AT LAST ! STAR ACTRESS STEPHNORA OKERE OPENS UP ABOUT HER ERSTWHILE AFFAIR WITH JIM IYKE

Although talented actress StephNora Okere and star actor Jim Iyke’s love affair ended several years ago,many in the showbiz industry still make reference to the affair and still wonder why it never led to the duo marrying each other.

Jim and Steph had the best of times then. They were one of the hottest 'lovebirds' in Nollywood.

But the whole thing packed up based on allegations and counter allegations of infidelity.Steph also alleged that Jim was always beating her while the romance lasted.

Unlucky in love, Steph, as colleagues call her, has had relationships, some people say, with the wrong men.

The list includes Tony One Week, erratic and violent Jim Iyke who used to batter her on the streets and finally a marriage with Yoruba heartbreak kid Lanre Falana, which finally led to what she has called a marriage in process that never came through.

Now free from all enncumberances. Steph seems to be getting her groove back.

In a recent interview, StephNora Okere went down memory lane on her erstwhile affair with controversial actor Jim Iyke,although she denied the allegations of battering.

I have consciously tried not to say anything about Jim Iyke. It’s not because I feel bad. I’m just not the kiss and tell type. I respect what we had, and the way it went. I don’t talk about Jim Iyke; I don’t give it an audience.

The last movie I shot in 2008, he was one of my cast. He acted in my movie. I paid him. That is enough to show that we don’t have a sour relationship. There was no wahala. We talked about it and both of us went about our separate ways. Jim is one person I am very happy for.

There are some people that you encounter in your life that you appreciate who they are and if you move on, you know you have moved on. That doesn’t mean you have to start throwing tantrums everywhere. There is really no reason to do that. I am happy for him and I am happy for who he is. So why should it be that anytime there is an interview, the question is always “Jim this, Jim that.” I don’t really have to talk about the guy. He didn’t do anything bad to me, and if you ask him, I didn’t do anything bad to him either. What happened between us was really a case of two consenting adults; I got married after that and he went on with his career. If you ask him, he doesn’t want to talk about me too. There is really nothing there to talk about. It was the press who tried to make issues out of it. When two people split, must there be an issue? There is no issue, unless you want to make one up. If he remembers, I told him “you have a very long way to go”. And, today, he’s not doing badly. And I am very happy for him. As an actor, he is okay.

'I FEAR I'LL DIE LIKE PRINCESS DIANA' - LADY GAGA

Controversial and weird US singer Lady Gaga says she is writing a song about the late British Royal Lady Diana who died in a car accident in Paris in 1997.

She has also added that she fears she may end up losing her life in a similar fashion.

A source told The Sun newspaper: ‘Gaga has always been absolutely engrossed in the life of Diana and sees herself as a 21st-century incarnation of her’.

‘She knows she is almost as recognizable as Diana and is hounded by photographers and fans on the same level. Gaga has had dreams about dying the same way as her and has genuine fears that her fame could literally kill her, either in a chase or at the hands of crazies’, the source was quoted to have said.

Gaga’s earlier single, ‘Paparazzi‘, was also about the perils of celebrity and was also written with the tragic figure of Diana in mind.

The pop superstar has said: ‘Diana was the most iconic martyr of fame. She died because of it‘,

It was recalled that on August 31 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales, died as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident in the Pont de l’Alma road tunnel in Paris, at the age of 36.

NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS CHIKA IKE ESCAPES DEATH IN GHASTLY MOTOR ACCIDENT

Sultry Nollywood actress, Chika Ike, has cheated death as she recently survived an auto crash that would have claimed her life.

The actress was said to be returning from a movie location with her driver when her wine colour 2010 Honda CRV car crashed and damaged beyond repairs.

According to the actress, who just opened a multi-million naira fashion store in Abuja, “I can’t explain how I escaped unhurt because everybody that came to the accident scene could not believe the occupants of the vehicle survived. I just thank God for the grace.”

