Benita Nzeribe enjoys spinsterhood

What’s all the noise about Benita Nzeribe? Some mischief-makers are spreading ugly tales around the actress. They say she is never ready to get married and say goodbye to the come easy-go-easy-men who only desire to eat and run. Her real fans and friends have taken her up severally, even on her FB bombarding her on comments relating to issue of marriage. The vivacious actress has never thought it wise to consider that marriage is like a crown on the head of a lady and the earlier she flaunt that crown, the better. Sometimes last year, she was quoted to have told newsmen that “very soon” she will send an invitation card sounding as if she had secured an engagement ring from one Mr Right. Benita have been said to have dated several men, changing them as if they were worn out cloths. But why gossips will not allow this actress to have her breath, even if she jumps around, she most probably not ready to be a play thing for any lustful skirt chaser. But she’s got to make hey while the sun shines.

Tricia Eseigbe, too busy

Whaoo! Tricia Eseigbe can’t just afford a break! She cant just take time out for some nerve soothing events. When have you seen Tricia out there? The Bold Faces presenter has not been seen either on the screen or at parties in recent time. Our checks reveal that the fair complexioned Television presenter who got married last December is too busy now. We gathered she is not only busy with the production of her programme, but also overtaken by the enormity of job locking around for the success of her husband’s project, Talent reality show. You will recall Tricia assisted her hubby in the unveiling of the Talent reality show recently. Sources close to her office at Bode Thomas, Lagos said she rarely comes to office. It may not be about compiling list of football stars for a show after the world cup, but maybe...maybe they are too busy making babies? Or What do you think! It’s another reality of job, you’d say.

What Gowon will not compromise

Making for quite a splendid time with football, the former head of states, Gen Yakub Gowon, spent a whole 30-day period watching the world cup football in his palatial home, in Kaduna. The retired general, throughout the period the world cup lasted, chose to give maximum attention to the mundial and could tell you right from the blast of the whistle in the first game to the final game that ended last Sunday. He was not deterred by the early ouster of his home team but wrapped himself in the frills, and tension of the game from the beginning to the end. When a colleague called to get his opinion on some national issues, the elder statesman was never ready to offer his thought on any issue other than football. He said, “No issue is greater that the world cup for and until the fiesta is over, I’ll not discuss any issue”. Even when he fixed another date within the World cup period, he declined again. Don’t make mistake, it is not about relaxing with football, it is more about where his heart is. But thank God, he didn’t allow his home team to give him heart attack. His love for football has not waned since he built the first national stadium in the country some four decades ago. For him, the fiesta should continue.

Who is after DAKOVA?

For the fashion enthusiasts in the late 80s, the name DAKOVA rings bell. David Kolawole Vaughan carved a niche for himself as one of the early starters of real fashion business in Nigeria and he had enjoyed the patronage of a good number of who-is-who in the social circle until late 90s when he veered into politics apparently to attract more patrons. Politics became one of his undoing factors as he was incarcerated on political related issues while his fast growing business crashed, hitting him so hard. Surviving from his several ordeals, he migrated to Abuja, and started again on a fresh note. The celebrated fashion designer again veered into entertainment business. With his Aristotle Nite Club, fortunes again began to smile on him as society gals and politicians make this popular hangout located at Ceddis Plaza, Abuja, a place to visit. Little did he know that his detractors are well at work again. Recently a dreaded team of National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) stormed his hangout in Abuja and whisked him away. Although he was said to have been released shortly after interrogation over what a source described as narcotic related issue. We gathered that he had earlier had a brawl with one of his customers who we gathered was a very influential young man over unpaid bills running close to a million naira. The young man, we heard vowed to deal with him with all his might. Tale bearers are also pointing accusing fingers on some envious club owners in the city who feel the success of Aristotle Nite Club is detrimental to theirs. We gathered that the club has not fully recovered from the incidence as full services are yet to begin, while patrons seem skeptical about their security at the fun centre. Whoever is behind this, sources yelped, the dimunitive designer will come out stronger., just a matter of time he said.

