Education / News

Poly Lecturers threaten fresh strike over breach of MoA

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics has called on the Federal and some States Governments to pay outstanding arrears of the minimum wage to its members as contained in the Memorandum of Action with them.

This was contained in a statement by Abdullahi Yelwa, ASUP’s National Publicity Secretary, on Sunday in Bauchi.

The union also frowned at the delays in the release of the approved N15 billion Revitalisation Fund, non payment of salaries to its members in some state owned institutions, and non commencement of the renegotiation of the 2010 agreement.

Yelwa said the decisions were reached during the 101st Regular ASUP National Executive Council meeting held at the Gateway ICT Polytechnic, Saapade, Ogun State. The statement read in parts: “ASUP equally expressed dismay at recent reports of infractions in the process of appointment of Principal Officers in Federal Polytechnics and some state-owned polytechnics in disregard to the provisions in the extant laws.

“The union particularly noted the events at the Federal Polytechnics, Ekowe, Offa and Mubi, where the process of appointment of Rectors were flawed, leading to the shortlisting of unqualified persons.

“The union notes that the council affairs in Federal Polytechnics, Oko, Offa, Auchi and Kaura Namoda has been relocated to the FCT without due consideration to the cost implication on the institutions, safety of staff and sensitive documents as well as general administration of the affected institutions.”

Yelwa, however, said members of the public should hold government responsible in the event of breakdown of industrial harmony, adding that the union and its members had shown considerable patience and restraint.

He said: “In view of the unsatisfactory status of implementation of the MoA signed between the union and government in April 2021.

“The union once again demand that the government should without further delay ensure the release of the arrears of the Minimum Wage to staff and release the approved Revitalisation Fund for the sector.

“Government should set up the implementation committee to administer the fund, recommence the renegotiation of the union’s 2010 agreement and withdraw institutional accreditation …

Internet / News

MTN subscribers lament service outage

Some MTN customers are currently experiencing service outage and are unable to connect with loved ones and business associates in parts of the country, The PUNCH has learnt.

Our correspondent gathered that the customers were unable to use the mobile network operator’s call, data and SMS services.

“Emergency calls only” showed on the screens of MTN users our correspondent spoke with as of the time of filing this report at 04:30pm on Saturday.

The users told our correspondent that they started experiencing the outage around 2:30pm on Saturday.

Some of the users, who also subscribed to other telecom service providers, have since switched over in the interim to link up with friends and family.

Some MTN users have also gone on social media to lament their frustration.

@kessyl tweeted, “MTN network completely off in Abuja…What is happening please?…

Entertainment / Movies / News

Actress Adunni Ade reveals how she was molested on set

Nollywood star actress, Adunni Ade has recounted her horrid sexual harassment experience on a film set.

The actress recently took to her Instagram LIVE chat with details of how a sound engineer on an undisclosed set harassed her.

Ade claimed the crew member tried to pin a microphone lapel to her dress but decided to push the lapel to her lower back, making for her underwear.

She said that while she tried not to create a scene, the crew member remained adamant about not harassing her. She further revealed that she got an apology from other crew members and discouraged from reporting to the relevant authorities.

Meanwhile, Adunni Ade is set to debut a brand new production titled ‘Soole’ and directed by Kayode Kasum.

The feature film which premieres November 26 also stars the actress, Sola Sobowale, Shawn Faqua, Lateef Adedimeji, Femi Jacobs among others.

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Entertainment / Music / News

How Hennessy is keeping the Rap culture alive in Nigeria

From the likes of Junior and Pretty, to Weird MC’s Allen Avenue, to Rap cliques such as Thoro Breds, Ruff, Rugged and Raw, Trybesmen, and stand-alone artistes like Nigga Raw, Cyrus Tha Virus and Black Masqueradaz from the late 90s.

This also gave rise to more rappers like Ruggedman, Modenine, Terry Tha Rapman, SixFootPlus and Pherowshuz of the early 2000s, and the genre has continued to grow stronger especially with the infusion of indigenous elements atypical of the Rap styles of the late Dagrin, and Phyno.

