Entertainment
Poet and Social Activist, Valentine Okolo, talks on Rape, Genocide, and the Power of Words
In this interview with Valentine Okolo the author of the thought provoking poetry book: I Will Be Silent speaks on the inspiration and much more :
Godwin Iheancho: Where did you get the idea for your most recent book?
Valentine Okolo: I got it from the title of a poem I wrote called “I Will Be Silent.” This was a poem I wrote concerning the genocide which happened in Darfur, Sudan, many years ago. I wrote it in response to the then international media blackout that occurred during that period and how men and young male children were systematically slaughtered by government supported Janjaweed militia. And how women were also gang raped, and impregnated by their oppressors, and sometimes mutilated.
In genocides rape is most times weaponized by the aggressive side, and the suffering sides to such wickedness are women, old and young. Such actions tear at my core and reveal mankind’s depravity at its worst. That poem and a few others similar to it form the back bone of the book.
Genocides, sex slavery, rape and a few other indignities suffered by many women in improvished regions of the world continue still. Boko Haram, and it’s aftermath, the Fulani Herdsmen follow in the footsteps of the Janjaweed militia in Sudan which commited those attrocities with government blessings.
In Nigeria, it is apparent that the government is in accord with Boko Haram and the Fulani Herdsmen as it has repeatedly played to the gallery whenever it is called to question regarding the poor equipments deployed and the improvishment of military troops sent to the effected regions to combat the insurgency. Rather, they result in the use of euphemisms by calling the terrorists “Bandits” and the deployment of mass media propaganda to negate the seriousness of the insurgency.
The entire idea of the book is centred around the themes of pain, and perseverance that these people, and may more like them in different regions of the world, face and have to endure constantly.
I Will Be Silent is not just a book to me. It is more than that. It is a call to witness. It is a series of poems which proceed not from the heart but from the gut of tribulation and endurance. It is a book which bears witness to the collected voices who cannot speak for themselves because they have been silenced.
Godwin Iheancho: How do you get inspired to write?
Valentine Okolo: Most times I feel the emotions of others when I write. In those moments I become that which I write about. I see with their eyes, I hear with their ears, I feel with their skin. In those moments I cease to be myself, and become someone else. I become her, they, it. I become someone’s dreams. And relive, sometimes, their nightmares.
I write from a place of suffering. From a place of joy. I explore the two extremes in my poetry.
In my book I Will Be Silent I wrote many poems which grew from those two extremes. Or should I say, some poems made me write them inspired by these extremes of human existence.
I most times don’t plan a poem in advance. Some poems, if I may use the expression, fall at my feet, almost fully formed. They are a few poems, however, that I do make plans to write in advance. And in order to write them I have to enter into a period of poetic gestation. A period in which I allow the idea of the poem to take root and grow within me until it is ready to be birthed. Sometimes the gestation period may take a few days. Sometimes it can take months or even years.
I like writing organically. So I don’t force anything out. I allow myself to be. I allow myself to feel. I allow the words to come to me like the wind. And I try to catch whatever message that is whispered in the breeze.
Godwin Iheancho : What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Valentine Okolo: First, they should close their eyes and feel. And then write what they felt. Some of the notable works of literature (which includes fiction, non fiction, poetry, science fiction and so on) were written from an abundance of feelings. If you don’t feel what you have written, don’t expect someone else to feel it too. (Unless, you want to be too intellectual and write drab college textbooks.)
Your writing has to move you first before you expect it to move someone else. Write what you feel first. Then put it away for awhile, and then look at it again with the eyes of a stranger. If you read what you had written earlier with the stranger’s eyes and say to yourself: “Wow! Did I write this?” Then someone else will also be wowed by it as well.
Words convey emotions. Be successful in conveying your emotions in your lines.
Next is style.
If expressing your emotions is fuel for your writing, see style as your technique for progress.