Reality bites for Madam Eunice Orji Kalu,

If information oozing out of the government house in Umuahia. Abia State is any thing to go by, the anti-climax of the political war between the erstwhile political godfather, and godmother on the one hand and the governor of the state, Theodore Orji on the other hand is getting messier. Societywatch recently gathered that the mother of the former governor of the state, Madam Eunice Orji was asked to leave the government guest house which we heard she had been occupying. Sources hinted that she recently moved out of the place after several notices sent to her before the official resignation and defection of governor TA Orji to All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). Another information had it that the first lady of the state, Mrs Mercy Orji had pressed for the ejection of the once defacto leader of the state. The first lady we gathered had passionately disliked the undue influence the Madam and the son had wielded on the government of the state. Sources disclosed to Societywatch that this is one of the steps already taken to make clear statement on the new paradigm shift in the state. But Oga gov where are our people

AY begins monthly comedy club

Ay will never stop to make a difference in the comedy industry. As part of his burning desire to promote comedy and satisfy a distinct class of audience, the talented comedian has begun a monthly comedy club. The idea according to ace comedian is to bring together the socially responsible ones, the ‘big boys’ and those who really appreciates what the business is all about for another set of rib cracking show. The rendezvous according to him will be coming up at the Federal Palace hotel, Lagos. “It is a monthly comedy and variety show intended to entertain a distinct audience of high class, polished taste, decision makers and socially responsible individuals. It is designed to hold every second Saturday of the month at the prestigious Federal Palace Hotel & Casino Victoria Island Lagos, Nigeria. Don’t say you’ve not heard.

Man hangs self in Ibadan

THE Oyo State Police command is yet to unravel the circumstances that prompted a 37-year old man, Ismail Ajayi to hang himself in Ibadan.
The incident happened at Queens Cinema area of the city around 10.30 pm when the deceased reportedly came back from Ada, Osun Societygist learnt that the man who was a commercial driver hanged himself in his father’s house in Ibadan North West Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The shocked father of the deceased, Pa Ajayi told newsmen that his dead son had earlier complained of being cash-strapped, an issue that raised high suspicion.
According to the bereaved father, he said he was oblivious of the incident until one of his tenants called his attention to the tragic incident when he was coming from the hospital.
When asked further if he had any clue that could have forced the deceased to hang himself, he simply said he did not leave any suicide note to give room for the possible cause of his death.
We gathered that his dangling body could not be immediately removed as some sacrifice had to be made before the evacuation of the remains.
The police confirmed the incident adding that investigation was already being carried out to ascertain the cause of his death.

IBB sees red @ Madonna University

Call it nemesis if you like. Former military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babaginda a.k.a. Maradona’s statement many years ago that the youths were incapable and immature to rule the country, came to haunt him in far away Okija, the home of private University, Madonna.
The man who calls himself the evil genius may have been paid back in his own coins on a day the University authority chose to honour him with an honourary doctorate degree.
Accompanied by his host, the Governor of the Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi and a vast entourage, the gap toothed and agbada wearing ex- General arrived the University, unaware that trouble loomed.
No do, no do, the, business of the day soon got underway with the Vice-Chancellor Prof Ngwoke taking charge, after the usual procession.
And just when it was the turn of the Minna landlord to thank the University for honouring him, a foremost actress, Rita Edochie chose that moment to walk into the venue.
One cat call, was all it took for bedlam to erupt and the cacophony of noise that heralded her arrival. Oblivious of the speech being delivered by IBB, the students’ screams and catcalls drowned whatever speech the former military president was making.
Attempts by the VC to restore sanity to the event, like water on the back of a duck failed. And just when activities resumed and everyone thought normalcy had returned, than another shocker came by way of the arrival of another seasoned and bearded actor, Prince Emeka Ani. This time the venue became rowdy as the students roared to the delight of the dark-skinned actor who obviously enjoyed the attention.
The VIPs present at the occasion were visibly embarrassed but could not save the situation.
IBB’s attempt to pacify the students by citing the example of Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein who at the ages of 24 and 26 invented the camcorder failed to impress and score with the students.
It was an embarrassed VC that gathered the students the following day and lampooned them on the discomfiture caused by them.
He was miffed by what he called the attitude of the students in edifying the Nollywood stars he referred to as clowns. But the truth remains that whatever the VC said on that day, The students have made an instructive statement. Chikena.

