The thriving market for Mexican soaps in Nigeria may decline, with a locally-produced telenovela drama series, Taste of Love, standing as the avant-garde.

Although the series is an acquired format from Latin America and Eastern Europe, the award-winning and best-selling romance novel has been adapted for Nigerian television audience.

The drama series, according to the producer, Micromedia Marketing Ltd., a content acquisition and distribution company, commences airing on terrestrial TV from October. It has  150 episodes in its first season.

Featuring notable actors such as Ayo Lijadu, Yomi Obileye, Kunle Coker, Paul Adams, Wale Macaulay, Femi Brainard, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Makida Moka, Mofe Duncan, Gabriel Afolayan and Omowunmi Dada, Taste of Love tells the story of two love birds, Hadiza and Kelechi, children of two rival sugarcane- growing families who are separated by their families past and will have to overcome countless obstacles to truly be together.

The drama dates back to the Military era of the 1990s in Nigeria, depicting the friendship, betrayal and hatred among rival sugarcane plantation families, Musa-Phillips and Pepple. Ibrahim Musa-Phillips is convinced that Jonathan Pepple has betrayed him and caused the death of his wife, Maria. Until the real dark truth comes out, their children, who fall in love with each other, will have to overcome the family hatred.

It was shot on locations in Ilorin, Ibadan and Lagos,

”The story goes beyond love, intrigue, suspense and betrayal. It also takes us to the root of our culture and governance,’’ said Managing Director of Micromedia Marketing Ltd., Mrs. Shileola Ibironke.

According to her, “the drama and movie industry in Nigeria has grown and improved over the years in its production style and it is highly important to promote our industry for sustenance and future investments.”

The lead actors in the drama, Blossom Chukwujekwu and Makida Moka, are fast-rising entertainers who play side-by-side in the first Nigerian telenovela drama series.

Blossom is now fondly referred to as Nollywood’s newest quintessential and bankable leading man. He got his break through Flower Girl, which has premiered to critical and commercial success in Nigeria, Ghana, United Kingdom and film festivals in United States and Canada. His next blockbuster feature film, Finding Mercy, was one of the most-anticipated and successful movies of 2013. It was the closing film of the 2013 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) in Calabar. Finding Mercy earned Blossom numerous award nominations, including Most outstanding Male Actor, Best Actor in a Lead Role, Best New Actor and Best Kiss (with Rita Dominic).

Makida Moka came into the limelight in 2009, when she emerged the Face of Sleek at the maiden edition of the competition. This caused a major twist in her modelling career. Ever since, her profile has been on the rise. She has paraded runways at both local and international scenes and is one of the top models in the country.

Makida also has a passion for acting, as she has recently featured in the ongoing hit web series, Gidi-Up season 1 and 2.

In line with the vision to ensure improved service delivery by its members, the leadership of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (FIBAN) has undertaken the sponsorship of eight members to the ongoing training programme of the Radio Nigeria Training School.

This, according to Yemi Sonde, President of FIBAN, is in fulfillment of his administration’s promise at inception.

In a recent interview with The Nation, Sonde, also a movie producer, had disclosed that his campaign promises revolved around four cardinal points: building the FIBAN national secretariat, which will be called FIBAN HOUSE, training of members at the Radio Nigeria Training School, transparency and accountability.

According to him, “When we talk about training, it includes workshop, internal training, encouraging members to do a lot of research and getting them to realise that they are the mirror of the society. It is not going to be all the members of FIBAN who will undergo training at this point. It is going to be in batches. I am sure you know that Radio Nigeria runs two sessions in a year. I welcome training and do a lot of research.”

He, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the opportunity to improve themselves in the broadcasting profession and motivate others to follow in their footsteps.

It was an exciting weekend for 18-year-old aspiring actress, Bola Suru, who emerged winner of Act The Part, an online acting competition overseen by star actress, Genevieve Nnaji.

Suru, a university admission-seeker, beat two other finalists, Michael Akan and Chioma Okoye, to the prize of an exquisite makeover and VIP dinner with Nnaji, courtesy of Amstel Malta.

The competition, Act The Part, is an activation for the Amstel Malta brand, which the actress has been contracted to promote.

The deal had required fans to act any role from a selected movie of their choice in just two minutes and upload to the brand’s website.

Staying true to her promise, Nnaji, last Saturday, treated Suru to a superb dinner at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Amstel Malta ambassador, who was clad in a mustard-colour dress by Halston and Heritage, shared fun memories with the aspiring actress and talked about her thriving real estate business.

