Government’s ₦300m Nollywood fund ready for disbursement

The ₦300 million capacity building fund for the Nigerian film industry is ready for disbursement to qualified practitioners.

Its website will be launched and activated as from noon today. The website is www.projectactnollywood.com.ng.

A statement by Paul Nwabuikwu, the Special Adviser to the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, said this “signals the commencement of the fund, as corporate and individual practitioners in various aspects of movie craft and production can apply for various specified grants under the fund to boost their skills and capacity”.

The statement added: “The Capacity Building Fund, which was announced recently as the first part of the ₦3 billion support fund for Nollywood, was pledged by President Goodluck Jonathan.”

The fund, it added, is the first in a series of initiatives planned under Project ACT Nollywood, comprising two components.

I Did Not Break Up With Yvonne Nelson because of Tonto Dikeh – Iyanya Reveals [ VIDEO]

Kukere crooner Iyanya recently spoke on his relationship with Yvonne Nelson and Tonto Dikeh in the show, Rubbin’ Minds, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.

Iyanya, who was evasive to Ebuka’s questions said his Tim Westwood’s freestyling was not targeted at Yvonne Nelson; that ‘your waist’ freestyle was done a month to Yvonne’s interview and the song was not written for her rather for his fans.

Do you believe him? Well, the singer said he dont lie because ‘his grandfather is a Reverend’.

When asked if his relationship with Yvonne ended because of Tonto – Iyanya said “Tonto Dikeh was not in the picture; i did not break up with Yvonne because of Tonto… i didn’t date Tonto, she is just somebody i respect”

“I am single and concentrating on my music and that’s it,” he added.

Check out the interview.

3 Students, Pregnant Woman Die In Auto Crash

Three students of a privately owned computer school around Mosogar, Delta State and a pregnant woman were yesterday killed in auto crash along the expressway after the Toyota Corolla car they were on-board with registration number AA 231 XX heading towards Warri in the early hours had its front tire burst.

Eye witness said the accident occurred when the vehicle which was on high speed attempted to overtake a trailer heading towards Warri and as a result of the burst of the front tire the car somersaulted into the bush.

The driver however was said to have survived the accident.

Residents who spoke on condition of anonymity have berated drivers over reckless driving on the expressway adding that several accidents have occurred in the area due to reckless driving and over speeding.

I’m Single, Karrueche and Rihanna Are ‘Good Friends’ – Chris Brown

R&B singer Chris Brown has confessed that he isn’t dating anybody at the moment and is enjoying being single.

The 24-year-old says he needs some time for himself and is avoiding dating anyone right now; but is on friendly terms with his ex-girlfriends, reported Hollywood Life.

"Fans have seen me on and off again with different girls, you know who they are, but right now, as a 24-year-old man, I just choose to be single," he said.

"I’m still good friends with them. Now it`s just me being focused with my music and doing this stuff. Right now, I`m in my prime," he added.

MBGN, Anna Banner Becomes Governor’s aide

It is no longer news that 18-year-old Anna Ebiere Banner, who contested as Miss Bayelsa was crowned the 26th Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria. What is news is that the Governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson has made the beauty queen an honorary special assistant on tourism and culture.

According to the Governor, “we are doing this to demonstrate our commitment to tourism development as another avenue for generating revenue outside oil. We look forward to hosting the MGBN annually and winners will be cultural ambassadors of our state”.

Double congrats to Anna Banner 

“I refused calls to condemn TB Joshua” – Archbishop Duncan-Williams

Archbishop Nicholas Duncan-Williams, the General overseer of the Christian Action Faith Ministries has said he won’t succumb to pressure to condemn Prophet TB Joshua, following the death of four people in a holy water stampede at Joshua’s church in Ghana few months ago.

“Somebody called me recently and said what do you think about…people rushing to a place over holy water and dying and all that; we need you to say something; you have to speak up; you have to make a statement and I said ‘no’, I don’t make comments on matters like that”, Duncan-Williams told his congregation in a recent sermon which was replayed on Radio XYZ’s ‘Voice of Action’ Christian Programme on Sunday July 21.

He said: “I am not called to insult and to attack people”. The cleric said he believed that: “That which is of God shall stand and what is not of God shall fail, so I don’t insult people, I don’t

PHOTOS: US Based Nollywood Actor Chet Anekwe weds Rebekah Walker in Michigan

Nigerian born award winning actor and film maker, Chet Bashari Anekwe, whose work spans Hollywood, Nollywood and the New York Theatre, married his longtime girlfriend, Rebekah Walker Saturday July 20th in Detroit, Michigan, US.

Stella Damasus and her lover, Daniel Ademinokan both attended the Chet Anekwe’s private wedding in company of few friends and some Nollywood actors in U.S.