Polycarp Nwite ill, recuperates in Indian hospital

If President Good luck Jonathan’s special adviser on Political Matters, Senator Polycarp Nwite is ever found wanting in the discharge of his official duties, please don’t blame him O!.The man is ill and is down, but not out.
Informed Aso Rock villa tweeted to SW that the second republic Senator whose sickness defied the expertise of Nigerian medical doctors was recently flown to South Africa and from where Societywatch gathered he was given a referral to another hospital in London. He is said to be recuperating very well.
But the good news reaching SW indicated that his condition has improved so much that he may soon be on his feet again to join his colleagues in the seat of power.
The former Ambassador to Botswana who had shown interest in the battle for the chairmanship position of his Party, PDP took ill before the lobbying that brought Okwesilli Nwodo began.

Anger over Bankole/OGD’s story

It is amazing how rumours seem to easily permeate the Gateway fortress of the Ogun State.
Even in the face of obvious false hood, rumors have never ceased to fly on matters affecting the state, especially on issues involving His Excellency.
Now that you have a picture of the situation on ground, you might begin to understand the implication of the wicked rumour making the rounds in the state, alleging that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Dimeji Bankole had snubbed Oga Guv’ at the 50th coronation anniversary of the Awujale of Ijebu-land, Oba Sikiru Adetona recently.
An angry avid supporter of the of the people’s Guv quipped that “what was most annoying is the fact that the Amebos chose the pages of some national dailies (not Vanguard) to vent their spleens on a matter that was unfounded“.
The source who insisted he was seated close to the speaker at the ceremony said, it was another of the several attempts by the enemies of the state to fan the embers of rancour among prominent members of the state.
“I read the story and I think it is a contrivance of the author and machinations of the enemies of the state.”, the source gushed.

Owu agog as Olowu celebrates 5th coronation

Barely a week after the celebration of 50 years anniversary of Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the paramount ruler of Ijebuland, which recorded a huge turn out of who-is-who in Nigeria, the land of Owu, Ogun state is already agog in festive mood rearing to host again the movers and shakers of power in the country. The event is the fifth anniversary coronation of His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Olusanya Adegboyega Dosunmu, the paramount ruler of the ancient kingdom of Owu slated for 2nd to 4th July, 2010. The three-day event will be hosted by the former president and the Balogun of Owu, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and the state governor, Otunba Gbenga Daniel. We gathered that the President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan will grace not only grace the occasion but will also be conferred with the title - Obateru of Owu Kingdom. Other prominent Nigerians will also be in attendance. We gathered from a reliable source in the palace several hundreds of hotel rooms have been booked for various states government and other dignitaries that will grace the event. We specifically gathered that over 200 rooms have been booked for Zamfara and Imo state governments each.

Gov Shinkafi and wife get chieftaincy title

One of the razzmatazz of the 5th coronation anniversary of the Olowu of Owu Kingdom is the conferment of chieftaincy titles to prominent Nigerians. Apart from the fact that the number one citizen, President Jonathan will be conferred with the Obateru of Owu, the first citizen of Zamfara state, Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi and his wife, Aisha Babangida-Shinkafi.
Source hinted SW that the governor and his wife will be conferred with the title of Aare-rotoba of Owu and Yeye-rotoba of Owu respectively. We gathered that the Zamfara state government will storm Owu, Ogun state with a massive entourage to receive the chieftaincy titles and add colour to the event.

