Entertainment
Artiste urges Nigerian Govt to harness potential in arts industry

The Artistic Director, Crown Troupe of Africa, Segun Adefila, on Sunday said that arts and culture could be more viable than any other sector in the country, if well promoted and harnessed by the government.
Adefila said this in an interview with newsmen during the Crown Troupe of Africa’s performance titled, “Dis Loyal Judas”, an Easter Opera held at the National Arts Theater in Lagos, to mark the Easter celebrations.
In his words, “We need the government to understand the viability of theatre in the place of arts and culture.
“It is used to promote the culture of people all over the world, so we need to develop and promote our culture through the theater.
“Arts and culture is even more viable than oil if rightly harnessed by the government.”
According to Adefila, the traditional role of theatre is not just for entertainment but to be used to reengineer the society.
“Over 34 young people are on stage to perform, and I imagine if they were not doing something tangible, they could have been used to cause menace in the society.
“Now that the elections are coming, the theatre artistes should be engaged by politicians positively so that they can spread their message through performances from the theater.
“Something like using dance, music and drama to explain to the masses what a politician wants to contribute to the society if elected.
“What we do is theatre therapy, such that theatre is applied as a means of curbing excesses in the society and the energy you will use for crime would be channeled into something more productive,” he said.
The stage manager with the production and theatre services, Mrs Awele Dekpe, commended the stage performance, saying it was first of its kind.
In her words, “For the first time in my experience with the Crown troupe of Africa, this was an opera from the beginning to the end.
“The entire dialogue was in songs which was the first of its kind for the Crown Troupe of Africa.”
She noted that live theatre was taking its place back and not in competition with cinema because its expressions and entertainment totally differed in style of execution.
“So, the theatre is coming back to life and the National Theatre is at the forefront of this rebirth.
“The theatre has always been a tool for societal change. It has always been and educational tool and an entertainment tool.
“All the aspect such as drama, dance, music and even virtual arts can be used to shape the youths.
“They can be used to teach you and not to be used by negative elements to scatter the economy especially now that we are in an election year,” she said.
(NAN)
Entertainment
Actor Kunle Remi welcomes first baby with wife, Tiwi

Nollywood actor Kunle Remi and his wife, Tiwi, have welcomed their first child following a challenging medical journey.
The couple shared their emotional path to parenthood, revealing the hardships they endured, including a difficult medical discovery, prolonged bed rest, and over 80 days of faith-driven visits to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
In an emotional video post on Wednesday, the actor via his official Instagram page, @kunleremiofficial, expressed gratitude to God, reflecting on the trials and triumphs of their journey.
Remi wrote: “From an early arrival… to the unfolding of God’s perfect timing.
“From waiting, countless NICU visits, and clinging to God for 11 weeks and three days (that’s 80 days of faith).
“Our story is living proof that God is God — unfailing, unwavering, and faithful till the very end.
“From an unexpected and unsettling medical discovery… to complete bed rest.
“From juggling demanding work schedules… to hopping on flights, both locally and internationally.”
The couple’s love story has been in the public eye, since the actor surprised Tiwi with a marriage proposal during a visit to the United States in early 2024.
They later held a grand wedding in January 2024, attended by top Nollywood celebrities
Fans and colleagues have since flooded social media with congratulatory messages, celebrating the couple’s resilience and the arrival of their baby.
Entertainment
2Baba’s Family Declares Him Missing, Petitions DSS Amid Controversy

The family of Nigerian music legend Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has raised alarm over his disappearance, declaring him missing and petitioning the Department of State Services (DSS) for urgent intervention.
The petition, signed by Wilson Anuge of Anuge, Anuge & Co., has gone viral on social media, sparking widespread concern among fans and the entertainment industry.
The document states: “We are writing to urgently seek your assistance regarding a profoundly troubling situation involving a member of the Idibia Family.
“Mr. Innocent Idibia (also known as Tuface or 2Baba), our client, is reasonably believed to be missing since Monday, February 10.
“We believe that Mr. Innocent left his residence in the early hours of February 10 in his loungewear, suggestive that he was going on his habitual walk, but he has not returned home since then.
“In spite of the best efforts of his family members, staff, and management of his record label to reach or locate him, including reaching out to his friends and acquaintances, all efforts have proved abortive.
“They have been unable to establish any contact or ascertain his whereabouts.”
This development comes just 24 hours after 2Baba’s mother, Rose Idibia, made an emotional appeal to Nigerians, urging them to intervene in a situation involving Edo State lawmaker, Hon. Natasha Osawaru.
In a viral video, Mrs. Idibia accused the 31-year-old granddaughter of Chief Gabriel Igbinedion and Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly of casting a spell on the music star.
She alleged that her son was not in his right state of mind when he proposed to Osawaru, adding that his ongoing divorce battle with his estranged wife, Annie Idibia, had left him vulnerable.
“Good evening, Nigerians. My name is Mrs. Rose Idibia, the mother of 2Face,” she said in the video.
“This message is for Miss Natasha Osawaru of Edo State. I’m calling on all mothers in Nigeria to help me beg her to free my son.
“My son is going through a divorce process, and he is clearly not in his right senses now. I know my son well. That is not him.
“Please Natasha, the beads you put on his hand and on his neck, remove them and free him.”
2Baba’s rumored romance with Osawaru has been a trending topic all week, with reports of the singer visiting the Edo State Assembly complex and later being spotted with the lawmaker at a Lagos nightclub.
The situation has fueled public speculation, adding to concerns over the singer’s mysterious disappearance.
Entertainment
President Tinubu Hails Tems for Grammy Win, Celebrates Nigerian Music’s Global Impact

President Bola Tinubu has extended heartfelt congratulations to Temilade Openiyi, better known as Tems, for her remarkable achievement in winning the Best African Music Performance award at the 67th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday night.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the President praised the singer for her outstanding artistry, which has once again brought global recognition to Nigeria. “The President celebrates the rise of a new generation of young and multi-talented Nigerian musical artists who have propelled Afrobeats to international prominence, projecting the country’s reputation as a powerhouse of musical innovation, creativity, and cultural influence,” the statement read.
Tinubu highlighted the far-reaching impact of Nigerian music: “From Africa to Antarctica, Asia to Australia, Europe to the Americas, the Nigerian music industry, particularly, Afrobeats has become a source of national pride, promoting a sense of identity and self-expression while uniting people across borders.”
The President also congratulated other Nigerian artists nominated at this year’s Grammys: Yemi Alade, Asake, Wizkid, Lojay, Davido, and Burna Boy. He expressed gratitude for their role in putting Nigeria on the global map of great musical achievements, showcasing the country’s creative excellence.
“You are all inspiration and role models to many young people. The nation remains deeply grateful for your contributions to music, job creation, and tourism promotion. I wish you all continued success in your musical careers,” President Tinubu added.
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