Naijapals gathered that Chika is currently planning to hold a special thanksgiving service in her church.

Meanwhile, fans and colleagues of the actress have continued to send her congratulatory messages, thanking God for averting another calamity that would have befallen the motion picture industry.

TOP ACTRESS FUNKE AKINDELE OPENS UP ABOUT KLIN DETERGENT DEAL

Multi talented actress Funke Akindele popularly known as Jenifa is not resting on her oars but rather she’s moving from grace to grace.

The actress who has been in the entertainment industry for some time now started her movie career with “ I Need To Know”, a sitcom which was common back in the days before moving on to movies which has now become her selling point.

Last week, a new commercial of ‘So Klin’ detergent was unveiled to members of the press by Eko Supreme which featured Funke Akindele as the lead character.

The commercial is a promotional tool for the scratch and win promo by Eko Supreme.

In a recent interview,Funke opens up about her endorsement I feel happy that I was called to endorse the promo.50 people are to win N15 million aside the consolation prizes.

So Klin,good mama.So Klin protects,it’s a good product and it’s all over the market.I make use of the product,it’s also a plus for me.

They felt I am synonymous with success and they know that I can cut across the people since I am doing well and people are ever ready to listen to Funke Akindele.

My role is to present award to the winner of So Klin,then welcome the new millionaires to the team.Also for commercials.

Being a celebrity attracts a lot of things,things don’t come easy.There are lots of ups and downs but the good news is after your hard work,you begin to enjoy the good things that come out of it.Then,you become public figure and people get to respect you.

What have learnt about success is that you can never please everybody,so all you have to do is be yourself.Always make yourself happy and never mind what people say about you.Always make good use of the opportunity that comes your way.

It is not easy to manage success,there are a lot of people who are waiting for your downfall.With God all things are possible.Always be natural and be positive.

Asked,some guys are scared of women who are more successful than them,don’t you think guys will be scared of you;she responded No ! As for me,I believe that was then.No guy wants a liability.

They rather encourage their women and also support every effort they make.Except you want to be a gold digger.Behind every successful woman there is a man.

OBASANJO SPOTTED AT PASTOR CHRIS OYAKHILOME's BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

The MoG held his birthday party yesterday Dec 8th at his church auditorium. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo and Gov. Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta state were in attendance.

EDI LAWANI HONOURED AT SOUTH-SOUTH MUSIC AWARDS

Popular event manager and showbiz veteran Edi Lawani was last weekend, honoured with a ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award at the 2011 edition of the South-South Music Awards.

Lawani who over the years has shown exemplary and commendable work as a technical and events expert, was honoured for his ‘immense contribution to entertainment in Nigeria’.

‘I’m very glad to receive this award, I feel honoured and I promise to spend the next five years working to make entertainment in Benin bigger than it is’, Lawani gladly said as he picked up his award.

The awards show as announced earlier took place on Sunday, December 4, 2011 at the Oba Akenzua Cultural Centre in Benin City.

The event was attended by top Benin acts such as Cyrus da Virus, Bigg Splash, Slizzy E, Black IQ as well as notable artistes who flew in from Lagos: Kas, Gino, Sossick, Wizboyy, Oritse Femi, Vector, Harrysong with the last three having the best performances of the night.

Veteran 90’s singer Felix Lebarty who made a special appearance with his wife also made a presentation.

CHILD POSTED FACEBOOK MESSAGES BEFORE BEIGN SHOT BY MOTHER AT WELFARE OFFICE

Ramie Grimmer, 12, died of a gunshot wound Wednesday, at a San Antonio hospital. Her mother, Rachelle Grimmer, 38, shot her in a Texas welfare office. Also shot was 10 year-old brother, Timothy Grimmer (in critical condition.) Grimmer ended the stand-off by shooting herself. Grimmer had been trying to secure food stamps for months prior to the shooting. It is believed that she intended to start a “situation” with authorities, thus arming herself before entering the welfare facility. During a seven-hour standoff with police, Ramie sent messages to her Facebook wall.