However, Rap music wasn’t always celebrated in Nigeria. In the era of the 80s when the genres of Highlife, Fuji and Juju music were mainstream, the emergence of Rap music in Nigeria was like a fish out of water.

Research shows that Rap music made a debut in the Nigerian music industry in the 70s with Ibrahim Salim Omari, a member of a defunct American music group Sugar Hill gang, was exiled to Nigeria.

His style of Rap was not highly acknowledged due to the existing music genres of the 70s, but with time, Rap music became a more accepted genre in the Nigerian music scene and grew to develop a unique personality of its own.

Many platforms have helped promote the art form that is Rap music in Nigeria. From Sprite Triple Slam which combined the edginess of a Rap battle with basketball and dance, to Coke Studio. However, none of these platforms have been able to hold their own like Hennessy, which is the embodiment of urban and pop culture in Nigeria.

Hennessy, through the Hennessy Artistry platform celebrates urban lifestyle which identifies with the distinguished edginess that is Nigerian Rap. The focus of the brand on Rap music is due to the genre’s association with urban culture, and because it is one of the quadruple touchpoints (Deejaying, Rapping, Graffiti and B-boying) of Hip-Hop.

The platform was launched to celebrate the best of musical talent, spur the growth of

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Movies / News

Izu Ojukwu’s ‘Amina’ is coming to Netflix!

Netflix has acquired Izu Ojukwu’s film ‘Amina’ based on 16th century Zazzau empire warrior Queen Amina. Much to the delight of fans of the filmmaker who have long anticipated the film since its trailer debuted in 2017, it will launch on the top streaming service on November 4, 2021.

Shot in Nigeria with post-production in Europe, the historical action drama follows the coming of age story of the legendary warrior Queen.

According to Ojukwu, the period film which is an ode to strong female characters from Nigeria’s rich history, features real fight scenes that took months for the actors to master.

‘Amina’ stars Lucy Ameh in the lead role alongside Clarion Chukwurah, Ali Nuhu, Magaji Mijinyawa among others.

Meanwhile, the filmmaker recently announced auditions for his latest production, a terrorism themed drama titled ‘The Train From Kafanchan’.

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Entertainment / Military / Movies / News / Security

Nigeria Army explains reason for Chiwetalu Agu’s arrest

The Nigerian Army has given the reason behind the arrest of movie veteran, Chiwetalu Agu. In a statement released on its official Facebook page on Thursday, October 7, 2021, the army said the actor was arrested for inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the Proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

“Troops of Nigerian Army(NA) have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB),” part of the statement read.

TROOPS ARREST CHIWETALU AGU WHILE SOLICITING SUPPORT FOR PROSCRIBED IPOB
Troops of Nigerian Army(NA) have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting members of the public and soliciting for support for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Dressed in a very well known attire of the proscribed group, Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting members of the public to join the proscribed group. Though he attempted puting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization.
While the NA recognizes the inalienable rights of the citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is apparently a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down of law and order. It is therefore pertinent to state that while exercising such freedoms, it must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national security.
For the avoidance of doubt and emphasis, the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) remains proscribed . Therefore, any individual or group seen to be projecting and advancing the cause or activities of the group is viewed as brazenly challenging the constitutionality of Federal Republic of Nigeria. More worrisome, was the fact that considering the prevailing security situation of the region, coupled with the ongoing Exercise GOLDEN DAWN , his action could be a tacit endorsement and support for the proscribed group. We have
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Entertainment / Movies / News

Netflix to edit ‘Squid Game’ following reports of harassment

Netflix has reportedly confirmed plans to edit scenes from its rave series ‘Squid Game’ after a woman claimed she had been harassed by prank calls.

The businesswoman from Seongju, South Korea, told newsmen that since the series premiered on the streamer, she has received thousands of calls and texts from fans asking about the horror competition.