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New Music Video: Reminisce ft Olamide & Endia – Government

PHOTOS: Nollywood Actress Rukky Sanda Causes Commotion with Exposed Boobs

Rukky Sanda arrived at the Lagos premiere of Yvonne Nelson’s movie in a dress that reveals a significant part of her boobs – apparently she was not wearing a bra.

As usual, those who have eyes to see started staring at her and the actress was forced to use her hands to close her cleavage.

Na wa!!! Why the covering – was that not the motive of rocking a dress that shows your cleavage?

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Beyonce’s Fan Fainted After The Singer Touched His Hands [VIDEO]

It appears the bootylicious singer has some form of ‘anointing’ that she is not even aware of – that ‘unction’ fell on one of her fans recently.

During a stop on her Mrs. Carter World Tour, the singer grabbed the hand of a fan who was in the front row while she was performing her song Irreplaceable.

In reaction to her grip, the male fan began shaking uncontrollably. Beyonce then stopped singing so she can give a hug to the die-hard fan.

"I love you so much," he said after the embrace.

It seems the moment was too much for the fan to take. He appeared to faint right after.

Nollywood Actress Taiwo Aromokun Gives Birth To Twins Baby In London

Nollywood Yoruba actress Taiwo Aromokun who got a surprise baby shower party from her twin sister and close friends few weeks ago has given birth to a set of twins.

According to information from London, UK, the talented actress gave birth to two boys on Saturday the 20th of July in a UK-based medical facility.

We learnt the Lust star’s actress travelled to the UK fews days after her baby shower for medical checkup and since then she hasn’t returned back.

Her twin sister based in Nigeria and her family members are currently jubilating over Taiwo Aromokun‘s twins baby delivery.

The mother and her newborn babies are said to be in good condition.

The actress got married to her Ogun-born fiance, Olayemi Abimbola on boxing day (Dec 26, 2012) in Surulere area of Lagos.

19 year old Kevine Bikebi Crowned Miss Congo UK 2013

19 year old Kevine Bikebi was crowned Miss Congo UK 2013 in front of a capacity filled venue. The magnificent event took place at the Stratford Town Hall London yesterday the 20th of July 2013. Judges on the Night included Sporah Njau of the Sporah show and Jaqueline Wabara (CEO Miss Nubian Pageant UK).

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Anna Ebiere Banner wins Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2013

The 26th edition of the beauty pageant took place in Yenogoa, Bayelsa yesterday, 20th of July, 2013 and 18-year-old Anna Ebiere representing Bayelsa State was crowned the winner.

She will represent Nigeria at the Miss World pageant later this year.

BBA: Evicted Ghanaian Rep, Selly denies having infected Nando with STI

Evicted Ghanaian representative in the ongoing BBA-The Chase reality show, Selly Ghalley has denied allegations made by Tanzania’s rep Nando that he contracted a sexually transmitted infection (STI) after having unprotected sex with her. Selly also disclosed plans to sue Tanzanian representative Nando soon.

This is contrary to what Nando told Bimp earlier; “You know I hate that . . . (Selly)! I’m bleeping frustrated because that . . . gave me an STD. That’s why my blood pressure was high yesterday,” Nando said.

According to Selly in a press conference yesterday, "all these things that I heard when I came out of the house, I was in the house and I didn't know about it so I couldn't defend myself.

As to the STI allegations that he is making, right now for me I'm just waiting for Nando to come out [so I can] ask him how he got the STI because I have been tested and I do not have any background of STIs/STDs so I do not know how Nando contracted the disease that he claims he has."

NEW MUSIC VIDEO: Timaya - Ekoloma Demba

“Let the people who are laughing at me continue laughing” – Funke Akindele

Star actress Funke Akindele, has finally spoken out about his failed marriage and warned those who are making fun of her to continue.

The producer of the massively successful movie, Jenifa, had earlier released a press statement, in which she confirmed that her union to Kehinde Oloyede was over.

However, to further clarify the situation, she granted an interview to National Encomium.

“First of all let me clarify that I have not replied any SMS or spoken to anyone on this development before now and neither have I threatened to sue anyone,” she said.

“I do not know who sent out that SMS denying that my marriage is over. That was what

PHOTOS: Emma Nyra’s Surprise Birthday Party

Emma Nyra’s surprise birthday party took place last night at the Brasserie restaurant at 4 points.

Check out photos of Don Jazzy, Dr Sid and others at the party.

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Kenyans Tear Down The Newly Crowned Miss Kenya 2013 for being ‘Teethy’

Last week, 23-year-old Linguistic student, Miss Sherry Wangui Gitonga was crowned Miss World Kenya 2013 at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.

From the day she was crowned to date, Sherry has not had it easy with her fellow country men – before she could settle down to her new status, she is already a victim of cyber bullying.

Most of her haters, who believe she doesn’t deserve the crown, took to twitter to blast the beauty queen – incidentally, their comment resolves around her dentition.