Ramie posted “may die 2day.” The Facebook page has been removed for security and investigative reasons. In its place is a dedication page to the young girl. Her postings, via mobile phone, allegedly logged the events that occurred during the stand-off. There is no public record of the messages except for the ominous posting “may die 2day.”

Rachelle Grimmer was angry when she was refused food stamps and took over the welfare office. Her former mother-in-law, Mary Lee Shepherd, described Grimmer as “having mental problems.” She stated that the woman had more “issues than trying to feed her family.”

Shepherd’s son, Dale Grimmer, was flying from his home in Montana to help the children. The two had been divorced “six or seven” years ago; stated Mary Lee Shepherd. Shepherd told authorities; “my son knew she was mentally ill and tried to get her help.”

Grimmer had failed twice to provide information on the application for food stamps. Texas Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman Stephanie Goodman stated “we were still waiting and if we had that (the information Grimmer failed to provide), I don’t know if she would qualify or not.” Her case was closed for lack of communication, information and failure show up at the office in mid-August.

Before 5 pm, December 5th, Grimmer walked into the Laredo office. She asked to speak to a new caseworker. Twenty-five other people were in the main office when Grimmer and her children were taken into a private room. It was in the room that Grimmer produced the gun.

Grimmer kept hanging up on local authorities as they tried to calm her down through a series of phone calls. Laredo police investigator Joe Baeza stated that it wasn’t clear what specifically triggered the standoff. Police were waiting outside the building and entered when three shots were heard. Grimmer died instantly; the two children were in very-critical condition. Ramie died on Wednesday. Her haunting last words were viewed by friends and family via Facebook.

50 CENT TO RELEASE WORKOUT "FORMULA 50: A 6-WEEK TOTAL BODY TRANSFORMATION PLAN"

Following the release of "Playground" and "The 50th Law," Fif will add another book to his resume.

50 Cent has been staying on the entrepreneurial grind, launching his Street King initiative and SMS Audio headphones. Now, he’s once again focusing on his publishing career, announcing the release of his fitness book Formula 50: A 6-Week Total Body Transformation Plan.

According to a press release, the book focuses on metabolic resistance training (MRT), a medium between cardio and muscle building. It also offers nutritional advice and “helps readers develop the mental toughness and motivation to stick with the plan.”

“I am delighted to work with the Penguin Group USA again. I had a strong desire to write this book because is very important to me to help people make positive changes and take charge of their overall health. FORMULA 50 is a radical six week mind-body transformation plan geared to help readers develop mental toughness to achieve optimum results while offering a nutrition component,” said Fif.

Formula 50 is scheduled for release in January 2013 via Avery Books.

NNEKA, NIGERIA SONGWRITER TO RELEASE "SOUL IS HEAVY" ON FEBRUARY 28, 2012

New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ Girlie Action Media & Marketing) Soul is Heavy is the new album from the award winning Nigerian songwriter, Nneka. An effortlessly balanced combination of hip hop beats, reggae grooves, brass riffs and African-pop are the canvas for the motif of love, pain, politics and God.
Respective albums have earned Nneka the moniker of 21st Century Soul for their sincerity and frankness and this, her third album, is no different. Featuring guest collaborations with The Roots' Black Thought ('God Knows Why') and Ms. Dynamite ('Sleep') Soul Is Heavyfurther affirms her credentials as a fast-rising star of black-consciousness music.

"Our girl Nneka is the greatest… this afro-soul rump-shaker is pure hotness"
- Rolling Stone

"One of the best soul singers to emerge in the past few years"
- The Times of London

"Nas and Marley (Distant Relatives) offer nothing but praise for Nneka"
- in an interview for Prefix Magazine

Nneka's natural energy channels hope and optimism throughout her writing ('Shining Star'), but her signature steeliness and stark life observations are maintained ('No Doubt'). This isn't an album that has to be pretentious to stand out. It is real, honest, true to itself and bursting with feeling.

