Entertainment

Eniola Ajao: How I Met Adekola, He’s a disciplined Man i had to be going to Abeokuta to get His Attention

The relationship between my boss and I, Odunlade, is that of a boss and subordinate. I’ve known him for like over 10 years now. I’ve been in the industry for the past 16 years. I was somewhere before I went to school and came back to the industry.

What are the challenges of being a movie producer?

It has not been easy. Let me say capital wise you know you have to source for money, source for people who will help you handle the jobs because you cannot do it alone. I will just say I am at the right place and in a good hand. Whenever I want to produce my job, my boss always gives me time which is always okay for me because I know he brings out the best out of the job. Basically, I’m not always in a rush to do anything. I’m just privileged to be under somebody that is helping me out.

What is your first movie as a producer?

Daramola, that was my first production,

What was the challenge and experience?

The experience was not good because it was my first-trying to source for money, trying to think of the character, thinking of how to pay the people on set, and their welfare. As a producer, all the casts and crew members are on your neck. So you just have to look out for their well-being.

Were your parents in support of you being an actress?

No. Actually, my dad wanted me to be an accountant. So he was against it before he died. And I promised him that I was going to finish my education, do whatever he wanted want me to do but at the same time I love acting. Acting is always what I’ve always wanted to do even when I was in secondary school. It has always been there. So, when I graduated I went into acting.

How did you get to meet him?

I met him in 2009 when I went to a location I think with the late Moji Olaiya. I saw him and I went to him. I told him I was a big fan and that I will like to join him. He then said he does not have a caucus in Lagos that his school is in Abeokuta. That was how it all started.

Did you go living in Abeokuta then?

No. I usually go for rehearsals every Wednesday. And I may come back that day if it’s not late or next.

Is that why you appear more in his movies?

Maybe I should say I make myself available for his movies. He will not call you to say he has a role for you. He is a very disciplined man. So whenever I hear that there’s location in Abeokuta, I would pick my bag go there immediately.

So you have an automatic slot with him?

Because I am under him. Definitely everyone has a slot so far you make yourself available.

So what has been your experience, I mean, with male folks, male fans, I see a lot of comments on your Instagram page.

It’s not been easy. Some will call you a snob because most of them do not understand you. I’m not really an outgoing person so whenever they meet me, we just greet and move from there. Most want to create a relationship which I am not ready for.

Is that why they say you’re a snub? Don’t you want to make friends?

Not that I don’t want to make friends. It’s just my nature and at the same time, they don’t understand. Okay, you want to take a picture with me and you want to hold me and we are outside. I mean it’s not okay at all.

How do you reply your male admirers without knocking them off?

I don’t always know what to say and I don’t want to be rude. So it’s better to ignore.

But what about the male folks in the industry, those who admire and love you? How do manage them, mixing emotions with profession

It depends on how you relate with them. I’ve people who have asked me out in the industry and I turned them down. You hear people say that in the industry they sleep with one another. But it’s what you want. Nobody can force you to do anything in this life. It takes two to tango. So anybody that’s harassed put herself in that position.

Have you been harassed sexually on a movie set, like no sex no role?

Never! At what age?

How do you manage your fellow ladies- the betrayal, the gossip?

That’s a good question. I am more of an introvert, I don’t really go out. So most times, I have, you know, lovely people around me like my siblings. And most times, I don’t associate more with my mates. I associate with people who are older than I am. They tell me things and put me through about life, so you won’t see me where they are gossiping. I can’t control what people say about me but I can control their perception of me. Anybody that gossips about me it’s their choice, but you won’t see me gossiping about people because I won’t put myself in that situation. So you don’t just say anything about me. That doesn’t mean I don’t go to party.

You just came back from traveling from Ibadan and tomorrow you’re going on a movie set, Wednesday in Abeokuta, how do you balance this with the family life?

Well, my people understand the kind of job I do and they understand me.

Are you married?

No, but soon.

The relationship between my boss and I, Odunlade, is that of a boss and subordinate. I’ve known him for like over 10 years now

How do you find time to relax with your busy schedules, movie location and everything?

Most times I take two days off or a week and travel out of the country.

What else do you do aside from acting?

There are other things I will be doing in the future. I’m a business person. Let’s see how things unfold.

It is often perceived that Yoruba movies are local and English is ‘posh’ and English actors make more money than Yoruba actors.

It is because they shoot their own films in English. There’s nothing spectacular about them and they can see us as razz people. Most of their productions are low budget productions. All those ones they did in Onitsha. They don’t have storylines. We do. Yorubas believe in helping one another. Feature in mine and I will feature in yours which doesn’t happen in English Nollywood movies.

