Connect with us

Entertainment

Uzoka, Wizkid Give Back to Thousands at the UBA Foundation Food Bank.

Published

on


United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm, the UBA Foundation, has launched an initiative to feed the less privileged across Africa during the festive season.  

UBA’s Brand Ambassador, Wizkid, handing  over food items and other goodies to the helpless and under-privileged at the Food Bank organised by UBA Foundation at the Foundation’s Garden and Roundabout in Marina, Lagos on Friday

The UBA Foundation Food Bank is an annual event that aims to give back to society during the yuletide season and this year, thousands of indigent were beneficiaries of the community service freely offered by the bank simultaneously across the African continent. 

From Senegal to Ghana, Côte D’Ivoire, Cameroon and many of UBAs subsidiaries, the focus of the food bank is to feed the poor and homeless.  The UBA Foundation Garden at Marina, Lagos was the location of the food bank in Lagos. 

UBA Brand Ambassador, Wizkid was delighted to contribute his time and effort to the UBA Foundation’s food bank as he fed the poor and destitute, many who were fans and felt really blessed to be receiving food and other gifts from the star boy.  Expressing his joy at being able to give back meaningfully, he said 

“I am excited to be a part of this initiative  which is aimed at putting smiles on the faces of the needy. This is one of my passions and I am fully aligned with Africa’s global bank’ said Africa’s star boy. 

UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka and CEO, UBA Foundation, Mrs. Bola Atta handing over food items and other goodies to the helpless and under-privileged at the Food Bank organised by UBA Foundation at the Foundation’s Garden and Roundabout in Marina, Lagos on Friday


UBA’s Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Kennedy Uzoka who also joined staff of the Foundation and volunteers to feed the needy, explained that the Food bank initiative is one of the ways that the bank, through its foundation appreciates and supports the communities in which it operates, adding that it will be a continuous event. 

Uzoka who is also the chairman of UBA Foundation, said, “As you know, giving back is one of our key tenets and we have over the years, engaged in various activities aimed at appreciating our host communities all around Africa and especially in countries where we operate’. 

“At UBA , we care for the people in our societies and will continue to do all we can to ensure that we touch lives meaningfully,” Uzoka stated. 

The CEO, UBA Foundation, Mrs Bola Atta, said that empowerment is one of the key pillars of the Foundation, adding that the UBA foundation aims to impact positively the lives of those living around the host communities. 

According to her, “Over the years, we have embarked on a number of activities that have positively impacted the people who  live in our communities. To be able to feed those who have little is a small gesture that goes a long way.  Those who all lined up to collect their food packs and toiletries seemed happy that someone remembered them. We wanted to let them know that all lives matter. I hope we made many smile and that we gave a glimmer of hope during a special season like this’ Atta said.


One of the beneficiaries who simply gave his name as Abdul said,  “I am very happy with what you people are doing. This morning I didnt even know what I was going to eat. I am really surprised. You people have done very well, we didnt expect this at all. In fact, when my people came to call me, I didnt believe it until I got here. I am here with my three children. This was very unexpected, and we are very happy,” he said excitedly.

  
UBA staff members were on ground to volunteer their time and services, while a few donated food items to give back to the society in the spirit of the yuletide season. 

Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact saharaweekly@yahoo.com

Entertainment

Veteran Thespian, Mercurial Producer, Ayanfe Adeyinka Bombs YouTube Channel With Adigara

Published

on

Veteran Thespian, Mercurial Producer, Ayanfe Adeyinka Bombs YouTube Channel With Adigara

As Tube Queen Showcases Her Optimum Level Of Artistic Professionalism In The Epic

 

Come Saturday the 11th of January 2025, one of Nigeria’s veteran super thespians and an extraordinary prolific producer, Ayanfe Adeyinka Adesemo will be storming the YouTube online channel to launch her much-awaited blockbuster movie titled ADIGARA. With her stage name as Toomade, Adeyinka is very much set to hit the screen with her latest effort which encompasses around slavery which is the central theme and attraction of the highly anticipated blockbuster of a movie and with all efforts put on ground by all the crew who ensure that movie lovers get the best of production they deserve, viz-a-viz a movie creamed with entertainment, fun and educative ideologies.

