celebrity radar - gossips
Faithia Balogun set to give marriage a second chance
Popular actress, Faithia Balogun, recalls how her acting career started and also the challenges she has faced over the years
Can you recall some of your most memorable childhood experiences?
The only thing I can vividly remember is my experience in school. I went to one of the most popular schools in those days, Maryland Comprehensive High School, Ikeja. I loved going to school because every morning, my father would drive me to school and I always looked forward to seeing him after school or whenever he returned from the office.
What kind of family do you come from?
My family is a very small one. We were not extremely rich but we were very comfortable. I had everything a kid desired and I really enjoyed my childhood.
When was the first time you considered acting as a career?
I was a student of the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin and I came home for a brief vacation. One day, my late foster brother, Fatai Teniola, was waiting for one of his casts to show up for a movie production. When the actress didn’t come, he and Kokonsari asked me if I could play the role. I replied that I couldn’t and that I was not even interested in acting. However, after much pleading, I decided to do it. I went back to school after that and I didn’t return for a long time so I forgot all about acting because it wasn’t in my plans. As of then, I was studying for a diploma in Law, with the intention of switching over to accounting because my father really wanted me to become an accountant. But I didn’t get admission to study accounting because I wasn’t good at mathematics. After school, I didn’t have anything to do, so I joined my foster brother’s production outfit and that was how it started. I then realised that it was something I enjoyed and I decided to go with the flow. Because I began to enjoy acting, I didn’t go back to school for my Higher National Diploma. That was when it occurred to me that I could take it up as a sustainable career. I rose fast in the movie industry because as of the time I joined, there weren’t too many actresses in the industry and I was getting ample jobs. However, after few years of acting, I travelled to the United Kingdom.
Did you eventually complete your studies in the UK?
Yes, I enrolled in a part-time drama course, though I did not finish because I got pregnant along the line. But I still had the determination that I would go back to school. Last year, I went to the Olabisi Onabanjo University to study Filming and I am happy about it.
Can you recall the first movie you acted in?
It was either T’alo pa Chief or Secretary and that was between 1989 and 1990.
Which movie made you popular?
T’alo pa Chief was a very popular movie back then and I played a major role in it. Then I was using the name, Faithia Williams and some people still refer to me by that name. After I got back from the UK, I acted in Abule Sowo by Yinka Quadri and that revived my career again.
What were some of the challenges you faced at the beginning of your career?
I usually tell people that there are challenges in all careers, even for meat sellers in the market. One has to pay his or her dues when coming up. You cannot just get there and think you would rise to the top in no time. If you don’t have endurance and patience, you wouldn’t be able to make it because you will get to hear a lot of messed up things. There is also an incident that happened at the early stage of my career. After returning from London, I was invited to act the sub-lead role in a movie outside Lagos. When we finished shooting the first day, the director said the lead actress, who was reigning at that time though I started acting before her, would sleep in the best hotel in that town, while I would follow him to his one-roomed apartment. I ended up sleeping on a couch for two days and I didn’t complain. But I prayed to God and asked Him to make me grow bigger than even the lady and I’m grateful for where I am today.
How many movies have you produced?
I’ve produced about 15 movies.
What were some of the challenges you faced while producing those movies?
If you ask me to choose between acting and producing, I will pick acting because it is less stressful. When you’re acting, you’re like the boss because everybody will be fussing over you. But when producing, you will be the one to run after the actors and make sure they’re okay. That makes me mad because some actors can be very difficult to handle, but you must not lose your calm. While producing Asa, which is my biggest movie, it was during the rainy season and I couldn’t shoot for some days. Meanwhile, I was feeding over 500 people on set. It was very tough but I was able to scale through.
Do you think there’s tribalism in the movie industry?
I wouldn’t call it tribalism; rather it has to do with how everybody started. We started acting in Yoruba while they were speaking English in their movies. If we want them to act in our movies, we would have to call them and vice versa. But the only painful part of it is that they feel we are not educated and cannot speak English. That irks me a lot because we have a lot of educated people in the Yoruba movie industry.
If you were not an actress, what do you think you would have been doing?
I honestly don’t know. Even if I had completed my education at the initial stage, I don’t think I would have worked with my certificate. However, I like engaging in business and I am already doing that alongside my acting career.
Would you consider yourself a fashionable person?
In my own little way, I think I’m fashionable. I like looking good and I spend a lot of money to achieve that. I love shoes and bags and I can do anything to get them.
What can you never be caught wearing?
I can never wear bum shorts, except in movies.
Why is that?
I feel my legs are not straight, they are bowed. I believe that wearing bum shorts with bow legs looks funny so when I see people doing that, I feel it’s awkward.
How do you unwind?
I’m a homely person and I cherish my privacy a lot. If I’m not working, I will either be sleeping or watch movies in my house. But once in a while, I visit cinemas.
Do you watch your own movies?
Not really, because I feel very stupid doing that and I criticise myself a lot.
Are you still willing to give marriage another shot?
I don’t know if I’ll fall in love again but let’s leave that to God. Never say never.
