Business
‘I’ll be the First Nigerian actress to feature in Hollywood’ – Nkechi Emmanuel AKA Nurse Titi
Q – How would you describe stardom and to what extent would you say clinic matters has helped you?
A- clinic matters has really helped me in every area of my life; career wise, it has boasted my career, it has boosted my career, it has open doors for me in nollywood,it has given me opportunities to work with better people in the industry and through that channel, they’ve been able to believe in me and in what I can deliver and give me the opportunity to do other jobs. Clinic matters was the last audition I attended, after that, I’ve just been getting my roles. I can’t even remember the last time I went for a table casting, all I do is receive call to pick a script and see if I like the story, I go for it so clinic matters is a great opportunity and a great channel for me.
Talking about my life, it has given me the opportunity to meet with other people everywhere I go, everyone likes me. my family have been able to come closer, not like we weren’t close before but the bond is now there, they feel happy and love has increased so clinic matters has been a plus in my life.
Q – I read a lot about you and I could remember then when you said you attend more than three auditions in a day in different locations, would we be right to say clinic matters is a move that shot you to limelight?
A – yes, it is. Like I said earlier, before clinic matters, I’ve been everywhere in lagos, I’ve been jumping from one place to another without even knowing if I’ll be chosen for the role or not. When I was doing clinic matters season 1, used to go to paul’s office casually and he will just call me to come get my script for the next season and I’ll just walk in and go. After season 2, I couldn’t pass his office peacefully anymore, anytime I get to his office, I will just sit in the car for like 10 – 15 minutes to gather up courage because he has people selling something around his office.most times, I met my other colleagues there and it’s always like a movie itself. It’s just been God, I’ve stopped doing what I used to do, that’s when I realized clinic matters has shot me to limelight.
Q – I could remember before then, people know you as sexy but now, it seems “Nurse Titi” has rub-off that nick from you, what’s your take on that?
A – I would say people usually call me ENKAY SEXY. Yes even till date but people who are closer to me still call me sexy, even till tomorrow, people will still call me sexy but most people who would prefer to call me nurse Titi call me that and some people even tag me as “sexy nurse Titi”. Even my sister calls me sexy at home.
Q – At what point did you dad actually accept you as actress and not the lawyer he wanted you to be?
A – it was when He started watching clinic matters on TV. Clinic matters was first aired on national TV and not on CD and every time I’m not in the house I maybe I’ve gone out for shooting, when I get back, I’m always like my dad is gonna scream, but when come in, he will be smiling and I started getting the knowledge that he’s been watching some episodes on TV. Gradually, he started accepting it cos of the role I’m playing. The role gave him more reason to accept it because I didn’t go on TV and start playing a romance scene, the character is cool, educative, in formative and he even got to learn some things from my mouth on TV so I think those are the things that made him relax.
Q – All that time when he was on your neck, was there a time you felt like giving up?
R – There was no time like that. There was no space because the thing just happened suddenly. There was a church programme which we all attended then, they brought actors to our church and that same day, I told my mum that I want to act and on Monday, I saw an advert on TV for those interested in acting and on Monday evening, I told my mum and requested for some money to go for audition, that same night, I prayed, gathered courage and told my dad. The whole thing happened in the course of the week, I went to national theatre on Thursday of the week and I started attending audition so there was no time for him to pressurize me and not after that,I got my first major role where I played the role of a nurse titled ‘ When you are mine’ and the producer of the movie is a fast person so in a week, the movie came out and it went viral so the producer of clinic matters saw my performance and the next week, he invited me for an audition. Immediately we finished audition, we started shooting and it went on air so in a month, everything happened so there was no space for him to really press me down.
Q – What would you describe as the secret of your success?
R –I would say its God, perseverance, focus and humility. I was opportuned to meet ‘Klint D Drunk; on a movie set and I watched him and was pleased. He was down to earth, playing with everybody, you will not even know he was the one. We became friends and he picked me as a sister, always advising me to always drop my shoulder and be humble, coupled with the fact that I was focused, determined, prayerful, and with my humility, everything just worked together and that has been what pushed me to success till date.