 

.The Executive Producer of Adigara, Ayanfe Adeyinka extremely beautiful, sultry and uniquely creative Ayanfe Adeyinka has definitely seen it all in the Nollywood industry both as an actress and producer; a core artistic professional who is never ready to relent or stop dishing out the best of movies, top hits and blockbusters to her fans all over the world. According to her, she commenced her acting career while at school and has ever since been holding the ace higher and higher till date. She grew into acting and movie production, which have grown to become part of her life.

 

 

Speaking on her new ‘baby’ ADIGARA, Ayanfe Adeyinka opined that this epic blockbuster, written and directed by ace director Hassan Taofeek Abisayan and which is set to hit the screen on Saturday explores the indignity and man’s inhumanity to man as exemplified by the storyline. She stressed further that the movie ADIGARA is yet another milestone of her artistic prowess that has seen her sporadic progression, challenges and success to the pinnacle of her career where she is today.

Veteran Thespian, Mercurial Producer, Ayanfe Adeyinka Bombs YouTube Channel With Adigara

If you still want to ponder the secrets that have led to such success and acceptance for this screen diva, her summation of herself in a recent interview reveals all. According to her, “as an actor, I would describe my personality as passionate, versatile and dedicated. I believe in fully immersing myself in each role, bringing authenticity and depth to every character I play. I thrive in collaborative environments, whether it’s working closely with directors, fellow actors, or the crew to create something truly impactful on screen or stage. My professional career began after I trained at Mr. Latin Acting School where I learnt not just the technical aspects of acting but also how to explore characters from an emotional and psychological perspective. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a range of projects in film including my roles in Toomade, Afolorun, Aye Dudu and so on where I’ve gained invaluable experiences in both leading and supporting roles.

Some of the most memorable projects for I have been i8nvolved in include Toomade, Deadly Vengeance, Iyawo Aje etc, where I was able to challenge myself by taking on complex characters that pushed me to grow as an actor. The process of connecting deeply with those characters taught me more about myself and the craft of acting, as I had to adapt my approach to each unique story and role. I continue to push myself through ongoing trainings and exploring different genres.

In producing this latest artistic offering, Toomade has once again brought to the fore her belief in corroborative efforts to create timeless masterpieces. Though a writer herself, she revealed to this medium that the story was brought to her by the Director of the movie.
In her words “I fell in love with the story immediately the director, Hassan Taofeek narrated it to me. We encountered quite a lot of challenges. Firstly, with the cast I wanted to get the best. Later, during the shooting itself, nature equally interfered. We had gone to Ibrahim movie village in Ibadan, erected props, paid people for the market crowd but the rains did not only destroy our props; we could not be refunded.

So we had to redo it all over and at the end of the day, we are satisfied that we still got the very best we wanted.”
On why she decided to take the movie to YouTube instead of the cinema, Toomade revealed that she aims to give a wider audience access to the movie. Instead of having people creating time and effort to go to the cinema, with a touch on your phone, just go to Yoruba Best on YouTube and you can watch the movie whenever and wherever you are.
This suspense-filled, action-packed, thought provoking epic blockbuster that is sure to break many records and have movie lovers raving for months and years to come was written and directed by Al-Hassan Taofeek Abisayan and staring top stars that includes Taiwo Hassan Ogogo, Ronke Odusanya, Baba Kola Oyewo, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, Jumoke Fadipe, Akeem Ajala Jalingo, Taofeek Adewale, Peju Ogunmola, Abeni Agbon, Toyosi Adesanya Abisogun and Olaniyi Afonja Sanyeri among others.

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Funke Akindele Breaks Box Office Records Again with ‘Everybody Loves Jennifer’

Published

on

Funke Akindele Breaks Box Office Records Again with ‘Everybody Loves Jennifer’

Funke Akindele Breaks Box Office Records Again with ‘Everybody Loves Jennifer’

 

Nollywood superstar and filmmaker Funke Akindele continues her reign as one of Nigeria’s most celebrated entertainment icons, shattering box office records with her latest release, Everybody Loves Jennifer. The film has grossed an impressive $194,560 within just eight days of its premiere, cementing Akindele’s position as a dominant force in the Nigerian film industry.

