A Lagos High Court, Igbosere yesterday ordered the arrest of a Nollywood actress and producer, Monalisa Chinda-Coker, over alleged tax evasion. The presiding judge, Justice Adedayo Akintoye renewed the bench warrant following the failure of the actress to appear in court for trial.
Lagos State government had charged her with failure to file annual tax returns and failure to pay income tax in respect of her company, Monalisa Code Productions. When the matter came up today, April 1, the defendant and her lawyer were not in court.
Hence, the Lagos State counsel, Mr Babatunde Sumonu, told the court that the bench warrant it earlier issued is yet to be effected. The judge, Justice Akintoye consequently held that the bench warrant should subsist. She adjourned the case until June 5 for further hearing.
The court had, on January 21, 2019, given the order for the actress arrest following an application made by the State Ministry of Justice.
The state submitted that the defendant repeatedly failed to honour court summons since 2017 when the charge was filed. According to the prosecution counsel, the defendant failed to file annual tax returns and pay income tax in respect of her company, to the Lagos State Internal Revenue Service (LIRS) for six years, stressing that Monalisa Code Productions carries out its business from Lekki in Lagos State.
The alleged offences, the prosecution said contravenes Section 94(1) of the Personal Income Tax Act 2004 (as amended) and Section 56 of the Lagos State Revenue Administrative Law of 2006.
Reports reaching us on Colossus Gists this Tuesday suggest that a Popular Nollywood actress, Olabisi Monsurat Ishola died few days after she was said to have delivered off her baby.
Until her death, Bisket is a member of Theatre and Movie Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN). Bisket passed away during over the weekend, in just barely 10 days after welcoming her new baby.
Bisket, until her death was also the CEO of Bisket Movie Concept, and was confirmed to have died by her fellow Yoruba actress, Omolola Olumide. The late actress and producer was a member of the Lagos Island branch of TAMPAN.
Bisket’s death is coming almost three months after the death of a colleague, Gbenga Akintunde aka Burger, who died at the age of 47 on January 4 2019.
My journey so far
All I have to say is thank you to the Almighty Allah for being so kind to me. Talking of the achievements and other things I would only say thank you to Him. I’ve been in the industry for 54 years
It’s quite a long time now. I started in 1964 when I was 12 years old. There have been a lot of changes in the industry since then. You cannot compare those days to nowadays, in terms of so many things, including technology and discipline in the industry. That’s why I said a lot has changed. Even culture itself is dynamic. In those days, there was discipline, but the upcoming ones don’t have respect so much these days, especially for the call time. In those days, you must respect the call time.
About changes in technology, people who started from stage performances had to do it at one take, because there was no opportunity to cut and retake like we are doing now. So, the technology has changed. So many things cause a lack of discipline. For instance, back then, we were doing things without expecting any money, as it was about passion for the job. The job satisfaction itself is enough for us and it is always difficult to manage a business with artistic work, but when you can, it puts food on your table.
I have a lot of productions ongoing
We just concluded a Television Series for Startimes which will start showing soon, and I have some movies that I have just shot, one of which is ‘Ekisa’ but I have a big cinema I’m working on with a working title as, ‘Khaki Boys’. Ekisa movie has a tip from a Yoruba adage, which means my blood is more important than any other person. And for the movie, I have myself, Sola Kosoko, Femi Adebayo, Muyiwa Ademola and a host of others.
I think I had the opportunity to change the style of Yoruba movies
Initially, I didn’t join home videos, as I started with celluloid, together with Ogunde, Ade Love, and Baba Sala. I produced my first movie in 1985, Omo oru nkan in 1987, 1989 I did Eri Okan and at that time they had started home videos but I didn’t join, so also Ade Love and Ogunde didn’t join, because we believed, at that time that home video was not acceptable all over the world. But when the economy started crashing and we needed to survive and sustain our audience, I decided in 1993 to do Asewo Tori Mekka.
The name, Oga Bello came in 1971
There was a programme on TV when we still had NTV Victoria Island and the programme was called Barbie’s Show and it was being anchored by the late Art Alade and was produced by Oladele Bank Olemoh. So, they gave us a segment there for 15 minutes to perform and during the character analysis we were giving ourselves names and my Oga looked at me and was like you are from Ilorin we would be calling you Bello and that’s how it came about on the programme and it is well accepted by people.
