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Mr Ibu’s family debunks claim of soliciting funds for burial

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The family of Mr Ibu, the late actor, has denied a report claiming that the burial planning committee is seeking financial support from the public.

Born John Okafor, Mr Ibu died from a cardiac arrest on March 2 at Evercare Hospital in Lagos.

The 62-year-old actor had battled with a life-threatening illness for months before he passed on.

In April, the family of Mr Ibu announced that the actor will be buried on June 28.

The family said the ceremony will open with a novelty match on June 25, followed by a candlelight procession the following day.

There will be a wake-keep ceremony at the actor’s compound while a thanksgiving service will be held on June 30.

Last weekend, a blog post claimed the family and friends of Mr Ibu set up a GoFundMe page to help finance the burial.

But reacting via a statement, the burial committee denied the report, saying “it is an attempt to ridicule and malign the Okafor’s family”.

“Contrary to speculation and misinformation from a group of people who have been sponsoring fake news about the burial arrangement for late John Okafor popularly known as Mr. Ibu,” the statement reads in part.

“The Central Planning Committee (CPC), some notable friends and family members of the late actor have distanced themselves from such publications on social media sponsored by some evil minds and published by one Mazitundeednut concerning late Mr Ibu’s burial with the caption: ‘Family, friends beg for funds to bury Mr. Ibu’.”

Monday Diamond Ani, the committee’s chairman, described the report as “manipulating, malicious, fabricated and engineered by the evil gang against Mr. Ibu”.

Diamond, however, warned rumour mongers to desist from “tarnishing Mr. Ibu’s personality to avoid the wrath of God”.

“It is important to note that the night of tribute which is coming up on the 26th of June will be preceded by a novelty match which will be played on the 25th of June between celebrities and personalities against Rangers International football club of Enugu at Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu,” he said.

“I want to make it categorically clear that there was never a time when such publication emanated from us. It is the handwork of some miscreants, enemies of progress who must have wished for Mr. Ibu’s death and are perhaps happy that Mr. Ibu is no more and wanted to use this medium or avenue to tarnish the name of Mr. Ibu and the Okafor family in general.

“It is a fact that a fund is being raised to support the burial of Mr. Ibu which is customary in Igbo land where well wishers will be contributing funds to support the burial. Some will even bring live cows, provide financial support, provide help in logistics and that’s what is happening in the case of Mr Ibu, so it is not a taboo.”

The committee revealed that Rudeboy, Flavour, Apkororo, and Chukwuemeka Odumeje Ohanaemere will attend the burial ceremony.

Other personalities expected are Pete Edochie, Nkem Owoh, Patience Ozokwor, Osita Iheme, Chinedu Ikedieze, Mercy Johnson, Rachel Okonkwo, Ngozi Ezeonu, and Emeka Rollas, the AGN President.

Entertainment

Nigerians need to unite if we want actual change, says DJ Switch on planned protest

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Catherine Udeh, the disc jockey and activist better known as DJ Switch, has called on Nigerians to unite ahead of a planned nationwide protest.

Recently, there have been reports that some Nigerians, under various bodies, are planning a nationwide protest between August 1 and 10. The protest, according to the groups, is aimed to show their opposition against the economic hardship particularly the rising cost of living in the country.

In a lengthy post via her X page, Switch urged Nigerians to unite and fight tribal and religious discord “planted by the political class” to dampen the planned protest.

The activist alleged that the political class would continue mismanaging the country’s economy until the citizens decided to save Nigeria.

Udeh claimed some politicians supporting the protest were only doing it for record purposes and to deceive the youths.

Switch, who gained fame for covering the 2020 shooting incident at the Lekki tollgate during the EndSARS protest, also shared other reasons “why Nigerians should join the planned protest”.

“I was not going to speak on this issue because I’ve experienced first hand the cowardice of many Nigerians but my love for Nigeria is literally haunting me! So here it goes. They say that there is a time for everything,” she wrote.

“A time to sleep, play, work, fight or die! Africa as a whole needs to know what f**king time it is! If you recognize what time it is, then you know what to do! Mind you, the cabals running Nigeria, Nigeria especially are smarter than you all might think.

“While they may be on edge about this planned protest, especially after seeing the events in Kenya, I promise you that they can bet their left balls that nothing will happen. That being said, many have been advised to “show” support for our fundamental human right to freedom of expression for two reasons.

“So that there is a record of them supporting it and to guide you all like babies to do your protest and go and sleep. So, the question really is this, do you know what time it is? Because if you don’t, just kukuma go and sleep and If you do, then prepare to take the bull by the horn.

“You need to understand that whether you japa or stay, they don’t care! Nigeria is a mining ground for these devils. They take and take with no single thought or care as to where the nation ends up wasteland!

“The tribal division they’ve sown amongst us was a desperate move on their broken chessboard which should have fallen flat on its face but there are those of us who are so selfish, shortsighted and wicked. They will sell their children for the brown envelope.

“These unfortunate Nigerians that traded their brains and patriotism for alomo bitters are a huge obstacle to those of us that want a working nation. I don’t care what tribe you are from or religion you belong to, we need to unite if we want actual change.

“I’m expecting the bots to call me all sorts of names as usual, like I give a shit! Mosquito disturb me pass those ones. But if you keep missing your opportunity to send these thieves back to where they belong then soon you all will be like the girl/boy who cried wolf!”

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Kunle Afolayan to film ‘Anikulapo’ season two in Ghana

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Kunle Afolayan, the filmmaker, has revealed that some scenes of the second season of ‘Anikulapo’ series will be filmed in Ghana.

‘Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre’, a six-part series produced by Afolayan, premiered on Netflix on March 1.

The mini-series, which was filmed at the Kunle Afolayan Production (KAP) film village in Oyo state, was a sequel to ‘Anikulapo’, the 2022 award-winning film.

In a recent post via his Instagram page, Afolayan disclosed his intention to shoot parts of the forthcoming season in Ghana.

The filmmaker also shared photos from the film location recce in Ghana.

Afolayan said the development is in partnership with Ghana’s National Film Authority.

“Anikulapo series new season. Location recce in Ghana in collaboration with @nationalfilmauthority,” he wrote.

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I’d rather die than give movie role for sex, says Kevin Ikeduba

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Kevin Ikeduba, the Nollywood actor and producer, says he would rather die than cast unqualified actors in exchange for sex.

During a chat on Hip TV’s Trending, the movie star emphasised his commitment to professionalism and high standards in the industry.

He also expressed his frustration with the high rate of unprofessionalism on set, stating that he would rather “die” than compromise his values for sexual favours.

“The movie industry is very big. What works for Mr A, May not work for Mr B,” he said.

“Kevin that people know, instead of giving a girl role for sex would rather die because I am very passionate about what I do. So most times when I meet mediocres on set, it hurts me. I will never ever do that.”

Ikeduba is a known for his versatility and seamless transition from the English-speaking Nollywood to the Yoruba film industry.

His career took off in 2000, and he credits Femi Ogedengbe, his colleague, for introducing him to Saheed Balogun, who offered him a pivotal role in the Yoruba film ‘Omo Alhaja’.

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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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