See writing as you would a dance in progress. A dancer may have the necessary energy to prance about. But this prancing alone without an arranged motion may not result in anything beautiful to behold. A dancer uses learned dancing techniques and translates those techniques and that energy into beautiful motions (insert here any dance style of your choice: ballet, foxtrot, salsa, tango, hip-hop, contemporary, and so on). When done properly these motions of choreography capture your attention. For a writer, style is like those beautiful motions. Some you can learn from the writings of someone else. Some you can teach yourself.
If you can afford it, enrol into a good writing class with a teacher that you respect his or her style of writing. Such a person will help ground you in the proper techniques of sentence constructions, and the proper use of words, characterizations and lots more.
Godwin Iheancho: What’s the best thing about being a writer?
Valentine Okolo: It allows me to state what I feel. It allows me to display on a blank page the potency of my thoughts. I am a poet. And I write poetry. And to me words are not just a means of communication. To me words are life. Words carry with them a strong creative force. A force that makes things happen. The first thing that happened in the creation of this planet was the issue of a command. From God Almighty Himself. As documented in the Bible book of Genesis where it was written that there was darkness every where and the Earth was void and without form and the Spirit of God was hovering over the deep. And God Himself uttered the immortal words that started the beginning of life in this world. He said: “Let there be light.” And lo, light came to be. And illuminated the perpetual darkness.
Jesus Christ Himself used words to heal. It was written in the Gospels that He issued words of command and the blind were made to see, the lame walk, and the diseased were made clean. Even to the point of raising the dead. The words: “Lazarus, come forth!” are perhaps one of the most unforgettable lines I have ever read in any form of literature. Because they were more than just words. A mummified man who was dead for four days heard them from beyond the grave and rose to life!
Godwin Iheancho: How do you deal with writer’s block?
Valentine Okolo: I empty my mind. And do something else that is not related to what I am writing about. Sometimes I take long walks, and focus on being in the present. As I walk, I take note of the rise and fall of the land, the diverse faces of people, the roaming animals, and the sounds coming from cars and motorcycles. Most times when I do this ideas flow to me freely, clearing my imaginative inhibitors.
Get the book: I Will Be Silent on Amazon: www.amazon.com/author/valentineokolo
You can also follow him on Twitter. His handle: @poetval.
Entertainment
Fuji Wayne, Shanko Rasheed’s Canada Summer Tour Signals The Rise of A Fuji-Infused Afro-Fusion Sound
Fuji Wayne, Shanko Rasheed’s Canada Summer Tour Signals The Rise of A Fuji-Infused Afro-Fusion Sound
By : Alhaji Arems (Baba Fuji)
In an industry where virality often overshadows steady growth, Nigerian artist Shanko Rasheed is taking a different route — one defined by gradual expansion, cultural fusion, and strategic international movement. From early releases to touring activity across North America, his trajectory reflects a new class of Nigerian artists who are less visible in headlines but increasingly active on the global stage.
A Sound Rooted in Tradition, Shaped by Modern Influence :
At the core of Shanko Rasheed’s artistry is a blend that feels both familiar and forward-looking: Afro-fusion layered with Fuji influences.
Fuji, a genre deeply rooted in Yoruba musical tradition, is known for its percussive intensity, vocal cadence, and spiritual undertones. By merging this with Afro-fusion — a broader, globally digestible sound palette — Shanko positions himself in a lane that bridges:
• Street authenticity
• Cultural heritage
• Contemporary accessibility
This hybrid approach aligns with a wider movement in Nigerian music, where artists are increasingly revisiting indigenous sounds and recontextualizing them for modern audiences. However, unlike more mainstream acts who polish these elements for pop appeal, Shanko Rasheed appears to lean into the rawness of Fuji-inspired delivery, giving his music a distinct edge.
Building Beyond Borders : Touring The United States And Canada
One of the clearest indicators of Shanko Rasheed’s growth is his international touring footprint.
In the past year, he has:
• Performed across parts of the United States, expanding his reach beyond Nigeria
• Secured upcoming tour dates in Canada for the summer, signaling continued demand within diaspora communities
For an artist still in the early stages of mainstream recognition, this level of cross-border activity is significant. It suggests:
• An existing audience base outside Nigeria
• Strategic connections or grassroots promoters within diaspora circuits
• A willingness to invest in physical presence rather than relying solely on digital growth
The Nigerian diaspora has long served as a testing ground for emerging talent, and artists who successfully tap into that ecosystem often build loyal, high-engagement audiences before breaking into wider markets.
Lifestyle Signals And Artist Positioning :
Beyond music and touring, Shanko Rasheed’s recent acquisition of a Mercedes-Benz adds another layer to his public image. While such milestones are common in the music industry, they often serve a dual purpose:
• A personal achievement marker
• A branding signal reinforcing upward mobility and success
In the context of an emerging artist, it also reflects a narrative of progression — from early-stage hustle to visible rewards. When communicated effectively, these moments can strengthen audience perception and credibility, particularly within genres that value both authenticity and aspiration.
The Visibility Gap : Present, Yet Underdocumented
Despite these developments, Shanko Rasheed remains underrepresented in mainstream media and digital indexing. There is limited:
• Press coverage
• Editorial playlist visibility
• Structured artist profiling
This creates a noticeable gap between activity and awareness. In practical terms, he exists in a space where:
The work is happening, but the story hasn’t been fully told.
For many artists at this level, this gap can slow momentum. However, it also presents an opportunity to shape a narrative deliberately, rather than reacting to one formed by external media.
A Strategic Moment For Definition :
Shanko Rasheed’s current phase can best be described as pre-definition — a period where the foundation is in place, but the identity is still being formalized in the public eye.
He has:
• A developing catalog on streaming platforms
• An active social media presence
• International performance experience
• A culturally rooted sound with crossover potential
What remains is the alignment of these elements into a cohesive narrative that audiences — and industry stakeholders — can easily understand and engage with.
In a Nigerian music landscape often dominated by rapid breakout cycles, Shanko Rasheed’s path highlights an alternative model:
• Build steadily
• Expand geographically
• Refine sound identity
• Let audience growth follow organically
His fusion of Afro-fusion and Fuji also contributes to a broader cultural conversation about the preservation and evolution of indigenous sounds. As global listeners become more receptive to genre-blending and cultural specificity, artists operating in this space are well-positioned to benefit.
Shanko Rasheed may not yet be a household name, but his movements suggest an artist laying deliberate groundwork for long-term relevance. With international tours, a distinct sonic direction, and visible personal milestones, he is steadily transitioning from obscurity to recognition.
Beyond his professional strides, Shanko Rasheed has also faced personal tragedy. The Fuji singer reportedly lost his first son, Jamaldeen Atanda, on February 27, 2026. While details surrounding the loss remain private, the moment marks a deeply personal chapter in his life, unfolding alongside a period of growing international visibility.
The next phase of his career will likely depend not just on the music itself, but on how effectively his story is documented, distributed, and amplified. If aligned properly, his blend of Afro-fusion and Fuji — combined with his growing global footprint — could position him as one of the more compelling emerging voices in Nigeria’s evolving music scene.
Entertainment
I Used To Insult Single Mothers Until I Remembered That My Mum Is A Single Mother -Akeem
I Used To Insult Single Mothers Until I Remembered That My Mum Is A Single Mother
-Akeem Akintola a.k.a. ‘Oko Awon Single Mothers’
A young man doing well in life is often defined by a disciplined, and purpose-driven approach to his personal and professional growth. 34-year-old Lagos State born social media influencer, Olalekan Akeem Akintola, disclosed in this interview that he has cultivated the habits and mindsets of a young man determined for long-term success before he attained age 21. He said he continually updated his knowledge and skills to keep up with changing demands and trends even before he left Nigeria for Europe in search of greener pastures at age 29. Other than his talent alone, Akeem noted that his becoming successful abroad was not all by luck, but mostly by being kind and respectful. He also revealed the secret behind his popular social media nickname, ‘oko awon single mothers’. And more…
What do you love about yourself?
What I love about myself is that I am a very determined person. When I am determined to do something I don’t look back. I just go into it not minding what the result would be and I don’t care about what anybody would say.
Tell us about your marital life.
I was married. But I’m a single father now (general laughter).
What year did you travel abroad and how did you manage to succeed abroad?
I traveled out of Nigeria in 2021. I’m currently in Europe, Germany, South Cyprus to be precise. I worked in the kitchen. To be honest, my experience abroad wasn’t an easy one. Thank God, today I have my citizenship documents and I’m living fine. It wasn’t easy getting to this level. I give God the glory.
Who are the most special people in your life?
The most special person in my life is my mum. Then my kids and my mum’s families, especially Sister Iyabo and Sister Nofisat. My mum’s families are so special in my life because they have been very supportive of my life.
Tell us about your experience helping a sick lady, Keji, whose matter has gone viral on social media.
This lady, Keji, came into my Instagram inbox and told me that she was sick and needed help. Ordinarily, I do use my platform to help people, especially those who are sick. There was a time I ignored her and didn’t attend to her complaints. But when she showed me the evidence and pleaded that I should help her, I had to support her. I am the person that sent her to see Agbala Gabriel pastor. But I didn’t know that he was going to mess up.
What type of people do you love to be around you?
I love to be around people who are friendly, ready to help and very supportive. I do not like people with negative vibes.
You’re a young guy, why do people call you ‘oko awon single mothers’?
There was a time I used to abuse single mothers; what they were doing, why did they leave their marriages and so on. I saw it as an abnormality. But I came to realize that my mum is also a single mother and I said why should I be insulting single mothers when I was also raised by a single mother. So, I had to start making videos about single mothers, praising them and talking about their challenges and qualities. Since that time, single mothers started calling me ‘oko awa single mothers’ (husband of us single mothers).
Do you make so much money through social media posts or you have a job that gives you the biggest?
Yes, I make money on social media. I also work in the kitchen as a chef. I’m into kitchen stuff here abroad and it pays me well. Also, I run adverts for people on my platform and I make a lot of money from it.
You are very popular among society women; how did you make it happen?
All I can say is thank God. I don’t know how it happened. I just found myself with millions of fans and followers. People really love me, especially older society women who fondly call me ‘oko wa’ (our husband).
What is your success tip for young people like you?
My advice for young people like me is that whatever they’re doing they should keep doing it. They should be consistent. Keep doing it, don’t relent and don’t look back. When I started out on social media, I was bullied, cursed. I never envisaged where I am today. I never expected that people would be talking about me sometime in the future. But here I am. I never saw this coming. I really thank God for everything. So, let us just keep doing whatever we are doing. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.
Are you fully in the entertainment industry or on part time?
I work and I’m fully back in the entertainment industry.
You look so young despite your age, what’s the secret?
The secret is that I maintain physical fitness, I do regular workouts. I know that a strong body supports a strong mind.
Entertainment
Nollywood Actress and Philanthropist Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo Appointed as Chief of Staff to AGN National President*
*Nollywood Actress and Philanthropist Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo Appointed as Chief of Staff to AGN National President*
Abuja, Nigeria – The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) announces the appointment of Amb. Princess Chelsea R.C. Nwodo as the new Chief of Staff to National President, ALHAJI SANUSI ABUBAKAR YAKUBU. This strategic move underscores the Guild’s commitment to excellence and its dedication to fostering a more efficient and effective leadership structure.
Amb. Nwodo brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her new role, having served as a National Deputy Secretary (Emeritus) and demonstrating exceptional leadership skills and a deep understanding of the Guild’s vision and mission. A respected member of the Nigerian entertainment industry, she is also known for her dedication to promoting actor welfare and advancing the Guild’s interests.
*A Proven Track Record*
Amb. Nwodo’s appointment is a testament to her outstanding contributions to AGN and her commitment to serving the Nigerian film industry. Her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for social causes have made a positive impact on Nigerian communities, She’s also the CEO of CHELSEA NWODO’S FOUNDATION a foundation known for its unique cultural expression and alliance with many state government including Delta state government and so on.
*About the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN)*
The AGN is the governing body for professional actors in Nigeria’s Nollywood film industry, established in 1998 with over one million members across the six geopolitical zones of the federation. The Guild promotes actor’s welfare, protects their rights, and advances the Nigerian film industry.
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