I Did Nails, Sold Bed Space And Cakes To Survive At UNILAG – Funke Akindele

Ace Nollywood producer, Funke Akindele has shared details of the numerous jobs she did to support herself as a student at the University of Lagos, including a painful experience when a dissatisfied customer slapped her over a nail job.

Speaking in a recent interview with Bella Naija, the award-winning actress and filmmaker said she ventured into nail-making after teaching herself the craft by observing others at Yaba.

“When I was in the University of Lagos, I used to make nails. I made nails for a girl one day, and she slapped me because they were rubbish. I learnt from watching people make nails at Yaba. I will buy them, stay in the corridor, and ask people to come and get their nails done,” she said.

Akindele explained that nail-making was only one of several businesses she ran while studying. She also sold cakes, worked as a makeup artist, designed costumes and sourced filming locations to earn a living.

“I was selling cakes. Bimpe Onakoya, the talented makeup artist, was buying cakes from me. She would make-up for me. I learnt from people making hair. I did make-up. I did costuming. I used to costume Aunty Bukky Wright. Even Iyabo Ojo then. I will go to Yaba and buy costumes and iron them,” she said.

The actress added that she also worked behind the scenes in the film industry as a location manager and even found unconventional ways to generate income while on campus.

“I was a location manager. I will go to houses and knock. If they pay the owner N100,000, I can take 30 and pay the person 70. I sold bed space in UNILAG so I could survive. I am a hustler. That is why I am firm. Life taught me, and I cannot do otherwise.”

  

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Yes, I Had Affairs With Married Women – Singer Brymo

Singer Brymo  has admitted that he had relationships with several married women during the early years of his music career. The singer made the revelations during a recent podcast interview, where he reflected on his past relationships and the experiences he said shaped his outlook on life.

According to him, his growing popularity after one of his breakthrough songs attracted the attention of several older women, some of whom were married but claimed they were separated from their husbands.

He said the experiences taught him valuable lessons and prompted him to advise younger artistes against becoming involved with married women.

“I met quite a number of older women who were truly married. This goes to younger artistes, stop sleeping with people’s wives. They will cut your life short. They would tell me they were separated from their husbands,” he said.

The singer also recounted an incident involving a married woman who invited him to perform at her sister’s wedding before asking him to entertain guests at her family home afterwards.

He said he initially accepted the invitation until she informed him that her husband would also be present.

“She said, ‘Our baba will be there.’ I thought she meant her father, but she said, ‘No, my husband.’

“As far as I’m concerned, me going there to perform that night is me opening myself up for some crazy ritual. I just couldn’t take it, so I had to get out,” he added.

Reflecting on the experience, the singer said it reminded him of an encounter he claimed took place in 2019, during which another music star allegedly asked his then-wife whether she had ever been sexually involved with him.

“I will never forget it. I am wicked, you people don’t know me,” he claimed.

  

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Why I Don’t Date Single Guys But Instead Go For Married Men — Nollywood Actress Esther Nwachukwu

Controversial Nollywood actress Esther Nwachukwu has stirred fresh debate after revealing that she prefers dating married men over single men, describing them as more mature and understanding in relationships.

The actress made the remarks during a recent appearance on The Honest Bunch Podcast, where she spoke openly about her dating preferences, views on relationships and financial security.

According to Nwachukwu, she deliberately avoids romantic relationships with single men, insisting that married men possess qualities she finds more appealing.

“I don’t have sex with single guys. I go for married men. Married men are more mature. They understand you,” she said.

She further claimed that some married men deliberately hold back during intimate moments outside their marriages.

“Some lazy married men don’t last in bed because they want to save their strength so that their wives won’t know they have had sex outside,” she added.

Beyond her dating preferences, the actress also shared her views on infidelity and financial stability in relationships, saying she places greater value on financial support than faithfulness.

“I don’t care if a man cheats on me as long as he gives me money. Money is love,” she said.

Nwachukwu went further to claim that wealth is a major factor in her choice of a partner, arguing that many women today prioritise financial security over romance.

