I Love Playing Characters That Scare Me — Blessing Obasi

Actress, Blessing Obasi, has said she hopes to continue telling stories that not only entertain audiences but also challenge perspectives and spark meaningful conversations.

Speaking in an interview, she stated that she enjoys playing characters that scare her. She said, “Going forward, I am even more intentional about choosing stories that have emotional depth and leave people thinking long after the credits roll. I want to continue telling stories that entertain, but also challenge perspectives, spark conversations and reflect the richness of our human experiences. If a character scares me a little or stretches me creatively, that’s usually a good sign that I should explore it.”

Reflecting on her performance as Mimi in ‘Blood Sisters 2’, Obasi noted that she approaches every character with empathy rather than judgment.

She said, “For me, every character begins with understanding why they are the way they are. I try not to judge the people I play; I try to understand them. With Mimi, I spent time unpacking her emotional world; her fears, desires, vulnerabilities, and the experiences that shaped her choices. Once I understood those layers, it became easier to respond as her rather than perform her.

“I also invested time in conversations with the directors, and studying the script beyond my own scenes so I could understand the bigger emotional landscape. I wanted every reaction, silence and decision to come from a truthful place. My goal is always to make the audience forget they’re watching an actress and simply believe they’re watching a real person.”

The actress also stated that though she was grateful for the recognition the role fetched her, her focus is always on authenticity rather than standing out.

“I am genuinely grateful for the love the performance has received. To stand alongside such incredibly talented actors was already an honour, so hearing that people connected deeply with my portrayal is very humbling.

“That said, I don’t go into a project trying to stand out. I go in trying to tell the truth. If audiences saw something memorable, I believe it’s because they connected with the honesty of the performance.

“Acting isn’t a competition for me; it’s collaboration. Every actor in that movie series contributed greatly to creating a world that audiences could believe in, and I’m thankful to have been a part of that,” she said.

On her acting style, Obasi said she leans towards immersing herself in her characters while filming, though she does not remain in character off set.

She said, “I think there’s value in both approaches, but personally, I lean more towards immersion. I enjoy disappearing into characters because it challenges me creatively and keeps me growing as an actor.

“That doesn’t necessarily mean staying in character off set or losing myself completely, but while the camera is rolling, I want the audience to see the character and not Blessing Obasi Nze. If viewers forget they’re watching me and instead become invested in the person I’m portraying, then I feel I’ve done my job well.”

 

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When Love And Relationships Become A Fraud - Nollywood Star Actor, Emeka Ike

Veteran Nollywood actor Emeka Ike has said love and marriage remain sacred institutions, stressing that they only become fraudulent when people enter relationships with hidden financial motives.

Speaking in an interview with BBC News Pidgin that went viral on Friday, the actor criticised the growing trend of treating romantic relationships as a means of financial gain.

According to Ike, love is inherently beautiful, but it becomes problematic when one partner enters a relationship with undisclosed expectations of financial or material benefits from the other.

“No, love and marriage is not scam, but there are a few people that are hungry, that are using relationship as a meal ticket. That’s where it becomes a scam.

“Love is beautiful. Relationship is beautiful. To find a person who will like you, oh wow, na sweet matter,” he said.

He described such behavior as deception and urged Nigerians to be sincere in their dealings.

Ike noted that many young women now go into relationships mainly to gain financially from men. 

He argued that it would be more honest for people with such motives to seek help directly instead of disguising financial interest as romance.

Emeka added, “But when you are liking him for an end that he’s not aware of, that is a scam. Or when you’re liking her for a back end wey she no know say na wetin you like her for, na the scam be that.

“So plenty of girls are going to relationship because of what they want to get, wetin dey wan collect from the man.

“They should just go and be doing bambiala and be begging for money. Not using relationship. Relationship is supposed to be sacred.”

He stressed that love should be the foundation of every successful relationship.

He called on Nigerians to stop pretending to be in love and to stop reducing marriage to transactions.

