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‘Why i Dumped my Networking Job for Entertainment’ – Nollywood Actor/Director, Chief Chidi

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Talented Actor and Film Director, Chief Chidi, as he is fondly called is no doubt one who is set to take over the industry by storm. With just few years of his diversion into the entertainment industry, he has worked with a whole lot of people around.

The 46-year old Imo born Producer, who is presently working on a film titled ‘College Life’ has however got his own challenging times too.

 

He is the CEO of Gold Valley Production which houses Micheal Onyebuchi, Ruth Alexanda, Janet, Timothy,  Perpetual Uwaezuoke as crew members.

In an interview with Saharaweekly Magazine, he talked about his movie, career and those he has worked with, and those he will be working with.

Excerpts Below:

 

Q – My name is Osho Oluwatosin from Saharaweekly Magazine / Online, can we meet you sir?

 

R – My name is Chief Chidi Ohazurike. People in the Nollywood know me as Chief Chidi. I’m 46 years old from Imo state. I studied IGPM and after that I went into data processing in Lagos. I’m a network engineer for 23 years before I left the communication sector to delve entertainment. I started in 2014.

 

Q – Why did you switch from communication to Entertainment?

 

R – From the onset I didn’t want to work in a company for a long while. So I started telecom in 1989, I would have gone into entertainment before then because that is where my passion lies. I had two passions then; Entertainment and telecom. Having tried telecom world, I have seen everything about telecom, I decided to go into my primary domain which is entertainment. That passion and zeal to entertain people, to tell my own story.

 

Q – How many years have you been into it?

R – This is just two and half years even though before then, i have been attending meetings but I started fully in 2014 and so far, it’s been challenging. I’m still planning something bigger to take me into full limelight.

 

Q – What are you working on presently?

 

R – Presently, I’m working on a college film. The working title is ‘college Life’. It’s a student film. It’s about school life, cultism, how it starts from secondary school into higher institutions.

 

Q – When you came into the industry, were you accepted or looked down upon as a new comer?

 

R – No, because i have been around the corner so when I came in, they welcomed the development on a loud oviation

Q – So far So good, who are those you’ve worked with?

 

R – I’ve worked with a lot of people. I’ve worked with the likes of Charles Inojie, Chinedu Ikedieze, Joyce Kalu, Ferrari Cole, Jibola Dabo, and many More

 

Q – In the nearest future, who are those you wish to work with?

 

R – I don’t have anybody in particular, it’s all about where my work takes me, I can work with anyone.

 

Q – Is there anyone you look up to in the industry?

 

R – Having being trained as an actor and a director, I believe i’m self motivated, even though I have those that have been in the industry but I’m self motivated.i have something I want to give out there. Those I can say I look up to are Kanayo O. Kanayo and Gbenga Salu.

 

Q – What have been the challenges?

 

R – Ahh, a lot. In the industry, the major challenge is money. We source our funds by ourselves; the government isn’t ready to help us. We have to fund ourselves till we come to limelight. After that, it’s the man power. Most of them are good but they need to improve on their capacity. If they have better capacity training, production will be much easier.

 

Q – What else do you do apart from entertainment?

 

R – Like I said earlier, I’m a networking engineer but that is on a part-time now

 

Q – In Nollywood, there has been an issue of sexual assault on the junior collegues by the senior ones, what’s your take on this?

 

R – Well, I think that is the socio-political aspect of the industry. I believe if you are well trained, understand the business and have your self-esteem within you; nobody can look down on you sexually. On the other way round, some directors perhaps, senior colleagues will want to press it on the junior ones to have sex with them as an exchange for a role. My own take is that it’s not acceptable. I’ve called on our guild which is Actors Guild of Nigeria sometime ago to handle such report and deal with it.

 

Q – Has there been any response?

 

R – So far, i’ll say not much but recently, myself and a colleague will be working on something. It’s on a personal capacity. We will do our writings and put it on air.

 

Q – With your kind of Job, you will have to mix with opposite sex a lot, how does you wife take your profession?

R – Yes, I always tell people, it begins with the person involved. If you are not responsible, and your wife doesn’t have confidence in you and you have this kind of profession, your wife will keep suspecting you but if you are living a decent life, technically, you will be at peace with your wife as usual. For me, I deal with a lot of opposite sex but I do things professionally.

 

Q – Were your Parents supportive?

