the then Delta state Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2008, and later became the commissioner for Culture and Tourism of Delta State, Nigeria in 2009.His tenure ended in 2015.RMD has since returned to his first love acting,after serving his home state government.

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Onyeka Onwenu

Veteran Nigerian singer/songwriter, actress, human right activist, social activist, and former X Factor series judge.Affectionanely called the “Elegant Stallion”. After topping the Nigerian music charts in the 80’s and 90’s,took a dive in the murky waters of politics.She joined the People’s Democratic Party contested twice to become the Local Council Chairman of her local government, Ideato North Local Government Area of Imo State, and lost at both attempts.But was appointed Chairperson of Imo State Council for Arts and Culture by former governor Ikedi Ohakim.
On 16 September 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan appointed her the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer of the National Centre for Women Development

Dayo Adeneye

Entertainment mogul,Dayo Adeneye popularly called ‘D1’, alongside his business partner Kenny Ogungbe,are famous personalities when it comes to the Nigerian music industry.Both of them are acclaimed to have changed the face of entertainment in the country.In 2014, D1 delved into politics and aimed to represent Odogbolu State Constituency at the House of Assembly, but lost at the All Progressives Congress (APC) primary.He was eventually compensated with an appointment as Commissioner of Information and Strategy by the Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun in 2015.

Nkiru Sylvanus

Nollywood actress Nkiru Sylvanus after serenading our screens with her acting skills,that saw her feature in over seventy movies and won the awards for Best Actress of the Year at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards, and Best Actress in a Leading Role at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.In 2011, former governor of Imo state Rochas Okorocha appointed Nkiru as his Special Assistant on Lagos State Affairs,and later became his Special Adviser on Public Affairs. In 2014, she was appointed as the Director-General of the Imo State Film Academy.

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Hilda Dokubo

Veteran Nollywood actress Hilda Dokubo,made her screen debut during her youth service in a 1992 film titled Evil Passion. She has since been featured in, and has produced several Nigerian films. including Gone Forever, End of the Wicked, My Goodwill, and The CEO Upon starring in a supporting role in a 2015 film titled Stigma, Dokubo won Best Actress in a Supporting Role and best actress in the comedy category.She was appointed as the Special Adviser to the former governor of Rivers State, Peter Odili in 2003 till the end of his tenure in 2007.

Mercy Johnson

Nollywood diva Mercy Johnson, began actingafter her secondary education, she auditioned for a role in The Maid and subsequently acted in other movies such as Hustlers, Baby Oku in America, War in the Palace. In 2009, she won an award for Best Supporting Actress at the 2009 African Movie Award ceremony for her performance in the movie “Live to Remember”, and Best Actress award at the 2013 Africa Magic Viewers Choice Awards for her role in the comedy movie Dumebi the Dirty.In 2017 She was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the Kogi state governor on entertainment, arts and culture.

Iyanya

Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk popularly known as Iyanya,rose to fame after winning the first season of Project Fame West Africa, and is best known for his hit single “Kukere”. Iyanya co-founded the record label Made Men Music Group with Ubi Franklin in 2011.He won the Artist of the Year award at The Headies 2013. In September 2021,the Cross River State Governor, Ben Ayade, appointed singer Iyanya as the Senior Special Assistant on Tourism and Entertainment.The Governor’s Special Adviser on Media, and Publicity, Christian Ita, confirmed the appointment in a statement, and said the appointment took immediate effect. Ubi Franklin, who occupied the position, took to his Instagram page to congratulate Iyanya on his appointment.

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Credit: LEADERSHIP Newspaper

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Burna Boy’s mother bags nomination for Best Manager at Music Week Awards

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2 days ago

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February 26, 2025

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Bose Ogulu, mother of Grammy winner and Nigerian singer Burna Boy, has been nominated for Manager of the Year at the 2025 Music Week Awards.

Organisers of the award on Wednesday announced Ogulu’s alongside other contenders for the highly coveted trophy.

This year’s Music Week Awards is scheduled to hold on May 8 at JW Marriott Grosvenor House in London, United Kingdom.

Other nominees for the Manager of the Year, a category that highlights the best management talents in global music industry, include Alistair Goldsmith, Neil Hughes, and Wes Banton.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Music Week Awards celebrates excellence in the music industry, including labels, A&R, live events, and management.

Winners for the annual award are selected through peer voting and an independent panel of judges.

NAN also reports that this is not the first time, Burna Boy’s mum is clinching international award, as she won the Manager Of The Year at the 2022 Artist & Manager Awards in London.

Ogulu, who holds a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign languages and a Masters of Arts in Translation from the University of Port Harcourt, is from a family deeply rooted in arts and culture.

She is the daughter of Nigerian music critic, Benson Idonije, who managed Fela Kuti, and she was also one of Fela’s background dancers.

She built a successful career as a translator for the Federation of West African Chambers of Commerce and is proficient in English, French, German, Italian, and Yoruba.

Her role as manager is acclaimed to have played pivotal role in her son’s rise stardom on the global music stage, securing major deals and international recognition.

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Among other initiatives, she co-founded Spaceship Collective, supporting African artists and expanding the reach of Afrobeats worldwide.(NAN)

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Why I Don’t Support Disrespectful Wives—Nollywood Star

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5 days ago

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February 23, 2025

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Funke Akindele, the Nigerian filmmaker, says despite being a feminist, she does not encourage women being disrespectful to their husbands.

A feminist is someone who advocates the political, economic, and social equality of women.

In a video addressing skit maker Kamo State and his wife, the filmmaker said she rejects the notion that women are the “weaker sex,” emphasising that they are “strong and bold”.

She urged men to treat women “specially” and not confine them to traditional roles of being in the kitchen.

She further stressed the importance of women’s economic power, advising them to secure financial independence to support their husbands.

“I’m a feminist but I do not support a woman disrespecting her husband. Do what is right,” she said.

“I believe that we are not the weaker sex or vessel. Men are suppose to treat us specially and respect us. Men should not also feel that a woman belongs to the kitchen and can be talked to anyhow.

“We women are strong, and bold. Also, our economic power is important that is why we should make sure we have the power and protect it so we can support our husbands.”

Akindele and producer Abdulrasheed ‘JJC Skillz’ Bello tied the knot in London in 2016 and welcomed a set of twin boys in 2018.

But in June 2022, JJC Skillz announced his separation from Akindele, citing “irreconcilable differences”.

The singer claimed he tried to address the situation but the matter is now “beyond repair.”

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Ayra Starr leads Spotify’s 2025 impact list

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1 week ago

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February 19, 2025

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Spotify has announced Nigerian singer Oyinkansola Aderibigbe, known as Ayra Starr, as the leading artiste in its Global Impact List for 2025.

Phiona Okumu, Spotify’s Head of Music for Sub-Saharan Africa, shared the news in a statement on Tuesday.

Okumu revealed Ayra Starr’s dominance on Spotify’s Global Impact List, leading 30 Nigerian songs and connecting with audiences worldwide.

The top 10 list includes Ayra Starr, Rauw Alejandro, and Rvssian’s “Santa”; Tems’s “Love MeJeJe”; Burna Boy, Coldplay, Elyanna, Little Simz, and TINI’s “WE PRAY”; and more.

Other songs featured are Ayra Starr and Giveon’s “Last Heartbreak Song”; 21Savage, Burna Boy, and Metro Boomin’s “Justlike Me”; Tems and Tyla’s “No.1”; and others.

Okumu highlighted Nigerian artistes breaking boundaries, saying Spotify is proud to amplify their global reach.

She explained that Nigerian music’s influence has gone global, with Ayra Starr leading the charge in Spotify’s 2025 Global Impact List.

The list showcases 30 Nigerian songs with the strongest international connections this year, reflecting Nigeria’s growing global influence.

Okumu called Ayra Starr a chart-topping force, reshaping the global music scene with her international success.

Ayra’s hits top Nigerian charts, with her music becoming global anthems that resonate worldwide.

“As a Spotify RADAR and EQUAL alumna, Ayra Starr was Nigeria’s most-streamed female artiste in 2024,” Okumu said.

While only two of her tracks, “Last Heartbreak Song” and “Bad Vibes”, are on the Global Impact List, Ayra’s collaborations like “Santa” highlight her wide-reaching influence.

The success of “Santa”, featuring Rvssian and Rauw Alejandro, showcases Ayra’s ability to connect across diverse markets.

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Ayra Starr’s six entries on the list, including “Commas”, “GOOD FEELiNGS”, and “Hypé”, show her versatility and global appeal.

Her album The Year I Turned 21 was one of the top 10 most-streamed albums of the year, cementing her global presence.

Okumu emphasised the power of collaboration in amplifying Nigerian music’s global impact, noting 22 of the 30 songs are collaborations.

She explained that collaborations are essential for Nigerian artistes aiming for international success, with 19 involving artistes from other countries.

Songs like “Santa”, “WE PRAY (TINI Version)”, and “Another Vibe” demonstrate the power of such cross-continental partnerships. (NAN)

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