Yoruba movies are a passion for me
As I believe, it is through that I can develop my culture and explain better to my target audience. It is not that I haven’t featured in English movies, I have done one or two, but I can’t remember anymore. But if I am invited, I would go but I won’t go and lobby for anything.
I don’t always judge myself or my works
I believe strongly that my fans and people out there are the ones that can judge me. But, anything you want to do, just do it well. We learn, we know it, we practice it and we keep improving on it, as whatever you want to do, you need to move with time. That helped me most, as if I am to be on any work I make adequate research on it.
I’m always happy to meet my fans
Their reactions make me see that they love my job and appreciate all that I am doing. If they don’t, obviously they wouldn’t come around and I’m always happy to relate to them. I also try to maintain such relationships with them.
Nigerians sometimes talk bad about the country
Some Nigerians engage in bad talk about Nigeria and the way they portray our country is too bad. When I come out of my house and I tell you our house is dirty, stinking or smelling that’s how you are going to take it. But when I tell you our house is neat and we do things right that’s how you are going to take. It’s our people from there that portray us in a bad manner. People in foreign countries appreciate us very well, as we are the second in terms of production, even with the little resources at our disposal. The way we portray ourselves is the way they see us, but when they meet you and know you better, they may view you differently.
We are killing our culture
And I would tell you how. As a Yoruba man, I don’t see you speaking Yoruba with your children. So, when you are talking of movies they would prefer to watch English movies instead of movies in Yoruba; isn’t that a way of killing our culture, and everything Yoruba too? Well, that’s number one. Two, we have more audience than they do and I remember the cinema started with us. I remember when I released one of my movies back then, Omo oru nkan, the capacity of the Main Bowl at the National Theatre was 3,600 and we had a full house for 12noon, 3p.m. and 6p.m., until the Cinema culture started.
If you can do your investigation, you would hardly see up to 20 per cent of English Movie producers that have broken even. When you go to film school they would teach you how to make movies with a low budget and I believe we are not yet ripe to be spending so much money on movies. More so, the film houses don’t help Producers, as they would be taking too much of percentage off their works. The Yoruba circle is planning on bringing back our cinema culture.
Using younger actors to play the older persons’ role
It depends on your script, but I call it a very wrong casting for anybody that does that, instead of using an old man that has the experience. But if it is a transition from a younger cast to an older one it’s a different story, as you use that to interpret your cast. Anything other than this means the producer doesn’t know his work.
In this interview, with The Sun, accomplished writer, actor, producer and presenter; Iretiola Doyle, opened up about her life, career, and the joy of being a grandma at 51.
People say you are too principled, a no-nonsense person even outside movie locations, is that who you are?
There is no such thing as being too principled. You are either principled or you are not. And I don’t know how you can become middle-aged without acquiring a few principles here and there. Am I principled? Yes. Do I have professional integrity? Yes. Do I believe there is time and place for everything? Yes. If it’s time to play, kick off our shoes and laugh, you will find me there. Ask my close friends; they will tell you that I can be the life of a party. However, am I a reserved human being? Yes, I am. I make no bones about that.
Would you say you are a strict person?
It depends. If you are asking if I am strict with my children, I will say sometimes. Am I strict with my personal space? Yes, all the time. I am an actor. I respect people that appreciate my work. As an actor, people see you on television all the time, and sometimes that gives them the misconception that they know you and they want to relate with you like that girl they see every day. No sir, no ma, you do not know me. I do not expect what I do not give. I will accord you the same level of respect that I demand. I will not assume that because we greet each other, I can walk into your personal space and begin to chore through your life. I will not do that and therefore, I will not condone it from anybody.
You’ve had 15 years of acting experience before joining Mnet; tell us how this journey has been?
Speaking of writing, do you intend writing a book?
May be, but rather than a book, I’ll love to teach. I will like to have one on one interaction with young people. Let’s share ideas and rub minds. Rather than write a book, I will put it in a television show. I am a communicator, so I am not going to say a complete ‘no’ to writing a book. Writing comes easy to me. It helps me articulate my inner thoughts so, who knows? Never say never.
In your secondary school days, did you see yourself where you are right now or did you dream of being an astronaut or engineer?
Never an astronaut but my very first conscious thought of what I would be was the PRO of a multinational company. In fact, I said I would be the PRO of Chevron. I was always good at talking. I told myself that I was going to have a huge career in public relations.
You once said you started acting because of incessant strike actions in the university back then, how true was this?
It just happened a whole lot faster because school was always on strike and I didn’t have anything else to do. It was a burning passion in my belly. I seized the opportunity and spoke to somebody that spoke to somebody until God, fate made a way for me.
Before then, was acting something you wanted to do for a long time?
Yes. It came to me naturally. I don’t know how it did, but I just found out that if there was a performance to be done in secondary school, I was always involved in it. And if anyone was to be called to speak it was me. I think Checkmate was the first Nigerian TV series I fell in love with. I used to hurry back home to watch it. Then, there was Mind-Bending, a TV series produced by Lola Fani Kayode, which starred Joke Silva at the time. There was a particular scene where ‘Aunty J’ took me through an emotional journey. I looked on so steadily at her, as she tugged at all my emotions. After that scene, I knew that was what I wanted to do. It may sound weird, but it was a light ball moment for me.
When you first got the news that you are a grandmother at 51, how did that make you feel?
Blessed. That is the word. I am truly blessed. Having a grandchild is completely different from having a child. If someone had said that to me two months ago, I wouldn’t have understood what he or she was talking about. You look at yourself from a different perspective. Now, you have two generations looking up to you for directions, for legacy. Come on, I am someone’s grandma now.
Does it make you feel old?
I don’t feel old. My mum is late and I am a grandma. I realized I have more people coming behind me than ahead of me. You are an elder. Your decisions must come from a much deeper place.
This takes me to ‘Omugwo’, which is taking care of the mother and her new baby as a grandma. With your tight schedule, do you think you will be able to take off your nails and your hair to pound yam as well as bathe the baby?
They are in the US and I am in the process of going to see them. I want to go and see the baby there before they come back. When my plan becomes concrete, I will take off my nails, put my legs in a bath, put that baby on my lap and bathe her. I consider it a right of passage.
As for pounding yam, I cook when I want to. What I mean by ‘when I want to’ is that I am 51, and this has nothing to do with being on television or being a movie star. Most women at this age, if you are lucky and you can make those choices, you tell yourself that you have done this for 21 years, and you don’t want to cook any more. You do it at your leisure. There is some of that in me. Two, I am a very busy person. I cannot wake up at 4am and come back at 7pm to cook for someone. No, I won’t do that.
With the advantage of your resume, do you think much progress has been made in area of authentic storytelling in Nollywood?
Things have improved a lot. Everybody is proudly Nigerian. Everybody is trying to tell the Nigerian story. There is, however, no one particular Nigerian story. We are all coming at it in different perspectives. And it is okay for some people to stamp their personal perspectives on what they think is the authentic Nigerian story, but we must remember that we are very cosmopolitan. There is nothing happening in Nigeria that hasn’t happened anywhere else in the world. Our story is a collection of the universal story of mankind. I think we are doing a better job of telling our own story. And I also believe there is a need for improvement.
After Wedding Party, what did you take away from your role that continues to influence your other roles?
I won’t say learn, it just reinforced what I have known for a while: continue to do great work. Like somebody always says: continue wearing your best shirt, sooner or later the right person will notice you.
One always sees you crisscrossing two genres of drama. If you are to choose between stage and screen, which will you prefer?
It’s stage because it keeps you on your toes. You can’t take the theatre for granted. There is no ‘cut, take 2’. You have to deliver on the spot. And there is a certain energy rush that I get from the exchange between the actor and a live audience that, given the choice, it will be stage all the time. But unfortunately, the cash is not as heavy as television and film.
Do you have plans of reviving your TV show, Oge?
Yes. It would soon be back.
It's no doubt Stephanie Coker - Aderinokun is an 'A+' fashionista. The highly talented damsel sure brings her 'A' game in defying the odds to make daring fashion statements, whether it is a red carpet ensemble or a casual appearance.