Yoruba movie industry is always based on relationships which is killing the business aspect of the industry. It’s one of the things I’m not happy about. You call me for a role and you want to pay me 200k for a role I should collect like 1million for. It’s not nice. And if I agree to do it for 200k that means I will call you to do mine for me for that amount.

So professionally the English part of the industry has the edge

They are not doing anything spectacular. We have a better story line. But we need to invest. They are investing their money in it. That is all they are doing. Absolutely, nothing else. So we need to cut our low budget productions. If you want to produce like five films in a year, reduce it to two or one, put your money together and produce that just one film and make it a standard one.

I’ve not seen any Yoruba movie in the cinema yet.

There are Yoruba movies in cinema. Yes. Some Southwest cinemas take it from us but if it’s not like 70% English and 30% Yoruba, some cinemas like Silverbird will not accept it from you.

You’re planning on working on cinema movie. Would you be producing a full length Yoruba movie?

Most definitely. I won’t want to do that because even this life, you have to mix both Yoruba and English together.

Are you a twin because people call you Ejire?

Yes, I am. I have a twin sister. We look alike but not very identical.

eniola ajao twin sister

Entertainment

15 Nollywood Actors Who Have Dig Into Politics [SEE LIST]

Over the years, many Nollywood actors and actresses in the country have been invited by their state governments to receive political nominations while some have knowingly delved into politics with the hope to serve the people.

We brings you 15 Nollywood actors who have either run for offices or have been appointed.

1. Femi Adebayo

In February 2016, popular Yoruba Nollywood actor Femi Adebayo was made the Special Adviser to the Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed on Arts, Culture and Tourism. Although the actor was appointed in 2016, he is currently contesting for the post of a senator in the upcoming elections. The actor who hails from Kwara made his interest known in representing Asa/Ilorin West at the Nigerian National Assembly delegation from his state.

2. Ini Edo

Nollywood Actress Ini Edo Reportedly Welcomes New Baby (See Baby Daddy) — Ini Edo

Ini Edo is a professional actress, movie producer, and director. She is one of the actresses that has held a political position.

In 2016, the beautiful actress was appointed as the Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on culture and tourism

Ini Edo’s appointment was renewed in 2020 when Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, current governor of Akwa Ibom State, was re-elected into office.

3. Banky W

Nigerian singer, rapper, actor, entrepreneur and politician Olubankole Wellington aka Banky W On November 11, 2018, Banky W declared his intention to run for the Lagos’ Eti-Osa Federal Constituency seat in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, on the platform of Modern Democratic Party (MDP), formed in 2017. On February 23, 2019, Bankole Wellington lost the Eti-Osa Federal Constituency elections to Babajide Obanikoro of the All Progressive Congress (APC).

4. Zubby Michael

Zubby Michael is a talented Nigerian actor and media personality who has impressed lots of entertainment lovers with his unique talents and creativity.

In 2019, Zubby was appointed by the current Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano as the Special Adviser on Media to the Governor.

5. Desmond Elliot

Desmond Oluwashola Elliot is a famous Nigerian movie star, who has featured in many Nollywood blockbuster movies, television shows and soap operas. He was elected as a lawmaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Surulere Constituency, in 2015.

6. Kate Henshaw

On 19 July 2014, Nollywood actress Kate Henshaw officially unveiled her campaign website as she was aspiring to represent Calabar Municipal/Odukpani Federal constituency under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party. Kate Henshaw lost the primary election to Rt. Hon Essien Ayi but was appointed as Special Advicer Liaison, Lagos by the Cross River State Governor Ben Ayade in December 2015. Recently, she recounted how she spent N35 million to chase her ambition to become a member of the House of Representatives and her regrets.

7. Bob Manuel

Bob-Manuel Udokwu is a veteran Nollywood actor who contested for the position of house of assembly for the Idemili North Local Government Area for Anambra state in 2015.

He was appointed into the cabinet of Anambra State governor, Chief Willie Obiano, as the Senior Special Assistant on Movie/Entertainment.

8. RMD

Nollywood veteran actor, Richard Mofe-Damijo was appointed as the Special Adviser of Culture and Tourism to the then Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan in 2008, later on became the commissioner for Culture and Tourism of Delta State, Nigeria in 2009. His tenure ended in 2015.

9. Hilda Dokubo

Ace Actress, Hilda Dokubo was one of the first Nigerian celebrities to get into the political game. She was appointed Special Adviser on Youth Affairs to the former Rivers state governor, Peter Odili in the early 2000’s.

10. Mercy Johnson

Mercy Johnson Shares New Set Footage, Says She’s ‘Doing What I Love To Do Best’ (Video) — Mercy Johnson

On March 15th 2017, Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson-Okojie was appointed a Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello on Entertainment, Arts and Culture.