“This is a number that I’ve been using for more than ten years, so I’m quite taken aback. There are more than 4,000 numbers that I’ve had to delete from my phone,” Kim Gil-young shared. “At first I didn’t know why, but my friend told me that my number came out in ‘Squid Game’ and that’s when I realized.”

Reports further reveal that Gil-young turned down compensation offers of up to five million won ((£3 million).

Netflix and local production company Siren Pictures confirmed on Wednesday that the phone number which appears on a mysterious invitation card given to potential players in the series will be edited. “Together with the production company, we are working to resolve this matter, including editing scenes with phone numbers where necessary,” Netflix shared in a statement.

‘Squid Game’ is interestingly set to break a major record on Netflix as the most watched series on the streamer. Last month, the frightening hyper-violent series arrived on the service to critical acclaim.

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Military / News / Security

Scores of bandits killed as NAF jets strike Sokoto, Katsina forests

Military troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI have neutralized several bandits and destroyed their hideouts at Sokoto and Katsina forests in the North West, PRNigeria reports.

A military source told PRNigeria that the mission was achieved through air strikes executed on October 5, 2021.

This was after series of aerial surveillance missions had identified the locations of the bandits.

In Sokoto, airstrikes from the Nigerian Air Force shelled Mashema, Yanfako, Gebe and Gatawa Forests located in Isaa and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas of the State. The military source said: “We observed that structures and logistics items camouflaged under the dense vegetation were being used as staging areas where some bandits from Turji and Maigona Camps and their fighters meet to plan and launch attacks.

Accordingly, the Theatre dispatched a force package of Air Force fighter jets and helicopter gunships to engage the locations.

“According to local sources in the area, the attack aircraft scored devastating hits in the target areas, destroying some structures and neutralising several of the Bandits.

“The fleeing Bandits survivors were seen by some locals taking refuge in a primary school in Bafarawa Village.”

In Katsina State, PRNigeria gathered that bandits’ hideouts in Ranch 10 parts of Rugu forest bordering Kankara Local Government Area were bombarded by NAF fighter aircraft between September 30 and October 3, 2021.

The banditry camp of one Gajere (SNU) was destroyed and 34 bandits killed in the attack.

Also, about 20 suspected bandit sustained varying degree of injuries.

. PRNigeria.…

Entertainment / News / Security

Movie veteran Chiwetalu Agu brutalised by soldiers for wearing a Biafran flag outfit

Nigerian movie veteran Chiwetalu Agu has been brutalized by men of the Nigeria Army for wearing a Biafran flag outfit.

The incident occurred on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at the industrious Upper Iweka Road in Onitsha, Anambra state.

In a video that has since gone viral, the actor was seen in his minibus which had the inscription ‘Chinwetalu Films.’

The minibus was then searched by the security operatives before he was manhandled by the soldiers who fired some shots to scare off the crowd which gathered.

The movie veteran is known to be one of the celebrities who have been openly sympathetic towards the agitators for a Biafran nation.

Other celebrities who have at one point or the other supported and called for the release of the leader of one of the movements responsible for the Biafran agitation, Nnamdi Kanu, are Rita Edochie and rapper, Zoro.

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BBNaija / Entertainment / News

BBNaija 2021: We are in love – Emmanuel declares intentions for Liquorose

BBNaija season six finalist Emmanuel has cleared all doubts about his feelings for Liquorose.

Recall that the ex-housemate puzzled EmmaRose shippers on Sunday with his response about what the future held for himself and Liquorose.

Well, it appears that the reality star has made a move to resolve any misconceptions as he recently declared his feelings for Liquorose in his latest interview with Toke Makinwa for Showmax’s ‘The Buzz’. He further revealed that while their feelings are honest, he hopes for the best with his lady by his side.

The couple’s relationship while in the house interestingly sparked some major conversations, some of which was centered on Emmanuel’s intention for the fan-favourite dancer. Critics of the BBNaija birthed union insisted that Emmanuel was only exploiting Liquorose or that they both planned it to remain ahead of the game.