Man tears two friends apart

“Oh Jah see them coming, see them lying...”, This line of a song made popular by reggae musician, Ras Kimono paints the picture of the story SW is about unleashing. It is the story of the once upon a time sizzling romance between two former friends and partners in an advertising firm based in Surulere, Lagos, which sources say has since collapsed. The bane of the matter according to a source is built on distrust and betrayal. .
For the benefit of you our dear readers, one of the ladies is an ace broadcaster who also runs a local content feature TV programme in the UK and one not new to this page. And the other, is a half Indian, half Trinidad and Tobago beauty once rumored to be in a steamy relationship with a Nollywood actor who recently got married.
Shhhhhh... do not say SW told you this. The real gist is that MAN is at the centre of the wahala. Hmmm, Society Watch gathered that trouble started shortly after this half cast lady who recently returned from a business trip to London teamed up with her broadcaster-friend to expand the frontiers of the advertising business she set up years ago.
Things went on well for a while until the very seductive Oyibo pepper decided that her friend’s man was better off with her.
An unperturbed Madam broadcaster who believed that no woman could touch her guy was said to have received the shock of her life when, like an Iroko tree, her guy fell on to the antics of the seductive temptress.
Betrayed that her friend and business partner could touch the forbidden fruit, Madam broadcaster has now declared war on her former friend, whom source say has since Kasala bursted, scrammed back to the UK.
Mind you, the man in question, is reportedly married with a wife with grown up kids.

Umaru Dikko recuperates

Not many know that the former transport minister in the second republic, Alhaji Umaru Dikko has been battling an undisclosed ailment. He has been hospitalized in one of the A’ list hospital in the England. But right now, we can tell you authoritatively that the man who fled country in the wake of the 1983 coup and returned years ago is now recuperating in her palatial home in Kaduna. SW gathered that he left the country several months ago to attend to his failing health in the Queen’s land. Now that he’s back in the country, we wish him speedy recovery.

Mike Aremu set for another SAX rampage

Like the American jazz saxophonist, bandleader, and composer John Coltrane, who exerted an influence on the jazz of the 60s and 70s who could be said to be in the mould of Charlie Parker's Nigerian reigning saxophonist Mike Aremu will continue to be in the reckoning as far as playing sax is concerned. His staying power is not only his cultural tone on the tenor saxophone, but also his stage craft which has become his trademark.
The recent concert he held both in Nigeria and Europe and America according to what he heard, were soul-driving and highly inspirational. Societywatch witnessed one of the concerts he organised in Nigeria recently where notable artistes including the chief host, Aremu had a brilliant show that echoed beyound the shores of the country. Right now, another Sax show is being organised by the artiste. We gathered that the event will feature notable artistes such as Two-time MOBO Award winner, Yolanda Brown (UK), our own South African based guitarist, Kunle Ayo, The Nigerian Soul Sensation, Bez, GT da Guiterman, with star comedian TA as the compere. Keep a date with him on 24th of July at the Muson Centre, Lagos.

Celine Loader adds a year

It was another moment of joy for the big society babe, banker and a publisher, Celine Loader as she adds another year to her age. Although, it was no big bash, but the former UBA top manager spared no moment last weekend to rejoice and tell whoever cared that it was one her best moment in life. She yelped, “I thank the almighty God for my birthday today. It's always a humbling experience to attempt to count one's blessings and realise just how abundantly God has favoured you. As I start a new year today, I thank HIM for every blessing HE has showered me with and for every trial surmounted. May HIS light continue to lead me to the destiny HE planned for me. Amen!” The fashion enthusiast would always want to conceal her age and she dare not reveal her age, not even a clue that she was above 40. But forty-what? She just wouldn’t say. Hear her: “Just don't ask me how old “