Another Milestone for Funke Akindele

The achievement comes on the heels of her previous success, where one of her earlier productions earned the title of Nollywood’s highest-grossing film. Everybody Loves Jennifer, a sequel to her beloved Jenifa series, blends humor, drama, and cultural authenticity to captivate audiences worldwide.

In a heartfelt post on Instagram, Akindele expressed her gratitude to her fans—affectionately known as “Jenifans”—as well as the cast and her industry colleagues.

Her post read:
“$194,560 and counting in just 8 days, Who else but God? 🙌 Huge thanks to my tireless cast, fabulous colleagues, and unstoppable Jenifans, YOU are the true superstars.”

The actress paired her words with celebratory emojis, highlighting her joy and deep appreciation for the film’s growing success.

Fans and Industry Applaud Akindele’s Success

Fans and industry insiders alike have flooded her social media with congratulatory messages, lauding her for her consistency and ability to tell relatable stories. Many have described Everybody Loves Jennifer as a masterpiece, blending humor and life lessons with the unmistakable charm of Akindele’s storytelling.

The film, released in major cinemas across Nigeria and select international markets, has seen packed audiences since its debut. Its success reaffirms Akindele’s ability to resonate with viewers across demographics while showcasing the strength of Nollywood as a global entertainment powerhouse.

A Legacy of Excellence

Funke Akindele’s success is no accident. With a career spanning over two decades, she has consistently delivered exceptional performances both as an actress and a filmmaker. From her groundbreaking Jenifa’s Diary series to her forays into blockbuster films, Akindele’s brand is synonymous with quality and cultural relevance.

With Everybody Loves Jennifer breaking records within its first week, the film is poised to set even higher milestones in the coming weeks. As audiences continue to flock to cinemas, it’s clear that Funke Akindele’s ability to capture hearts and deliver box-office hits remains unmatched.

Fans are now eagerly anticipating whether the film will surpass her previous record and claim the top spot as Nollywood’s highest-grossing film. Regardless, Akindele’s achievements serve as a testament to her unwavering dedication and talent in elevating Nigerian cinema to new heights.

Continue Reading

celebrity radar - gossips

Femi Adebayo Unveils Cultural and Romantic Inspirations Behind New Film, ‘Seven Doors’

Published

on

Femi Adebayo Unveils Cultural and Romantic Inspirations Behind New Film, ‘Seven Doors’

Femi Adebayo Unveils Cultural and Romantic Inspirations Behind New Film, ‘Seven Doors’

 

Renowned actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has shed light on the inspiration behind his latest cinematic venture, Seven Doors, revealing that the story draws heavily from the life experiences of a king he had the privilege of knowing closely.

 

Speaking in an interview with Saturday Beats, Adebayo emphasized the importance of preserving African culture through storytelling, particularly in film. “It is extremely important to preserve our culture. Creating content—films—[woven] around the beauty of our culture is one of the ways of preserving it, so that the generations yet unborn can also enjoy it and be educated,” he explained.

 

The filmmaker shared that his proximity to a king and the monarch’s challenges provided the foundation for the movie’s concept. “I was fortunate to be close to a particular king, and it was what he went through that provoked the idea and concept of Seven Doors. Many people see our kings as mini-gods, which they are, but they forget that they are humans with blood running in their veins too. So, they [kings] face a lot before and after they get on the throne. And, that is what we displayed in the movie,” Adebayo said.

 

Beyond its cultural focus, Adebayo described Seven Doors as a tale deeply rooted in love. “I also want to preach that love is above all. So, where we have a conflict between love and tradition, automatically it is love that wins,” he added.

 

The movie also stirred interest for its intense and emotionally charged scenes, including a kissing scene with co-star Chioma Chukwuka. Addressing this, Adebayo clarified that it was part of his dedication to the craft. “I was just interpreting the role; getting the character analysis and interpreting it,” he noted.

 

Despite the buzz surrounding the romantic sequences, Adebayo highlighted a different moment in the film as his favorite. “For me though, the best scene was where they had to lay the chiefs on the floor and beat them. I was not even in that scene,” he said, underscoring his appreciation for the powerful storytelling throughout the film.

 

Seven Doors has been widely acclaimed for its rich portrayal of culture and its compelling narrative that bridges tradition and the universal theme of love. The film serves as a testament to Adebayo’s commitment to preserving African heritage while telling stories that resonate with audiences across the globe.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending