Author: Tribune Online

The National Assembly recently approved another extension of the 2025 capital budget implementation to June 2026, raising fresh concerns about Nigeria’s persistent budget implementation failures and weak fiscal execution. In this interview with PHILIP IBITOYE, Adejoke N. Akinbode, Acting Head of Research at BudgIT, explains the structural and fiscal challenges behind the trend and what […]

By Ayo Onikoyi
Nollywood actress and content creator Ogieva Bella Osas, popularly known as SwizzyBellaNaija, has sparked widespread reactions following a candid interview where she opened up on her personal life, career, and experiences in the entertainment industry.
Speaking during a no-holds-barred chat with Instagram personality Egungun of Lagos, the actress shared her admiration for some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars, revealing her interest in dating Wizkid and Omah Lay.
“I will love to date Wizkid and Omah Lay,” she said, adding that she doubts the Grammy-winning star would be easily overwhelmed by her presence. “I don’t know if Wizkid will shake if he sees me because he is mature — things like this don’t shake him.”
SwizzyBellaNaija also made striking claims about the attention she receives, attributing it partly to her physical appearance. According to her, she has been told her body has caused tension in relationships, revealing that an admirer once sent her N2 million because of her looks.
Beyond the headlines, the actress emphasized her growing footprint in Nollywood, noting that she is not only an actress but also a producer. Her latest project, My Last Hope, is a true-life inspired drama she believes will resonate strongly with audiences. The film features comedian Destalker among its cast.
On relationships, SwizzyBellaNaija described herself as deliberate and cautious, stating that she does not easily give out her contact details unless certain standards, including financial stability, are met.
She also expressed concerns about the country’s trajectory, voicing a sentiment shared by many young Nigerians. “The way Nigeria is, I can’t see a future in it,” she said.
Her remarks have since fueled conversations online, highlighting the intersection of fame, personal branding, and societal pressures within Nigeria’s evolving entertainment landscape.

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Lagos is about to witness a high-octane convergence of grit and greatness as Emiralty Africa prepares to host its flagship summit, Emiralty Connect 1.0, at the prestigious Radisson Blu, Ikeja. Scheduled for May 14, the conference is themed ‘From Scar to Shine: Reflections on Struggles, Breakthrough and Impacts’, and is designed to pull back the […]

Pope Leo leaves the Vatican tomorrow for a visit to four countries in Africa in an ambitious tour to urge global leaders to address the needs of the continent, where more than a fifth of the world’s Catholics live on his first major overseas trip of 2026. Over 10 days from April 13-23, the pope […]

In a grand celebration of its 23rd year in business, Hombaze African Cuisine opened its new branch in Brooklyn, Pretoria, on Saturday, April 4, 2026. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries, including the Acting Nigerian High Commissioner to South Africa, Amb Tope Ajayi, Nigeria’s Consul General, Amb Nini Okey-Uche, former Edo State Governor, Chief […]

By Ayo Onikoyi
Jos-based artist Big Chinni, known for hits like Ololufe, has shared how the recent crisis in Plateau State has shaped her life and inspired her creative work, highlighting the power of music to bring hope and unity.

In a chat with Potpourri, she said:
“The crisis has affected me as a resident — without peace, we can’t carry out daily activities. Then, as an artist, not really; instead, it gave me another dimension of feeling which I put into lyrics.”

On the role of artists during difficult times, she added:
“Using their craft to preach love and togetherness, as an artist your fans are your leverage. You influence them, and by so doing, you are using your voice to heal and unite the divided.”

She also offered advice to those mourning loved ones:
“I will say to them, mourn your loved ones for as long as you need. Life is golden, and pray that God sees you through.”

Asked if she would compose a song inspired by the crisis, Big Chinni said:
“It would be a song of hope and pain, because after pain comes happiness and hope, because we are all still holding on to the thought that things might work out someday.”

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By Ayo Onikoyi

Nollywood actress Teniola Aladese has opened up about her dating experiences, revealing she is not open to being in a romantic relationship with an actor.

Speaking on the ‘I Said What I Said’ podcast, the actress shared that her direct messages are often flooded with suitors.

“Men have audacity. If I open my DMs for you, you will see a lot,” she said.

Aladese described dating in Lagos as “stressful” and added:

“The dating pool in Lagos is a very big mess.”