Suru, who could not contain her joy, said:

“I’ve never felt like this in all the 18 years of my life. This is practically the best day of my life and I can’t thank Amstel Malta enough for this”, she said joyously.

Apparently overwhelmed by her mentorship role, Genevieve too expressed excitement for the initiative. “I’m very glad and thankful to Amstel Malta to have given me this opportunity to meet this amazing young woman. She’s certainly a bundle of talent and I’m willing to support her acting career in every way I can,” she said.

The winner also had a full body makeover, courtesy of Amstel Malta, before spending the evening with the star, after which she took home several cartons of Amstel Malta can drinks.

Alot has been said or written about the Ebola Virus, which is currently ravaging some parts of Africa.

Consequently, as part of efforts to fight the scourge, some yet-to-be-infested countries have started taking pre-emptive measures. Only recently, Saudi Arabia suspended the issuance of pilgrimage visa and by extension, any flight from West Africa coming into the Arab country.

Following that lead, though in a more subtle manner, the Republic of Seychelles has started screening visitors from West African countries. As a result, top Nollywood filmmaker and actor, Kunle Afolayan and his brother, actor Gabriel Afolayan, came under thorough scrutiny, recently.

According to Afolayan, an award-winning filmmaker, “We landed in the Republic of Seychelles safe and sound. Gabriel and I were isolated from the other Kenyan crew that went we us and we were made to sign plenty forms because we came from West Africa (Ebola region). Gabriel didn’t have his yellow fever card, so he had to do a test the following day and take the result back to the health section of the airport. Thanks to SBC for the rescue and warm welcome,” Kunle stated.

Kunle and his brother are in Seychelles to shoot a movie.

MTN, a telecommunications company, has thrown its weight behind this year’s edition of the annual Battle of The Year dance competition, otherwise called BOTY.

Battle of The Year is an annual international break-dancing series that began in Hannover, Germany over 20 years ago. Its uniqueness is the battle among various break-dance crews as opposed to individual break-dance battle.

Usually, regional qualifying tournaments, also known as preliminaries, are held worldwide culminating the World finals event in Germany.

According to the organisers, the Battle of the Year Nigeria is the Nigerian preliminary to the annual international Battle of the Year break-dance championship featuring the best B-boy crews from across the country competing for the spot to represent Nigeria and Africa at the Battle of the Year international events.

The event, which is attended annually by over 1,2000 visitors across the world, features the best and most innovative break-dance crews from all over the world creating an environment for friendship, international exchange of culture and knowledge.

It responds to the influences, energy and aspirations embedded in youth culture, providing access for youths to learn new skills and explore the uncommon world of opportunities.

Jolomi Kendaboh, CEO of House of Royalty and Project Coordinator BOTY, said: “Expect that this year’s edition to be better than the last with MTN’s backing as we hope to take the standards of the dance competition to the next level.”

Popular Nollywood actress, Kehinde Bankole, has revealed her plans to go into music.

“There is the possibility of music around the corner. Yes, I’m going into music. It’s one of my passions and I will not let it lie low for too long,” she said.

Meanwhile, the beautiful actress also spoke on her role in the highly anticipated movie, October 1, which screened to critical acclaim recently.

The Lux ambassador revealed that she had gotten to a crossroads in her career and came to the conclusion that if she had to remain in acting, then, she had to do things differently.

“I got to a point when I was confused. I said if I was going to stay in acting, then, I have to do things differently. That was when Kunle Afolayan’s October 1 came. It took me to the next level of my career. My work, often times, is not about money. It’s about the project you are working on and how you can transfer that value to me; so, that was what happened,” she said.

The actress revealed that she had to go extra miles to darken her skin so as to fit into the role. “When Kunle saw me, he said he knew me to have a brown skin, but that I have become lighter. And he gave me one month to get darker, if I had to stand a chance of getting the role before he even asked me to read. I used Shea Butter and everything that I could lay my hands on. By the expiration time, I had achieved the colour I think I would like,” she added.

Sensational singer, Iyanya, has shot the video for the hit single, Mr Oreo.

Mr Oreo directed by The Mega Boi was shot at an upscale apartment in one of New York’s most populous neighbourhoods.

Named after the global cookie brand and ice cream, the artiste said he chose Brooklyn, New York to interpret the unique vocals and rhythm of the song, which is one of his credits in the album titled The Evolution.