“Love is a foundation. Love is the pillar of every good relationship. Let’s stop messing it up in Nigeria. Let’s stop pretending that we’re in love,” he said.

The actor also spoke on social media’s influence on modern marriages, advising women not to model their homes after relationships they see online, saying every marriage is unique.

He explained that healthy relationships require patience, understanding, communication, and the willingness to support a partner through challenges.

“Good girls, no listen to them. Because na the life them they live be that, they come they make am look like say everybody suppose dey do. Na lie.

“People endure in relationship. People try to find out the problem of their spouse in relationship. People try to solve it. People tell their spouses their problems wey them no know. And the spouse will, like, logically comply. How do you know? Because you have been following him mentally, and you know how to help him or help her.”

Ike warned that most of the failed marriages people see online do not represent reality, and urged women to focus on building their own homes rather than comparing them to others.

“Make Nigerian girls cool down. No dey listen to those women wey their marriage don scatter, na them full online.

“No take am go meet your husband for house, go dey follow am up say ‘them say’, nobody say anything. Your own relationship cannot be the same thing with that other man. Lai lai, they are not. E fit resemble but no be the same thing.”

He concluded that Nigerians must protect the integrity of love and marriage by approaching them with honesty and commitment.

  

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"What Sin Did I Commit In Asking My Guests Difficult Questions?" TV Host, Morayo Afolabi-Brown Reacts To Curses Rained On Her By A Caller

Television host and media personality Morayo Afolabi-Brown has revealed that she recently received an abusive phone call from someone who repeatedly cursed her over the questions she asks guests during interviews, insisting that asking tough questions is simply part of her job.

Speaking in a video shared on her Instagram page on Friday, the host of The Morayo Show and former co-host of Your View recounted the incident, saying she was shocked that someone would go as far as calling her personally to attack her over her work.

“I got a call from somebody who rained curses on me. She said so many unprintable words,” she said.

Afolabi-Brown explained that although she has faced criticism on social media over the years, she has learned to ignore it.

However, she said the phone call was different because the person had direct access to her.

“I’ve been dragged on social media for many years for different reasons. So I don’t read those messages because it’s not my kind of thing. But for somebody to have the privilege of having my phone number and calling me and raining curses on me… what’s my sin? The kind of questions I ask guests or the names I call during my interviews?”

The media personality said she had recently come under criticism over some of the questions she posed to guests, including asking one individual about their experience at a funeral.

Defending her interviewing style, Afolabi-Brown said her decades of experience in broadcasting have earned her the right to ask difficult questions.

“I’ve been in the media for 21 years. I’ve been on television for 12 years, every single day, Monday to Friday, hosting a TV show. There are only a handful of Nigerians who have that experience.

“If there’s anybody in this country that has the right to ask anybody any kind of question, it is me. I’ve earned it.”

She added that she would maintain the same approach regardless of who she interviews, including world leaders.

“If Donald Trump comes here tomorrow, I will ask him whatever the heck I want to ask him.”

Afolabi-Brown also dismissed suggestions that she deliberately puts guests in uncomfortable situations, saying she always respects their preferences before interviews.

“I respect my guests. Some of them, I give them the questions, tell me what they want to answer. Others, I give them a scope. The people that I know I flow with, we flow. I don’t need to ask them any questions. I just say, ‘Don’t go to this area, don’t go to that area,’ and it’s fine.”

She stressed that her programme was created to inspire positivity rather than attack or embarrass guests.

“My show is not for criticising and bashing people. My show is a show where we give love and joy.”

Expressing disappointment over the abusive call, Afolabi-Brown maintained that asking questions is at the heart of journalism and television presenting.

“It’s quite disheartening for somebody to call me and rain curses at me because I asked a question. It’s my job, for heaven’s sake, to ask questions. That’s my job.”