Q – What were the challenges you faced and how were you able to overcome them?
Q – I went through a lot of challenges; going for audition very early in the morning and seeing that you are number 71 on the list and looking around, you begin to wonder where the remaining 70 are. It was bad that some people would come very early, write their names and go back home to shower. I’ll stay under the sun, no food, no water, till they call you, the competition will be very high because you are not the only best actress and after you are done, they will promise to get back, some will, some will not, so many disappointments. Some will call you and give you role and promise to pay when you done but they eventually end up giving you stories, they will leave you empty handed. So many debt outside there but you can’t just start pursuing them, you just have to focus on what you want so the challenges have been so bad but I thank God I’ve overcome and outgrown some.
Q – Everybody has their source of Inspiration, anytime you are acting, what inspires you?
R – There was a job I was doing, I was acting and the director just stopped suddenly and asked me to come and said ‘ let me tell you something today and have it at the back your mind, job you are doing, always do it like it’s your last Job on earth’’ and after that word, I did the scene again and he was pleased. That got me going, you know, everytime I remember it, it just rings a bell to me and whenever I remember that, I act like it’s going to be my last. Another thing that inspires me is my Mother. She has always been supportive and likes to see every little thing I do. Anytime I act, she’s always glad to see it. She’s always been there to support my career. Whenever I’m driving out of the house, she comes to the veranda and start looking at me like I’m not going to return and she’s just somebody I don’t want to disappoint so anytime I remember her, I want to do more and she’s a woman who has always been there for her kids. She’s strong, I want to be stronger than she is, she has always been inspiring me.
In acting, I’ve always loved Angelina Jolie, she’s a strong woman. When she acts, she acts like there is no tomorrow so when I remember her, it give me motivation, even if nobody has ever broken that bond in Nigeria from Nollywood, I’ll do it.
I’ve made inquires about how it happens over there and I’ve seen how they do it. They have white skin Hollywood and black skin Hollywood. Going through the black skin Hollywood isn’t that easy not to talk of white skin Hollywood, it’s a No No and I’m like this barrier, I’ll break it. All I pray for is the strength; opportunity and I know it will come soon because I’m on that channel now.
Q – Why do you prefer acting in movies shot in Warri?
R – One, Warri people are fun to be with, two, the environment is conducive enough. I just like Warri, the way they talk alone can drag you to joy, there’s this their broken way of talking, their acting, when you see a small Warri boy, you won’t even know he’s small. Little things gives me Joy and I love to be wherever I find joy. My first film there was ‘Free Langua’ Where I had to learn how to speak their Langua, and act with it so it was fun.
Q- What’s your plan about shooting your own movie?
R – I don’t know if I would produce a movie of mine, if God says Yes. I’ll do it but for now, even if I want to do that, I wouldn’t want to venture into it ‘cos I see one or two people do it. I’ll want to go and study because it’s a course on it’s own, even if it’s for three months, I’ll have to study the basics so I don’t make mistakes in the end or regret. I know a whole lot of people who are now producing but I’ll have to study it first so I’ll go into it as a professional. Now, I’ve a lot on my desk as an actress so I’ll have to clear my desk first, only God knows maybe in the next five years.
Q – Who are those you admire in the industry?
R – I admire a lot of people, a lot inspires me, lot of role model I can’t start listing but I like Genevieve, Omotola Jolade.
In fact, when I was coming up, she was one of those that took me to her office and made me understand that I should study first cos I was in school then and that I should come back to acting later so I went back to study though I was still acting but when it comes to exam time, I put acting aside. I don’t know how the devil works, when it’s exam period, that’s when I get the best job.
Q – What can you say your smile has open doors for?
R – My smile, it has opened doors ooo…most times when I go to a place and it’s becoming difficult, I’ll be lie let me just see the Manager. Getting in there, i’ll smile to the person first because it says another different thing, it creates a better audience so when I smile to the person, no matter the sex, he or she will ask me to have my sit and from there, the conversation begins. Some other people will just call me to do a video of me smiling and many more, it’s a way of helping me look younger and open doors, it’s now part of me.
Q – Can you take us through your beauty routine?
R – When I wake up in morning, I do exercise, have my shower and use my cosmetics. I make sure I don’t sleep with my make-up on no matter how tired I am and I make sure I brush my teeth before I sleep. I also mind what I take into my body, not just because I don’t want to add up weight but I need to keep up my skin.
Q – Some people believe men are more emotional than women, what’s your take on this?
R – I’m a very emotional person but to compare between men and women, you guys are strong (laughs). Hardly will you see a man that will start crying over job loss, heart-break, but you can see a girl crying because she’s broke, you will still see a broke guy playing around with his friends.
Q – In your lonely moment, what do you do?
R – I just stuck in my headphone and listen to music then relax. The lyrics help me get over any situation and the next day, I’m good to go and sometimes, I could be like ‘ this life, I cannot kill myself’. I just call my friends or colleagues and party with them. I just let God take control.
Q – When was the last time you cried?
R – that was on a Movie set.
Q – In the midst of your busy schedule, how do you unwind?
R – I just find time, either I just want to be alone and listen to music or I go out to party.
Q – To what extent would you say fame rob-off your relationship?
R – It hasn’t
Q – How do you deal with crazy fans?
R – I’m one person that likes to give audience to my fans but we don’t get close. I’ve this fan that sent me a mess mess ago but I was busy doing something at the moment so I didn’t reply. Suddenly, I just saw his message, abusing me, insulting me, I just didn’t say a word. I understand how he felt but he didn’t understand I was just waiting for the perfect time. There’s another that sends me airtime every weekend. I accepted the first one so it doesn’t look like I’m rejecting but he kept sending it and it started looking like a weekend gift so I called his attention and he was like he’s not requesting for anything, that he just feels like giving me. I was surprised so I have so many of them. My male crazy fans are much but I thank God I handle them with wisdom. Some are beginning to understand that I’m trying ‘cos I got a lengthy message from one of them appreciating the fact that I’ve time to reply my fans, there are people who don’t reply at all
Q – What are you working on presently?
R – There’s something I’m working on presently but I don’t want to let it out now. I don’t want to say anything about it now. The next one is i’m working on a new TV series.
Deadline of Compliance: Nigeria’s Urgent Call for Tax Return Filing
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
“Shift or Structural Demand? A Declaration of Civic Duty in a Nation at a Fiscal Crossroads.”
In the unfolding narrative of national development and economic reform, few instruments are as defining as tax compliance. For Nigeria, a nation perpetually grappling with revenue shortfalls, structural dependency on a single export commodity, and entrenched informal economic behaviour, the Federal Government’s recent clarification on tax return deadlines is not mere bureaucratic noise. It is a deliberate and inescapable declaration: the social contract between citizen and state must be honoured through transparent, lawful and timely tax reporting.
At its core, the government’s pronouncement is stark in its simplicity and radical in its implications. Federal authorities, speaking through the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, have made it unequivocally clear that every Nigerian, whether employer or individual taxpayer, must file annual tax returns under the law. This encompasses self-assessment filings by individuals that too many assumed ended once employers deducted pay-as-you-earn taxes from their salaries.
This is not an optional civic suggestion, it is mandatory, backed by statute, and tied to a broader vision of national fiscal responsibility. Citizens can no longer hide behind ignorance, apathy, or false assumptions. “Many people assume that if their employer deducts tax from their salaries, their obligations end there. That is wrong,” Oyedele warned, emphasizing that the obligation to file remains with the individual under both existing and newly reformed tax laws.
The Deadlines and the Reality They Reveal.
Across the federation, state and federal revenue authorities have reaffirmed statutory deadlines in pursuit of compliance. The Lagos State Internal Revenue Service, for instance, moved to extend its filing date for employer returns by a narrow window, reflecting the reality that compliance often lags behind legal timelines. The extension was intended not as leniency, but as a pragmatic effort to allow accurate and complete submissions, underscoring that true compliance rises above mere mechanical ticking of a box.
At the federal level, Oyedele’s intervention was even more fundamental. He reminded Nigerians that annual tax returns for the preceding year must be filed in good faith, with integrity and in respect of the law. This applies regardless of income level including low-income earners who have historically believed that they are outside the tax net. “All of us must file our returns, including those earning low income,” he stated.
Herein lies one of the most challenging truths of contemporary Nigerian governance: widespread tax non-compliance is not just a technical breach of law, it is a deep cultural and structural issue that reflects decades of mistrust between citizens and the state.
The Root of the Problem: Non-Compliance as a Symptom.
Nigeria’s tax culture has long been under scrutiny. Public discourse and economic analysis consistently show that a significant majority of eligible taxpayers do not file annual returns. Oyedele highlighted that even in states widely regarded as tax administration leaders, compliance remains strikingly low, often below five percent.
This widespread non-compliance stems from multiple sources:
A long history of weak tax administration systems, where enforcement was inconsistent and penalties were rarely applied.
A perception that public services do not reflect the taxes collected, eroding the citizenry’s belief in reciprocity.
An informal economy where income often goes unrecorded, making filing seem irrelevant or impossible to many.
Lack of awareness, with many Nigerians genuinely believing that tax liability ends with employer deductions.
The government’s renewed push for compliance directly challenges these perceptions. It signals a shift from voluntary or lax compliance to structured accountability, a stance that aligns with best practices in modern public finance.
Why This Matters: Beyond Deadlines.
At its most profound level, the insistence on tax return filings is about nation-building and shared responsibility.
Scholars of public finance universally agree that a robust tax system is the backbone of sustainable development. As the eminent economist Dr. Joseph E. Stiglitz has observed, “A society that cannot mobilize its own resources through fair taxation undermines both its government’s legitimacy and its capacity to provide for its people.” Filing tax returns is not a mere administrative task, it is a declaration of participation in the collective project of national advancement.
In Nigeria’s context, this declaration carries weight. With the enactment of comprehensive tax reforms in recent years (including unified frameworks for tax administration and enforcement) authorities now possess broader statutory tools to ensure compliance and accountability. These measures, which include electronic filing platforms and stronger enforcement powers, have been framed as fair and equitable, targeting efficiency rather than arbitrariness.
Yet the success of these reforms depends heavily on citizens embracing their civic duties with sincerity. And this depends on mutual trust, the belief that paying taxes yields tangible benefits in infrastructure, education, healthcare, security and social services.
Voices From Experts: Fiscal Responsibility as a Public Ethic.
Tax law experts and economists, reflecting on the compliance push, have underscored a universal theme: taxation without transparency is inequity, but taxation with accountability is empowerment. When managed with fairness, a functional tax system can reduce dependency on volatile revenue sources, stabilise national budgets, and support long-term investment in human capital.
Professor Aisha Bello, a respected authority in fiscal policy, notes that “Tax compliance is not a burden; it is the foundation upon which social contracts are built. A citizen who honours tax obligations affirms the legitimacy of governance and demands better performance in return.”
Similarly, a leading tax scholar, Dr. Emeka Okon, argues that “The era when Nigerians could evade broader tax responsibilities simply because automatic deductions occur at source must end. For a modern economy, every eligible citizen must be part of the formal tax fold not as victims, but as stakeholders.”
These authoritative voices point to an unassailable truth: filing tax returns is both a legal requirement and a moral responsibility, an expression of citizenship in its fullest sense.
Challenges on the Ground: Compliance and Capacity.
While the rhetoric of compliance is compelling, the reality on the ground demands nuanced understanding. Many taxpayers (especially in the informal sector) lack meaningful access to digital platforms and resources for filing returns. For others, the fear of bureaucratic complexity and perceived punitive enforcement deters participation.
The government, for its part, has responded by promoting online systems and pledging greater taxpayer support. Tax authorities are increasingly engaging stakeholders to demystify filing processes, explain requirements and offer assistance. This mix of enforcement and facilitation is essential. As one seasoned revenue specialist observed: “The state cannot compel compliance through force alone; it must earn it through education, simplicity and fairness.”