His current tour of the U.S. has further confirmed his rating as one of the wave-making acts from Nigeria. The tour, the artiste revealed, would also feature business meetings, club appearances and event performances.

According to information, the tour will be rounded off soon, with official announcements anticipated from the label.

Contrary to insinuations in some quarters, popular actress, Toyin Alausa, has revealed that her frequent acting in television series, rather than home movies, is not due to any obsession.

While the single mother of one, who started out as a kid actor at eight, maintained that she would pick up any good script with attractive fee, she however decried a practice in the Yoruba movie sector of Nollywood, where majority of producers operate on what she described as “You-help-me-I-help-you” basis.

When asked if she feels more comfortable acting in TV series than home movies, Alausa, who is also passionate about catering, said: “The truth is, I will answer whoever calls me up for a job. I am an actor, so I don’t see any reason why I will be receiving some jobs and rejecting some. I attended a lot of movie casting in January and February and the producers said they would get back to me, but they never did. So, what do you want me to do? But if someone else calls me up and says he or she has a role for me in a TV series and everything else is smooth, won’t I do it? So, it is not a matter of choice that I don’t feature too often in movies. I will never reject a good script. People just assume I don’t like to do movies, but I think it is because they don’t want to pay. They are used to ‘Please, help me…” Therefore, if you say you can’t do such stuff, they tag you a bad person. I don’t have any issues with films or movies, as long as we are all in the same industry.

“Yes, I started with TV series, like Drama Showcase, Tales by Moonlight etc. Maybe because of the training, I got used to TV series until the advent of movies. Though I get more roles in TV series than in movies, I won’t say I am more comfortable with one over the other.”

As part of the year-long activities marking the 10th anniversary of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA), the Africa Film Academy (AFA) will host an anniversary charity gala night this Saturday at the Grand Ball Room of the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The founder of Africa Film Academy, Ms. Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, who recently stepped down as the Chief Executive Officer of AMAA, said the charity gala was conceived to raise funds to support AFA’s work across Africa.

She added that Africa had come of age and the positive stories about the continent must be told to the rest of the world through motion pictures.

“We want to raise funds to support our training and other talent development programmes across Africa. We are selling tables and souvenirs to raise the funds. It will be a gala night with Joyous Celebration, Africa’s largest Gospel band from South Africa, on stand to entertain our guests. We are praising God for blessing our work in the last 10 years and raising awareness about the work we do through our Film-in-a-Box project across the continent. We call on our partners, sponsors and other corporate bodies to support us the more,’’ she said.

According to the organisers, five of the 10 short-listed Nigerian journalists will be honoured in the AMAA Media Recognition Awards on the occasion for their efforts to project the awards and the motion picture industry to the rest of the world in the last 10 years.

The media award carries $10,000 prize money, which will be shared among the three clear winners and two consolation prize winners.

The AMAA’s Media Recognition Awards three-man committee was coordinated by Mr. Steve Ayorinde, Chairman of AMAA 2014 Jury. Other members of the screening panel for the media award were Thisday newspaper columnist, Mrs. Onoshe Nwabuikwu and Dr. Ifeoma Amobi of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Akoka.

The 10 finalists and their nominated entries include: Business Day’s Funke Adetutu( Peace Anyiam-Osigwe on a show beyond the continent); Sunday Tribune’s Akintayo Abodunrin( Catalyst to greatness: How AMAA aided their rise to the top); Business Day’s Daniel Obi( African Film Industry, AMAA and FDIs); National Mirror’s Terh Agbedeh( Nigerian film industry regains credibility at AMAA) and Punch’s Akeem Lasisi(Thumbs up for Figurine on a night of perfect picture).

Others include The Guardian’s Chuks Nwanne (At 10, AMAA rolls the drum for mother Africa); E24-7’s Biodun Kupoluyi(Night of AMAAzing performances in Bayelsa) and  Nolly SilverScreen’s Isabella Akinseye(AMAA: A decade of uniting, celebrating and rewarding African filmmakers). Also, a Kenyan, Njenga Micugu, from Nairobi Digest made the list with his entry titled African films should go digital to discover more Lupitas as well as Collins Ukaonu’s interview on Reel Nollywood on Galaxy Television.

United States actor and comedian, Robin Williams, has been found dead, aged 63, in an apparent suicide.

Marin County Police in California said he was pronounced dead at his home shortly after officials responded to an emergency call around noon local time.