  

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Why Singles Should Not Date Outside Their Socio-economic Class - Toke Makinwa

Media personality Toke Makinwa has urged people to date within their financial class to avoid unnecessary pressure in relationships.

Speaking on the ‘MENtality’ podcast hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Makinwa said financial mismatch is one of the main reasons relationships struggle.

She argued that dating within your income bracket fosters greater understanding and support.

“I am a big believer in dating within your wage and within your class. That way, there will not be stories that touch. You will have a good girl at home, a girl who will even make dinner with her own money when you don’t have. Yet, some men will still want to cheat on her,” she emphasised.

The actress also spoke about loyalty and success, noting that many men leave partners who stood by them before fame and later complain that women are materialistic.

According to her, money does not change people but reveals who they truly are.

She warned that this is why many women are scared of building with men who are not yet successful, because their true nature often shows once they become wealthy.

“Heaven forbid you end up with a guy who hasn’t blown. The day he blows, that is when you will know his true personality. And that scares women. Money doesn’t change people; it just reveals who they are. So many men are treating women who sacrificed everything for them badly,” Toke added.

Toke Makinwa is currently single. Following her divorce from Maje Ayida in 2017, she has actively debunked recurring rumors about secret marriages or engagements—including speculation regarding her close friend, Farouk Umar—stating that she is not currently in a committed relationship. 

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It's Wickedness For A Polygamous Man With Many Children To Die Without A Will - Bobrisky

Transgender and social media personality Bobrisky has criticised men who have more than one wife or children with different women and die without writing a will.

In an Instagram story, Bobrisky described the practice as unfair and irresponsible.

He questioned the intentions of men who fail to plan for their families before death, asking whether they deliberately want to leave behind confusion and conflict.

According to him, having two or three wives or children with multiple women entails responsibility.

He said such men should make proper arrangements through a will to protect everyone involved after they are gone.

Bobrisky argued that failing to do so only creates family drama and leaves loved ones struggling over inheritance.

“I don’t know if some of you men are intentionally wicked or what. You’ve married two or three wives, or you’ve had children with two or three women. Why not make a will before you leave this earth?

“Do you really want to leave behind confusion and family drama after you’re gone? I honestly see that as unfair and irresponsible,” he wrote.

Bobrisky’s comment is coming on the heels of the scandals going on between widow of late Nollywood star actor, John Okafor aka Mr Ibu and his family over the sales of the deceased properties. 

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I Don't Need To Sleep With Any Man To Make Money - Nollywood actor, Sarah Martins

Nollywood actress, Sarah Martins, has described herself as a serial entrepreneur whose success is driven by strategy, confidence and hard work rather than transactional relationships.

Speaking in an interview, the actress stressed that she has built her career and businesses through personal drive and a strong entrepreneurial mindset.

“I can look at you and know the service I can render to you that will make you give me the money in your pocket without having to sleep with me,” she said, describing herself as a strategic thinker who understands how to create value.

Reflecting on her acting career, Martins said Nollywood has always been more than a source of income.

“Acting has always been a passion for me. It has never been about the money. It’s been something that I grew with. It’s been a part of me, part of my journey and it has shaped me into the disciplined woman I am today. I am really grateful to God for the opportunity of Nollywood because, from the beginning, it has been a major part of my success story,” she said.

She also praised the growth of the Nigerian film industry while expressing a desire for stronger bonds among practitioners.

“To be honest, everybody is doing what they can, and I can’t deny the fact that Nollywood has improved so far. The major thing I would love in Nollywood is loving ourselves genuinely,” she added.

Speaking on balancing her career, businesses and public life, Martins said discipline and structure have helped her stay focused.

She said, “I only allow into my life what adds value to me. There is time for everything. When it is time for family, it is family time. When it is time for business, it is business time.”

The actress also discussed her charitable activities, revealing that she has consistently funded weekly outreach programmes from her personal income for years.