The Broader Implication: A New Social Compact.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s renewed emphasis on tax return filing transcends administrative deadlines. It is an unequivocal declaration that national development is a shared responsibility, that citizens and state must engage in a transparent, accountable, and reciprocal relationship.
Tax compliance, therefore, becomes far more than a legal act; it becomes a moral claim on the nation’s future.
When citizens file their returns honestly, they affirm their stake in the nation’s destiny. When the government collects taxes transparently and deploys them effectively, it strengthens not only public services but civic trust itself.
In this sense, the deadlines proclaimed by Nigeria’s fiscal authorities mark not an end but a beginning; the beginning of a civic epoch in which accountability replaces apathy, participation replaces indifference and national purpose triumphs over fragmentation.
The road ahead will not be easy. But in demanding compliance, Nigeria is demanding more than tax returns. It is demanding commitment and that, ultimately, is the foundation on which nations are built.
BUA Foods Records 91% Surge in Profit After Tax, Hits ₦508bn in 2025
By femi Oyewale
Business
Adron Homes Unveils “Love for Love” Valentine Promo with Exciting Discounts, Luxury Gifts, and Travel Rewards
Adron Homes Unveils “Love for Love” Valentine Promo with Exciting Discounts, Luxury Gifts, and Travel Rewards
In celebration of the season of love, Adron Homes and Properties has announced the launch of its special Valentine campaign, “Love for Love” Promo, a customer-centric initiative designed to reward Nigerians who choose to express love through smart, lasting real estate investments.
The Love for Love Promo offers clients attractive discounts, flexible payment options, and an array of exclusive gift items, reinforcing Adron Homes’ commitment to making property ownership both rewarding and accessible. The campaign runs throughout the Valentine season and applies to the company’s wide portfolio of estates and housing projects strategically located across Nigeria.
Speaking on the promo, the company’s Managing Director, Mrs Adenike Ajobo, stated that the initiative is aimed at encouraging individuals and families to move beyond conventional Valentine gifts by investing in assets that secure their future. According to the company, love is best demonstrated through stability, legacy, and long-term value—principles that real estate ownership represents.
Under the promo structure, clients who make a payment of ₦100,000 receive cake, chocolates, and a bottle of wine, while those who pay ₦200,000 are rewarded with a Love Hamper. Payments of ₦500,000 attract a Love Hamper plus cake, and clients who pay ₦1,000,000 enjoy a choice of a Samsung phone or a Love Hamper with cake.
The rewards become increasingly premium as commitment grows. Clients who pay ₦5,000,000 receive either an iPad or an all-expenses-paid romantic getaway for a couple at one of Nigeria’s finest hotels, which includes two nights’ accommodation, special treats, and a Love Hamper. A payment of ₦10,000,000 comes with a choice of a Samsung Z Fold 7, three nights at a top-tier resort in Nigeria, or a full solar power installation.
For high-value investors, the Love for Love Promo delivers exceptional lifestyle experiences. Clients who pay ₦30,000,000 on land are rewarded with a three-night couple’s trip to Doha, Qatar, or South Africa, while purchasers of any Adron Homes house valued at ₦50,000,000 receive a double-door refrigerator.
The promo covers Adron Homes’ estates located in Lagos, Shimawa, Sagamu, Atan–Ota, Papalanto, Abeokuta, Ibadan, Osun, Ekiti, Abuja, Nasarawa, and Niger States, offering clients the opportunity to invest in fast-growing, strategically positioned communities nationwide.
Adron Homes reiterated that beyond the incentives, the campaign underscores the company’s strong reputation for secure land titles, affordable pricing, strategic locations, and a proven legacy in real estate development.
As Valentine’s Day approaches, Adron Homes encourages Nigerians at home and in the diaspora to take advantage of the Love for Love Promo to enjoy exceptional value, exclusive rewards, and the opportunity to build a future rooted in love, security, and prosperity.
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