Monday, 30 March 2009

Ex-Beauty Queen's Project


Ex-beauty queen,Damilola Otubanjo turns HIV benefactor




By WALE ADENUGA


This beautiful and easy going babe emerged as Sisi Oge Beauty Queen in 2007, when she was still a student of Ogun State University now known as Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. Damilola Otubanjo read Physics/Electronics and reigned in 2007/2008 as the first Sisi Oge of Lagos. She worked on HIV during her reign. She later decided to set up an NGO called Pink Dove Initiative to alleviate the suffering of the victims and guide our youths against this deadly disease.

Who exactly is Damilola Otubanjo?

I am Damilola Otubanjo. The first child in the family of five. My parents are still very much alive and I also have younger ones. I am from Ijebu Water side of Ogun state.

What really attracted you to beauty pageant then?

Beauty pageant wasn’t something I ever considered until I saw the poster. One of the reasons I always considered before going for beauty pageant is that I consider myself to be on big side. So, when I saw the poster of Sisi Oge, it was culturally inclined. No bikini or anything like other pageants. It was simply because of its simplicity that encouraged me to have joined. If it were MBGN I wouldn’t have participated.

Did you have any premonition that you could win the pageant?

Yah. I believed I could win when I saw the poster and saw that it’s without bikini. Although, when I got there and saw other contestants I was somehow petrified, but then I believe in myself and I put in my best. By the grace of God today, I happened to be the first Sisi Oge of Lagos.

What’s the reaction of your parents when you informed them of your intention to contest in a beauty pageant?

My mum understood but my dad was a little bit uncomfortable considering the fact that I would expose my body on stage but I had to take time explaining to them that there won’t be anything of such, it was after this I got their blessing and encouragement to forge ahead.

Considering your educational background, especially your University (Olabisi Onabanjo University), people tend to have negative impression about the female students of that institution. When you were there how did you play your game?

Yes, there is the notion about female students of Olabisi Onabanjo University but I tried to live a contrary life. I want people to judge me by my attitude and character but not as a student of an institution. More so, I do not think every students of that school were so bad. So, you can’t judge by the attitude of the bad ones. We have many good ones in that school.

Did you impact positively on your fellow students based on your HIV project when you were in school?

As at the time I was still in school, I didn’t know much about Aids. I started paying attention to it during my reign in 2007 and it was then I developed the interest. In my little way, I tried to encourage some girls to use condom. I equally advise them to always stick to a partner or probably zipping up, but not everybody wants to listen to that. But it is always good for girls not to have more than one boy friend at any point in time.

After this your summit, are you sure there is going to be continuity?

Yes. This is just the beginning. We don’t want to announce our plans in advance so as to safeguard it but definitely, before the year runs out we will make them known to the public. We have plans to try and touch everybody both negative and positive to correct the opinion because some youths don’t even believe in HIV. There was a day I was talking with a guy and he said that he has been having a nice time with girls without using condom. Some people believe they can’t contact HIV. It is a wrong perception and that is why a seminar of this nature is very important to correct such believes. We need to orientate our people, we need to change their thinking and we are going to sustain whatever we have started God be on our side.

Is this what you are going to be doing after your school or is just going to be a hobby?

I am going for my Youth Corps Service this year, God willing they posted me to Lagos so that I can monitor my (NGO)

If otherwise?

I have to make sure is Lagos, I am working on it to make sure is Lagos. Then, I will probably do my master’s in as much as I have nothing doing again. This initiative is what I have passion for and I intend to pursue it by God’s grace.

How do you intend raising funds to back up this your noble idea?

There are some people that share your views and ideas. They like to encourage a young lady and as such they do it voluntarily without asking for anything. I appreciate such people. It could as well be family friends, family members or an individual I appreciate such people. There are also some unknown faces that believe in this course, we will appreciate them as well. I can as well make my money from other areas without this NGO. It is too tasking for me to put up all my energy and resources for the sake of making money. There are other things I can do without much stress like this and even make double of this, but it was because I believe in the course, I believe it is something God wants me to do.

Who is the man in Damilola’s life?

(general laughter) I am not going to talk about that right now when it is time everybody will knows.

What about if Mr. Right finally says he didn’t believe in this project or had an international appointment, which will take both of you outside the country?

When you are on a look out for somebody to marry, you pray that God gives you somebody that will love you whole heartedly with whatever you like. The man that will believe in your course, the man that will be ready to give you all the support needed to advance. This is the type of man one should be praying for.

Chatting with comedian and theatre practitioner, Dejo




I had an accident same day i lost my mum - DEJO TUNFULU



By WALE ADENUGA



His real name is Kunle Mak Tokunbo but many of his fans who are addicts of his movies know him as ‘Dejo Tunfulu’, his screen name. To say that Dejo is a household name is stating the obvious as he is loved by all and highly connected in the industry. In this interview, he explained how his wife left him, how he lost his lovely mum and his sojourn in the movie world. Enjoy the excerpt.


Where is Dejo from?


I am from Ogun State.


Which part of Ogun state are you from?


I am from Egba, Ikija to be precise.


Can you tell us your real name?


My real name is Kunle Mak Tokunbo


What prompted you to acting?


I started acting from my secondary school days when I joined the entertainment and acting society. It was there I developed the interest.


Why did you choose to be acting the role of lowly characters like gateman, houseboy or an imbecile?


I did my research very well before I joined and I decided to start as a stammerer and other similar roles followed.


At what age did you join Nollywood?


I have been acting before the advent of Nollywood. Nollywood started in year 2000 or thereabout and I have been acting since 1987. I featured in ‘Theatre Omode’ on Nigeria Television Authority, NTA channel 7.


Which schools did you attend?


Ansar-Ud-Deen Primary School, Ereko, Lagos, I moved to Dolphin High School, Ebute-Elefun also in Lagos and thereafter proceeded to Modern Way Nigeria School of Printing at Ayetoro, Fadeyi, Lagos.


You also went to London to…


No, not London, we went for Durban Film Festival in South Africa and it was there we shot the film, ‘Won wami l’Ame’.


How many films have you produced so far?


They are many including: Tori ife, Aya rere, Owo o mo ago, Born boy,Ero ibanisoro and host of others.


How many films you’ve featured in?


Quite a number


How come, your fans will not believe this?


They are uncountable. I just thank God for His mercies.


Who are your parents?


The late Mr. and Mrs. Abass Adetokunbo.


How and when did you lose them?


I lost my father in 1986 when I was still in the secondary school. He was 60 years plus. I lost my mum on January 17th this year. I had an accident that day and few hours later I was called that my Mum had died.


That means it was the shock of your accident that killed your mum?


No. I had the accident around 4.30am and I was called on phone around 6.00a.m that my mum was no more.


How old was she as at the time of her death?


80years plus.


How many of you are in the family?


We are just seven.


What number are you?


Last child.


Are you married?


Single but I am living with my kids.


How many are they?


Male and female (won kii ka omo fun olomo) You don’t count the number of children in Yorubaland.


What happened to their mother?


She just left to marry another man.


Was it because you are not rich enough or what?


No. Let’s leave that aspect.


Any plan to remarry?


If God says yes.


Who is your mentor in the industry?


The late Chief Hubert Ogunde.


But the character you represent is quite different from his?


That doesn’t matter. I just love the man.


What’s your favourite food?


Eba, with good stew.


Who is your best friend?


I don’t have a best friend, I only have friends.


What about Boy Alinko, (Bayo) learnt he is your brother?


No, Bayo is just a friend. We are not related.


Who is that person you have been praying to meet that you have not met?


Money.


How rich is Kunle (Dejo)?


I’m just okay, am not rich but very comfortable.


What are your hopes for Nollywood?


My brother, we are trying. It is just a matter of time I believe we shall get there one day.

One on one with GODDY ANABOR


After many years of silence, Goddy Anabor boasts: I’m still a billionaire





By WALE ADENUGA

Goddy Anabor has in the last ten years been a household name, at least in the high society conscious homes. Then, stories about him dominated the tabloids. He has been known to be wealthy and a carefree spender who liven up many society events in and outside Lagos. He moved in convoy befitting of a Governor and many adored him. At a point, there were rumours that Goddy ‘was no more himself.’ Rumour also had it that ‘he needed a psycho-therapy.’ It was even rumoured that ‘he was taken to a hospital for rehabilitation.’ Some said he had ‘sold all his belongings for drugs’ and many more.

On Valentine Day, world famous singer, Michael Jackson’s brother, Marlon was a special guest along with Mayor Gary Lobster from America at a special show organized in his honour in Lagos. Chief Goddy Anabor was at the party with his new wife, a white woman and friends. This reporter was with this Fugar born Chief who later bared his mind on his business, life and other interesting issues. Book your copy in advance as part two is also coming up next week.

What led to the closure of your publication, Heart Magazine?

It was as a combination of many things; the management of the publication was partly responsible, the then governor of the state and many others. There were a lot of bad eggs among the little good ones. I closed it down as a result of greediness and corruption on the part of the management. Setting up Gordon Press cost me over a billion naira but they mismanaged it so I closed it down.

Is there any plan to resuscitate Gordon press or establish a new magazine?

That’s just a matter of time? I will bring it back, a publication that will showcase the beauty of our country. It’s going to be like the ‘Times of London’ and some other notable tabloids in America. I’m coming out with a paper that will tell the truth as it is so that our democracy can grow.

Can you expatiate on what led to separation with your former wife, Josephine?

It has been writing in the Holy Bible that you should love your wife with your whole heart and that your wife takes 60per cent of your life. Whosoever loser that 60per cent loses a great thing out of his life. The only way to get it back is to turn to God and confess your sins. If you fail to get it back, my friend you are on your own. You just have to struggle to get it back.

Is there any issue between you and the woman?

Yes. There is a 19-year-old boy. He is a British citizen by birth. He’s in London studying. He is now a big boy, that’s the only issue we have.

Is he your only child or do you have children from other women?

There was an Ijebu woman that gave birth to 3 children for me. Her name is Toyin Kuburat. She married another man and unfortunately, the man died almost immediately. She had children for different men.

What about the 3 children she had for you? Are you picking their bills and undertaking your responsibilities towards them?

They are all graduates in London. They are lawyers. Yes I am.

Can you shed more light on your relationship then with Ade Bendel?

Ade Bendel is like my town’s man. He is from Owan while I am from Fugar. I don’t think his real name is Ade Bendel, when next you see him, ask and I’m sure he will tell you.

There is also this rumour that you are a gambler. Is it true?

I don’t gamble. I have never; never involved myself in gambling, people say a lot of things about you here and there. Even you, I’m sure your friends say many uncomplimentary things about you. Some say I’m ‘419’ while some say I’m involved in bunkering and many other things. I don’t know anything about gambling.

You came to Marlon Jackson’s show with a white lady; can you please explain? Who is she?

You see I am a big time traveller. I’ve travelled around the whole world. You see, I’m supposed to be called “Ajala the Traveller” based on my movements. I am a gold traveller. I am one of the best travellers in Nigeria. The airlines can tell you much about me. I’ve moved on several occasions to Asia, South America, Europe and other continents. There is one white woman in New York who likes blacks especially, Nigerians. She lives in down town Manhattan; then I stayed in Sheraton Manhattan. She used to come and pick and drive me around.

What’s her name?

Her name is Don Bocar. She is an American. Her mum is from Syria while her father is an American. She took me to Boston and other places where Africans used to eat and drink. She knows them. She loves African music. She got to know that I lost my wife and she flew in to Nigeria September 2007 looking for me but didn’t see me. She flew in again in September 2008 and that was when we met. She told me all her efforts to see me. We resolved to marry each other. Her believe was that she will see me among musicians. She remembered I told her then that I love music, especially praise singers, so when she came, she was looking for me at society spots where musicians were.

The other time we saw the lady with Olu Maintain and so when I saw her beside you I was wondering what is going on?

You see, Olu is my boy. We stay together and I love him. At that time she went to the Nite Shift Coliseum with Olu and many photojournalists took their pictures believing she was Olu’s wife. I knew about it because she told me.

There was this rumour that you are broke and that you’ve sold more than half of your properties. How far is it true sir?

It’s true they wrote different stories that I was taken to a church for rehabilitation. You see, it is an attack on my person and time will tell. There is one guy with a soft sell magazine, who I think is behind all these rumours. They were just writing rubbish about me. They don’t even know anything about me, about my properties or investments. They were just trying to destroy me but let’s wait and see. I expect them to step up their writing and stories, like we have in Europe and United States but the reverse is the case.

Is it true that you are totally broke, as many believe?

I still have billions. I’m living in my house. My house is worth #400,000.000.00 (four hundred million Naira). I still have a hotel worth about #600,000.000.00 (six hundred million Naira). I have a house in Auchi, I have in the United States, and I still have a house in Fugar and many choice places. I’m looking good. My American wife is taking good care of me. I have never been bankrupt until the American Government send a signal to that effect, I’m a billionaire and British government have never said I’m bankrupt either.

Are you a Christian?

Yes. I am a Catholic.

How do you relax?

Then, I used to go out to clubs, parties, throw money around but now I don’t do such again. My new wife has made life easier for me. By seven o’clock in the evening I’m already in my house relaxing. I don’t give myself unnecessary problems any more.

What is the relationship between you and Michael Jackson’s brother, Marlon?

Marlon Jackson has just started tracing his family lineage back to Nigeria. Over there, if they call you Nigger, that means you are from Nigeria. Most of the blacks over there are Niggers. Ours is the most populated nation in Africa so therefore, there is the tendency that most blacks over there are from Nigria. I think after the triumphant entry of President Obama, most blacks are now fast about tracing their origin back to Africa.

Which Nigerian musician, do you like most?

I like all of them. I have special interest in those that knows how to praise sing. I like King Sunny Ade, Ebenezer Obey’s songs among others.

What about Fuji?

I also like Wasiu Ayinde, Sir Shina Peters and a host of others.

Do you go to church, if you do, which one do you attend?

Yes I do, I attend Assumption Church, Falomo, St. Leo’s Church, Ikeja.

Is it true you are into drugs as people say?

I told you earlier that if you lose your wife you lose 60per cent of your life. I was completely devastated. I lost my focus and that was exactly what happened and people started turning it around.

What about the rumour that you and your ex-wife have reconciled?

How can I reconcile with a woman that has children everywhere? No, I can’t reconcile with her, over my dead body.

Did you marry her in the first place?

I never married her. I just got married recently to my American wife. Apart from this, there is no other marriage.

Can you tell us the name of your newly found love?

Don Bocar (a.k.a) Rose. Everybody knows her; she likes moving with musicians. She is my all in all.

Chat with Baba Suwe's wife



How i fell in love with Baba Suwe - MOLADUN
By WALE ADENUGA

Her real name is Monsurat Omidina. She is one of the best Nigerian female comedians and she is really doing fine. Married to a popular comedian, Babatunde Omidina popularly known as Baba Suwe. In this interview, Moladun talks about how she lost her former husband, met and finally fell in love with Baba Suwe; her life as a theatre practitioner and how rich she presently is. She equally debunks the allegation that her husband was caught with drug and gives other interesting revelations. This interview took place at ‘Baba Suwe Shopping Complex’, on the outskirts of Lagos to conduct this exclusive interview. Enjoy the excerpts.

Who is Baba Suwe and how would you describe him and his personality?

Baba Suwe is quite different from Babs Omidina. His real name is Babatunde Omidina. But it will interest and surprise you to know that Babs is quite different from Baba Suwe. Baba Suwe is just a character that he wears like a uniform. Whenever he is wearing that name he cracks jokes, makes jests and say anything he wishes or as directed by the script. But he is a different personality as a father to his children or as my husband. He is a straightforward person. His yes is yes while his no is no. He is reliable and a responsible father.

Are you saying Baba Suwe we know is quite different at home?

Yes of course. If on stage he is always a serious person but not proud as some people do allege. People say he is proud but I can say it emphatically that my husband is not proud. He is a very reserved person. He always minds his own business.

How is he to his children then?

He is a real and caring father to his children. He loves his children to a fault. He doesn’t play with their upbringing and upkeep. He even prefers his children to me. Whenever he is at home, his children always feel happy and surround him. If possible, he wouldn’t mind taking them out along whenever he’s going out. He is a loving and caring father.

How and when did you join theatre world?

I started with stage performance in 1982 in Ibadan with my boss then, Chief Olowookere. We lived at Aremo and Iya Sala used to come around and we would see them between Ikolaba and the premises of NTA Ibadan. They used to do rehearsals behind Odo Alana behind NTA premises then. I told them of my intention to join them. After I joined we used to rehearse everyday by 4pm. Then, one thing led to the other and another group was formed called ‘Loveally’. I can recall, my mother in-law asked whether I could do what they were doing? She also inspired me greatly.