Prior to the season finale, the couple had a heated argument about co-housemate Angel.

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Entertainment / Music / News

Rihanna and Asap Rocky attend Wizkid’s show in LA

On Sunday, October 3, 2021, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Wizkid performed at The Novo, Los Angeles, California, for the latest leg of his commercially successful Made In Lagos tour.

At the celebrated LA show, Wizkid was joined by several celebrities including Tems on stage and Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz as well as celebrated couple, Rihanna and Asap Rocky, in the crowd.

Wizkid is set to perform at the O2 Arena on November 28, 2021.

You can watch a video of Rihanna and Asap Rock at the event below;

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Entertainment / Law / News

2Face Idibia threatens N1B defamation suit against Brymo over allegations levelled against him

Nigerian music icon 2Face Idibia has threatened to file a defamation suit against Brymo over his recent tweets.

It would be recalled that Brymo in a series of tweets, accused the music star of physically assaulting him and allegedly accusing him of sleeping with his wife.

Brymo took to his Twitter page on Thursday, October 7, 2021, where he shared the letter he received from the lawyers of the music icon.

“The baseless and false accusation has caused unspeakable distress to our client and his family. You have also caused estimation to be lowered in the estimation of his friends, business associates and wilder members of the public and further caused him a significant loss of business,” part of the letter read.

The letter gave Brymo 48 hours to tender an unreserved apology to 2Face Idibia and his family on all his social media pages.

It also stated that he should withdraw all the comments he made about the music star from his social media pages.

“Should you fail or refuse to meet our demands, we shall perfect our client’s instruction and pursue redress by seeking no less than one billionaire naira in damages against you in court,” the letter concluded.

It would be recalled that Brymo called out 2Face Idibia for physically assaulting him.

It didn’t end there as he revealed that the music star accused him of sleeping with his wife.

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Health / News

FG commends NARD, offers N47b as hazard allowance

The Federal Government has commended the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors for suspending its nationwide strike that had lasted for 63 days.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, gave the commendation on Wednesday in Abuja.

He spoke when he received the leadership of the Nigerian Medical Association, who led NARD’s executive members on a visit to his office.

Ngige, who commended the new NARD leadership, led by Dr. Godiya Ishaya, for asking its members to return to work, disclosed that the federal Government had increased the aggregate money in the 2022 budget for hazard allowance from N40 billion to N47 billion annually. He said the latest strike would not have degenerated to the point it got to if the former NARD leadership had given their members the correct information.

The minister said the Federal Government was not indebted to any doctor up till August 2 when NARD embarked on the strike.

He, however, noted that there were contentions about allowances such as Medical Residency Training Fund and some doctors who were not paid the Special COVID-19 allowances.

The Minister assured that all the contentious issues were being addressed, including the payment of Medical Residency Training Fund and Special COVID-19 allowances for those omitted.

Ngige said: “The previous NARD leadership hoarded information from your members.

“Instead, things wouldn’t have degenerated.

“There is no need being pugilistic.

“We know that we have opposition to our government.

“It doesn’t mean that if we are doing something right, we should not be praised.

“If the former NARD leadership were not playing politics, they should have reported well to their members, especially after the intervention of the Elders Forum, of which the President and Secretary General of NARD were members.

“You are lucky to have me, a medical doctor and health system manager, here as the Minister of Labour and Employment.

“So, when the matter came, the issues are clear to me.

“But when you bring advice to both parties on how things should be done and it is thrown away completely, …

News / Security

Ogun gets new Commissioner of Police as Ajogun retires

Following the retirement from service of the former Commissioner, Ogun State Police Command, Edward Awolowo Ajogun, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has posted a new helmsman for the command.

This was revealed in a statement signed by the spokesman of the Command, Abimbola Oyeyemi, in the early hours of Thursday.