Check out some comments:

“I won't make fun of miss kenya for my safety i'm sure she's armed to teeth”

“Miss Kenya's front teeth are big enough to move out and start a life on their own”

“Miss Kenya 2013 is the reason Obama did not come to Kenya”

Maybe Klint de drunk was right when he said “beauty is now in the hands of the beer holder”

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Nollywood Twins, Chidinma and Chidiebere Aneke Release Promo Pictures

The Bollywood, nay Nollywood stars released some promo shots with striking poses.

Check them out!

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IK Osakioduwa and Toolz cover July Issue Of Complete Fashion Magazine

Big Brother Africa Host IK Osakioduwa and Beat FM OAP Toolz graces the cover of the monthly edition Of Complete Fashion Magazine.

Edo police parade pastor who defiled two 11-yr-old girls

The Edo State Police Command, Thursday, paraded 32 suspected criminals involved in robbery, kidnapping, cultism, including one Eze Fidelis, a pastor with a Pentecostal church in Abudu, Orhiomnwon Local Government Council, who defiled two underage girls.

Among the suspects were also three rapists and four persons including a woman involved in robbing unsuspecting passengers using commercial vehicles (popularly known as one chance).

The Edo State Police Commissioner, Mr Funso Adebanjo, who paraded them, yesterday, also displayed cache of arms recovered from the suspects.

CP Adebanjo who said the command had apprehended over 90 suspected robbers and kidnappers in the past one month, lamented rising cases of defilement of minors in the state. He warned residents to be wary of the latest trends whereby people use taxis to rob unsuspecting passengers.

Caroline Ekanem To Star in Real Housewives Of Lagos

There are fresh indications that Nollywood actress, Caroline Ekanem Danjuma has been tipped to be a part of the drama cum reality TV show, The Real Housewives of Lagos. Caroline, who has been off the scene for a while, is married to Musa Danjuma, the wealthy younger brother of business tycoon and former minister of defence, General TY Danjuma.

Meanwhile, earlier reports suggested that Oyin, one of the daughters of Business Mogul, Otunba Mike Adenuga, would be making her acting debut on the drama series.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed while the list unfolds

Mercy Johnson’s hips are just learning where mine are – Crystal Okoye

In a recent interview with Vanguard, a Nollywood wannabe, Crystal Okoye stated she has the best figure in the make-belive industry; that her hips would scare the likes of Mercy Johnson. According to the story, she is 20-something and has done 18 movies with more than 5 of those as the leading character. Crystal is also a 300 level student of Public Administration at the Nnamdi Azikwe University, Anambra State.

Check out an excerpt

What has worked for you in the industry; your talent or beauty?

I will say both. Before then I used to look at myself in the mirror and tell myself “Crystal, you are beautiful”. I am beautiful. I am well-shaped. I have straight legs. I decided to come into the industry, not just with my physical attributes but also because of my talents.

In Nollywood, you may be beautiful but if you are not talented you can’t get any where but I thank God I have everything. The talent, the beauty, the figure and everything. In Nollywood, beauty and talent goes hand in hand.

Coscharis Apapa warehouse razed, goods worth billions lost

An early morning inferno, Thursday, razed a warehouse belonging to Coscharis Group located at the Kirikiri Industrial, Mazamaza, Area of Lagos State, destroying property worth billions of naira.

The warehouse was used for storing computer equipment, Abro Petrochemical products, vehicles and inverter batteries, auto spare parts, motorcycles and tires.

Workers of the company said goods worth billions of naira were destroyed by the fire that reportedly started about 4am.

By the time firefighters from the Lagos State Fire Service and the Nigerian Navy arrived the scene; the fire grown which they battled with for over five hours.

Materials such as computer equipment, petrochemical products, vehicles, inverter batteries, auto spare parts, motorcycles and tyres, stored in the warehouse, were also said to have escalated the intensity of the fire.

20-yr-old school dropout stabs school prefect to death

A 20-year-old man Godwin Odu, has been arrested by the police in Calabar for allegedly stabbing Boniface Odinaka, a student of Army Day Secondary School, 3 Amphibious Brigade, Eburutu Barracks, Calabar to death.

Odinaka, who was the Labour Prefect of the school, was attacked for confiscating the sandals of another student, Francis Etim.

He was said to have engaged the services of Odu who was his friend and an alleged cultist.

Odu who is from Akwa Ibom State, is currently detained at the state Criminal Investigation Department, CID, Diamond Hill, Calabar.

On why he killed Odinaka, he said his friend, Francis Etim, asked him to assist him recover a pair of sandals which Odinaka seized over alleged improper dressing.

Asked if he knew the name of the Labour Prefect, Odu said they laid ambush with Etim for Odinaka at the school gate waiting for closing hour when students were returning home.

In a statement at the Homicide Unit of the state CID, Odu confirmed that he attacked Odinaka from the rear and as the SSS II boy struggled to free himself, it resulted to a fight which caused his death.