Entertainment

Edo Excellence Awards organizers , clashes with financial crisis

Published

5 years ago

April 5, 2021

Edo Excellence Award is an annual award to promote and recognize Edo people who have contributed significantly to Edo culture, Edo People in diaspora and in Edo State

The Edo Excellence Award, co-established by Sir Victor Uwaifo in 2004, recently reached 17th edition on February 14th 2021.

The colourful ceremony which was held in the heart of Benin City at Aisien Plaza in Benin city Edo state was memorable. During the prestigious ceremony, Nigeria Edo Funk music legend stated that “It’s time to modify our Edo Excellence Awards categories by adding more categories, that will also benefit non Edo natives” the idea was negatively disputed by other respected Edo indigenes from various arms of the Government and prominent Business men, who attended the venue.

After a long dispute, sir Victor Uwaifo who just celebrated his 80th year birthday asked Edo State most read Nigerian national newspaper Obaland Magazine and Newspaper if they could adopt the costly annual Edo Excellent Award ceremony by buying the brand and make sure the event doesn’t bankrupt or been mismanaged , due to his busy schedules and his aged, Obaland Magazine media is yet to unveil a close partnership or ownership deal with the Edolites .

Tide Newspaper reporters also gathered that since 2019, Obaland Magazine has been in a critical financial crisis after the news media company encountered with tax evasion and fraud crime related to 450,000 Euro , that led Italian authorities to freeze the company’s account . Obaland Magazine Chief editor Mr Lucky Omosigho who remained silent and promised to revert asap after the closing ceremony at the Aisien Plaza venue.

The Edo Excellent Awards was to benefit only Edo people who had contributed immensely to Edo culture at home and in diaspora with a concrete clarity from testimonies and public officers before nominations could be sorted. The idea of transferring Edo’s prestigious ceremony is under speculation nationwide, while celebrities from Edo State are contemplating if the 2022 event will hold will be a probability , as financial sponsors and investors aren’t willing to invest on the Edo Excellent Awards immediately, until CoronaVirus pandemic dies naturally.

The recently concluded 17th edition of Edo Excellent awards attracted 900 recipients from Edo State. The winners were legendary Edo Funk prominent singer, the son of Edo Funk pioneer, ace “Akaba Man” popularly known as Influence Akaba, who won at third position, , Esther Edokpaye bagged 2nd position and popular Afro American politician, Richard Iyasere, who became popular for creating Akwete dance style in 1980’s , a cosmopolitan popular dance style, finally peaked on 1st position. Richard Iyasere left the venue with multiple awards, winning “Exemplary Leader of the Year” and “Edo Patriotic of the Year”, the Award was presented to awardees by Sir Victor Uwaifo.

Entertainment

Sarah Martins Knocks Yul Edochie Over Comment

Published

2 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nollywood actress Sarah Martins has tackled Yul Edochie over comments he made about his ex-wife, May.

The actress questioned why Yul brought up claims about their marriage but refused to explain further.

Her sharp response has added another twist to the long-running conversation around the Edochie family.

The actress reacted after Yul appeared on The Honest Bunch Podcast, where he made comments that many listeners linked to his former marriage.

During the interview, Yul hinted that certain things happened while he and May were still married and suggested those moments contributed to the decisions he later made.

The Tide Entertainment reports that Yul hints that certain things happened while he and May were still married and suggests those moments contributed to the decisions he later made.

He, however, stopped, short of explaining further.

In the interview, the controversial actor said he had accepted being seen as the villain in the story.

He also stated that, despite everything, he genuinely wished May well and wanted her to prosper because she remains the mother of his children.

Yul Edochie finally shares last moments with late son three years after his tragic death

But while saying that, Yul also hinted that there were incidents in their marriage he had chosen not to discuss publicly.

According to him, he was “too much of a man” to come online and break down over personal matters.

Reacting to the interview, Sarah, in a post on her Instagram story, pointed out what she described as irony in Yul’s words—saying he wished May well while also making statements that could create doubt in people’s minds.

According to her, if he truly meant well for his former wife, there was no reason to hint at hidden issues and leave people guessing.