“In this generation, women love money more than love. I need to elevate myself. I wasn’t born with poverty,” she said.

She also revealed that she would not object to marrying a polygamous man, saying her priority is living a comfortable life rather than being the only wife.

“I am available to marry a man that has six wives. I just want to be comfortable. I am coming from a poor background, so I cannot end up in a poor home,” she said.

Her comments have since generated widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians debating her unconventional views on relationships, marriage and the role of financial security in choosing a partner.

 

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Feeding Of Lagos Pupils: Sanwo-Olu Seeks Private Sector Support

Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on corporate organisations, institutions and philanthropists to partner with the government in expanding access to nutritious meals for pupils in public primary schools.

The governor made the appeal at the closing ceremony of the Adopt-A-School PBAT Feeds Programme, tagged “Snacks for Thought,” organised under the Renewed Hope National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme at Ibeju-Lekki Primary School, Epe.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Audit Service Commission, Oluwakemi Garbadeen-Adedeji, the governor said the initiative was designed to improve child nutrition, enhance learning outcomes and promote human capital development.

He said the pilot programme provides an opportunity for organisations and individuals to support public primary schools by adopting them through a digital platform that allows contributors to monitor the impact of their interventions.

According to the governor, no child should be expected to learn on an empty stomach, describing investment in children’s nutrition and education as critical to national development.

Sanwo-Olu commended President Bola Tinubu for prioritising education, nutrition and human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda and also acknowledged the support of the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, for initiatives targeting children and other vulnerable groups.

He noted that the programme’s theme, “Food Security Meets National Security,” highlights the link between child welfare and sustainable national development.

The governor added that beyond supporting pupils, the initiative is expected to stimulate local agriculture and create economic opportunities for farmers, food processors, caterers and transport providers involved in the school feeding value chain.

He disclosed that the next phase of the programme would include the launch of an online Adopt-A-School dashboard to encourage broader participation and enable prospective partners to adopt schools and monitor implementation.

Sanwo-Olu assured stakeholders of the Lagos State Government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in implementing the initiative, while urging the private sector and development partners to support its expansion across the state.

The event was attended by representatives of the federal and state governments, local government officials, development partners, school administrators, community leaders and other stakeholders in the education sector.

  

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N20,000 Bribery Scandal: Lagos Queries LAGESC Officer Caught On Camera

The Lagos State Government has issued a query to an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps over allegations of corruption after a viral video purportedly showed him receiving a ₦20,000 bribe from a suspected environmental offender.

The Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, disclosed this in a post on X on Friday, describing the officer’s alleged conduct as unacceptable and contrary to the ethics and core values of the agency.

According to Wahab, the officer has been formally queried, while a Personnel Management Board will be constituted to investigate the incident in line with the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.

“My attention has been drawn to a viral video allegedly showing an officer of the Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps receiving a bribe from a lawbreaker. Such conduct is unacceptable and runs contrary to the rules, ethics, and core values of the Agency,” Wahab wrote.

“Consequently, we have immediately issued the officer a query, and this will be followed by the constitution of a Personnel Management Board (PMB) to investigate the matter in accordance with the provisions of the Lagos State Civil Service Rules and Regulations.”

The commissioner reiterated the state’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption, warning that any officer found guilty of misconduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures.

“The Lagos State Government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption and any form of misconduct within its public service. Any officer found culpable will be subjected to the appropriate disciplinary measures as stipulated by the relevant regulations,” he said.

Wahab also warned members of the public against attempting to bribe government officials, stressing that both giving and receiving bribes are criminal offences.

“I also wish to remind Lagosians that offering a bribe is as unlawful as receiving one. We urge everyone to obey the law and refrain from attempting to compromise enforcement officers.

“Together, we can uphold integrity, strengthen public trust, and build a more accountable and responsible society,” he added.

In the query letter attached to the commissioner’s post, the officer was accused of collecting ₦20,000 from an offender, an act that was allegedly captured on video and circulated on social media.

The letter, referenced MOE/LAGESC/431/56 and dated July 10, 2026, stated that the footage was viewed by the Lagos State Governor.