“I cook once every week. So in a month, I spend no less than N2m. In a year, that’s about N24m, and over eight years, it adds up to about N192m from my pocket.”

The actress also stated that she is often misunderstood by people who dismiss her humanitarian work as content creation despite its consistency and scale.

Reflecting on how public criticism has influenced her outlook on relationships and trust, Martins added, “People will always judge you. They will always see you differently no matter what you do. That actually taught me about loyalty, so I decided not to be vulnerable with just anybody anymore.”

She also stated that she sees herself as more than an entertainer, pointing to her multiple business ventures while maintaining that she is still striving for greater success.

“I am not where I want to be yet, but I’m definitely not where I used to be. I am a strategic thinker. I don’t follow the crowd. I build my own presence from scratch,” she concluded.

Culled from the Punch 

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Baba Ijesha Did Not Get A Chieftaincy Title, He Only Got A Car - Ooni's Palace

The palace of the Ooni of Ife has denied claims by actor, James Olarenwaju, popularly known as Baba Ijesha, that he was conferred with a chieftaincy title

by the monarch.

In a chat with the media, the Ooni’s spokeperson, Moses Olafare, said he was aware that the actor received a car from the monarch but knew nothing

about any chieftaincy title.

“I am not aware of the chieftaincy title, but I am aware of the car,” Olafare said.

His reaction came after Baba Ijesha announced on Facebook that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, honoured him following the birth of his son with

several royal gifts, including a new car and a chieftaincy title.

Expressing gratitude to the monarch, the actor described the gesture as a display of fatherly love and royal honour extended to him and his wife, fashion

designer Abiodun Tokunbo, popularly known as Luminee.

According to Baba Ijesha, he was bestowed with the title, “Baba Awada Konge Oduwa. Ile Ife, Ile Oodua!”

However, Olafare maintained that while the monarch is known for giving out cars, he could not confirm the claim about the title.

“Kabiyesi gives cars to people. This is not the first time. He has given cars to so many people, including kings and individuals, and it is not a new thing.”

He added, “So many people have benefited from Kabiyesi’s car gifts, including me and popular people like Haruna Ishola and Sefiu Alao. He gives out cars

almost every day.”

Another palace source also dismissed the claim that Baba Ijesha received a formal chieftaincy title, insisting that such honours were not conferred in

that manner.

The source described the claim as “probably a joke,” adding, “I am not aware of the chieftaincy title.”

The development comes as Baba Ijesha continues to attract public attention following the birth of his son.

The actor recently shared a video showing him travelling with his wife and their newborn child. In the caption, he stated that it was the first time in

his life he had embarked on a trip with his own family.

Speaking with visible excitement, Baba Ijesha praised his “wife”, describing her as a beautiful queen and thanking her for standing by him. He also prayed

for God’s protection over their home, asking for long life and declaring that no one should separate them.

 

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How Security Fears Renewed Crackdown On Lagos Street Beggars - Report

Fresh security concerns and a surge in the number of beggars across Lagos have prompted the state government to intensify its crackdown on street beggars in an ongoing statewide enforcement operation.

According to a report in Saturday Punch, in one of the largest operations in recent times, the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force, in conjunction with the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps, arrested 226 beggars on June 8 as part of a renewed daily enforcement exercise.

It was gathered that the intensified raids were driven by growing concerns over insecurity in the country, increasing complaints from residents and the rising influx of street beggars into different parts of the state.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, had, in a statement confirming the arrests, described the exercise as part of the state’s ongoing clean-up and enforcement operation aimed at improving public safety and maintaining environmental standards.

He said street begging had continued to constitute an environmental nuisance and contribute to the degradation of public spaces.

However, sources, including government officials and security personnel, told Saturday PUNCH that the operation went beyond environmental sanitation, disclosing that it formed part of proactive measures to prevent security breaches amid growing public anxiety over insecurity.

A senior government official, who spoke  on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the exercise, coordinated by officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline unit, had been intensified and would continue in the coming weeks.