What are the qualities your ideal man must possess?
I wouldn’t tell you because anytime you see me with anybody who has those qualities, you would assume we’re dating. But the most important thing is that the person must be God-fearing.
Do you think it’s advisable for entertainers to date each other?
We all have our lives to live and I cannot dictate to anybody.
What is your official name now?
My name is Faithia Williams.
But most people know you as Faithia Balogun; don’t you think it would be confusing to your fans?
I don’t think so. Many of my fans still call me Faithia Balogun and even in movie credits, I am referred to by that name.
You recently celebrated your birthday, would anything be changing for you?
Yes. I have a lot of projects on my table and I also have a new management team that is working hard. It had always been hard for me to get my management team right but thank God I’ve got the best in town now and we’re working hand-in-hand to execute my projects. I am passionate about the girl child and I have a short movie coming soon about that. I featured in Kunle Afolayan’s new movie, Roti, and I’m very excited about it. It will be showing in cinemas soon and I want my fans to keep a lookout for it. I also hosted some of my loyal fans to brunch recently.
Are you really 50 years old?
I am not and my family knows that. If I clock 50, I would announce it to the world in a big way. I’m still in my 40s.
What’s your specific age?
I am in my mid 40s.
Is any of your children following your footsteps as an actress?
I have seen little traces. My son writes a lot of scripts and he wants to study Cinematography. My daughter also likes writing and she wants to study English. However, they both don’t like to act.
A lot of people don’t know that you’re not Yoruba?
Anybody that doesn’t know that is not my true fan. I’m from Delta State, Urhobo to be precise. Notwithstanding, I’m so proud and glad to be in the midst of Yoruba people because they are very wonderful.
Punch
celebrity radar - gossips
E‑Money’s Grand Gesture: A Closer Look at the SUV Gift to Chinedu “Aki” Ikedieze
E‑Money’s Grand Gesture: A Closer Look at the SUV Gift to Chinedu “Aki” Ikedieze
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG
“Public Generosity, Celebrity Loyalty and the Symbolism of Wealth in Nigeria’s Entertainment Elite.”
On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Nigerian billionaire and entrepreneur Emeka Okonkwo, widely known as E‑Money, once again captured national attention with a lavish and highly publicised act of generosity, gifting a brand‑new 2024/2025 Ford SUV to veteran Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze, affectionately called Aki, during his high‑profile birthday celebration.
The event, held in Lagos amidst a constellation of entertainers, business figures and socialites, was itself part of an annual tradition in which E‑Money marks his birthday (on February 18) with large‑scale giveaways and spectacular shows of material philanthropy. This year, he announced the gift of over 30 cars to friends, staff and family, a gesture that quickly went viral as videos and images circulated across social media platforms.
In the case of Ikedieze, E‑Money’s gift appeared to be deeply personal. During the festivities, E‑Money stood beside his elder brother, Grammy‑nominated musician KCee and recounted how Ikedieze stood by him at his 2007 wedding. The billionaire explained that the SUV was a “token of appreciation” for the enduring support the actor had shown over the years which is a narrative that blends friendship with public celebration.
Ikedieze, a Nollywood staple with a career spanning more than two decades and over 150 film credits, including the iconic Aki na Ukwa franchise, visibly reacted with humble surprise as he received the vehicle, bowing his head in respect and gratitude. The actor later shared the moment on his Instagram account with a caption celebrating the gift, further fuelling online engagement around the event.
Beyond the spectacle, this incident underscores evolving dynamics in Nigerian celebrity culture and the intersection of wealth, influence and reciprocity. Sociologist Dr. Chinedum Uche of the University of Lagos, speaking on the broader implications of such high‑profile gifts, notes: “Philanthropy that is highly publicised can reinforce social bonds, but it also reflects a culture where generosity is intertwined with reputation economy; where giving becomes as much a social signal as it is an act of kindness.” The quote highlights how public acts of wealth transfer among elites serve layered social functions that extend beyond pure altruism.
Critics of such displays argue that ostentatious giveaways, particularly in a country with stark economic disparities, risk amplifying social envy and exacerbating perceptions of inequality. Economist Dr. Ifunanya Nwosu from the Lagos Business School observes: “In societies marked by economic stratification, celebrity largesse may inspire admiration, but it can also inadvertently highlight structural inequities; prompting questions about systemic investment in public welfare versus individual generosity.”
Still, supporters maintain that E‑Money’s annual tradition (which has in past years included cash gifts to his brother KCee, comedians and even domestic staff) reflects genuine gratitude and a commitment to uplifting his immediate circle, albeit within the private sphere.
For Ikedieze, the SUV stands both as a heartfelt gesture from a longtime friend and a public affirmation of their enduring relationship. As the video of the moment continues to circulate, the broader narrative has ignited discussions about the role of private wealth in public life, celebrity culture and how acts of giving are interpreted in contemporary Nigerian society.
