Romance Meets Life |
- Ciara Shows Off Dreadlocks, And She Totally Rocks It!
- Celeb Insta Fashion - Rita Dominic Stuns in Ankara Prints
- Magazine Covers - Jessica Alba On Her Amazing Body and Sin City Sequel With GQ UK
- US Keeper Tim Howard Says Christian Faith Helped Him Deal With Tourettes And Excel in Football
- 'Happy Birthday to The Legend, Richard Mofe-Damijo' - Bovi Narrates Experience as PA to RMD
- Child Bride Who Killed Her Husband Charged With Culpable Homicide Punishable By Death
- Four Women Arrested For Secretly Selling 9 Year Old Girl For N650,000 After Abducting Her From Home
- Watch Gidi Up Season 2 Online - Episode 1 - 5 [Every Dream Has a Price Tag]
- Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2014 Releases Photos of Contestants
- Debbie Delamar Has Biggest Boobs in Britain, Charges £35 To Send Topless Pictures to Fans
- Vacation Time - Toolz Spends Birthday Weekend in Marrakech, Morocco
- Daddy Time - Okey Bakassi Celebrates Second Daughter as She Turns 10
- Tonto Dikeh Looks Patriotic in White and Green, But What's That Plaster on Her Arm?
- 'Her Bold Move Endeared Her To Me' - Benny Ark on Marrying Ese Walters Despite The Controversy
- Celeb Insta Fashion - Uche Iwuji Steps Out in Hot Pink Mini
| Ciara Shows Off Dreadlocks, And She Totally Rocks It! Posted: 06 Jul 2014 09:02 PM PDT  Ciara's fiance Future was the first to tease her new dread-locked look when he posted a picture on social media of Ciara carrying their new born son Baby Future last month. The elder Future has been wearing the dreadlocked style for some time now. Ciara who gave birth to her first child with rapper Future on May 19th, premiered her blonde and brunette dreadlocks on Instagram, possibly inspired by her fiancé. She shared several pictures that show off the dreads in their full glory with the caption, "Attitude." In another picture where she posed in a Calvin Klein "Obsession" sweatshirt, she captioned it, "Back 2 Work and Im Obsessed…:)" See the pictures below... What do you think of Ciara's new look? Better than weaves? I'm thinking they're temporary extensions rather than real locs of her own hair, but time will tell. I think she totally rocks the new look!     | ||
| Celeb Insta Fashion - Rita Dominic Stuns in Ankara Prints Posted: 06 Jul 2014 03:04 PM PDT  Rita Dominic was in Mauritius recently where she and some other media personalities showcased the entertainment industry in Nigeria as part of a Multichoice event. For two of the occassions, the beautiful actress chose to go the Ankara and jeans. She said #someofthethingsigotuptoinmauritius.. First look: Press conference, second look: interview. Both tops from needlepoint and styled by @bubuogisi. Check out the second look below..  | ||
| Magazine Covers - Jessica Alba On Her Amazing Body and Sin City Sequel With GQ UK Posted: 06 Jul 2014 02:05 PM PDT  American television and film actress and model wows in sexy swimsuits for British GQ magazine's August 2014 issue. In the cover story, the 32-year-old actress talked about how the death of her Into the Blue co-star Paul Walker affected her, how she got her body back after having her children, and her role in the upcoming Sin City sequel. More pictures and excerpts below;   On her late Into the Blue co-star Paul Walker: "He had a real childlike innocence and he was game to try anything or do anything. He treated everyone with respect and love. He was never treating anybody differently because of who they were. He was really a guy's guy. And loved his daughter so much and talked about her all the time. He never cared about Hollywood. He never cared about the hype." On returning 10 years later to the Sin City sequel: "There's more of me and I do more than I did in the first one. I have a bit more of a character arc in this one. There's more dancing, but the dancing's really connected to the story. Nancy's a bit of an alcoholic and a bit of a mess and she's depressed and angry. The dances in the movie reflects where she's at." On her body: "I have to enhance what I like about my body and my stomach is good. My legs I'm not as excited about all the time, but I wouldn't cover up my stomach. That's what women do. Enhance what we've got." | ||
| US Keeper Tim Howard Says Christian Faith Helped Him Deal With Tourettes And Excel in Football Posted: 06 Jul 2014 12:00 PM PDT  During the U.S.-Belgium game this week, Tim Howard blocked 16 shots on goal, a World Cup record. And although the United States was eliminated from the competition in a 2-1 loss, Howard was still voted the best player of the game. Last Tuesday's defining game with Belgium drew an audience of 21 million television viewers in the United States, a nation that is slowly catching on to the rest of the world's top sport. The team returned to the United States Thursday with its now-famous goalie a social media phenomenon. A trending hashtag #ThingsTimHowardCouldSave includes saving the Titanic from sinking and the White House from the alien attack in the movie "Independence Day."  Social media also named him a "Minister of Defense," prompting a congratulatory call from Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel who invited the team to visit the Pentagon. Despite the media attention, the road to his phenomenal performance at the World Cup has not been an easy one for Howard. At 10 years of age Howard was diagnosed with Tourette's syndrome, a neurological disorder that produces physical and verbal tics. As he struggled with his condition, Howard said knew he could count on his grandmother for peace and stability. "Through her, God revealed His love for me as well," he said. "It wasn't long before I was following in her footsteps. I wanted the same kind of faith and peace she had, and that is exactly what God game me." Howard lives out his faith on the soccer pitch and in his community in the United Kingdom, where he plays for the Everton Football Club in Liverpool. According to the Huffington Post , he regularly volunteers with a youth group at Bramhall Baptist Church, playing soccer with the children before and after Bible lessons. "Today, I am blessed to be living a dream," Howard wrote in an Athletes in Action article . "And yet, if it all went away tomorrow, I know I would still have peace." "That probably sounds crazy to most people, but that's the kind of peace Christ gives," he said. "It is rooted in His love, and it surpasses all understanding." Via CBN News, CRU | ||
| 'Happy Birthday to The Legend, Richard Mofe-Damijo' - Bovi Narrates Experience as PA to RMD Posted: 06 Jul 2014 10:02 AM PDT  Comedian Bovi was the personal assistant to Richard Mofe Damijo, for two years, between 2004 and 2006 while he tried to find his footing as a script writer, actor and talent in Nollywood. Bovi is now well known as a stand up comedian after the TV role as Akpos brought him to limelight [read interview]. Today, Bovi celebrates his mentor RMD's birthday by narrating how some of the foundational principles and books RMD shared with him have brought him this far. He shared the story on his Instagram page with the picture above. Read on... Related - Bovi Celebrates The Birth of His Daughter Fresh out of school via NYSC, I had come to Lagos with just a bag. Squatting with my uncle who was a squatter, I dusted my scripts and headed to my appointment with nolywood icon, RMD. He leaned back on his swivel chair and crossed his legs on his table. It was the cleanest pair of mokasin shoes I had ever seen. In my mind I was before a "god". | ||
| Child Bride Who Killed Her Husband Charged With Culpable Homicide Punishable By Death Posted: 06 Jul 2014 09:30 AM PDT  In a suit slated for hearing on August 4 at Kano State High Court, the Kano State Government has charged 14-year-old bride, Wasila Tasiu who alledgely killed her husband and three other persons in their home with culpable homicide punishable by death. Back in April, Wasila, who had been forcefully married to her now dead husband, poisened him and the three other people that died also ate from the food she prepared when they came visiting the couple. After her arrest, she admitted her guilt and said she felt the only way she could be free was to poison him. With her plea for mercy, admission of guilt, and apology to the family of those concerned, coupled with her age, I was hoping that Wasila would get a lesser charge that does not involve the death penalty. Considering that her husband had practically been raping a minor for the period of their marriage, the prosecution should be more lenient. I'll be keeping an eye on the case. Hopefully the defense lawyers for Wasila are able to do a good job for her. From Vanguard Kano State Government has charged the 14-year-old bride, suspected to have killed her husband and three others in April, with culpable homicide punishable by death. | ||
| Four Women Arrested For Secretly Selling 9 Year Old Girl For N650,000 After Abducting Her From Home Posted: 06 Jul 2014 09:07 AM PDT  The Lagos State Police Command has arrested four women for allegedly abducting and selling a nine-year-old girl, identified simply as Blessing, for N650,000. The women are Fausat Ogidan, Abibat Oresanya, Bola Obajuruwa and Idiyat Abass. Our correspondent gathered that the women were apprehended on Sunday, June 6, after a tip-off. The state Commissionerof Police, Umar Manko, had directed the command's Special Anti-RobberySquad, led by SP Abba Kyari, to go after the child sellers' syndicate. Ogidan, who was with the nine-year-old girl, and collected the sum on behalf of others, was arrested in the Gbagada area of Lagos. Our correspondent gathered that the 51-year-old woman, who is married with four children, had arranged to sell the girl and on that Sunday. Further investigations by our correspondent revealed that the girl was given to Ogidan by Obajuruwa, commonly known as Iya Alaje, who lives in the Suberu Street, Alakuko area of Lagos. Iya Alaje also confessed that she had told Ogidan to sell the girl for N350,000 before she was caught. She said, "I used to sell herbs in the Agege Market. I told Fausat (Ogidan) to sell the girl forN350,000, but Fausat added N300,000 as her own profit. The girl was sold to me by Idiyat (Abass) and her elder sister, Abibat. "I bought her from them for N130,000. They said they were going to give the money to the girl's mother who wanted to get rid of her because of poverty." Obajuruwa, when arrested, had led the police to Abass and Oresanya, who got the girl from her parents and connived to sell her. Our correspondent further learnt that Abass, a 48-year-old woman, who was living in the Salau Dogo Street, Ibafo area of Ogun State, had obtained the girl from her mother, who the police said was still at large. It was gathered that Oresanya claimed that Blessing's mother had wanted to dispose of her and use the money obtained to take care of her other children. However, during interrogation, Blessing, who said her real name was Yetunde, told the police that she was kidnapped from their residence in Ibadan. When our correspondent visited Obajuruwa's residence in Alakuko, her octogenarian mother said she had yet to find out what the police arrested her daughter for. She said, "I just heard that policemen from Agege Police Division had come to take her away. I don't know why she is being detained by them. I have yet to know her offence." Another relative, who identified herself simply as Funmi, claimed that Obajuruwa gave out Blessing, who was her grandchild, to a customer to assist in home chores. She said,"There are about seven to eight children in this house. They are all Iya Alaje's grandchildren. So, it happened that when one of her customers put to bed recently. She pleaded with mama to give her someone to assist her. Iya Alaje took Blessing, her seven-year-old granddaughter, to be staying with her. The second day, Blessing ran away from that house, and told the people who saw her that she had been kidnapped by the customer. "That was why the police arrested mama and the customer, saying they kidnapped the girl." Our correspondent learnt that investigations were ongoing at the SARS on the matter. The LagosState Police spokesperson, Ngozi Braide, promised to get back to our correspondent, but had yet to do so as of the time of going to the press. From Punch NG | ||
| Watch Gidi Up Season 2 Online - Episode 1 - 5 [Every Dream Has a Price Tag] Posted: 06 Jul 2014 08:03 AM PDT  Gidi Up is a thrilling adventure centered around the lives of four friends in pursuit of happiness, success and independence. However, a few wrong choices quickly turn their Lagos dreams into a Gidi nightmare. When I shared the last episode of Season 1 [here], I wasn't sure if there would be a season two. I'm happy to report that there is, and after having watched the first five episodes, my verdict is "MUST WATCH!" For those that watched the first season of Gidi Up, some characters have had their actors changed, like OC Okeje, Adesua Etomi, and a lady I haven't watched before, but the newbies are more than equal to the task. Enjoy! And don't blame me when you finish the first five episodes and want more :) In the first episode – 'To Techserve', the group sends forth Dereick as he relocated to Port Harcourt and Tokunbo's friend – Charles – throws him a dinner party to celebrate the funding for his start up. And for the question we all had after the epic end of season 1: Is Folarin dead? Well, You'll just have to watch to find out!! 2. The group deals with the possibility of losing their friend forever as Obi is rushed to the hospital by a good samaritan and is in critical condition. Tokunbo has lunch with his mother and their conversation gets very heated and Yvonne is made a very tempting offer by Sharon! 3. Yvonne and Eki attend Sharon's engagement dinner and Yvonne discovers a few unexpected things about the 'perfect' groom. Folarin makes a dramatic comeback and has a few confrontations. Obi wakes up. 4. Obi's meeting with Illa, the woman who rescued him and paid his medical bills, takes an interesting turn. Tokunbo has a surprise visitor. Yvonne and Sharon begin to work on their business as it begins to dawn on Yvonne that she may made a deal with the devil. 5. Eki finally sees Tokunbo as they run into each other at a beach party. Monye demands that Obi sees her as the woman that she is and no longer as a little sister. Meka, Sharon and Yvonne have a very awkward moment. Eki realizes she has big news. | ||
| Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) 2014 Releases Photos of Contestants Posted: 06 Jul 2014 09:46 AM PDT  The Most Beautiful Girl In Nigeria 2014 beauty pageant has just released the individual head shot photos of all the contestants. The finals of the contest at on July 18th, at the Gabriel Okara Cultural Centre in Bayelsa state, where the lady who has impressed the judges and voters the most goes home with the crown. I like the different skin colors and hairstyles represented. May the best girl win. Do you have a favorite?                               | ||
| Debbie Delamar Has Biggest Boobs in Britain, Charges £35 To Send Topless Pictures to Fans Posted: 06 Jul 2014 04:03 AM PDT  Debbie Delamar is a mother-of-two and has become the proud owner of Britain's biggest fake breasts, clocking in at a whopping 30KK at just 5ft, and a size 8. Delamar said: "People stare at me wherever I go but I enjoy it. I love the fake look and want to be as big as possible. I know I'm not a conventional army wife or mother, but I'm not hurting anyone. "I really just like the fake artificial look. Some people like blonde hair or black hair - I like big fake boobs. It was never intentional to be the biggest in Britain, but it just sort of happened. Each of her breasts contains 2.6 pints of silicone - making them so large she was at first unable to bring her hands together to clap. Army wife Delamar had her first boob job aged 28, jumping from 30DD to 30FF. While she's proud of her newfound fame, she admits her giant breasts do affect her job at a car parts plant, where she has to sit further back from the assembly line than other women. "They don't really get in the way anymore as I have adapted to them, but the first time they did was when I was at a concert with my daughters. "I went to clap my hands and I realised I couldn't anymore.  "I don't have to worry about them getting in the way around the house as my husband does all the ironing and things, but at work I do have to sit a few more inches away from the desk." Delamar, from Brecon, Powys, had her first boob job in 2008 in Cyprus, where her colour sergeant husband Rob, 35, was posted with the Duke of Lancaster Regiment. The £3,800 op took her from a 30DD to a 30FF but it wasn't big enough for her and less than a year later she forked out another £3,200 to take her to HH. But that didn't last long either and in May she had her huge silicone implants - each containing 1,500cc or 2.6 pints - specially made by a French company.  Many surgeons refused to carry out the operation but Delamar, who is a size 8, found a doctor prepared to carry it out for £8,000 at the private Highgate Hospital in London. Delamar has gained thousands of fake boob fans from all over the world via her Twitter feed and now charges £35 for topless pictures. She said: "I don't mind the attention - I'm used to it now. "I receive hundreds of messages a day from across the world and there's even fan pages set up in my name. "I never intended to fall into glamour modelling, but it just happened after fans found me online. "The reaction I get is varied. Sometimes people will look and then have to look back again to check what they have seen. "Sometimes when men will be looking and their wives or girlfriends will catch them and they will get a bit of a telling off.  "I don't have that many celebrity style icons but I do like to model my look on some people in the adult entertainment industry. "I used to like Jordan, but she's just not big enough now." She added: "I think I've got the biggest silicone implants in Britain but a woman in America has bigger saline implants than me. "I'm happy with the way they look now and have no plans to go even bigger." Delamar's daughters, Sian, 15, and Katie, 12, have different opinions on their mother's assets. She says: "My oldest thinks it's great and just wants me to be famous but my youngest is more shy and a bit embarrassed by them. "I don't think I'm a bad role model. We're responsible parents and it was never my intention to forge a glamour modelling career, but I couldn't be happier." Via HuffPo UK | ||
| Vacation Time - Toolz Spends Birthday Weekend in Marrakech, Morocco Posted: 06 Jul 2014 03:04 AM PDT  Toolz is a well known TV and Radio Prensenter as well as event host, but she has taken the past few days off to chill and relax in preparation for her birthday today. The bodacious lady spent the weekend in sun-kissed Marrakech in Morocco. She tagged one of the pics; OMG!! This place is beautiful! My chill spot for the next few days... #Marrakech #BirthdayHoliday #LAfriqueEstBelle I can't help but wonder if Toolz is accompanied by her boo the Captain on the trip, and if he might use this opportunity to pop the question, LOL... RML wished Toolz a happy birthday! See more of her weekend pics below...    
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| Daddy Time - Okey Bakassi Celebrates Second Daughter as She Turns 10 Posted: 06 Jul 2014 02:03 AM PDT  Comedian Okey Onyegbule, better known as Okey Bakassi, has a beautiful family and loves to show them off on his social media pages. The Nollywod actor recently shared some lovely photos of his beautiful wife [see couple love post] and smart kids – son, Chetanna and daughters, Fechi and Chidera – Okey's eldest daughter is 12 years old. In the latest pictures, Fechi is shown with her cake as she turned 10. See pictures from the home celebration and more family pictures below.             | ||
| Tonto Dikeh Looks Patriotic in White and Green, But What's That Plaster on Her Arm? Posted: 06 Jul 2014 01:01 AM PDT  Tonto Dikeh was looking very demure and patriotic for an interview at Naija FM in Lagos, but her short sleeved blouse showed a plaster bandaid just above the crook of her elbow. I don't want to be flippant because though the first thing that came to my mind was drug use, Tonto has also spoken out before about attempting suicide and self harm out of depression. I hope she is OK, and the plaster is innocuous at this time. She does look happy, and things have been going great for her with her new music, Sugar Rush crushing the charts. Tonto's music identity is as Poko Lee and part of Dbanj's record label [here].   On the fashion angle, Tonto totally rocked her white top with metallic detailing around the neck and a quilted strips down the front and arms. For her arm candy, the actress and singer chose green Givenchy tote. Nude Louboutin pumps completed the toned down look. Tonto was styled by celeb fashion stylist, Jeremiah Ogbodo of Swanky's signatures styling. | ||
| 'Her Bold Move Endeared Her To Me' - Benny Ark on Marrying Ese Walters Despite The Controversy Posted: 06 Jul 2014 12:03 AM PDT  When the engagement of Ese Walters to her Abuja's Cool FM's heartthrob, Benny Ark, was announced, many were taken by surprise. A few thought their civil marriage was a fashion photoshoot, until they followed it up with their traditional and then church wedding. What was not in doubt was the look of love on both their faces on all of the pictures [see here and here]. Some of the surprise at the couple's wedding came because just last year, Ese had opened up about an affair she had with a popular Abuja-based pastor Biodun Fatoyimbo of COZA. Her accusations had generated lots of controversy as supporter of the pastor squared off against those who condemned the pastor's abuse of office and a vulnerable young lady under his pastoral care. [Read here and here] In a recent interview with The Sun, Ese Walter's husband, Benny Ark speaks on his career, a lifelong love for radio, and why he married Ese despite the controversy surrounding her. See excerpts below: ONE DAY, YOU WERE ON AIR WITH OTHER COLLEAGUES AND YOU TRIED TO TRASH OUT A COUPLE'S QUARREL OVER THE WIFE'S FAILURE TO POUND YAM FOR HER HUSBAND. YOUR ARGUMENT WAS IN FAVOUR OF THE WOMAN AND A FEMALE LISTENER SAID SHE WASN'T SURPRISED THAT YOU WERE ON THE SIDE OF A WOMAN. SHE SAID IT'S TYPICAL OF YOU TO SUPPORT WOMEN. IS BENNY ARK A FEMINIST? People shouldn't misconstrue who a feminist is. A feminist isn't one who puts one gender over the other. Rather, a feminist is someone who supports the political, financial and socio-economic equality between both genders. I feel that the maker created the man and woman equal. What makes us different is our purpose in life and our physical frame. So, no sex is inferior to the other. It is unfortunate that society has conditioned many to think that one gender is inferior to the other. And I think that it is time that men begin to see that marriage isn't about a woman cooking for you or things like that. If it is okay for the woman to pound yam, then it's okay for the man to do the same. We need to understand the purpose of marriage, which is well beyond these roles passed down by society. I am not calling for women to override the men. I am just calling for men to understand what marriage means. YOUR FREQUENT SUPPORT FOR WOMEN MUST HAVE EARNED YOU A WHOLE LOT OF FEMALE ATTENTION. YOU GOT MARRIED RECENTLY. WAS IT HARD PICKING A WIFE? The process of meeting the right woman was quite tiring and sometimes painful. But when I got past the process, I made my choice quickly. I looked at a number of things before picking a wife – from the external and internal qualities, to the woman who can follow me on my journey. I can even say the process took up to eight years, but when I was through with the process, the decision was instant. YOU GOT MARRIED TO THE LADY WHO EXPOSED WHAT COULD BE DESCRIBED AS THE ROT IN A POPULAR ABUJA CHURCH. WHEN SHE MADE THE REVELATION OF HER REGRET OVER THE AFFAIR WITH THE POPULAR PASTOR, HOW DID THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU REACT WHEN YOU PICKED HER AS YOUR WIFE? Amazingly, the people around us were supportive and understanding. It was some outsiders who were not privy to a whole lot of stuff that were making some kind of remarks. But the truth is, we were just friends when she told me about what happened. I was pained and hurt because here was a man who I held in high esteem. I only told her to do what she had to do because she felt like she was enslaved by something she didn't have control over. And when she tried to reach out for disclosure that would have led to her healing, she was treated badly by some people who sent the message that some person is untouchable. I can tell you that she reached out not once or twice. In the end, she did what she did for her peace of mind and to encourage others who are in a similar situation. She opened up not because she is the boldest person; she knew that she was taking a big risk. But she opened up because she is someone who has a conscience and will not stand for something wrong. Her making that bold move endeared her to me. When she came out with the truth, I believed her, having heard the same story two or three times from other women. When she spoke out, she was attacked. But I believe that with her simple act of speaking the truth, she not only liberated herself but also other women in a similar situation. NOW THAT YOU ARE MARRIED, WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS? Some people describe marriage as settling down. But I don't agree with that assertion because an individual ought to be settled before getting into marriage. For me, getting married is starting the journey to the fulfillment of what God created me for. My purpose is to promote love, hope and faith among the people around me. There is a whole lot of abuse going on in relationships with the women at the receiving end. And it is not supposed to be so. This is why we all have to spread the message of love until we heal many relationships. So, the hope I have for my union with a woman I love so much, a woman who is a sweet companion to me is that we will reach out to men and women promoting the right values for a good marriage. I cannot change everybody but I am going to spark up the thought that marriage should be enjoyed and it should be the vehicle to the fulfillment of life's purpose. WHEN YOU ARE NOT WORKING, WHAT ARE THE THINGS YOU LOVE DOING? These days, I spend my spare time with my wife chatting and playing. We share ideas because we both write. There are a whole lot of things we have in the kitty. We hope to stage a reality show. I also run a PR firm and I am into events. So, I am always busy with how to make life meaningful for others and me. WHAT ARE THE THINGS THAT PUT YOU OFF? Double standards and hypocrisy. I don't like people who say something in front of you and say the opposite behind your back. I am a blunt person. I speak my mind. I don't have any reason to say things behind people's backs. CAN YOU RECALL THE MOMENT YOU REALISED THAT YOU WANTED TO BE ON RADIO? As a kid growing up in Kaduna, I was addicted to listening to the radio stations in the city. At that age, I never felt the interest to be on radio. I just knew that I love listening to the radio. The radio was my favourite companion. But I realised that I wanted to be in media/entertainment industry after I concluded my NYSC. I didn't want to be caught up in the 9-5 kind of job. But I guess radio found me judging by how I got into Cool FM. In 2006, I auditioned for Cool FM's 'The Broadcaster 2' competition. My friends talked me into auditioning because they knew how much I loved radio. So, I came for the audition with over a hundred people. At a point, I practically walked away because I wondered how they were going to pick just one person out of a hundred contestants. I already was targeting work in a telecoms company. But after three weeks of voting, I was picked as 'The Broadcaster'. I guess you could say that was the moment I felt that broadcasting is the thing for me. HOW WAS YOUR FIRST DAY ON AIR, DID YOU SUFFER FROM STAGE FRIGHT? Amazingly, I have always been used to the stage. Right from my days as a schoolboy, I was one of those outstanding kids who stepped forward to represent the class or the school. My first attempt at radio was at the NYSC orientation camp in Jalingo, Taraba State. While I was on air, I saw people gathering around the window. I just went in to have fun. But after one hour on air, people commended me. Some asked if I had worked on radio and I told them I hadn't. I must say, however, that after winning 'The Broadcaster', my only fear was the topic(s) I would discuss on air. A former colleague, Nike Coker was the person who encouraged me. She told me I was a deep person, she said I sounded good and I had many interesting things to say. But I had a little doubt then, at least in the first few minutes after we went on air. However, with time, I just let my personality through. After all, we call it 'personality radio' here in Cool FM. So right from the start, I just let my personality show as I discussed everyday issues. WHEN YOU DROPPED THE IDEA OF WORKING IN A TELECOMS FIRM FOR RADIO, HOW DID THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU REACT? I never followed up the job in the telecoms company. Maybe, I would