“You were alleged to have collected the sum of Twenty Thousand Naira (₦20,000) from an offender. This act was recorded and posted on social media, where it was viewed by His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State,” the letter read.

It described the alleged conduct as corruption and extortion, adding that it constituted serious misconduct under the Public Service Rules.

The officer was directed to submit a written explanation within 48 hours stating why disciplinary action should not be taken against him.

“Your representation (if any) must reach the undersigned officer within 48 hours of receipt of this letter. Failure to submit your response within the stipulated time limit will result in disciplinary action being taken against you,” the letter added.

  

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Confusion As Lagos Demolishes Surulere Buildings Over Setback Breaches

The Lagos State Building Control Agency has partially demolished sections of illegally constructed buildings behind Barracks Bus Stop in Surulere after their owners allegedly failed to comply with repeated enforcement notices.

The agency said the action followed months of monitoring and inspections, which revealed that the affected structures violated provisions of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law as well as other building regulations.

According to LASBCA, the buildings exceeded approved setback limits by encroaching on spaces designated for safety, accessibility and orderly physical development.

The agency also said investigations showed that the developers could not produce valid planning approvals for the structures and that the buildings contravened the state’s building codes, posing potential risks to occupants, adjoining properties and the environment.

LASBCA said it had earlier served the developers with statutory contravention and enforcement notices directing them to stop construction and regularise the developments.

It added that the owners failed to comply with the directives despite being given opportunities to do so, prompting the agency to commence partial demolition of the offending sections.

The agency said the enforcement exercise was carried out as part of its statutory responsibility to prevent illegal developments and ensure compliance with approved building standards across Lagos.

It maintained that structures erected without approval or in violation of approved setbacks constitute safety hazards and undermine orderly urban planning.

LASBCA urged property owners, developers and contractors to obtain all necessary planning permits before commencing construction and to ensure that building works strictly conform to approved plans.

The agency also appealed to residents to report illegal developments and distressed buildings in their communities, assuring them that it would continue monitoring construction activities and enforcing building regulations across the state.

 

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The Coastal Highway Was Designed To Mitigate Flooding, Not Cause It - David Umahi Reacts To Criticisms From Lagosians

Minister of Works, David Umahi, says buildings located within 15 metres of the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway corridor will be demolished to make way for service lanes, insisting the measure is part of the project’s approved design.

Speaking in an interview with ARISE News, Umahi said the Federal Government would enforce the right-of-way along the coastal highway, adding that affected structures within the designated setback would be removed during construction.

He said the service lanes were designed to improve access to adjoining communities and businesses while enhancing traffic flow along the coastal corridor.

The minister also defended the project against claims that it had worsened flooding in Lagos, insisting the highway was specifically designed to reduce flood risks through extensive drainage infrastructure.

“The coastal highway was designed to mitigate flooding, not cause it,” Umahi said.

He said the project incorporates multiple culverts, stormwater evacuation channels and other drainage systems intended to manage runoff, protect nearby communities from ocean surges and improve flood resilience.

Umahi said flooding in areas such as Victoria Island predated the highway project, blaming the recurring problem on blocked drainage channels, indiscriminate refuse disposal and construction on natural waterways.

He added that an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) had been completed before construction began and made available to the public, while noting that the highway was also intended to improve security along the coastal corridor.

His remarks come amid public debate following weeks of heavy rainfall that inundated several parts of Lagos, leaving major roads submerged, disrupting traffic and damaging homes and businesses.

The minister’s comments echo those of Lagos State Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Dayo Bush-Alebiosu, who attributed the flooding primarily to environmental abuse rather than infrastructure projects.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Bush-Alebiosu said illegal land reclamation, unauthorised dredging and poor waste disposal were undermining efforts to tackle flooding in the state.

“It is important to identify what the problem is in the first place, and the problem is nothing other than bad habits,” he said.

“I mean, illegal reclamation and illegal dredging affect it on one hand; habits affect it on the other hand.”

The commissioner said while illegal reclamation was driven by commercial interests, indiscriminate refuse disposal reflected residents’ attitudes towards environmental sanitation.

