Eso Dike, the Nigerian actor, has opened up about how he handles the attention he receives from female fans.

In a chat with Seun Oloketuyi, founder of the Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards, Dike credited his upbringing for helping him stay grounded despite the advances from women.

“Home training, that’s all I have to say about that. It’s home training because you can’t do it all. If entertainment to you means attention from women, then when the attention is gone, what do you have left? I’m on TV, so there’s a lot of attention, but I have home training,” he said.

The actor also reflected on the lengths some women go to capture his attention on social media, particularly after the release of ‘Smart Money Woman,’ the Nigerian series on Netflix in 2021.

He revealed that he received numerous nude photos during that period but said such actions did not appeal to him, as he values humour and intelligence over inappropriate advances.

“When Smart Money Woman dropped, I used to get a lot of nude photos, and it didn’t get my attention because that’s not the way to get to me. I like funny and witty people. Sending me your private regions on social media is disgusting,” he added.

Dike, a musician and lawyer, rose to prominence in Nollywood after appearing in the TV series ‘Tinsel’ in 2016. He has starred in notable film projects such as ‘Ijakumo’, ‘The Wildflower’, and ‘The Stand Up’.

‘Everybody Loves Jenifa‘, a new film by Funke Akindele, has set unprecedented box office records after grossing over N1 billion in cinemas in 19 days.

Film One, the entertainment company, announced the record-breaking achievement via Instagram on Monday.

In the post, the company revealed ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa,’ released across cinemas on December 11, is the second film to earn over N1 billion at the box office in 12 months — following in the footstep of another Akindele’s movie ‘A Tribe of Judah‘.

It also disclosed that the film is the fastest title to achieve the billion-mark achievement in the shortest time frame.

Film One added that Akindele, 47, is Nigeria’s highest-grossing producer and director.

“This is a massive win! 🏆 1 Billion Gang! Thank you Nigeria and Ghana for watching and supporting this movie! This movie has grossed over 1 Billion at the box office!” the post reads.

Similarly, the Nigerian Box Office took to X to announce that the movie raked in N250 million last weekend and N1.035 billion since its release.

Top films of last weekend (27th – 29th Dec)/Cum
1. Everybody Loves Jenifa: ₦250M/₦1.035B (WK 3)
2. Mufasa: ₦93.8M/₦267M (WK 2)
3. Alakada: B&B: ₦70.3M/₦205.3 (WK 2)
4. The Waiter: ₦58.5M/₦167.3 (WK 2)
5. Sonic 3: ₦50.9M/₦70.6M (New)
6. Moana 2: ₦22.1M/₦358.3M (WK 5) https://t.co/0yQWhSIEMB

— Nigerian Box Office (@NGAboxoffice) December 30, 2024

Reacting to the achievement via X, Akindele appreciated her fans in Nigeria and Ghana for watching the film and encouraged people to continue watching it worldwide.

GOD DID!!! Thank you Nigeria and Ghana!!! Let’s keep spreading the news about #eljthemovie showing in all cinemas nationwide!!
Also showing in the Uk!! US!! Check @TheNilegroup_ for more updates on international showing times.!!! God bless you all pic.twitter.com/fpR9zKgoQG

— Funke Akindele (@funkeakindele) December 30, 2024

‘Dear Kaffi’, a play co-produced by filmmaker Bolanle Austen-Peters, has returned to the Terra Kulture Arena in Lagos.

The play, which returned to the stage on December 26, will run every day till January 5, 2025.

Produced by Austen-Peters and Joseph Umoibom, ‘Dear Kaffi’ tells the story of Kikelomo Olota, a 35-year-old single woman navigating the challenges of life, love, and societal expectations in Lagos.

From her teenage years, Kike’s brilliance in academics earned her admiration, but her lack of romantic relationships set her apart.

Determined to fit in, she traded her smarts for popularity, only to find herself entangled in a series of tumultuous relationships.

As Kike struggles to reconcile her desires with societal expectations, she is forced to confront her insecurities, redefine her values, and decide what truly matters. Will she find the courage to be herself, or will the pressure of societal expectations dictate her path?

The play boasts an impressive cast, including Bimbo Manuel, Uzo Osimkpa, Yewande Osamein, Abiola Lepe, Sharon Adaeze, Ralph Okoro, Nonzo Bassey, Hector Amiwero, Floyd Igbo, and Bukola Ogunnote.

The crew includes Ikenna Jude Okpala as stage manager, Kehinde Oretimehin, and Deji Aremu as music directors.

Umoibom described the play as “a perfect companion to lead theatre lovers into a promising new year”.

“Dear Kaffi was a star among the rich line-up of plays that we presented at the Lagos International Theatre Festival. It connected very well with the audience and the feedback has been fantastic,” he said.

“We reckon that it is the perfect play to give to the audience this period. It is the perfect companion to bring theatre lovers to the end of the year and to lead them into a very promising new year.”

For her part, Austen-Peters, who created the annual Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) and has led a creative revolution through Terra Kulture in the last twenty years, also expressed joy that the theatre scene is holding its own this holiday season.

“Lagos is definitely agog this yuletide season with everywhere lit up by exciting people. We are pleased to see that our play is one of the programmes giving joy to the people and the response has been tremendous,” she said.

“We are fully sold out and it’s gladdening to see that Dear Kaffi will be part of the activities in the entertainment and creative sector in the first five days of the new year.”

‘Dear Kaffy’ screened at the LITF in November.