R – Well, they are in the village and they are not supportive, how will I take care of them (Laughs)

 

Q – Tell us about the upcoming movie.

 

R – It’s still work in progress. We started shooting on the 25th of July, 2016. It has  been challenging but we thank God.

However, we bring you pictures from the shooting of ‘College Life’

 

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Abducted Rivers bizman rescued, suspected robber arrested

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Abducted Rivers bizman rescued, suspected robber arrested

 

The Rivers State Police Command said its men rescued a businessman identified as Julius Madabuchi, who was kidnapped by a four-man gang at a filling station in the Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.

The police said the man was abducted when the miscreants who were driving in a Black Toyota car stormed the area and started shooting discriminately before executing their plan.

The rescue of the man, the police said, followed a distress call sent to the command control room about the activities of the hoodlums on November 17 and immediately mobilised operatives to the scene, saying the abductors engaged the police in a shootout.

The spokesperson for the state police command, Grace Iringe-Koko, disclosed this in a statement issued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State capital, on Wednesday.

 

The statement reads, “On the 17th of November, 2014, at about 2023hrs, operatives of the command received a distress call from the Room indicating that a gang of armed men numbering about four operating in a Black colour Toyota Corolla car shot sporadically and kidnapped one Madabuchi Julius at Sabbath Filling Station, Oyigbo.

“Operatives were swiftly mobilised to the scene and the hoodlums on sighting the police operatives drove off, but they were given a hot chase by the operatives and subsequently intercepted along Egbu Street, Oyigbo and a gun duel ensued between the operatives and the hoodlums.

“The hoodlums could not withstand the police’s superior firepower and eventually abandoned the victim and their operational vehicle with registration number RIVERS PHC 938 AH and escaped. The victim was rescued unhurt and the vehicle recovered. He has since reunited with his family.”

 

The state police image maker however said an investigation is ongoing while concerted efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the gang and recover their operational weapons.

In a related development, Iringe-Koko said the following day, precisely on Monday, operatives of the command acted on credible information, coordinated a covert operation at the St Lorinta Street, Oyigbo and arrested one Gabriel Morris, aged 25, at Mercy Ground in Kom-Kom, Oyigbo LGA of the State.

The state police spokesperson stated, “During interrogation, the suspect confessed to being a member of a syndicate that had been terrorising Oyigbo and its environs in recent times.

 

Iringe-Koko, a Superintendent of Police, listed items recovered from the suspect including one locally made pistol and a quantity of weeds suspected to be Indian hemp.

She added, “Investigation is ongoing, while concerted efforts are intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate.

“This successful operation further demonstrates the effectiveness of the Rivers State Police Command in combating kidnapping and all other forms of crime in the state.”

 

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Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small-Prudent Ludidi

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Those who wronged you may never say "I'm sorry" - Prudent Ludidi

Celebrate Your Wins, No Matter How Small-Prudent Ludidi

 

Today, I want to talk about something incredibly important, yet often overlooked: celebrating our wins. Yes, you heard that right – celebrating our wins, no matter how small.

We live in a world that constantly pushes us to achieve more, be more, and do more. We’re always striving for the next goal, the next milestone, the next achievement. And while ambition is great, it’s equally important to acknowledge and celebrate the small victories along the way.

Think about it. How often do you achieve something amazing, only to dismiss it as “not a big deal” or “just part of your job”? How often do you downplay your successes or attribute them to luck rather than your hard work and dedication?

Here’s the thing: every win, no matter how small, is worth celebrating. Every achievement, no matter how insignificant it may seem, is a testament to your strength, resilience, and determination.

Celebrating your wins does several things. Firstly, it boosts your confidence and self-esteem. When you acknowledge your achievements, you remind yourself of your capabilities and potential.

Secondly, celebrating your wins helps you stay motivated and focused. By recognizing your progress, you’re more likely to stay committed to your goals and keep pushing forward.

Thirdly, celebrating your wins fosters a positive mindset. When you focus on what you’ve achieved, rather than dwelling on what’s still to be done, you cultivate gratitude, happiness, and contentment.

So, how can you start celebrating your wins?

Start small. Write down three things you’ve accomplished each day before bed. Share your achievements with a friend or family member. Treat yourself to something special.

Celebrate the tiny victories: finishing a difficult project, trying a new recipe, or simply making it through a tough day.