“At the end of the day, those who, out of habit, dump refuse aren’t doing it because they want to make money from it. However, those who are reclaiming illegally are doing it for commercial purposes. So, you have both sides,” he said.

Bush-Alebiosu also warned against dumping human waste into lagoons, describing the practice as a threat to both public health and the environment.

“The first thing is that some people even dump faeces into the lagoon. This is the same lagoon that feeds us. You’re eating fish that’s feeding off faeces,” he said.

“So all of these things eventually will come back to bite us, and this is just a typical example of what we’re seeing at the moment.”

Recent flooding has affected areas including Gbagada, Iyana Ipaja, Ikorodu Road, Ikeja, Maryland, Mushin, Ogudu, Lekki, Oshodi, Agege, Alimosho and Obalende, with sections of the Lagos-Ibadan, Lagos-Abeokuta, Apapa-Oshodi and Lekki-Epe expressways also inundated after persistent rainfall.

  

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2027: Shun All Forms Of Electoral Violence - Oba Akiolu Urges Youths

The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, has called on Nigerian youths to reject political violence and participate peacefully in the country’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The monarch made the appeal on Saturday when he received members of the Forum of All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairmen, led by the forum’s chairman, Cornelius Ojelabi, during a courtesy visit to his palace at Iga-Idungaran in Lagos.

Akiolu urged young Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to foment violence, stressing that peaceful elections remain critical to the country’s democratic development.

He also called on political parties, candidates and other stakeholders to conduct their activities in accordance with the law before, during and after the elections.

According to the monarch, the nation’s youths have a significant role to play in promoting peace, unity and national development through responsible participation in the electoral process.

He also appealed to APC state chairmen to demonstrate honesty, integrity and selfless leadership in the discharge of their responsibilities, noting that national development depends on leaders who place public interest above personal gain.

The traditional ruler expressed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging Nigerians to remain patient with the administration as it implements economic and governance reforms.

“Be patient with President Bola Tinubu as he implements reform programmes for the country to get better. President Tinubu means well for Nigerians and is grassroots-focused,” Akiolu said.

He maintained that the President had taken bold decisions aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening national institutions, expressing confidence that the reforms would yield positive results if given sufficient time.

Akiolu also predicted victory for Tinubu in the 2027 presidential election, saying he believed the President would secure another mandate if allowed to complete his reform agenda.

The monarch further urged Nigerians to continue praying for the President, as well as for peace, unity and stability across the country, while acknowledging the prevailing economic and security challenges facing the nation.

He condemned vote-buying and the growing monetisation of politics, warning that such practices undermine democracy and the credibility of elections. He also encouraged eligible citizens to obtain their Permanent Voter Cards and participate actively in future elections.

Akiolu equally appealed to journalists to uphold professional ethics by reporting accurately and responsibly, saying balanced journalism contributes to national peace and development.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, the APC Chairman in Edo State, Jarrett Tenebe, said party leaders across the country were working to strengthen the APC ahead of future elections.

Tenebe said APC state chairmen had resolved to mobilise support for President Tinubu’s administration and improve the party’s electoral performance nationwide.

He disclosed that the party in Edo State had set a target of delivering 2.5 million votes for the President in the next presidential election, attributing the optimism to what he described as the developmental efforts of both the Federal Government and the Edo State Government.

He thanked the Oba of Lagos for receiving the delegation and for offering prayers, expressing confidence that the monarch’s blessings would encourage party members as preparations for the 2027 general elections continue.

  

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It's Sleep Paralysis, Not Evil Powers - Health Experts

You suddenly find it difficult waking up, you try to open your mouth and call for help but no sound is coming out. Its as if someone is pressing you down with some evil power. In fact, you can see the person and can even recognized them. Eventually, you succeed in waking up with terror and fear spread across your face. You spend the next minutes or hours "binding" and "casting" the devil. But, is it really the devil? more often than not, it is not a spiritual issue but a medical condition called sleep paralysis. Researchers conclude that, in most cases, sleep paralysis is simply a sign that your body is not moving smoothly through the stages of sleep. Rarely is sleep paralysis linked to deep underlying psychiatric problems.