Soul is Heavy is both affirmative and compelling in addressing the tough realities and uncomfortable truths of modern politics - both personal ('Stay') and international ('Soul is Heavy') - and adding credence to the Lauryn Hill / Erykah Badu references so often cited in comparison of her.

A majority of the album has once again been produced by close friend and co-writer DJ Farhot, and mixed by Tom Elmhirst and Philippe Weiss whose recent credits include Amy Winehouse, Adele, Cee Lo Green and Wyclef Jean.

Since the release of her last album, Concrete Jungle, Nneka has had an incredibly active tour schedule, performing over 150 shows for over 500,000 people. Appearances at SXSW and on the David Letterman show, Glastonbury and Newport Folk Festival were recent highlights, in addition to supporting Lenny Kravitz, Nas & Damian Marley ("Distant Relatives"), The Roots, Gnarls Barkley.

FINIDI GEORGE WARNS NIGERIA COACH STEPHEN KESHI OFF OLD HANDS

Finidi George has told Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi not to focus on Yakubu Ayegbeni and John Utaka as he seeks to rebuild the national team.

Keshi has expressed his happiness at the good form of Yakubu at Blackburn Rovers and Utaka at Montpellier, hinted at recalling them into the national team if they keep up their performances.

But both Utaka and Yakubu are 29 years old.

And while George acknowledges the need for experienced players to be included, the retired winger also believes Keshi should be looking to blood the next generation of Super Eagles.

"The coach must invite players on current form if we must qualify for any major tournament in the coming year but he mustn't rely on Utaka and Ayegbeni alone to turn the fortunes of the team around," Finidi told Complete Sports.

"I don't think we should give up on young players coming up in the team."

"Why must our own country be different when other countries are turning to youths and getting results and we believe Utaka and Yakubu can revamp the national team?"

Both players have been frozen out of the national team since Nigeria's poor showing at the 2010 World Cup, but the two have insisted they still have a part to play for their country.

STEPHANIE OKEREKE DAZZLES AT THE KANEKALON'S 2ND NIGHT OF 1000 BRAIDS SPECIAL EVENT IN LAGOS

On Friday, November 25th 2011,Kaneka Corporation Japan, makers of the world’s finest fibre held the second edition of the glamorous Kanekalon Night of thousand braids at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites Victoria Island, Lagos with the brand ambassador Ms. Stephanie Okereke in attendance amongst industry leaders’, high society and celebrities.

The purpose of the event is to celebrate Nigerian women who have made Kanekalon a part of their lives over the years, and creates fashionable hair styles using the product to make beautiful hair statements.

According to the Executive Officer, Kaneka Corporation, Mr. Hidesuki Amachi, “We have always held our consumers close to our heart by bringing out their true beauty and we feel this event is the best platform where we can demonstrate our appreciation towards them. That is, our 1000 braids event is designed to thank customers for their patronage of Kanekalon products during the year”

Major highlights of the event include a performance by the sensational Mo Hit artiste Dr. Sid, a fashion show by reputable fashion designers from the stable of Regalia, Modela and Richlooks fashion houses, a hair show segment managed by Salon de Eve the winner of last year’s Kanekalon Braids Parade. Other attractions were hair clinic presentation by the CEO of Studio One Plus and makeup tips by Bayo Adeagbe, an outstanding dance drama choreographed by Black Image dance group and live band entertainment was provided by Terrymore International which made the event extremely enjoyable and full of fun. The show was anchored by popular comedian Koffi and on-air radio personality, Matse.

Guests were also charmed by Kanekalon brand ambassador, Stephanie Okereke, who, in her speech told the audience of how it was a great privilege to represent something a lot of African beauties can relate to.