According to Oyeyemi, the new CP is Lanre Sikiru Bankole, a graduate of English Language from the University of Lagos.

Bankole hails from Lagos Island Local Government Area of Lagos State. He joined the Nigeria Police as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police in March 1990, and has worked in various capacities in different parts of the country such as Akwa Ibom State Police Command, Ebonyi State Police Command, Port Authority Police Command as well as Ogun State Police Command.

The new CP is a familiar face in Ogun State as he has at different times worked as Divisional Police Officer in Abigi, Sango, Agbara and Owode Egba.

Bankole has also served as Area Commander for Sagamu in Ogun State, as well as Zonal Sports Officer.

He was one time the Assistant Commissioners of Police in charge of Port Criminal Investigation Department at Port Authority Police Command.

When he was promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner of Police, he was posted to Interpol Section of the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Abuja as DC Admin and Investigation from 2017 to 2020.

He got promoted to the rank of Commissioner of Police in June 2021 and was posted as CP Interpol Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Alagbon, Lagos, where he served until his current appointment as the new Commissioner, Ogun State Police Command.

The new CP has attended various professional courses within and outside Nigeria.

Notable among them are Junior Command Course, Intermediate Command Course, Strategic Leadership and Command Course at the Police Staff College, Jos, Plateau State.

He also attended Financial Crime Course at Administrative Staff College of Nigeria, Badagry, Lagos State as well as United Nations Logistics Officer’s Course at Koffi Annan Peacekeeping …

Education / Law / News

UNILAG: Why Babalakin quit — FG

The Federal Government has explained that overbearing posture was responsible for the removal of the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman, Governing Council of the University of Lagos, UNILAG, Dr. Olawale Babalakin, SAN.

It also maintained that Babalakin was not exonerated of any wrongdoing by the General Martin Luther Agwai-led Regular Visitation Panel to the university.

The Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Bem Goong, who explained in a statement, insisted that the former Pro-Chancellor remained indicted and removed from office.

The statement reads: “The Senior Advocate of Nigeria had accepted his guilt by resigning hours before the release of the White Paper that came out of the Special Presidential Visitation Panel, adding that the hostility towards the Permanent Secretary for doing his job is unnecessary and unjustifiable. “After weeks of media hostilities over another contrived crisis in the University of Lagos, the Federal Government has maintained that the embattled former Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of the Governing Council of that University, Dr. Olawale Babalakin, SAN, was not exonerated by the General Martin Luther Agwai-led Regular Visitation Panel to the university.

“Following his indictment for breach of due process and flagrant disregard for the university laws in the aborted removal of the Vice-Chancellor and the unilateral appointment of an Acting Vice-Chancellor, the Special Presidential Visitation Panel and the White Paper, thereof, recommended and approved, respectively, his removal from office and the dissolution of the Governing Council.”

While condemning the campaign of calumny as a desperate attempt to distract and slow down the rising profile of the university, Goong said facts on the ground spoke to the contrary.

Asked to clarify whether the second (Regular) Visitation Panel exonerated Babalakin from the indictment of the Special Visitation Panel, Goong said: “It is embarrassing for a lawyer of Babalakin’s standing, a SAN for that matter, to say that a Regular Visitation Panel has exonerated him from the indictment of an earlier visitation panel on three grounds.

“First, the Regular Visitation Panel was not, is not, and cannot be an appellate body for the Special Visitation Panel.

“Administratively, the …

Entertainment / Music / News

Wizkid’s ‘Essence’ hits a new peak of No. 11 on Billboard Hot 100

On Monday, October 4, 2021, Grammy-winning Nigerian superstar, Wizkid’s smash hit single, ‘Essence’ featuring Tems hit a new peak of 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. On August 31, 2021, the record hit its old peak of 13 on the Billboard Hot 100, before dropping after Drake clogged the charts with records from his album, Certified Lover Boy. The record then went back up to No. 17 before hitting its new peak.…

Entertainment / News

OAP Dotun accuses Daddy Freeze of picking sides over rift between Brymo and 2Face Idibia

Brymo’s latest revelation about his frosty relationship with 2Face Idibia has sparked conversations amongst Nigerians and celebrities.