Celebrate the milestones: landing a new job, running a marathon, or graduating from college.

And celebrate the moments in between: learning a new skill, making a new connection, or taking a much-needed break.

Remember, celebrating your wins isn’t about being arrogant or boastful. It’s about acknowledging your hard work and dedication. It’s about recognizing your worth and value.

Don’t wait until you’ve achieved something “big” to celebrate. Celebrate every win, no matter how small. Celebrate every achievement, no matter how insignificant it may seem.

You are worthy of recognition. You are worthy of celebration. And you are worthy of acknowledging your own strength and resilience!

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IMF’s Bold Advice to Nigeria: How to Fix Economic Reforms and Win Public Trust” By Achimi Muktar

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IMF’s Bold Advice to Nigeria: How to Fix Economic Reforms and Win Public Trust”
By Achimi Muktar

 

As frustration mounts across Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African nations undergoing tough economic reforms, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has stepped in with recommendations aimed at reshaping the narrative. These suggestions focus on addressing the growing civil discontent and turning public opposition into support for reforms critical to stabilizing their economies.

The IMF’s latest Regional Economic Outlook for Sub-Saharan Africa report highlights “adjustment fatigue” gripping nations like Nigeria, Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya, where reform measures have triggered social unrest and resistance. In Nigeria, particularly, protests and labour strikes have erupted in response to policies like petrol subsidy removal and foreign exchange deregulation.

However, the IMF believes a path forward exists—one that involves rethinking reform strategies and engaging citizens more effectively.

The Call for Strategic Rethink
In the report, the IMF emphasizes the need for reform strategies that foster inclusivity and public trust while maintaining momentum for economic recovery. “Realizing this opportunity requires rethinking reform strategies to build and maintain pro-growth coalitions among leaders and the general public,” the report states.

The IMF outlined key pillars for successful reform implementation:

Broad-Based Engagement: Governments must actively involve citizens through two-way dialogue, creating a sense of ownership for reforms among the population, businesses, and civil society.

Transparent Communication: Policymakers should clearly articulate the benefits of reforms, the risks of inaction, and the compensatory measures being implemented. This approach, according to the IMF, will counter misinformation and rebuild trust.

Partnerships with Influencers: Engaging parliamentarians, community leaders, and independent experts can amplify reform messaging and provide credible advocacy for change.

Targeted Social Support: Implementing safety nets like retraining programs and job assistance for those hit hardest by reforms can reduce resistance and ease the social cost of change.

Sequenced Reforms: Staggering reforms over time to prevent overwhelming citizens and prioritizing initiatives with immediate, tangible benefits will help win public support.

Rebuilding Trust in Institutions: Strengthening governance, improving transparency, and tackling corruption are essential to ensure that reforms are seen as credible and effective.

The Nigerian Reality
Nigeria’s reform agenda has been met with resistance from citizens grappling with higher living costs and reduced public services. Labour unions have staged strikes, and civil society groups have accused the government of failing to provide adequate safety nets for vulnerable populations.

The IMF acknowledges these challenges but insists that success hinges on trust and inclusivity. “Opinion surveys indicate that trust in the government’s ability to use public resources to promote the population’s well-being is still relatively low in many Sub-Saharan African countries,” the report notes.

The IMF also warns that reforms without complementary measures—such as job creation and social inclusion policies—risk perpetuating social frustration and undermining long-term economic stability.

Turning Pain into Gains
While reforms are painful, the IMF underscores their necessity for unlocking durable and inclusive growth. “As painful as the current policy choices are, deeper and broader reforms will be required to guarantee that countries reap the gains, and not just the pain, of reform,” the report states.

The Fund advises African leaders to demonstrate upfront wins, such as improved infrastructure, better service delivery, and robust economic policies, to galvanize public confidence in the reform process.

The Bigger Picture
The IMF’s Regional Economic Outlook serves as a roadmap for Sub-Saharan Africa’s policymakers, navigating a delicate balance between fiscal adjustments and social harmony. For Nigeria, the report presents an opportunity to recalibrate its approach, engage its citizens meaningfully, and deliver reforms that prioritize the welfare of the people.

By rethinking reform strategies and implementing the IMF’s recommendations, Nigeria could not only weather its current challenges but emerge as a stronger and more inclusive economy. The onus, however, lies with the government to prove that these reforms are for the collective good and not just a painful necessity.

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