Entertainment
Thumbs-Up For PH City Celebration At Yuletide …As Residents Enjoyed Unrestricted Fun
The city of Port Harcourt
and its environs bubbled with unrestricted entertainment and fun fair throughout last yuletide as the various entertainment outfits and show businesses were at their best elements in ensuring that there was no dull moments during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Although most of the residents travelled outside the city to their various towns, villages and other destinations, those who remained behind had the best entertainment and fun their money could afford under a quiet and peaceful environment. Apart from the Christmas and New Year celebrations, the city was also agog on Friday, 26th January, 2015, as the Muslim faithful celebrated Idel Maland with various social activities and prayers.
During the yuletide celebrations, various popular night clubs, eateries, cinema houses, hotels and other entertainment hangouts witnessed large patronage from families, couples and other classes of fun lovers who stormed the places to relax and enjoy themselves in a peaceful environment.
Among the clubs that provided fun during the period were Oba Omega’s Boomer and night club at Rumuogba, Old Aba road, Ouka Beak night club near Mopol 19 barracks, Fabulous night club at the Emenike buss stop axis of Mile I Diobu Royal Afrique exclusive night club at Rumuokwusi and a host of others. These clubs provided full time entertainment music and dance. Apart from these clubs, there are other popular hangouts such as Mr. D. Plaza at D/Line as well as pepper soup joints that contributed in ensuring a fantastic yuletide.
There were also large crowed of viewers at the cinema houses such as Genesis Deluxe cinemas at Tombia street and the Silver Bird Cinemas, former Obi Wali cultural centre along Abonnema wharf road Port Harcourt. One of the movies that attracted large crowd of viewers at Silver Bird was a hilarious movie titled: ‘Head gone’ featuring top Nigerian entertainers namely Ali Baba, Basket Mouth, Akpororo etc.
The story is about psychiatric hospital bus driver who loses some of its patients on referral to a Federal hospital in a road mishap. To cover up their mistake, the driver and nurse assistant picks up unsuspecting commuters to substitute the patients. The plot thickens in conflict as the sane commuters try to prove their sanity in a psychiatric instruction and the escapee patients try to adjust to a were environment.
Another business that provided entertainment during the yuletide are eateries such as Kilimanjaro, Genesis fast food, Mr. Bigs, Peperoni, the Promise, Sammies etc. They enjoyed the patronage of large number of customers who stormed the places to have a delicious taste of their favourite meals, mouth watering ice creams, snacks and their delicacies.
The comedy clan was not left out as they provided laughter and relaxation on 25th December 2014, Rivers State born humour merchant, Julius Agwu stormed the city with “Crack Your Ribs” at the Arstee Arcum, stadium road Port Harcourt with other comedians namely: Rugged Pastor, Romeo without Juliet, Okey Bakasi, D’Don, Funky 4, K.O. Baba, Dr. Virus, Talk Wise and a host of other artistes including Bona Boy, Sckeles etc. This was followed by another comedy show tiled, “Night of Thousand Laughs”. The comic events attracted a large audience who were thrilled by their funny jokes and popular songs.
The Nwatam cultural dance also entertained residents of the oil rich city of Port Harcourt on the 24th and 25th December at Port Harcourt cemetery, old Port Harcourt township while the finals was on the 25th December 2014 at the Rebisi Field Mile I Diobu Port Harcourt, also known as “Ojukwu Field”. All these events contributed in ensuring that there was no dull moment throughout the yuletide.
The neighbouring communities also had full scale fun through their beach carnivals and parties. This included the famous Buguma beach carnival, Isiola Emohua beach party, Ogbakiri beach party and Elele Alimini street parties among several others.
It would be recalled that prior to Christmas and New Year celebrations, the city of Port Harcourt was in a festive mood as the state celebrated its cultural festival titled CARNIRIV.
The 2014 edition was adjudged one of the best. Although each of the editions had its unique features, that of last year was spectacular because of the unique events that made it one of the best. This included the introduction of the first ever miss CARNIRIV beauty pageant, a word-class stage for artistes and 100 per cent local content.