When exactly did you start dating Baba suwe?

Hee, you see is not something I like talking about. I lost my ex-husband in 1993 and our relationship started in 1994 but we did not marry until 1995. We went to registry to solidify our love. The very first time I met him he was with other Oga’s sitting and I greeted all of them and they answered but he didn’t respond to my greetings and I was bitter. I was later told, that it was his behaviour and that has nothing to do with pride. He later sent somebody to me intimating me about his love for me. Then there was a day a respected woman in the industry invited me over to her place. On getting there I met her with Baba Suwe and she said it was Baba Suwe that actually wanted to see me. He started by wooing me and in the process he slept off and I was smiling and wondering whether he was acting a script or he just slept off like that. The rest was now history.

What were you doing before venturing into theatre world?

My mum used to sell food at Ojoo Park in Ibadan and that is exactly what I have been into till this moment, that’s my canteen (pointing to her shop nearby). My mum sells food, likewise our first daughter.

How many children do you have for Baba Suwe?

Two.

Did you meet any woman with him as at the time you married him or was he living alone?

Yes. I met a woman but she lived in a different apartment from ours.

What’s her real name?

Ayo.

How rich is Monsurat Omidina?

My brother, I’m not rich and am not poor. I am only comfortable.

Who is your role model?

She is known as Iya Wande. She used to be part inf Television Serial then in Ibadan. The woman is just very good, a good actress per excellence.

How many films have you featured in so far?

I’ve lost count. I can’t recall all.

How many did you write and produced by yourself?

About four. Namely: Obakan, Ola ore, Kokunrin to atorin and Atiko.

If offered several millions, would you wear a lingene on set?

Lailai. It is impossible. ‘Oke Ibadan o nije’.

Any regret being an actress?

No, our profession is a wonderful one that takes you above your expectation.

How do you cope with female fans of Baba Suwe who always move around him?

Initially, I was not always feeling comfortable, but as time went on I got used to it. He is mature enough to handle them effectively without my knowledge. It’s a normal game men play.

Does he womanize?

I don’t know but if there is anything like that he would hide it from me. He is old enough to know what is good and bad for himself. He is in a better position to answer such question.

How come you were tagged “Omoladun” which film or who gave you that name?

In the Tv serial I told you about, Okanlawon’s brother is Omoladun, which I acted and that was how people keep calling me Omoladun. That Television serial was sponsored then by Lever Brothers.

Why do you always play the role of a house help or an old woman in all your films?

No not in all the films. Watch Obakan, it was a new concept and I just have to play any role given to me by a director. But I promise my fans; I will note that when next I’m writing another film.

Did you and Baba Suwe quarrel some times?

Of course we do. Even the Governor of a state and his wife must quarrel on some issues. It’s a normal thing but we settle it between us. He keeps malice but when I notice that he has not talked to me for two days I would call him as early as possible and explain that I could not pray because of that and in a twinkle of an eye, it is over. At times he would be the one to first call for settlement.

There is this rumor flying around town by some people that Baba suwe was caught with drug and that he is presently in Makurdi prison. Is it true?

When I arrived here now who did I first call and talk to? I informed him that I’m going for a meeting somewhere and as soon as I came back I called him to let him know that I was back at the shop. Unexpectedly, I even placed the phone on your ear so that you could hear his voice. My husband is such a person that doesn’t have lives. He cannot hit a butterfly not to talk of street fighting. I can say it categorically that I am even bolder than him but not to the extent of carrying drugs and you won’t believe it both of us have never set our eyes on it before. That is the irony of it.

Who are your parents? What will you say you gained from them?

My parents are not alive. My mum’s name is Alhaja Munirat Bamidele and my father’s name is Alhaji Rauf Oyeniyi of Ile Bara in Opooyeosa.

There is this saying that if somebody claims to be Ibadan, he must have come from one of the suburbs villages. Which one is yours?

I’m from akuto and our altar (Aba) is Jojo. Truly, I was raised by one of my aunties, Mrs Belawu in Fehintoki