BUT for the delegation of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) led by the Chief Executive Officer, Peace Anyiam Osigwe, actors including Kanayo O. Kanayo, Sunny Mcdon W., Tony Anih and two Journalists, Nollywood would have been missing at the burial activities for the departed screen legend in his home town Oria-Abraka, Delta State.

The Church service was attended by the Senior Special Assistant to the Anambra State governor on creative media, Bob Manuel Udokwu; a four-man actors’ delegate led by Elder Maya; the President of the Director Guild of Nigeria (DGN), Andy Amechi, and other notable personalities including the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Documentation and Strategy, Dr. Oronto Douglas, who represented his boss, President Jonathan, as well as the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who was represented by the deputy governor Prof. Amos Utuama.

There were also community leaders, commissioners and members of the Delta State House of Assembly including the Commissioner for Culture, Richard Mofe Damijo, and the Commissioner for Higher Education, Prof. Hope Eghagha.

President Jonathan noted at the church service that the late actor was leaving behind a rich legacy of selfless service, committed leadership and exemplary love, which should inspire Nigerians to greater commitment to serve God and humanity. Also, Governor Uduaghan described Esiri’s death as a colossal loss, not just to the Esiris, but to Deltans and Nigeria in general. The church service, which was held in an unroofed church in Oria-Abraka, preceded the interment that was held at the Esiri’s family compound. The AMAA delegation announced a donation of N500,000 for the completion of the church and another N1 million was also announced on behalf of the Nollywood by another group for the same purpose. Peace Anyiam Osigwe made the donation on behalf of the delegation. The Delta State government had earlier donated the sum of N5million for the roofing of the church. There was heavy singing, dancing and blasting of traditional gun salute before the interment.  The crowd that turned up during the interment was akin to the crowd that showed up at the candle light event organised in Lagos by Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN). The veteran actor died on February 19 following a complication from Diabetes.

Star actress Mercy Aigbe speaks on first marriage on O’odua M’oun M’aworan

IF she could turn back the hands of time, she would have reversed her first marriage to her estranged husband. This was one of the high points of many issues that dominated discussion when the delectable Yoruba actress, Mercy Aigbe, was hosted on O’odua M’oun M’aworan, on StarTimes recently. The Edo State-born actress, who spoke on many issues about her life, marriage and career was quick to mention that her regret in life was that she wished her present hubby, Lanre Gentry, was her first husband, her life would have a perfect run. “I wish my present husband Lanre Gentry was the first man I got married to as my husband, my life would have been a perfect one and my marital life would have been a smooth ride. But God understands why he allowed it to happen that way,” Mercy enthused. O’odua M’oun M’aworan, is a spanking new entertainment channel airing on Channel 204 on Cable TV, Startimes. It aims at changing the phase of the entertainment world, with its diverse and exclusive packages. According to Sola Fajobi, the man behind the Next Movie Star and CEO of O’odua M’oun M’aworan, “The programme aims at delivering credible alternatives and varieties. It is an entertainment platform targeted at youths.

Upbeat swing for Nnenna and Friends London tour

THIS summer is set to be most memorable for kids and teens across Nigeria as the popular television kiddies show, Nnenna, has put together a fantastic plan for children to tour London this August. The show has previously embarked on a successful educational Tours to Paris, Ghana and other exotic locations. The organisers disclosed that this time, the exciting educational tour would take participants to places like  Buckingham Palace, Tower of London, The Greenwich Meridian, Madame Tussauds Wax Museum and enjoy special activities including River Thames Cruise, London City Tour, Ice Skating and lots more. The statement also indicated that the Nnenna & Friends Educational tour to London is open to everyone from ages 6 to 18. According to Nnenna, “interested participants can register and be part of this amazing experience by calling or visiting Nnenna and Friends studio at 2, Tiamiyu Street, Ajao Estate, off Airport Road, Lagos.” For further information contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Registration closes on May 31.