“The state government is currently taking proactive steps because of the security situation in the country. At the same time, the state has witnessed an increase in the number of street beggars like never before. It is already becoming alarming.

“The decision also followed complaints from residents who have become increasingly disturbed by the influx, especially at a time like this. That informed the government’s decision to step up the exercise,” he said.

The renewed enforcement comes amid heightened security concerns in parts of the country, particularly the South-West, where security agencies and state governments have stepped up surveillance following reports of the infiltration of the region by terrorists.

Another government official said authorities had observed a noticeable migration of street beggars into highbrow areas of the state, prompting increased enforcement in Victoria Island, Lekki and Ajah.

“We have recorded an increased migration of beggars to the Island. They are now in almost every nook and cranny of the area. In the past, enforcement was more common on the mainland, but their movement to the Island has become significant.

“Their presence has become a major concern for residents, and we have received numerous complaints. The people living in those areas are particularly sensitive to security issues and have become worried because of the increasing number of beggars amid the prevailing insecurity in parts of the South-West,” he said.

The source explained that there had also been isolated cases where some persons picked up during previous operations were allegedly found with firearms and other dangerous objects.

“There were concerns that criminal elements could exploit some of them (street beggars). Beyond that, the level of environmental abuse associated with their activities has become excessive,” the source added.

The spokesperson for KAI, Lukmon Ajayi, said the enforcement was ongoing and was gradually reducing the number of street beggars in the state.

He also noted that some of them were being used as decoys to carry out criminal activities.

“The exercise has been routine, and we are also recording a gradual reduction in the state. We have arrested beggars, especially the physically challenged ones using rollers, with dangerous objects. We have arrested them with knives and machetes. They hid them in the rollers. They have attacked us with these objects during enforcement operations.

“Also, the previous Saturday, a disabled person helped others to scale the fence into the next building. So, they also pose a security risk. They can be used as decoys to attack people. Security is part of our main duty, which is to ensure that the environment is sanitised,” Ajayi added.

However, a police source clarified that the Lagos State Police Command had not received any intelligence linking street beggars to any specific security threat and was not involved in the operation.

The senior police officer also acknowledged their increased presence in most parts of the state.

“The police have not received any security intelligence about them, and the police are not involved in the operation. If there is any such development, the police will be involved.

“What we have observed is that the exercise is largely a response to public concerns arising from the general security situation in the country. The government appears to be taking proactive measures to reassure residents and prevent situations where members of the public may begin profiling or attacking vulnerable persons based on suspicion,” the source said.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, could not be reached for comment as calls to her telephone line were not answered.

A text message sent to her had yet to be replied to as of the time this report was filed.

Culled from the Punch. 

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Lagos To Receive First State-Funded HIV Medicine August

The Lagos State Government says it will become the first sub-national government in Nigeria to independently procure antiretroviral medicines for people living with HIV, with the first shipment expected to arrive before the end of August.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Folakemi Animashaun, announced the development during a press briefing in Alausa, Ikeja, where she also challenged a recent report by the Federal Ministry of Health, which ranked Lagos as the state with the highest number of new HIV infections in Nigeria.

Animashaun described the state’s procurement of HIV medicines as a landmark step towards reducing dependence on international donors and guaranteeing uninterrupted access to treatment.

“We are pleased to inform Lagosians that the first consignment of these state-procured ARV medicines is expected to arrive in Lagos by the end of August 2026.

“This marks a historic milestone, making Lagos State the first sub-national government in Nigeria to independently procure antiretroviral medicines for people living with HIV,” she said.

Animashaun said the initiative demonstrated the state’s commitment to sustaining HIV treatment regardless of fluctuations in donor funding.

“This landmark initiative demonstrates the unwavering commitment of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration to safeguarding the health of Lagos residents, reducing dependence on external donor support, and ensuring uninterrupted access to life-saving HIV treatment,” she said.