She's since won our hearts with her role as 'Feke' in Tinsel and her co-hosting act with IK Osakioduwa, on 'The Voice'. With her amazing profile, Stephanie isn't backing down - she is 'leveling it up' as a budding businesswoman with an extra passion for philanthropy. After her feature on Accelerate TV's 'The Cover', she lets us in on some secrets she'd rather keep in her closet.
See if he'll rather;
feature in Game of Thrones or Tinsel
Check out previous episodes of Accelerate 9 and all the awesome content on www.acceleratetv.com as well as the full stack of our social media channels. Have yourself a wonderful day!!!
The Nations reports that filmmaker, Chris Ekejimbe has died. He was a prolific filmmaker and owner of 4Screams Production Company, a board member of the Association of Nollywood Core Producers (ANCOPS) and founder of notable Nollywood social media group, Film4Life.
News of his demise was broken to members of the group by founding President of ANCOPS, Mr. Alex Eyengho early Saturday.
“Folks! Sad day for Nollywood! Chris Ekejimbe just passed on a few moments ago at LUTH. Lord have mercy. I just spoke with the wife!” Eyengho stated.
The news has sent shivers round Nollywood camps, with condolence messages pouring in, even from Kigali, Rwanda, where filmmakers and actors are gathered for the 14th edition of the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) holding tonight. The Nollywood producer, according to the credible online platform, died at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital on Saturday morning while undergoing treatment.
Ekejimbe was said to have been referred to LUTH when his condition became critical after he was allegedly given a wrong injection at another hospital.
He died four months after the death of his friend and creative partner, Bambino Anachina.
Recall that the actor in a recent interview cried out that his life is being threatened by boyfriends and husbands, because they have been scammed by fraudsters, using his face.
“It’s so so sad, I have gotten death threats from people, I have gotten from husbands of these people, boyfriends of these people, maybe because of the way I deal with it you know, that’s another thing.
“The EFCC in Benin have been so helpful, I mean, it is really really bad. I have seen five people caught. There was a time it was so much the Inspector General of Police’s office got my account investigated. I was invited to the IGP’s office in Abuja, it was that bad.” He said.
Good news, as Ekoh Noel who posed as Nollywood actor Mike Ezuruonye and used his name to scam people on social media have been convicted and sentenced to one year in prison by the Federal High Court sitting in Benin City, Edo State.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) made the announcement on twitter saying:
“Ekoh Noel, who impersonated ace Nollywood actor, Mike Ezuruonye on Facebook to fraudulently obtain N12.4million from his victim has been sentenced to one year in prison by Justice P.I. Ajoku of a Fed High Court, Benin, Edo State.”
And Mike Ezuruonye through a message on Twitter, commended the commission, for nabbing the culprit. The EFCC posted the tweet which read:
“Nollywood actor Mike Ezuruonye commends #TheEagle in Benin for helping to nab impersonators who used his name for romance scams,” quoting Ezuruonye as stating that ‘It’s amazing that these women have come to believe that I am the one. They even use my picture, voice and old videos to defraud people’.”
Veteran Actress, Joke SIlva was featured on a recent edition of LOVEHAVEN magazine, and she spoke on her adoption and how she got to know she was adopted by her parents.
The 56-year-old veteran was adopted by the late Chief E.A Silva, a reputable lawyer, the then Babajiro of Lagos and his wife late Dr Abimbola Silva a pioneering female doctor, who died in July 2015.
Mrs Joke Silva revealed this recently at the first Annual Conference of Heritage Adoption Support and Advocacy Group (HASAAG).
Panelists at the conference which held in Lagos included a representative from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Mr. Wilfred Mamah, Mrs. Bridget Ituseli, a counsellor, public speaker, marriage facilitator, teacher and Writer Mrs.Bami Obasanya, who is the Chief Welfare Officer, Child Adoption and Fostering Unit of the Ministry of Youth and Social Welfare, Lagos State, Mr. Oluwatoyin Kotun.