Williams was famous for such films as Good Morning Vietnam and Dead Poets Society and won an Oscar for his role in Good Will Hunting, the BBC reports.

His publicist said he had been “battling severe depression.”

In the past he had talked, and even joked, about his struggles with alcohol and drugs.

Williams had recently returned to a rehabilitation centre to “fine-tune” his sobriety, the Los Angeles Times reported in July.

“At this time, the Sheriff’s Office Coroner Division suspects the death to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but a comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made,” police said in a statement.

In a statement, Williams’ wife, Susan Schneider, said she was “utterly heartbroken.”

“This morning, I lost my husband and my best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken,” she said.

63 year old Oscar winning Actor-Comedian Robin Williams was  found dead last night in his home in Northern California.

The police issued a statement saying the cause of death is suspected  to be a suicide due to asphyxia, but said a “comprehensive investigation must be completed before a final determination is made.”

His wife, Susan Schneider, confirmed the news in a statement released through the actor’s publicist. “This morning I lost my husband and best friend, while the world lost one of its most beloved artists and beautiful human beings. I am utterly heartbroken,” she said.

His representative, Mara Buxbaum, said in a statement that he had lately been “battling severe depression” and added: “This is a tragic and sudden loss. The family respectfully asks for their privacy as they grieve during this very difficult time.”

In a White House statement, Barack Obama said: “Robin Williams was an airman, a doctor, a genie, a nanny, a president, a professor, a bangarang Peter Pan, and everything in between. But he was one of a kind. He arrived in our lives as an alien – but he ended up touching every element of the human spirit.”

The Oscar-winning actor, voice actor and stand-up comedian Robin Williams, whose range extended from manic mimicry to understated character portrayals. will be remembered for his roles in Popeye, Goodwill hunting, Good Morning Vietnam, Aladdin, Mrs Doubtfire, Jumanji and many more

Nigerian soul singer, Timi Dakolo, has released the official video of his song, Iyawo Mi, off his forthcoming album, Love and Consequences.

The 1970s -inspired video directed by Clarence Peters was shot in Ogun State, Nigeria, with a vintage Mercedes car, time – appropriate costumes, makeup and other props. The video shows the journey of a newlywed couple played by Timi Dakolo and his wife, Busola, through good and difficult times.

“I’m really proud of this video. I have always wanted to do a vintage video that is fun and features my wife. Iyawo Mi was inspired by her, so it was just right that she played a part in it. We had an awesome time,” said Timi Dakolo.

Timi Dakolo, 33, is an award-winning R&B/Soul music artiste from Bayelsa State, Nigeria. He grew up in the city of Port-Harcourt, where he started his singing career at 12.

Following his victory at the first and only edition of West African Idol, he released his debut album titled Beautiful Noise in 2012, receiving great reviews for the work. He later released another single titled Great Nation.

United States film and stage actress, Lauren Bacall, has died at the age of 89.

Her Hollywood career spanned seven decades, with a memorable debut aged 19 opposite her future husband, Humphrey Bogart, in “To Have and Have Not.”

More than 50 years later, “The Mirror Has Two Faces” earned her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination, the BBC reports.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1924, she went on to become one of cinema’s biggest stars, best known for her husky voice and smouldering looks.

A Twitter account of the Bogart estate, run by Bacall’s son, tweeted: “With deep sorrow, yet with great gratitude for her amazing life, we confirm the passing of Lauren Bacall.”

She reportedly died after suffering a major stroke at home in New York.

Bacall collected an honorary Oscar in 2009 in recognition of “her central place in the golden age of motion pictures.

Born Betty Joan Perske, Bacall took a variation of her mother’s last name after her parents divorced.

Her first film performance, as the tough and tender dame in “To Have and Have Not,” became one of the most powerful debuts in film history.

The film featured her legendary lines: “You don’t have to act with me, Steve. You don’t have to say anything and you don’t have to do anything. Oh, maybe just whistle. You know how to whistle, don’t you, Steve? You just put your lips together and… blow.”