"I am very happy to endorse 100% Kanekalon hair extension. Kaneka Corporation operates to the highest standards of hair extensions...”.- she said

Kaneka Corporation has been actively participating in the hair industry/market starting from last year’s regional hair competition which was initiated to reward hairstylists across Nigeria: ‘Kanekalon Naija Hair Parade’, an initiative celebrating Nigeria’s 50th Independence Anniversary through a hair competition followed by the Initial version of Kanekalon Night of thousand braids.

This year, 2011 saw yet another success with the just concluded salon storm which reached over 30,000 salon guests’, and this second edition of Kanekalon Night of thousand braids.

BRAD PITT WANTS JENNIFER ANISTON DINNER TO MEET JUSTIN THEROUX BRAD PITT WANTS JENNIFER ANISTON DINNER TO MEET JUSTIN THEROUX

It seems that with Christmas just around the corner, the actor he is filled with the spirit of peace and love and wanted to bury any dispute you may have. The first thing that has come to mind is to reconnect with his ex-wife, asking her to spend a few days together. What will be brought up to?

It has been six years since Brad Pitt left Jennifer Aniston side engraved on the front leaving the gold single sign par excellence. Since then, the Friends actress has not lifted her head in this love.

Yes, things have changed in the lives of Jen and a new beau has crept into his life making the illusion back again. Justin TherouxJustin Theroux is called and she is the reason that Brad Pitt wants to reconcile with Aniston.

According to ShowBiz Spy, the actor in The Tree of Life has asked his ex-wife one day be this Christmas to meet her boyfriend. It is his particular way of burying the hatchet forever.

And, moreover, must be borne in mind that Jennifer and Brad delivered an award together at the next Oscars.

AKI (CHINEDU IKEDIEZE) HOLDS SECRET WHITE WEDDING TODAY

THERE are strong indications that the proposed white wedding of pint size- star actor, Chinedu Ikedieze(MFR) popularly known as Aki with his heartthrob, Nneoma Hope Nwajah, which was originally scheduled to hold on Saturday, December 10, will now come up today, Friday, December 9.

The couple had their traditional wedding on Saturday, November 26, at the bride’s home town, in Obolo, Isiala Mbano, Imo State.

The decision to re-schedule the wedding may not be unconnected with the couple’s desire to contain with the number of people they will be inviting for the wedding.

Meanwhile the couple are keeping under wrap the venue of the church service. But our source revealed that it will hold at one of the RCCG parishes, in Lagos. Reception comes up at Essence Hotel, in Ikoyi.

“Reason for the new date is probably to manage the number of people who will be showing up for the wedding. They are only interested in close family members and friends and have been sending out the new dates via phone calls and texts.

I hear they are also planning a small and private reception party for only about 200 guests at a secret venue on Saturday December 10.” our source said.

NOMINEES FOR SILVERBIRD MAN OF THE YEAR 2011

Nominees for the Silverbird Man of the Year 2011 are:
1. Aliko Dangote - Industrialist
2. Funke Osibodu - Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Union Bank of Nigeria
3. Atedo Peterside - CEO StanbicIBTC
4. Akinwunmi Adesina -Minister of Agriculture
5. Ngozi Okonjo - Iweala - Minister of Finance
6. Deji Ali - Managing Director. ARM Investment Managers Limited
7. Olusegun Aganga - Minister of Trade & Investment
8. Godswill Akpabio - Governor of Akwa Ibom State
9. Nduka Obaigbena - ThisDay Newspaper Publisher.

Then a special lifetime achievement award to Gen. Yakubu Gowon and Gen. Theophilus Danjuma for their 'Selfless service to Nigeria'. Who is your man of the year?

OPC STAGES ANTI-BOKO HARAM PROTEST IN LAGOS

Following the bomb blast in a Kaduna spare parts market two days ago, that has so far killed 14 people, members of the Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), led by its leader, Dr Fredrick Fasheun, yesterday Thursday Dec 8th marched through major streets of Lagos, protesting against the general insecurity in the country, and especially the terrorist activities of Boko Haram, warning to take decisive action against the terrorist group if they dare make an incursion into the South West...and if the Federal Govt does not do something about them soon.

