Entertainment
Onitsha Marketers Blacklist Mercy Johnson …Replace Her With Ini Edo
Recent stories making
the rounds in the Nigerian movie industry called Nollywood, has it that members of the Film and Video Producers and Marketers Association of Nigeria (FVPMAN) have blacklisted popular Nollywood A-list actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie and replaced her with Nollywood screen goddess Ini-Edo-Ehingwina.
According to a reliable source, the decision of the association is due to some harsh conditions they claim Mercy Johnson allegedly gives to them on locations.
It was gathered that Mercy Johnson demands as high as N1.8 million per flick, the fee is also said to have gone as high as N2. 1 million in some cases.
Mercy was said to have charged the boss of softed movies N2.1 million and demanded a first class return ticket as well as a N25,000.00 per night suit in Asaba, despite the fact that she was not flying in from Lagos, since she had other movie roles lined up in Delta State capital.
The association was said to have met in Onitsha Anambra State as well as Lagos on November 7 to ratify the stand of the Onitsha based members to blacklist Mercy Johnson.
Meanwhile, the marketers are said to have anointed Ini Edo-Ehingwina to take over the roles that Mercy used to play in their films.
It was also learnt that Ini Edo has changed from a hitherto haughty star to a very humble actress, the Akwa Ibom State-born actress is said to be raking in the cash on several locations as the Onitsha marketers are comfortable with her fee of N1.2 million per movie.
Winner of 2013 Miss Centenary, Theodora Kelechi Atako (middle) with the runners-up after the keenly contested Port Harcourt Centenary Beauty Pageant in Port Harcourt, recently.
The Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising outstanding individuals.
The actress was honoured with the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine by Thomas Jefferson University in America in recognition of her outstanding contributions to social activism and impact through her work.
This remarkable achievement, they said, highlights her dedication to societal well-being and marks her as the first Black recipient of this distinguished award.
The Tide Entertainment reports that the Lennox K. Black International Prize for Excellence in Medicine is a prestigious accolade awarded by Thomas Jefferson University, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to the medical field, promoting scientific discovery and advancements.
Named after Lennox K. Black, a Canadian manufacturing executive known for his philanthropic efforts and service on various boards, including Thomas Jefferson University, the prize celebrates excellence in medical innovation and global contribution to health and medicine.
The actress is renowned for her activism and impactful work in areas concerning women’s health and rights, including her efforts to combat issues like fistula and gender-based violence.
According to the award organisers she has been instrumental in bringing about social change through her films and campaigns. They added that her work extends beyond borders, affecting lives and policies internationally, embodying the spirit of the Lennox K. Black International Prize.
On receiving the award, Stephanie expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to using her platform for social good.
“This recognition goes beyond me; it is for all the women and girls fighting for a healthier, safer world. It amplifies our message and our work. It strengthens my resolve to continue advocating for gender equality, social justice, and improved maternal and reproductive health in Africa,” she said
Susan Aldunge, Interim President of Thomas Jefferson University, admired the actress, saying, ‘‘Your ability to educate while humbly addressing the cultural obstacles impeding progress for young women is commendable. Your intelligent, personal take on the necessary human rights changes has deeply impacted all lucky to encounter you. Congratulations once more on this well-deserved award and the acknowledgement of your efforts.’”
Ms Aldunge further said that Thomas Jefferson University, a leader in medical education and research, hosts the award to underscore its mission of improving lives through innovation in health care.
‘‘The university is proud to honour Stephanie Linus, whose work aligns with Jefferson’s values of creativity, collaboration, and compassion in pursuing excellence in medicine and beyond.
“Awarding the Lennox K. Black International Prize to Stephanie Linus celebrates her achievements and signals a broader recognition of the importance of social activism in medicine and health,” she added.
“Her pioneering efforts continue to inspire and effect change, paving the way for a healthier, more equitable world’’.
Stephanie, who was named Chairperson of the Nigerian Official Selection Committee (NOSC) for the Best International Feature Film (IFF) category of the Oscars in August 2023, is best known for her 2015 advocacy movie ‘Dry’, which tells the story of a 13-year-old girl whose parents marry her off to a 60-year-old man, with devastating consequences.
Ilebaye’s revelation came just after Phyna had publicly called out the organizers for withholding some of her prizes.
Phyna, who revealed this to Newsmen insinuated that Ilebaye broke the gender code by announcing that she got her full prize money.
She also stressed that she would continue to demand for her balance, stating that she worked hard for the money during the show’s 72-day duration.
“I believe I should at least get what I worked so hard for 72 days. You all suddenly remembered your alert screenshots and IG Live………… Common……one among others is 1BTC which is over 80m in today’s market.
“To those who got their money in full
I’m happy for you. As a poor man’s child, let me ask for my money and other items remaining.,” She added.
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