She clarified that not all her experiences have been bad, noting:

“I will say I have never had a terrible date. It is just that after the first date, I already know that you will never see me again.”

On dating preferences within the movie industry, Teniola was clear:

“I don’t want to date an actor. I wouldn’t mind the upper echelons like producers, directors, but actors are a no for me.”

Teniola began her career as a movie production manager before transitioning to full-time acting. She gained fame for her role in ‘Jemeji,’ the Africa Magic drama series, and won the Trailblazer Award at the 2022 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA).

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President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), Reverend Israel Akanji, has urged the Federal Government to take more decisive actions in addressing the prevailing insecurity and socioeconomic challenges in the country. Akanji made the call in an interview with newsmen in Abuja recently. The cleric decried the recurring instances of violence and killings across the […]

The Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Akinfenwa, has urged Gov. Seyi Makinde to redouble efforts to combat indiscriminate waste disposal and other environmental nuisance in Oyo State. Akinfenwa made the appeal on Friday at the 25th Synod of the Ibadan Anglican Diocese, held at St James Cathedral, Okebola, Ibadan. The bishop warned […]

By Ayo Onikoyi

Nollywood actress Seyi Oyebamiji has revealed that her strength on screen lies in portraying mystical characters, declaring that she “particularly shines as a witch or spirit, reciting incantations,” a niche she says continues to define her artistic identity.

“I excel in various roles, but I particularly shine as a witch or spirit, reciting incantations – it’s a favourite of mine, and they often cast me in those parts. That said, I’m gamed for anything; there’s no role I can’t tackle. However, I’m passionate about reciting incantations and speaking Yoruba – it’s a language that resonates with me, and I love bringing it to the stage,” she said.
Speaking on her journey in the theatre and film industry, Oyebamiji traced her beginnings to 1994, when she stumbled into performance through a family acquaintance who was a drummer. What started as participation in school debates and stage performances soon blossomed into a passion, as she joined a theatre group that rehearsed in unconventional spaces, including bushes and eventually her family home.
Her move to Lagos marked a turning point in her career, as she joined a theatre collective led by a mentor known as ASPEN, where she gained deeper exposure to stagecraft and performance. She also acknowledged the influence of several early collaborators and theatre practitioners who helped shape her career during its formative years.
Despite her growth, the actress recalled the early struggles she faced, including long commutes between Surulere and Orile for rehearsals and extended periods away from home due to performance engagements. She noted that financial constraints and lack of equipment made the journey even more challenging, though support from colleagues and mentors kept her going.
On her preferred roles, Oyebamiji emphasized her love for culturally rooted characters, especially those requiring incantations and deep Yoruba expression. While she maintains versatility across roles, she admitted to being selective, particularly avoiding intimate scenes. She recounted a difficult experience playing a rape victim, describing it as emotionally taxing despite her commitment to delivering a convincing performance.
The actress also shared a harrowing incident during a film shoot in Oshogbo, where she narrowly escaped sexual assault after being left without proper accommodation. According to her, the attacker was someone within the industry, a reality she described as troubling.
Reflecting on family support, Oyebamiji said her father was instrumental in encouraging her career from the outset, while her mother initially expressed concerns over safety and frequent travels but later became supportive.
In her film career, she has featured in numerous productions, though she admitted losing count of the total number. She highlighted memorable collaborations with actors such as Ibrahim Chatta, whom she described as a calming influence during a tense moment on set, as well as other industry colleagues who contributed to her growth.
Beyond acting, Oyebamiji has ventured into production, though not without setbacks. She lamented the impact of piracy on her projects, revealing that two of her works suffered significant losses due to illegal distribution. In one instance, she resorted to selling copies of her work independently after a marketer failed to deliver returns, citing piracy as the cause.
She called on the government to strengthen protections for creative works, suggesting that digital platforms like YouTube could offer safer distribution channels for filmmakers.
On the evolving perception of acting, Oyebamiji noted that the profession has become more lucrative compared to the past, with growing investments in film production. She expressed optimism about the future, even encouraging her children to consider careers in the creative industry.
Looking ahead, the actress said she remains determined to reach the peak of her career sooner rather than later, with aspirations to build a lasting legacy, expand her influence, and achieve global recognition through her craft.

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