“You wish her well, but you granted Podcast the power to sow doubt in people’s minds by saying she did something that led you to do what you did, but you won’t say it,” she said.

She went further to accuse Yul of being uncomfortable with May’s continued growth and public support.

“Oga, you’re just pained that she’s doing well!”
Sarah also questioned the purpose of the interview, asking if jealousy may have played a role.

Yul Edochie recounts final moments with late son.

Meanwhile, Yul Edochie opened up on the last time he saw his first son, Kambilichukwu Edochie, before the boy’s tragic death in 2023.

The actor recalled that his son came into his room early in the morning before leaving for school.

According to him, they spent time talking, laughing, and joking in what felt like a typical father-son interaction.

Yul Edochie reacts to crashed marriage
The Tide Entertainment had reported that Yul Edochie had continued to speak about his ex-wife as he appeared on the Honest Bunch Podcast.

He shared part of what happened between them and all the things he wished for her while speaking about his new wife.

The actor noted that he and his ex-wife know what happened that led to the dissolution of their union.

Entertainment

Cubana Chief Priest Opens Up On Feud With Burna Boy

Published

2 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite, Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, has opened up on his fallout with singer Burna Boy, alleging that the music star publicly attacked him because of his close relationship with Davido.

Speaking during an interview on The Beat 99.9 FM on Wednesday, Cubana Chief Priest said his journey to success began from apprenticeship and years of hard work, adding that fame and financial growth often attract envy and criticism.

“Success comes with a lot of hate. I started my journey from apprenticeship and service and I learnt so much about growth and perseverance. When you start becoming successful, you understand how people treat you.

“I was on my own and Burna Boy came for me, went on his big platform and started tweeting things that are not genuine, things that are not possible, things that have not existed and the attack was straight to my wealth.

“So he wanted to make people look at my wealth, disrespect my wealth, I felt bad and that happened because of my relationship with Davido,” he said.

He further stated that Davido has consistently supported his businesses and personal projects.

“David is always there for me. He opened all my nightclubs, restaurants, everything. He always shows up to support me.

“He’s investing in clubs in Lagos, and I’m making music to prove a point that I can,” he added.

Entertainment

Family Releases Burial Arrangements For Late Actor, Alexx Ekubo

Published

2 weeks ago

May 29, 2026

The Tide

Nollywood Actor, Alexx Ekubo’s family has officially announced the funeral arrangements for the late actor, describing him as a man whose life was filled with love, faith, generosity and compassion.

The Tide Entertainment had earlier reported that the Nollywood actor passed away after suffering from kidney cancer.

The Ekubo-Okwaraeke family announced the funeral arrangements in a statement released via the actor’s social media handle.

The statement read: “Forever in Our Hearts.

“With profound sorrow, yet gratitude to God for a life so beautifully lived and deeply impactful, we officially announce the funeral arrangements of our beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and colleague, Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke

“The overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, messages, visits, calls, support, and strength shown to the family during this painful period has been truly humbling. Words cannot fully express our gratitude.

“Alexx was deeply loved, and your kindness continues to remind us that his light, compassion, faith, and impact on so many lives will never be forgotten.

“Though his passing came far too soon, Alexx lived a life marked by love, warmth, generosity, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to God and the people he cherished. His presence filled rooms, lifted hearts, and created memories that will remain with us forever.

“We warmly invite family, friends, colleagues, fans, and well wishers to join us as we honor and celebrate his beautiful life, enduring legacy, and the precious memories he gave us all.

“SERVICE OF SONGS

Date: Wednesday, 10th June 2026

Venue: The Monarch Event Center, Lekki, Lagos Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Dress Code: White

“WAKE KEEP

Date: Wednesday, 17th June 2026

Venue: 7 Ekubo-Okwaraeke Avenue, Aziukwukwa, Ujari Village, Arochukwu, Abia State

“FUNERAL SERVICE

Date: Thursday, 18th June 2026

Venue: Mary Slessor School, Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu, Abia State

“INTERMENT

Date: Thursday, 18th June 2026