Entertainment
Why Jonathan Missed Creative Industry Mega Event
Friday November 28,
2014 witnessed a galaxy of stars at the convention centre of Eko Hotel in Lagos. About 1000 stars made up of actors, actresses, singers, painters, writers and journalists attended the event tagged, “An evening with President Goodluck Jonathan.”
It was reported that the classy and rich event started at about 9:00pm, but Mr President could not make it to the hall because just as he arrived the venue of the event, he got signals from Kano about the bombing that took place that evening at the Kano mosque, so he stayed off so as not to be seen as celebrating when people had died in Kano.
However, the event, which was sponsored by Zenith Bank continued and went far into the night. Two serving ministers attended the event, they include the Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and the host minister, High Chief Edem Duke, who is the minister of culture, tourism and national orientation.
The Calabar high chief, who spoke eloquently in his welcome address told the large audience that Mr President would not be able to make the event due to the bombing in Kano. After condemning the dastardly act of the Boko Haram in Kano, he eulogized the creative industry and how their efforts have put Nigeria on the world map.
The master of ceremony (MC), Bayo Benjamin, held the crowd spell bound, her impeccable delivery dazed the guests as she gave a good account of herself, no wonder she has remained Nigeria’s No1 event compere. To welcome guests, King Sunny Ade and about 10 other stars like Rita Dominic, Waje, Kate Henshaw, Aki and Papaw, Segun Arinze among others, gave good account of themselves in the opening performance.
While the corporate world was heavily represented, there was the new Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Chairman of UBA, Tony Elumelu and the MD of UBA as well as Zenith Bank.
Apart from the performances by ASA, Sunny Neji, Cobhams, Lara George, Omawumi, Sani Daija etc, there were speeches and documentaries on the creative influence on Nigerian contemporary art and 100 years of Nigerian music.
There was also comedy by Akpororo, who is fast becoming the hottest comedian on the scene.
Among the over 1000 personalities that attended the event were King Sunny Ade, 2 Shotz, Daddy showkey, Dare Art Alade, Eddy Montana, Duncan Mighty, Lara Gorge Onyeka Onwenu, Sunny Neji and Rita Dominic.
Others were the Nollywood twin sisters chidiebere and Chidinma Aneke, Fathia Balogun, Clarion Chukwura, Segun Arinze, Kanayo O. Kanayo, Emeka Ossai, Alex Osifo, Fred Amata, Steve Eboh, Yemi Blaq, Zik Zulu, Okafor, Chico Ejiro, Fidelis Dukar, Igwe Gab Onyi, Zeb Ejiro, Paul Obazele, Lancelot Imasuen, Anyiam Osigwe, Sally Mbanefo and a host of others.
Entertainment
Nollywood Mourns Veteran Actor, Columbus Irisoanga’s Passing
![](https://www.thetidenewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Columbus-Irisoanga.webp)
The Nigerian film industry has lost another of its veteran performers, Columbus Irisoanga, fondly known as ‘Igbudu’ following his unforgettable role in the 2001 Nollywood classic, Isakaba.
His passing was announced by actress and politician, Hilda Dokubo, who expressed her deep sorrow over his death.
“Our uncle, columbus Irisoanga has gone to be with the Lord. Ikoli eh dein na mu. There can’t be a shortage of Angels in heaven that the few here are called home like this! This one is heavy on Uniport, Rivers State and Nollywood,” Dokubo said
Irisoanga’s death is a significant loss not just for Nollywood but also for the academic community. He was a respected senior lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), where he earned his bachelor’s, master’s, and PhD degrees.
Over the years, he nurtured and mentored many students who have gone on to become industry professionals.
Columbus Irisoanga made a lasting mark on Nollywood with his compelling performances, particularly in epic films and traditional roles. His portrayal of Igbudu, the formidable chief priest in Isakaba, cemented his place as one of the industry’s respected character actors. With a commanding presence and a deep understanding of dramatic storytelling, he brought authenticity to every role he played.
The Tide Entertainment reports that beyond Isakaba, Irisoanga was known for his dedication to the craft, collaborating with some of Nollywood’s finest filmmakers. His contributions extended beyond the screen, as he was also instrumental in shaping the next generation of actors and filmmakers through his academic work at UNIPORT.
His passing comes just days after the industry mourned the loss of Nollywood actress, Pat Ugwu, who died at the young age of 35. This string of losses has left Nollywood fans and colleagues heartbroken, with many expressing their condolences and tributes on social media.
While the cause of Irisoanga’s death has not been officially disclosed, his impact on Nollywood and the academic world remains undeniable. His work, both in film and education, has left an indelible mark, and his legacy will live on through the students he taught and the audiences he entertained.
As the industry reflects on this great loss, many will remember Columbus Irisoanga not just as Igbudu, but as a mentor, a scholar, and a passionate storyteller whose influence will endure for years to come.
Entertainment
My Relationship With Davido Beyond Money, Gossip -Cubana Chief Priest
Popular businessman and socialite, Pascal Okechukwu, aka Cubana Chief Priest, has said that his relationship with singer Davido is beyond money and gossip.
He stated this in a recent interview with BBC Igbo.
“Davido is my friend. He is my in-law; he married Chioma who is from Imo State where I hail from.
“So the relationship I have with Davido is beyond money and gossip,” he said.
DAILY POST reports that Chief Priest disclosed via his Instagram page that his outfit for the wedding of the singer, Davido and his wife, Chioma, in Lagos on Tuesday cost seven million Naira.
The socialite recently appreciated Davido for not “discarding” Chioma.
He stated that the DMW boss has made Imo State proud by choosing to marry from the state.
Entertainment
Simi Joins Kenya’s Anti-Tax Protests
Nigerian singer Simisola Kosoko, popularly known as Simi, has lent her voice to the ongoing anti-tax hike protests in Kenya.
The Tide’s source reports that Kenyan youths are marching against tax hike in widespread demonstrations tagged ‘RejectFinanceBill2024.’
Five people were shot dead and dozens wounded after police clashed with protesters who stormed the parliament building in Nairobi on Tuesday, according to Amnesty Kenya.
Reacting via her X handle on Tuesday night, Simi declared her support for the demonstrators.
She stated that “it is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights.”
The singer wrote, “I stand with the people of Kenya. It is both powerful and heartbreaking for a people to have to fight and die for freedoms and rights. Godspeed and Strength. [Hash tag] RejectFinanceBill2024.”
In a series of other posts, she wrote: “Wow. When you’ve had enough, the fight is almost inevitable.
“African leaders- have not you done enough?
“I can’t wait for the day Africa is not a weapon fashioned against Africans. All of this amazing Black power and human resource, but the majority are not likely to thrive unless they run.”
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