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

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10 years ago

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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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Sahara weekly online is published by First Sahara weekly international. contact [email protected]

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

Published

2 hours ago

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April 24, 2026

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PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

*PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

 

To prevent any misunderstanding regarding our affiliation with the United Nations, we hereby provide a formal clarification on the status and identity of the United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC), formerly known as IPGC.

 

UNIPGC is an independent Civil Society Organization and Non-Governmental Organization with continental chapters registered in the United States, Germany, Canada, and several countries across Africa. The organization is committed to promoting the values and principles of the United Nations, particularly in advancing Sustainable Development Goal 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), as well as advocating for good governance globally.

 

In furtherance of its mandate, UNIPGC has established partnerships with reputable diplomatic civil society organizations, including the United Nations Association of Nigeria and the United Nations Association of Ghana. These collaborations are aimed at strengthening its engagement with initiatives aligned with United Nations ideals.

 

Additionally, UNIPGC has entered into diplomatic relations with the International Organization for Economic Development (IOED), an Intergovernmental Organization (IGO), to enhance its capacity for international cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

PUBLIC NOTICE*: Revalidation of UNIPGC Organizational Status 

We wish to clearly state that UNIPGC is **not** an entity, agency, or organ of the United Nations.

 

Members of the public and media practitioners are respectfully advised to refer to the organization by its full and correct name: **United International Peace and Governance Council (UNIPGC)**, and not as the United Nations.

 

Thank you.

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

Published

5 hours ago

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April 24, 2026

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Laffmattazz Announces Strategic Partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for 2026 International Tour

 

 

 

Laffmattazz, one of Nigeria’s foremost comedy and live entertainment brands, is pleased to announce its official partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited for the highly anticipated Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour, themed “Next Chapter: A New Season of Laughter.”

 

Now in its 15th year, Laffmattazz—the brainchild of renowned Nigerian comedian Gbenga Adeyinka (Gbenga Adeyinka 1st)—has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its seamless fusion of comedy, music, and live stage performances.

 

The 2026 tour, which kicked off on Easter Sunday, April 5th, 2026 at the Jogor Centre, Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in the brand’s journey. Building on over a decade of success across Nigeria, this year’s edition signals a bold expansion into the international market, with a multi-city run in Canada, alongside major stops in Akure, Abeokuta, and Lagos.

 

This strategic partnership with First Bank of Nigeria Limited underscores a shared commitment to excellence and innovation. It is also aligned with FirstBank’s First@Arts initiative—a significant and ongoing program dedicated to supporting the creative arts, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Through this initiative, FirstBank provides financing, advisory services, and actively fosters a sustainable value chain for artists and creative entrepreneurs, while supporting key industry platforms such as the Nigerian Entertainment Conference.

 

Speaking on the collaboration, the Laffmattazz team stated:

 

“We are delighted to welcome First Bank of Nigeria Limited as a strategic partner for the Laffmattazz 2026 International Tour. As we mark 15 remarkable years of Laffmattazz, this partnership reinforces our vision to take premium Nigerian entertainment beyond borders, while delivering even bigger, better, and more memorable experiences for our audiences.”

 

As a key partner, First Bank will enrich the tour through innovative customer engagement initiatives, experiential activations, and exclusive fan experiences across all tour locations.

 

With its distinctive blend of humor, culture, and live entertainment, the Laffmattazz 2026 Tour is poised to connect audiences across cities and continents, bringing laughter to thousands of fans worldwide.

 

⸻

 

About Laffmattazz

 

Laffmattazz is a premier Nigerian comedy and entertainment brand, now in its 15th year, renowned for its vibrant live shows and nationwide tours. Founded by Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, the brand continues to deliver high-quality experiences that celebrate creativity, culture, and laughter.

 

About First Bank of Nigeria Limited

 

First Bank of Nigeria Limited is Nigeria’s oldest financial institution, widely respected for its legacy of trust, innovation, and customer-centric financial solutions that support economic growth and development. Through its First@Arts initiative, the Bank continues to play a pivotal role in empowering the creative industry and driving sustainable growth across the sector.

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Business

MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

Published

1 day ago

on

April 23, 2026

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FirstBank Set to Launch Tailored Financial Services for Blind and Physically Challenged Customers  

MREIF is Better: FirstBank’s Mortgage Loan Is the Game-Changer for Home Ownership in Nigeria

 

 

 

Anyone who has tried to get a loan to buy a house in Nigeria knows the drill: endless forms, property valuation, and eventual down payment of a minimum 25% or more on the property. Sometimes, interest rates could go as high as 30% per annum, while the typical loan limit is N50 million.

 

 

 

Now, FirstBank is making homeownership more attractive.

 

 

 

FirstBank, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance Incorporated (MOFI), has introduced the MREIF Home Loan. MREIF loan is a game-changer, offering a single-digit interest rate of 9.75% per annum, with a loan amount of up to ₦100 million and a repayment period of up to 20 years. This is perfect for salaried individuals, including Nigerians in the diaspora, looking to purchase homes in approved locations.

 

The MREIF loan stands out with its lower interest rate, higher loan amount, and flexible equity contribution as low as 10%. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking affordable homeownership.

 

 

 

You are one quick decision away from being a landlord.

 

 

 

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy a home, FirstBank’s MREIF Home Loan is the smartest route to owning property in Nigeria today. Visit the FirstBank website https://www.firstbanknigeria.com/personal/loans/mreif-home-loan/ to get started.

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