have had a tougher time convincing my father to support a career in broadcasting, if he were alive. My dad would have asked why I opted for being a radio presenter when I had a degree in Business Administration. My mum quite understands. So, when I told her that I wanted to start work as a radio presenter, she asked me to go ahead since I was sure that broadcasting was the career for me. My mother always has confidence in me. But for my friends, they were quite happy for me. Sure, there were moments in the beginning when I asked myself if I should pick up a job with my certificate in sectors that paid higher wages. This is because my take home pay years back was quite inadequate. But with the love and passion I had for radio, I just kept on going. I bless God for where I am today. WHAT IS IT ABOUT YOUR JOB THAT MAKES YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT IT? It is my love for the people. In life, I have come to understand that the take home pay is not as important as one fulfilling his purpose in life. My simple message, which I always share, is that there is love and hope everywhere you are, no matter what you are going through. With a positive attitude, things can only get better. My personal mantra is based on faith, hope and love. And anytime I get on air, I try to incorporate these three values in the messages I send out. EARLIER, YOU SAID A COLLEAGUE DESCRIBED YOU AS A DEEP PERSON. AGAIN, YOU TALKED ABOUT FAITH, HOPE AND LOVE BEING YOUR MOTTO. HOW DID YOU COME ABOUT ALL OF THESE? Well, a deep person is someone who has come to understand that beyond the physical, we are spiritual beings. Those who haven't come to the understanding that we are physical and spiritual beings mistake spirituality for religion. But it is important to understand who we are and for what purpose we were created. I believe in God. But I am not a religious person. I just believe that organized religion has caused a lot of harm in the world. I totally believe that we are all one in the sight of God. We are neither Moslems, Atheists, Buddhists nor Christians in His sight. And I have no apologies for holding these views. HAVE YOU HAD DIFFICULT OR EMBARRASSING MOMENTS WITH LISTENERS? Difficult moments? They seldom happen. I could say there were times when people didn't agree with my take on issues that we discussed on air. I have gotten one or two text messages from listeners stating dissenting views. But the only embarrassing moment on the job was the one I created myself. I was still new on the job and I was slated to read the news. I got in, read the news without knowing that the microphone wasn't on. I finished reading without knowing that not a single word was heard. I only noticed that colleagues gathered around the studio window. It was when I stepped out that they told me 'dude, we didn't hear a word from you'. SO FAR, WHAT IS THE HIGH POINT OF YOUR CAREER? I am not yet where I hope to be. But have I grown? Yes. Have I made remarkable progress? Yes. So, I would say there have been milestones but I am still on my way to the high point moment. I guess I have to add that when people commend me for how I inspire them, it makes me feel good. I feel even more appreciated when I meet older people, the age of my mother and they are happy to know that I am Benny Ark. I feel a sense of fulfillment when people with more experience than me say things like 'oh you are the Benny Ark that said this or that thing that changed my day'. They pray for me, asking that I keep doing what I do. I've had a few nominations and awards. The awards came in quick succession at a point. This made me believe that there must be something I am doing that works for the people. But like I said – the place I hope to be which I see on my vision board is still ahead. OFTEN TIMES SOME LISTENERS HAVE SAID ON-AIR-PERSONALITIES FAKE THEIR ACCENTS. DO YOU AGREE WITH THIS CATEGORY OF PEOPLE? You know, people will always have an opinion whether they are correct or incorrect. People will always have something to say whether you sound Nigerian or international. It is part of human nature to criticise. If someone can fake an accent for close to a decade, then that person is good at faking. My friends who have known me for years can attest that I have always sounded this way. If I have faked my accent for over 30 years then I have done a good job. In fact, some of the people who criticise others actually admire those they attack. Yet again, sometimes it is good to listen to the critics because they make you work hard at what you do. WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO THOSE WHO DESIRE A CAREER ON RADIO? First, you have to be sure broadcasting is the career for you because this job goes beyond the fame. You shouldn't come into broadcasting because you want to be famous. Being famous doesn't make you rich. There actually are famous people who are broke. So, you should have goals coming into broadcasting. You should have passion for the job and you should be able to carve a niche for yourself. | ||
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