The men were armed with shotgun, rifles, machetes, armlets etc. If you live in Lagos, did you see them?

TIMAYA COMPLETES FIRST HOME IN PORT HARCOURT

The music star recently completed his multi million naira home in Eliozu area of Port Harcourt. And yes, he's from Bayelsa, but chose to build his home in PH because that's where he was born and grew up.

12% NIGERIAN SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS PRACTISE 'ANAL SEX'

According Morenike Ukpong, the coordinator of the New Vaccine and Microbicide Advocacy Society, a Lagos-based NGO,  not less than 12% of public  secondary school students in Nigeria practice anal sex while 12.1 per cent of university students  and 15.2 per cent adolescents in northern Nigeria engage in the act.

Some things are just damndiculous. How did they arrive at these figures? Read the full report culled from Nigerian Tribune after the cut...


Morenike who disclosed this to the Nigerian Tribune said the role of anal sex in driving the HIV epidemic away from Nigeria could no longer be ignored.

She further said there were evidences to show that about 10 per cent of women and 14 per cent of men in the general populace practised anal sex, adding that the use of condom during this sexual act was low because of the erroneous belief that anal sex was safer than vagina sex.

“Request for anal sex by clients of female sex workers is high  with men paying higher to have anal sex for many reasons,” she stated.

According to Ukpong, anal sex is known to be the highest risk form of sexual transmission of HIV infection with approximately 14 times higher risk of HIV transmission when compared to penile-vagina sex.

“The probability of HIV infection transmission in penetrative anal sex is about 1.4 per cent per sex act both in heterosexual and homosexual relationships. For women, the risk is highest as they will always be the receptor in either vagina or anal sex,” Ukpong added.

She said  there was the need to discuss more openly about the risk of anal sex adding that the discussion around sex must become broader to encourage public understanding of the multiple forms of sexual practices (vagina, oral, anal) and the risk of HIV infection associated with all the forms of sex.

2FACE's MANAGER ROBBED AT GUN POINT

Efe Omorogbe, Now Muzik boss and manager to African pop act 2face Idibia was recently robbed of his car – a BMW X3 SUV (Grey BMW X3. Reg number: KR 526 EKY. Engine no: WBXPA73464WC36602

Chasis no: (same as engine number) and other valuables by gunmen on Monday night, December 5, 2011.

Omorogbe, a veteran writer and talent manager says he was driving back home along Ota road, when a vehicle overtook his and in a sudden twist another vehicle parked very close beside him and then, about eight men alighted from both vehicles and commanded him to come out  from his car.

‘I immediately came out of my car and was asked to get into the back seat. Four men got in with me’, Omorogbe told Nigerian Entertainment Today in a telephone conversation.

He was then commanded to stay face down so as not to see where they (the robbers) were driving to. ‘They asked me to tell them where the security key in the car was but I told them there wasn’t one. They didn’t believe me at first and hit me several times. They even threatened to kill me if the car stopped abruptly’, Omorogbe narrated.

After driving for about 20 minutes, they finally let him out not before stripping him of his shirt, trousers, wristwatch, wedding ring and shoes and then asked him to run into the bushes.

He came out several minutes later and saw a thousand Naira on the floor (Efe strongly suggests the robbers must have dropped it for him), walked to a nearby residence where he met someone who gave him clothes to wear and drove him to the police station near Ota Farms.

‘My wife drove down there and picked me up. They stole everything; my laptop, iPad, wallet, reading glasses, internet modem’, says Omorogbe .

‘I’m happy I’m alive’, Omorogbe says about the incidence. And when asked if it had been a deliberate robbery attempt on him, he responded by saying ‘No, I don’t think so, it could have been anybody’.