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My Family Never Believe I Will Go To School – Helen Paul

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Last week, popular comedienne, Helen Paul, achieved a feat that is not common among her contemporaries in the entertainment industry. The ace comedienne, actress, and filmmaker bagged a PhD from the University of Lagos.

In an exclusive chat with Punch, Tatafo, as she is fondly called by her friends and fans, revealed that her family members always thought she would drop out of secondary school but today, she has a PhD.

She said, “In my family, no one believed that I would complete secondary school education let alone attend university. My mother always told me that if I finished from secondary school with good grades, she would kill a cow because I was very restless and playful.

When I finished from secondary school and took my result to her, I demanded my cow but she was not forthcoming so I asked for a chicken, but she simply told me she had cooked rice and that I should go and eat it.

“To motivate me the more, she said that I should complete my university education, and that is when she would believe that I had really achieved a feat in life.”

The humour merchant noted that she did not gain admission into university for a while, saying, “I tried gaining admission the first time but it was to no avail. I tried the second time and got admission at the University of Ilorin.

By the time I got to the school, they told me that admission had closed. I began to cry as I was trekking everywhere in the school, showing people my result and the newspaper in which my name was published as part of those that passed the examination.

“The third time I tried, I chose the University of Lagos and I gave it all my best. I would not say that I am the most brilliant person but I have God’s favour. I believed that I could do it and I did it. Despite having a PhD, I would rather people continue calling me Helen Paul and not Dr Helen Paul because nothing has changed about me.”

She further hinted that being a PhD holder would not affect her career in the entertainment industry.

“Bagging a PhD would not affect my career at all; in fact, it would make me better at it. I have learnt ways to entertain and educate people at the same time,” she said.

Still excited about her recent achievement, the mother of three simply said, “I feel humbled about bagging a PhD and I cannot believe it because it is a dream come true. While I was studying, it was not easy combining it with my work as a comedienne and also an actress.

There were times that I would get frustrated; there were times I would write and feel it was the best work but my supervisor, who always believed in me, would tell me to redo it because he knew I could do better. Eventually, when I passed, I felt happy and relieved at the same time. I am excited and calm. I really do not know how to explain this mood.

“Already I have an academy, the Helen Paul Theatre Academy, so I did not go to get a PhD to become a lecturer. I just want to impact life and I do not necessarily need to do it by becoming a lecturer. I just want people to know that education is key and people should always imbibe the culture of constant learning. I feel I am already a teacher by being a good role model in the society.”

Celebrities

‘It’s Christ over earthly possession’ — Judikay ends rift with EeZee Conceptz

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Judikay, the Nigerian gospel singer, has announced her decision to step away from the controversy surrounding her former record label, EeZee Conceptz.

In June 2024, Judikay petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, the founder of EeZee Conceptz.

She accused Ezekiel and his label of falsifying accounts and committing theft against her to the tune of £800,000.

The label founder was recently charged by the EFCC for the alleged exploitation of the gospel singer.

However in an Instagram post on Saturday, the ‘Capable God’ hitmaker said she has decided to “walk away” from the drama and prioritize the greater good and unity of the body of Christ.

She expressed her gratitude to her colleagues, family, and fellow believers for their support “during this period”.

“After prayerful consideration, I have made the deliberate decision to walk away from this entire drama and I choose to prioritise the greater good and unity of the body of Christ,” she wrote.

“My role as a member of the body of Christ takes precedence and I willingly make this sacrifice, drawing strength from the knowledge that Christ is of far greater worth than any earthly possession or vindication.

“With this conviction, I choose to step away. I sincerely express my heartfelt gratitude to the leaders in the body of Christ, my fellow believers, the gospel music community, and my precious family for their continued encouragement and prayers during this period.

“My focus and commitment remains on Jesus Christ and this ministry HE entrusted in my hands.”

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‘Mention people who used, dumped you’ — Nons Miraj dares viral fish pie seller

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Nons Miraj, the content creator, has responded to a recent claim made by Alax Evalsam, the pastry seller known for his signature ‘Fish Pie’ tune.

In August 2024, Alax’s life changed when he posted a video of himself singing while hawking his fish pies on TikTok.

Following his social media popularity, rumours circulated that Alax had received large sums of money from celebrities.

Miraj was one of the celebrities who helped him. She visited him, moved him into a rented apartment, and gifted him N200,000 and a car.

But on Wednesday, Alax claimed he was “used and dumped” by the people who supported him during his viral moment.

Reacting to Alax’s claims, Miraj challenged him to publicly reveal the names of those who allegedly took advantage of him.

The content creator insisted that her brand should not be associated with Alax’s claims, emphasizing that she had done her part to help him.

“You said some people used you; please do me a favor like I have done you a favor. Come out and clear the air on who used you,” she said in an Instagram video.

“I am not a user, God uses me to bless and help people. Don’t ruin my brand because you don’t want to call names. I’m daring you now to call the names of people that used you.

“The car, clothes, and house I gifted you are still with you. Don’t ruin my brand with this claim; call the names of the users, but don’t associate my brand with this.

“Out of all the people I have helped, I spent more money on you. My friends were against buying you a car but I bought it because I feel it is good for you to be mobile after being public.

“I also got you a deal with 1XBet. What else do you want from me? I have given you the necessary things so help yourself to the next level.”

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James Nolan, Briton who jumped bail, waives right to call witnesses in P&ID fraud trial

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James Nolan, a British national on trial over his involvement in the Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P&ID) fraud, has waived his right to call witnesses for his defence.

Nolan is standing trial alongside a company, Micad Project City Services Limited, on a 20-count charge of obtaining by false pretence, non-compliance with the Money Laundering Act 2011 (as amended), and criminal conversion of proceeds of crime to the tune of N151,394,328.

At the court session on Thursday, Bala Sanga, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), told the court that the business of the day would have been for the prosecution to call its last witness.

“But upon review of the case, we found that it is superfluous, and therefore we are dispensing with the last witness,” Sanga said.

Michael Ajara, Nolan’s counsel, did not oppose the prosecution’s submission.

Ajara told the court that the defence team would rely on the evidence and witnesses brought by the prosecution.

“Based on the evidence already before the court adduced by the prosecution, we shall be resting our case on theirs. So, we don’t intend to call any witness,” he said.

Obiora Egwuatu, the presiding judge, adjourned the matter until March 10 to adopt the parties’ final written addresses.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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