Revelation
I remembered going out with my cousin and we met a big cousin She introduced me as ‘my cousin’s daughter and this is Dr Silva’s daughter.’ Then, the older cousin was like, ‘Dr. Silva ke? Se Doctor Silva bimo ni? (meaning does Dr. Silva have a child?). Did Dr Silva ever has a child?’
I was so confused and when I got home I told my mum, ‘I met this lady that says you never had a child.’ My mum froze and she said, ‘don’t mind them, they are used to rubbish talk.’
But I got to know years later when I wanted to travel and was looking for my passport where my mum kept it. Since she was not around, I opened the box in her absence and I saw my adoption papers. I never discussed it with my mum because I felt it was something that would hurt her, that was why, it was kept secret from me.
Amazing Parents
But I had incredible memories of my amazing parents for allowing me to do my A Level in England and going to one of the best schools in Bournemouth (a seaside resort on the southern coast of England) coming back after my A level with two of them having an argument on what I was going to do because I had failed my A level having done it for the third time then. I had done it thrice because I changed from science to Arts— I didn’t do well at all.
Bringing Olu Jacobs home
Several years later, I brought home the one I wanted to marry and my mum asked my husband, if he knew I was adopted and he answered in affirmation that I had already told him.
Many years later, there was another memory of a very nasty member of our family. My mummy always very supportive of her relatives sat on our balcony and said my aunty would never be supportive of her because in the Yoruba language, ‘won o kuku bimo’ (she never supported her because she didn’t have a child of her own.)
Letting my kids know
I then realized that I needed to tell my children about my adoption. I don’t want anybody to tell them in a way it wouldn’t be supportive. I called my children and I told them the ABC of my adoption story. They now told me that grandma had already told them.
It was then I learn that somebody in my son’s school had told him about his mum being adopted. He told grandma and grandma told him everything. Little wonder, my mum and Soji, my son were very close. Till she died, my mum my son remained inseparable.
Olu and I Lost Our Daughter
I have memories of my firstborn Dayo who died at the age of 10 and a half years. She was in coma and my husband would not allowed them removed her from life support until my mom came. He needed my mom’s approval then because grandma was so close to Dayo, they were inseparable.
She gave the go-ahead for her to be removed by saying she was better up there than making her suffer on life support. My mum was the one that saw us through because my dad already had a stroke and couldn’t be of help at all then.
I remember when my mother saw the health of my husband, who was deteriorating over the death of our daughter. She gave my husband a cheque of a hefty sum to go and complete the house we were building then. But because of how arrogant our husbands could be on matters like that, he rejected the offer of his mother-in-law, and quickly gathered himself together to go and complete the house.
Celebrating Late Parents
My mother is the first person who taught me how to pray and she told me, whatever the problem, her own father, Bishop Phillips, taught her to kneel down and pray on any issues bothering her life.
Whenever I go to her, she said, “Joke have you being on your kneels, oya take it to Baba God in prayer. Take it to daddy in prayer.”
In the Silva’s Will
Even in their wills, I was well protected. My Daddy being a lawyer said in his will that all his children, both adopted and biological, should be treated equally. I was not stressed in anyway. We were all well taken care of till my mum died at the age of 89. At 56, I still miss her but I know she has definitely gone back to her father.
On her sick bed I always sang her favorite tunes, she would be imputing the melodious tunes and she died singing to her Lord. She had prepared her family before my coming into her life because I had an incredible big Silva family.
I have a very big family I am the first daughter, I carried the responsibility of a first daughter. Everybody in my family cannot take any decision until sister Joke has come. I can’t call my parents adopted parents. They are my parents”
The Grand opening of Bedsheets Express’ Flagship Store held on Sunday, July 22nd, 2018 at Lennox Mall, Admiralty Way in Lekki Phase 1 with a number of celebrities and dignitaries in attendance.
The red carpet and cocktail event opened with an unveiling of the new collections of products by the brand’s CEO Ewaen Sorae.
The one-stop shop for all bedding and bath essentials which is situated in the heart of Lekki, also buzzed with the presence of prestige clients who were thrilled at the exquisite collections of the stylish bedding and home accessories.
Richard Mofe-Damijo, Kate Henshaw, Linda Osifo, Chef Eros, Dhiren Singh (Head- Mouka Retail), Abayomi Awobokun (CEO- Enyo Retail), Tonye Isokariari, Stephanie Uche, Bolanle Olukanni, and others.