In a landscape where influence and generosity often play out in equal measure on public stages, E‑Money’s gift to Aki is more than a headline, it is a flashpoint in ongoing debates about wealth, friendship and visibility in Nigeria’s entertainment and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
celebrity radar - gossips
Spiritual Reality: Wicked People Are Possessed by Wicked Spirits — Dr. Christian Okafor
Spiritual Reality: Wicked People Are
Possessed by Wicked Spirits — Dr. Christian Okafor
…..“You don’t need to offend them before they attack you.”
…..“Your only true help comes from God.”
Demons are strategic and calculating. They detect threats quickly and position themselves to resist any power that may expose or overpower them.
According to the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Christian Okafor, spiritual intelligence operates both in light and in darkness—and believers must understand this reality.
Dr. Okafor delivered this message on Thursday, February 19, 2026, during the midweek Prophetic, Healing, Deliverance and Solutions Service (PHDS) held at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Operations of Demons
Teaching on the subject “Spiritual Reality” with the subtitle “Operations of Demons,” the Man of God explained that when demons possess individuals, their behavior changes. Such people may attack, bully, or resist those sent by God to help them, unknowingly rejecting divine assistance and prolonging their struggles.
“You don’t need to offend a demon before it attacks you,” he said. “What you carry is enough to provoke opposition. The greater your potential, the greater the battle.”
Dr. Okafor noted that many believers misinterpret battles as signs that God has abandoned them. However, he explained that some battles are permitted for growth, training, and divine glorification.
According to him, God may allow certain confrontations so that believers understand spiritual warfare and emerge stronger.
“Some battles are necessary,” he emphasized. “They push you into your turning point.”
He further stated that God does not respond to lies, blackmail, or bullying. He responds to His Word. Therefore, opposition is not proof of God’s absence, but often evidence of destiny at work.
The Weapon Against Demonic Attacks
Addressing solutions, Dr. Okafor described prayer as the strongest weapon against satanic operations.
“Prayer is the license that invites God into your battles,” he declared. “God does not intrude—He responds to invitation.”
According to the Apostle of Altars, understanding the principles and discipline of prayer enables believers to receive divine strategies for overcoming demonic resistance. Without prayer, he warned, spiritual help cannot be activated.
“You cannot receive help without God,” he concluded. “And you cannot engage God without prayer.”
Manifestations at the Service
The midweek gathering was marked by a strong move of the Spirit, with testimonies of deliverance, miracles, restoration, and solutions to various challenges presented before God. Several individuals reportedly committed their lives to Christ during the service.
celebrity radar - gossips
Kingdom Advancement: God Does Not Confirm Lies or Gossip — He Confirms His Word .” — Dr. Chris Okafor
Kingdom Advancement: God Does Not Confirm Lies or Gossip—He Confirms His Word
“When Doing Business with God,
People’s Opinions Do Not Count.”
— Dr. Christian Okafor
The greatest investment any Christian can make is partnering with God. According to the Generational Prophet of God and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Christopher Okafor, when a believer commits to serving and advancing God’s kingdom, no barrier, lie, gossip, or blackmail can prevail against them.
This message was delivered during the Prophetic Financial Sunday Service held on February 15, 2026, at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
Doing Business with God
Teaching on the theme “Kingdom Advancement” with the subtitle “Doing Business with God,” Dr. Okafor emphasized that when a believer enters into covenant partnership with God, divine backing becomes inevitable.
“God is still in the business of covenant,” he declared. “When you make a covenant with Him, He honors the terms. When you win souls into the kingdom and remain committed to His work, He rewards you with what you could never achieve by your own strength.”
The Man of God stressed that God does not confirm lies, gossip, or negative narratives—He confirms His Word. Therefore, anyone genuinely committed to kingdom business should not be distracted by public opinion.
“No matter the blackmail or falsehood circulating around you, if you are focused on God’s assignment, those attacks will only strengthen you,” he stated.
He further noted that a believer’s understanding of God’s covenant determines their experience. “Your mentality about God’s covenant becomes your reality. When you truly know the God you serve, no devil can move you.”
Biblical Examples of Kingdom Partnership
Dr. Okafor cited several biblical figures who prospered through their partnership with God:
Abel
Abel served God with sincerity and offered his very best. His sacrifice pleased God, demonstrating that when a master is honored, he responds with favor.
David
David’s heart was fully devoted to God, and in return, God’s presence and favor rested upon him throughout his life.
Hannah
Hannah made a covenant with God, promising that if He blessed her with a child, she would dedicate him to His service. After fulfilling her vow, God rewarded her abundantly, blessing her with additional children.
Peter
Peter, a professional fisherman, surrendered his boat at Jesus’ request for kingdom work. Through that act of partnership and obedience, he experienced supernatural provision and divine elevation.
Conclusion
In closing, Dr. Okafor emphasized that one’s approach to God’s covenant determines the level of success and prosperity experienced. Commitment to kingdom advancement secures divine confirmation and supernatural results.
The Prophetic Financial Sunday Service was marked by prophetic declarations, deliverance, healings, miracles, restoration, and solutions to diverse cases presented before Elohim.
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