For its positive contribution to the image of Africa, Nollywood filmmaker Lancelot Imasuen, has said that the Nigerian movie industry should be endorsed and celebrated by the African Union.
Speaking during an interview session on Galaxy TV Wednesday, Imasuen said Africa now needs more global presence, especially in the light of the negative image being painted by the western media.
“Every message by the western media was that of starvation. Now it is Ebola. At first, they said HIV has no cure. Now they are talking about other diseases. Africans should also have a voice to express what is happening through video. Motion picture can travel further than you can ever imagine. That is why I am so excited that as a Nigerian filmmaker, I have the opportunity to tell the African story from my perspective. There is too much negativity about Africa. This is something about us that needs to be celebrated,” the filmmaker said.
Imasuen, who was on the show to talk about his latest epic movie, Invasion 1897, also took time to talk about his voyage into the arts. He said he had not done any other thing in the last 34 years, except movies.
“Since I was born, this is what I found myself doing. It started from primary school, to the church, to my secondary school where I actually had the urge to professionalise. As early as Form One in my secondary school, I was in the cultural troupe of the school. From secondary school, I had started keeping awards as an actor, as a writer and as a director. I actually started directing at that tender age. For me, this has been my life,” Imasuen stated.
Invasion 1897, according to the filmmaker, is a story about how the British invaded Benin kingdom and sent its monarch, Oba Ovoramwen Nogbaisi to exile in Calabar. Featuring well-known local and foreign acts, Imasuen said that the movie will start showing in Nigerian cinemas later this month.

Weeks after hosting campaign activities for Governor Rauf Aregbesola in the last Osun State governorship election, popular comic and master of ceremonies, Gbenga Adeyinka, will be helming the formal presentation of Nigeria’s exclusive Sunday newspaper, TheNiche.

Scheduled for this Saturday, at the Orchid Hall, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the comedian will coordinate the event that is expected to be chaired by former president of the Nigerian Academy of Science, Professor Anya O. Anya.

Also expected at the event is Lagos State governor, Babatunde Fashola, as Chief Host.

Adeyinka, who is no doubt one of the most sought-after emcees, has promised to bring the magic associated with his performances on stage, TV and at formal events to Eko Hotel for the presentation of TheNiche.

Highlight of the occasion will be a keynote address titled A New Nigeria is Possible which will be delivered by Minister of Information, Labaran Maku.

Organisers say among the distinguished guests who have confirmed their availability for the event are, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Emeka Ihedioha.

Others are Governors Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Emmanuel Uduaghan of Delta State, Godswill Akpabio of Akwa Ibom State and Theodore Orji of Abia State.

Also expected are business leaders, and celebrities from the Nigerian music and film industries.

Ruth Kadiri, a Nollywood actress and storywriter, has just completed works on her new movie, Matters Arising, which stars Ghanaian actor, Majid Michel.

Matters Arising, a romantic comedy shot in a village setting in Enugu, is the story of a married thrift collector who does not live up to his responsibilities and is always finding fault with his wife.

According to Ruth, it is a movie that seeks to bring happiness to movie lovers, while also teaching people that it is more honourable to own up to their responsibilities.

With this movie, Ruth Kadiri  has joined the ever- growing leagues of female movie producers like Uche Jombo, Omoni Oboli, Funke Akindele and Stephanie Okereke Linus.

Ruth Kadiri, who holds a degree in Mass Communication from the University of Lagos (UNILAG), Akoka, got into the movie industry a few years back as a story writer.

She has starred in several movies alongside numerous stars in such movies as My Rich Boyfriend, Heart of a Fighter, Ladies Gang, Strange Acts, Breath of Love, Burning Tears and Sincerity, among others.

There was palpable reminiscence of the active days of the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN), when some notable artistes gathered to celebrate their former president, Bolaji Rosiji, who clocked 49recently.

Although the party which held at the celebrant’s Gaurapad Foundation office, Maryland, Lagos, feted guests from all walks of life, the presence of celebrities, most of who rendered exciting performances, was the highpoint of the event.

It was some sorts of re-union for most of the artistes, who had been  far apart, considering the current inactivity of PMAN, owing to leadership crisis.

The event literarilly became a concert, as the celebrant, also took to the stage, to render his popular single, Heart of Gold, which was released in 2010.

The song was a ‘Thank You’ rendition for the soft-spoken celebrity monk, who was presented with two pieces of birthday cakes and a recognition award by his guests.

Rosiji had prepared the song as a tribute to the people he described as golden-hearted, upon its release. “It is also a tribute to all the wonderful people that I have encountered in this adventurous odyssey called life, people who have sacrificed for me at times of need. And in particular, to all the so-called enemies, people who had sought to bring me down, I offer special thanks,” he had said.

Some of the artistes who graced the occasion include his immediate successor Tee Mac, Highlife artiste Bright Chimezie and Apala musician, Musiliu Haruna Ishola.