Animashaun added that the state was also working with the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS to explore local production of antiretroviral medicines, drawing lessons from Kenya’s pharmaceutical and health commodity management system.

“Furthermore, the state is exploring opportunities to strengthen local health security through sustainable antiretroviral commodity production by leveraging international best practices, including lessons from Kenya’s pharmaceutical and health commodity management experience, while collaborating with global partners such as UNAIDS,” she added.

The CEO explained that local production would strengthen supply chains, lower long-term treatment costs and improve access to HIV medicines.

The announcement came as the agency faulted recent reports arising from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s State of the Health of the Nation Report 2025, which listed Lagos as recording 10,430 new HIV infections, the highest in the country.

Animashaun argued that the figure had been widely misunderstood.

“The figure widely reported in the media requires important technical interpretation. It does not literally translate to the state recording 10,430 new HIV infections in 2025.

“The number that has been widely circulated refers to newly diagnosed HIV-positive cases, not necessarily new HIV infections that occurred within the year. These are two very different public health indicators,” she said.

She further explained that many of the people captured in the figure may have contracted HIV years earlier but only recently underwent testing.

“These include persons who may have acquired HIV several years earlier but were only recently tested. The figure may also include people who travelled to Lagos for testing or treatment, referrals from other states, and individuals identified because of the state’s expanded access to HIV testing services,” she said.

Animashaun maintained that new HIV infections are estimated through scientific surveillance and epidemiological modelling rather than routine testing data.

 

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Panic As Explosion Rocks Apapa Tank Farm

Panic erupted at the Lagos tank farm cluster in Ibafon, Apapa, on Friday morning after a fire broke out at the Bono Tank Farm, located within the Best Energy Tank Farm complex.

The inferno sent residents and workers in the area fleeing for safety as emergency responders moved in to contain the blaze.

Although details of the incident at the time of this report were still sketchy, it was gathered that the fire service departments of both the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) moved in to curtail the spread of the fire.

Confirming the incident, the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, said no casualties had been recorded as of the time of filing this report.

Adeseye said firefighters and other emergency responders were fully deployed at the scene to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjoining tank farms and other nearby facilities.

The spokesperson for the LSFRS, Shakiru Amodu, had confirmed the incident in a short update earlier on Friday.

Giving an update on the incident, Margaret Adeseye, said the fire was successfully contained at about 2 pm.

Adeseye noted that the fire involved a 5-million-litre Automotive Gas Oil storage tank which went up in flames at about 12 pm.

She noted that following the emergency report, emergency responders were deployed to the scene and the fire was successfully contained without any casualties.

She stated, “The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has successfully extinguished a fire involving a storage tank at the Bono Energy Terminal, located within the Ibru Jetty Complex along the Apapa–Oworonshoki Expressway, by Coconut Bus Stop, Olodi Apapa, Lagos.

“The emergency was reported at 12:04 p.m. on Friday, July 3, 2026. Firefighters from the Ajegunle, Sari Iganmu, and Isolo Fire Stations responded immediately and arrived at the scene at 12:16 hours. The incident involved a 5-million-litre Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) storage tank, which was engulfed in flames.”

The LSFRS CG said the prompt intervention prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining facilities.

She added, “Through the swift, coordinated, and professional efforts of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, working alongside emergency response teams from neighbouring oil and gas facilities, the fire was successfully brought under control and completely extinguished by 13:54 hours.

“The prompt intervention prevented the fire from spreading to adjoining tanks and critical infrastructure, thereby minimising potential losses. No casualty was recorded.”

Adeseye added that “the cause of the fire is yet to be determined and is currently under investigation.”

A major disaster was averted earlier on Friday after emergency responders contained a leaking Liquefied Petroleum Gas tanker at Owode Elede, inward Onirin, along Ikorodu Road, with no casualty recorded.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency had disclosed that the incident happened in the early hours of the day after the tanker developed a fault.

  

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