According to OAP Dotun, his colleague Daddy Freeze was wrong for picking sides in the latest celebrity rift.

”Freeze you are already taking sides. Find out from both parties first. If you said he should have handled things differently, fair enough but don’t suddenly take sides,” he said.

“Sometimes being trapped with the truth feels tough but let us all be careful when it comes to these types of issues. Peace.”

It would be recalled that Brymo called out 2Face Idibia for physically assaulting him.

It didn’t end there as he revealed that the music star accused him of sleeping with his wife.

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Movies / News

‘Squid Game’ director says Netflix rejected series 10 years ago

Squid Game’ may be Netflix’s first Korean-language blockbuster to get worldwide buzz and on to becoming the streamer’s most-watched show in history, but no one wanted to make it for over a decade. Not even Netflix.

The show creator, writer and director, Hwang Dong-hyuk recently spoke to The Korean Times about the challenges he encountered in funding the blockbuster drama and how it took ten years to get a nod from Netflix.

“After about 12 years, the world has changed into a place where such peculiar, violent survival stories are actually welcomed,” Dong-hyuk shared.

Originally titled ‘Round Six’ the project got greenlighted by the streaming platform in 2019.

Dong-hyuk reportedly came up with the story in 2008 while living with his mother and grandmother but with no one interested and job scarce, he was compelled to sell his laptop for $675, thereby halting the script’s development.

The nine-episode series has garnered quite the buzz since it premiered in September. Recently it was reported that South Korea was suing Netflix owing to the streamer causing a traffic surge.

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Health / Movies / News

Joke Silva debunks Olu Jacobs death rumours, says actor is ‘hale and hearty’

Veteran Nollywood actress, Joke Silva has reacted to rumours currently making the rounds about the demise of her husband, actor Olu Jacobs.

According to Punch, the actress in an exclusive interview debunked the reports and clarified that the veteran actor was enjoying a nice meal at the time.

“Don’t mind them, they’re just talking rubbish; don’t disturb your head. He is in the living room right now about to have Eba and Ogbono soup. Let them keep deceiving themselves. He is hale and hearty”

News of Jacobs’ alleged demise began trending on Twitter on Tuesday evening with fans asking for clarification from family and colleagues. It is, however, unclear how the news broke.

The 79-year-old veteran star actor has been away from spotlight for a few years now with reports claiming he was battling an unnamed illness. However, actress Uche Jombo recently shared a video of Jacobs at a Lancelot Imasuen movie set in Lagos.

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Movies / News

Actor Gideon Okeke reveals hard truth about Nollywood, says actors need ‘shoddy jobs’

‘Tinsel’ star actor, Gideon Okeke has shared his thoughts on how to gain mastery of Nigeria’s film industry.

Okeke, in an Instagram post shared on Tuesday, October 5, advised upcoming actors to consider taking on roles in mainstream Nollywood as opposed to staying focused on stage, television and cinema productions.

The actor wrote: “To accrue the numbers, the true test of your acting proficiency will not be determined on the stage floor, on a TV show that airs on cable, nor on the big screens. You need those ‘shoddy jobs’. “Those mainstream ‘Nollywood flicks’? Oh! You gon need them…That’s where the numbers truly are. It’s those numbers that turn back to validate your Artistry on stage, on the big screen or on a TV show that airs on cable. Have I taught you something from my own skin burn experiences?”

Okeke who is reportedly filming an Uchenna Mbunabo directed film which also stars veteran actress Rita Edochie and Esther Audu Ojire, will not be the first star to explore mainstream Nollywood otherwise known as the Asaba industry. Popular actors like Funke Akindele, Nse Ikpe Etim, Sambasa Nzeribe among others have successfully worked in both the big screen and mainstream industries.

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