The one-week event was officially opened on Monday, 14th December and ended on Saturday 20th December 2014 amidst glitz, glamour, pomp and pageantry, among the events that made it spectacular were kids carnival, carnival praise jam, cultural art exhibition, Ekere Rhythm of the tribes, BAMFEST, Hosh Jam, Egelegel Champions of the Sand (Arena), Reggae 360 and old Port Harcourt town groove. Among the artistes that performed were Davido, Phyron, Patroranking, Timaya and Terry G.
Among the events that enhanced the explosion of cultural revival in the state and thumbs-up for the organizers for a job well done were the international Acquatic Fiesta. This is one of Nigeria’s most cherished, most colourful and entertaining water parade by the local government areas and a core part of cultural life and history of the state.
The city of Port Harcourt literally stood still on Friday, December 19th and Saturday December 20th 2014, respectively, as the international heritage parade and garden city free style parade took place amidst glamour glitz and funfair along Aba and Ikwerre roads axis of the state capital. 23 local government areas of the state led by their respective caretaker committee chairmen and wives showcased their floats that depicted their cultural heritage, it was indeed a day that proved the cultural superiority of the Rivers people.
Saturday 20th December witnessed the Garden City free style parade made up of 10 costume bands. One of the bands, Treasure Base band was led by the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Rotimi Amaechi accompanied by the governorship candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside and other government officials. The 2014 edition of CARNIRIV was indeed a one week of fun and cultural rejuvenation which set the right mood for last year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations that turned out to be hitch-free, peaceful and fun.
Another historic event that took place last year was the traditional marriage of former beauty queen and first female president of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Ibinabo Fiberesima to her long time heart throb, Uche Egbuka a US based soldier and clinical director from Imo State.
The ancient town of Okrika in oil Rivers State was agog with cultural festivities on Thursday December 18th, 2014, as the community played host to the who-is-who in Nollywood and showbiz in Nigeria who witnessed the glamourous event. The marriage ceremony which turned out into a carnival of sorts witnessed a large crowd of guests who were conveyed to the palatial gold mansion of Niger Delta billionaire, Ateke Tom, who played the role of a god father at the reception party.
Among the Nollywood heavy weights in attendance were Francis Duru, who was the master of ceremony, Dieweiet Ikpechukwu, Nkem Owoh (Osuofia), Mr. Ibu and Patience Ozokwor (mama Gee) who were literally mobbed by their fans, guests and villagers. Others included Mr. Emmanuel Oguguah, Segun Arinze, Florence Onuma, Fabian Adibe, Salome Okeke, Vitalis Ndubuisi, Zeb and Chico Ejiro, Jibor Dubor, Bruno Iwuoha, Kingsley Ejiro, Charles Awurum, Lillian Bach and Emeka Rollas among others.
There were also top artistes in attendance such as Zapp Squad and the preferred star of the day, African China, who played several of his hit tracks and kept the people on the dance floor. Other stars who performed were AB Cowboy, who charged the arena with gyration music, Waconzy and a host of others.
Entertainment
Stephanie Linus, First Black Recipient Of Lennox K. Black Prize
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.
Entertainment
‘I’ll Continue To Ask For My Balance’ – Phyna reacts.
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.
Entertainment
Monarch Pledges Good Governance, Team Spirit To His People
-
Education4 days ago
Covenant University Retains Nigeria’s Best Varsity Ranking
-
Sports4 days ago
HFN Sets Deadline For League Registration
-
News4 days ago
HURIWA Tells Tinubu To Discontinue Plans On New National ID
-
Sports1 day ago
Barca Blame Referee, Panic For Loss To PSG
-
News1 day ago
Tinubu Lauds Dangote’s Diesel Price Cut, Foresees Economic Relief
-
Nation4 days ago
Call For PDP National Chairman’s Resignation Ill-timed, Inappropriate – Senator Abba Moro
-
Politics4 days ago
Rivers PDP Chieftain Hails Fubara’s Leadership Qualities
-
News4 days ago
Communities, Volunteers Ready To Face Upcoming Floods – Red Cross