Over the centuries, symptoms of sleep paralysis have been described in many ways and often attributed to an "evil" presence: unseen night demons in ancient times, the old hag in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet, and alien abductors. Almost every culture throughout history has had stories of shadowy evil creatures that terrify helpless humans at night. People have long sought explanations for this mysterious sleep-time paralysis and the accompanying feelings of terror. In most cultures in Africa, sleep paralysis is attributed to the evil powers of witches and wizards who are out to torment or even kill their victims.

According to health experts, sleep paralysis is a feeling of being conscious but unable to move. It occurs when a person passes between stages of wakefulness and sleep. During these transitions, you may be unable to move or speak for a few seconds up to a few minutes. Some people may also feel pressure or a sense of choking. 

People mistake sleep paralysis for evil powers because the brain's fight-or-flight response activates while waking up paralyzed. Lacking mobility, the conscious mind hallucinates threatening figures and a crushing weight on the chest, leading individuals to naturally interpret these vivid, terrifying visions as supernatural attacks.

Why the experience feels so real? When experiencing sleep paralysis, the physical and neurological disconnect creates the perfect conditions for these terrifying misinterpretations. The brain is highly active in the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) dream phase. Waking up abruptly means the still-active dream imagery bleeds into the real world. Paralysis restricts voluntary breathing control, causing hyperventilation and a heavy, suffocating weight on the chest. The terror of being trapped spikes the fear center in the brain, projecting threat-based imagery.

Before the discovery of the sleep-wake cycle, generations relied on folklore  and beliefs in witches and wizards to explain these vivid nocturnal terrors. The terror felt during sleep paralysis is nearly universal, but its interpretation varies across regions

However, medical professionals categorize sleep paralysis as a simple brain glitch where the mind wakes up, but the body remains chemically locked in REM atonia. During REM sleep, the brain paralyzes the major muscles to stop you from acting out your dreams. To prevent these episodes, medical experts on the Sleep Foundation, a global organization focused on sleep, recommend prioritizing good sleep hygiene, reducing stress, and avoiding sleeping flat on your back.

Sleep paralysis may accompany other sleep disorders such as narcolepsy. Narcolepsy is an over powering need to sleep caused by a problem with the brain's ability to regulate sleep.

Sleep paralysis usually occurs at one of two times. If it occurs while you are falling asleep, it's called hypnagogic or predormital sleep paralysis. If it happens as you are waking up, it's called hypnopompic or postdormital sleep paralysis.

As you fall asleep, your body slowly relaxes. Usually you become less aware, so you do not notice the change. However, if you remain or become aware while falling asleep, you may notice that you cannot move or speak.
During sleep, your body alternates between REM (rapid eye movement) and NREM (non-rapid eye movement) sleep. One cycle of REM and NREM sleep lasts about 90 minutes. NREM sleep occurs first and takes up to 75% of your overall sleep time. During NREM sleep, your body relaxes and restores itself. At the end of NREM, your sleep shifts to REM. Your eyes move quickly and dreams occur, but the rest of your body remains very relaxed. Your muscles are "turned off" during REM sleep. If you become aware before the REM cycle has finished, you may notice that you cannot move or speak. Sometimes, due to the pictures that had been playing in your brain, you feel some presence of familiar faces trying to press you down.

Health experts say up to as many as four out of every 10 people may have sleep paralysis. This common condition is often first noticed in the teen years. But men and women of any age can have it. Sleep paralysis may run in families. Other factors that may be linked to sleep paralysis include:

• Lack of sleep
• Sleep schedule that changes
• Mental conditions such as stress or bipolar disorder
• Sleeping on the back
• Other sleep problems such as narcolepsy or nighttime leg cramps
• Use of certain medications, such as those for ADHD
• Substance abuse

So, when next you try to wake up and it looks as if someone is pressing you down, it is not witches or any other demons but sleep paralysis. And instead of "binding" and "casting", it is time to see your health provider.

  

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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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