Others are Oritz Wiliki, Ras Kimono, Stella Monye, Daddy Showkey, Daddy Fresh, Weird MC, Stella Monye, Prince Wadada, Baba Fryo and celebrated female talking-drummers, Ara and Ayanbinrin.

The female drummers thrilled the crowd with familiar tunes which the crowd louded lyrically. Interestingly, Weird MC leveraged on the drummers, who provided the beat to her popular song Ijo Ya. Prince Wadada’s track Holy Holy, was also echoed by the crowd like an anthem.

“I salute all the musicians that have joined us today for the sense of love they have always demonstrated towards me and Gaurapad in general. Our relationship has continued to grow over the years because they love what we are doing. That is why Gaurapad Charities have several ambassadors among them,” Rosiji said.

According to the celebrant who founded the Gaurapad Foundation, the music industry is still dear to his heart, despite his deep engagement with healthcare servives and charity works.

He said his Gaurapad organization was prepared to support the development of the music industry, the way he has always done personally.

Rosiji also used the occasion to unveil a medical facility built by the Guarapad Foundation.

First lady of Empire Mates Entertainment, EME, record label Niyola has released the video for her single, Love to Love You after months of anticipation.

Many waited with bated breath months ago, after seeing the behind the scene photos on her instagram page during production.

The video was shot in the United States of America and shot under the artistic direction of  Kemi Adetiba.

Following the spectacular success of her previous single, Toh Bad,also directed by Kemi Adetiba, its no surprise Niyola is working with the ace producer a second time.

Expectations are high and we hope that Love to Love You lives up to it.

The concept for the video relies heavily on the theme of the song. It is basically going to show how exactly Niyola plans to love her man.

Love To Love You is 80s themed and influenced by the burlesque movement. It is also reminiscent of the film noir movie genre. Love To Love You is the fourth official single from Niyola’s upcoming sophomore album. Prior singles include Crazy, Belle No Be Showglass and her very popular hit single; Toh Bad.

AS part of efforts to curb the rising level of commercial piracy in the country, MultiChoice Nigeria has urged individuals or entities that use DStv services for public use, without a commercial license, to obtain it so as to enable them broadcast DStv contents without litigation.

Caroline Oghuma, PR Manager, DStv, MultiChoice, said: “We want these subscribers to stay on the right side of the law. Those who are yet to convert are infringing on the copy right laws of Nigeria and will face appropriate penalties.”

Oghuma explained that MultiChoice is working in association with the Nigerian Copyrights Commission (NCC) to stem the rising trend of commercial piracy. According to her, early this year, officials of the NCC, Lagos Zonal Office, issued a 14- day deadline for hotels to obtain the appropriate commercial licenses for the broadcast of DStv channels.

“We are happy that some hotel owners have complied by legalising their subscriptions. However, we urge those who have not complied to do so,” she said.

Last year, the Commission launched an amnesty campaign to create awareness on broadcast piracy.

Oghuma added that the campaign would move to the second phase, which would involve the copyright audit of outlets using DStv in public and sanctioning of infringing users.

“MultiChoice Nigeria, in conjunction with the NCC, is currently battling four types of piracy: cable piracy, re-broadcasting piracy, commercial piracy and circumvention piracy. Commercial users that wish to obtain a commercial license in order to avoid sanctions are advised to visit the nearest DStv office or DStv agent’s outlet,” Oghuma added.

While she has kept the details about the launch of her new event centre, The Dorchester by Elizabeth R, to her chest, information scooped by Celebrity Watch showed that glowing beauty, Ibidun Ighodalo’s plan to launch the facility sited on Water Corporation Drive, Off Ligali Ayorinde Road, Victoria Island, Lagos, has reached fever pitch. The magnificent edifice, which now is only undergoing final touches, boasts 4,000 theatre-style seats, 1,500 banquet-seat hall and an ample parking space.

While no figure had been put on the edifice, it is speculated that the cost of the Dorchester can only be estimated in billions. Ibidun, the wife of the Senior Pastor of Trinity House, Ituah Ighodalo, celebrated the fourth anniversary of the church a few weeks ago.

Trinity House was founded after a misunderstanding that ensued in the pastorate of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG). Things fell apart between the former pastor of Christ Church, Gbagada and the authorities of RCCG due to the complex nature of the crash of his first marriage. Ighodalo later remarried the then Ibidun Ajayi, Nigeria’s first Face of Lux and MD/CEO of Elizabeth R.