11. Nkiru Sylvanus

Nkiru Sylvanus was one of the first set of celebrities to venture into politics. In 2011, she was appointed the Special Adviser on Lagos Affairs to the Imo State Government. She was later made Special Adviser on Public Relations to the same state Government.

12. Kanayo O. Kanayo

Kanayo O Kanayo joined the then ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and had his eyes on the seat of House of Representatives, member for Ahiazu/Ezinihite Mbaise Federal Constituency in 2011. However, he lost in the primary election.

13. Funke Adesiyan

Funke Adesiyan is a Nollywood actress who contested for the Ibadan South-East constituency seat in the Oyo State House of Assembly. The actress won the Oyo State House of Assembly primary election on the platform of the PDP in 2014.

At the time, she was the second entertainer to win a primary election after Desmond Elliot who set the pace by winning the APC primary election for the Lagos State House of Assembly. While Desmond won his election, Funke lost to her APC opponent by a large margin

In 2019, Funke Adesiyan was appointed as one of the political aides to the first lady, Aisha Buhari

14. Kenneth Okonkwo

Nollywood actor, Kenneth Okonkwo who was interested in Nsukka/Igbo Eze south Federal Constituency backed out of the PDP primaries in December 2014. In 2019, he declared his intention to run for Governor of Enugu State at the next election.

15. Bukky Wright

Entertainment

Popular Nollywood Actor, Kunle Afolayan Shares His ‘young shall grow’ Photos

Veteran Nollywood actor Kunle Afolayan has got many talking as he shares his ‘young shall grow’ photos online.

The award-winning actor compiled different photos of his childhood and how he started his career and grew to stardom.

Kunle Afolayan shared the photos on his Instagram page with a grateful emoji.

He wrote: MAAMI WE FIGHT ALL THE TIME BUT, I STILL REMEMBER BISKITI ONIYO (TUC) as you call it when you buy for me.

I still remember EWA OTILI AND EPO IKETE THAT YOU BRING FROM OYO FROM MAAMI AGBA BEFORE SHE DIED, I REMEMBER EGUSI WITHOUT MEAT OR FISH, BUT YOU MAKE IT WORTH IT BY MOLDING the SAME EGUSI LIKE MEAT AND STILL SHEAR ONE INTO 3 FOR ME AND MY BROTHERS.

I remember when you use to do OMOODOR YOU WILL SLEEP UNDER THE STAIRCASE AND COVER WITH YOUR IRO ASO. I remember when we used to live in ILE PAKO AYINDE STREETS, where termites have eaten all the plank.

You have to use my father’s film poster to cover all the plank walls like it’s a wallpaper maami brilliant, I remember how you will give Malam pashi paro your clothe, instead of collecting BASIA BIG BUCKET, you will take money to buy BEANS AT OYINGBO MARKET FOR US TO EAT.

Thank you so much. I wish I have money to build you a house right now but Rara ooo, I never get it, but I REMEMBER YOU TODAY.

Entertainment

Nigerian Couple Welcome Four Children At Once After 16 Years of Marriage (Photos)

God hɑs finɑlly ɑnswered the prɑyers of ɑ couple froм ɑnɑмbrɑ Stɑte ɑnd Ƅlessed theм with quɑdruplets ɑfter 16 yeɑrs of мɑrriɑge ɑnd struggling for ɑ .

The joyous new pɑrents of quɑdruplets, identified ɑs Chikɑ ɑnd Chinyere Nwokike, welcoмed two Ƅoys ɑnd two girls ɑfter sixteen yeɑrs of lessness.

ɑ priest with the Cɑtholic ɑrchdiocese of Onitshɑ, Reʋ. Fr. OƄuм Mɑrtin, who shɑred the good news on his FɑceƄook pɑge, stɑted strongly thɑt fɑith neʋer fɑils ɑnd congrɑtulɑted the couple for their steɑdfɑstness ɑnd pɑtience in мɑrriɑge.

“#Godisfɑithful #16yeɑrsPɑtienceWɑiting #ItsQuɑdruplets. Greɑt is God’s grɑce ɑnd мercy. When I look ɑt this fɑмily ɑnd these Ƅeɑutiful gifts, I reмeмƄer the Words of God in HɑƄɑkkuk,”

“For still the ʋision ɑwɑits its tiмe; it hɑstens to the end- it will not lie.If it seeм slow, wɑit for it; it will surely coмe, it will not delɑy.”

“Congrɑtulɑtions to мy Ƅeloʋed friends Chikɑ Nwokike ɑnd Chinyere Nwokike. Your fɑith ɑnd pɑtience wɑiting on the Lord for 16yeɑrs plus hɑs Ƅeen rewɑrded with these precious gifts with no surgery or stress…ɑll giʋen within less thɑn 15 мinutes. It’s ɑмɑzing ɑnd cɑn only Ƅe descriƄed ɑs Grɑce~Work.”