See photos below.
Nollywood star actress, brand ambassador to brands like Amstel Malta, Etisalat, Polo and single mother of one, Genevieve Nnaji has been getting congratulatory messages from folks on her social media pages following the alleged completion of her Abuja estate.
She had shared the photo of the building two years ago while it was still under-going construction in Apo Dutse in Abuja and so decided to also share its photo on completion.
The 39-year-old Mbaise born actress was seen in a photo posing with the newly completed estate which she shared on her Instagram Account.
Genevieve Nnaji is one of the highest paid and most sought-after actresses in the Industry. She has many endorsements under her belt as well.
Veteran Nollywood actor Kanayo O. Kanayo on Instagram shared a photo his campaign poster for his 2019 House of Representative’s seat ambition.
The actor declared his intention to run last month where he said he intends to represent Ahiazu/Ezinihitte Mbaise Federal Constituency in Imo State under the aegis of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA).
Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze has just been honored as a distinguished visitor to Miami-Dade County.
The actor shared the news on his Instagram page with photos of a plaque and key to the county given to him by the Mayor.
He shared the photos with the caption:
WHEN THE WORLD BELIEVED IN YOU “Believe in yourself also! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy “- Norman Vincent Peale
From the bottom of my heart 💓 I say thanks 🙏 to Miami- Dade County office of the Mayor and the County Commissioners for honouring me as a DISTINGUISHED VISITOR 🔑 to the City of Miami, Florida.
You have just given me a KEY to more SUCCESS in life.
Thanks also to MURPHY FOLORUNSO for putting this together via the Miss Nigeria 🇳🇬 Florida Cultural Pageant 👌. I am very grateful 🙌
See photos of the award below:
Nollywood producer and screenwriter, Pascal Atuma, on Friday said that one has to be “a prostitute or semi-prostitute” to be successful in the Nigerian movie industry.
The screenwriter, who was speaking in an interview with TheCable, said that Nollywood is “controlled by pimps”. He further advised upcoming actors and filmmakers not to be deceived by the glamorous lifestyles they see on social media.
“If you are not a full-time or semi-prostitute, you will not make it in Nollywood.
“Our ladies are using what they have to get what they want. Even some of the guys who can use their a** are the ones making it in Nollywood.
“I am being very real here and they make it look as if they are doing well but they are not, they are suffering.
“Let’s stop deceiving the younger ones by keeping it real. We have to let the younger ones know how it is and what it is.”
Atuma dared anyone to challenge him on his disclosure, saying he’s ready to debate a contrary opinion.
“Pascal Atuma is my name and I am saying it the way it is and that’s the truth.
“If you want to challenge me on this, please come and do it on any national television in Nigeria or anywhere. I am even ready to pay for the challenge.
“The biggest boys in the industry know that I am saying the truth. I am saying the truth and there’s nothing anyone of them can do to affect my career, they can’t employ me,” he added.
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Actress & single mom Mercy Aigbe buys a beautiful home for herself and her kids in a choice area in Lagos!
According to the actress, her beautiful sis Luminee gave her this cake as a birthday gift and prophesied that she'll soon be a house owner. Little did she know that the Lord uses the foolish things of this world to confound the wise! ...and out of Luminee’s mouth, the Lord indeed gave her a testimony .......
See Chat Between Them Below
Luminee - before the year runs out you will buy your own house.....
Me - Luminee pls leave me oh! The one I have been building since I haven’t finished!
Luminee - Aunty mi, I am not talking about the one you are building, I am talking of the one you will buy in a beautiful choice area in lagos!
Me - Ha! Where will I get plenty plenty millions of naira to buy that one!
Luminee - Aunty mi don’t worry God will bless and empower you
Me - Amen oh!!!!.... And I laughed!
Congratulations ma.... It's indeed the Lord's doing and it's marvellous in our eyes!
More Photos Below
The actress posted on her timeline;
It deeply saddens me to say that my beloved mother is gone. This is a trying time for my family and we would appreciate your prayers, even as we plead for our privacy at this time. Thank you
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