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Why people say i’m proud + Why i don’t kiss in movies – Fathia Balogun

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Fathia-Balogun

Veteran actress, Fathia Balogun needs no introduction. She is known for her great skill in acting when it comes to interpretation of script. In a chat with Saharaweekly, she explains why people think she is proud and also said lot about her career.

Excerpts below

 

Q – What project are you presently working on?

R – Well, I’m showing my new movie now ‘Iya “Alalake’ and I just finished another one called ‘Jijuwole’. It’s a traditional movie.

Q – The ‘Iya Alalake’ movie is the one you won the award for and that was probably the first time you were shooting a comedy movie, tell us how the experience was?

R – It was challenging. I wanted to do something different from comedy but I don’t think I can make anybody laugh so I called my colleagues; Muyiwa Ademola,  Femi Adebayo, etc. and thank God it was directed by Muyiwa Ademola and it came out well.

Q – Were you expecting the movie to win an award?

R – No, I wasn’t expecting any award, I wasn’t ready for the media so I was like I can’t get the award so I just went there like a guest and thank God I got it.

Q – We heard people saying Fathia Balogun is proud…(cuts in)

R – Well, everybody has their own perception about me, you might see me in a different mode tomorrow, you can see me another time in a very good mood. We are human. Everybody thinks you should be perfect, it is not easy. I can see you tomorrow and not say Hello. I might come in here and say hello to everyone, I’m not a snub. I am a very friendly person when I’m in the right mood.

Q – You started with English movies. Is there any chance of you going back to English movies? also,   people were angry that you disclaimed Yorubas

R – I don’t know o! they got it all wrong. Maybe due to the joy and everything, I didn’t finish my statement. I said ‘ I’m not Yoruba but I’m proud to do Yoruba movies’ so why would I disclaim Yoruba, I can’t.

Q – What is the secret of your good looks?

R – It is natural. For my skin, my father is very light skinned. There is no special cream I use. I do my exercise normally so there is nothing special.

Q – You mentioned sometime ago that you are going to shoot some movies in your state, can you tell us more about that?

R – Very soon, I’m going to shoot one in warri, it’s going to be in pidgin English.

Q – Who are those you are planning to feature on it?

R – Well, I want to do something different sincerely. I’ve been into Yoruba several times and some people have that perception that we yoruba’s can’t do something different so I wanna tell people that we can and we have a lot of people that can do it/

Q – Apart from movie, what else do you do? Are you into any other business? Do you have a shop?

R – ehhh! It’s shop that is reigning now o! (laughs) you know film isn’t going on well for now due to piracy and we are begging the government to just try and help us because it’s something else. I just opened a shop, It’s going to be a year in the next few months though not in Lagos, I went as far as Abeokuta. (cuts in)

Q – So why did you go  all the way to Abeokuta?

R – I like business so since film isn’t going on too well, I decided to do what I do best which is taking care of skin so I jumped into it.

Q – You are always on movie location, How do you have time to rest take care of children and family?

R – God is helping me out. I can schedule myself. I can tell myself that I’m not working for a month and I’ll do that so I know how to schedule myself.

Q – Can you tell us about the charity foundation?

R – I t is just basically about giving out to the society. We are six in numbers; Myself, Muyiwa Ademola, Femi Adelayo, King Wasiu, Ayinde Marshall….

Q – How come don’t kiss in movies?

R – They don’t give me script for kissing. They don’t just give me, I don’t know why. But if am given, so far the story makes sense, I will.

Q – What is your relationship with other female actress like Dayo Amusa, Iyabo Ojo, etc?

R – They are all my sisters. We are colleagues. We are all friends and families.

Q – Describe yourself in three words

R – Fathia Balogun is industrious, reserved, and understanding.

 

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Another Feather for Nollywood Icon Fidelis Duker

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**Another Feather for Nollywood Icon Fidelis Duker

 

*Lagos, Nigeria* — In a remarkable celebration of artistic achievement, renowned Nollywood figure Fidelis Duker received yet another prestigious accolade last weekend, solidifying his role as a key player in the growth of the Nigerian and African film industries. The award was presented in a ceremony held at Duker’s Lagos office by esteemed film and theatre director, Mr. Alex Eyengho, founder of the Warri International Film Festival, alongside Marketing and Strategy Director, Mrs. Matel Eyengho.

The recent recognition builds upon Duker’s previous achievement at last year’s ECOFEST in Dakar, where he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award. This latest accolade is a testament to his unwavering dedication and substantial contributions to the cinematic landscape.

“I am truly humbled by this recognition,” Duker expressed during the event. In his speech, Alex Eyengho lauded Duker’s pioneering efforts in establishing significant film festivals in Nigeria, particularly the Abuja International Film Festival, which has played a vital role in promoting local talent and storytelling.

Eyengho emphasized, “Fidelis has not only paved the way for emerging filmmakers but has also helped elevate Nigerian cinema on the global stage. His creative vision and commitment inspire all of us in the industry.”

As Duker reflects on this honor, he acknowledges the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving success. “This acknowledgment reaffirms to my team and me that our work is being observed, and it motivates us to continue contributing to the development of our sector,” he stated.

With numerous projects on the horizon, Duker remains a relentless advocate for the growth and recognition of African cinema. His latest recognition is yet another testament to the vibrant and evolving landscape of Nollywood, as industry leaders like him continue to inspire future generations.

As the film industry anticipates the next phase of development, Duker’s continued influence signals a promising future for filmmakers in Nigeria and across the continent.

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E‑Money’s Grand Gesture: A Closer Look at the SUV Gift to Chinedu “Aki” Ikedieze

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E‑Money’s Grand Gesture: A Closer Look at the SUV Gift to Chinedu “Aki” Ikedieze

By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG

 

“Public Generosity, Celebrity Loyalty and the Symbolism of Wealth in Nigeria’s Entertainment Elite.”

 

On Tuesday, February 17, 2026, Nigerian billionaire and entrepreneur Emeka Okonkwo, widely known as E‑Money, once again captured national attention with a lavish and highly publicised act of generosity, gifting a brand‑new 2024/2025 Ford SUV to veteran Nollywood actor Chinedu Ikedieze, affectionately called Aki, during his high‑profile birthday celebration.

 

The event, held in Lagos amidst a constellation of entertainers, business figures and socialites, was itself part of an annual tradition in which E‑Money marks his birthday (on February 18) with large‑scale giveaways and spectacular shows of material philanthropy. This year, he announced the gift of over 30 cars to friends, staff and family, a gesture that quickly went viral as videos and images circulated across social media platforms.

 

In the case of Ikedieze, E‑Money’s gift appeared to be deeply personal. During the festivities, E‑Money stood beside his elder brother, Grammy‑nominated musician KCee and recounted how Ikedieze stood by him at his 2007 wedding. The billionaire explained that the SUV was a “token of appreciation” for the enduring support the actor had shown over the years which is a narrative that blends friendship with public celebration.

 

Ikedieze, a Nollywood staple with a career spanning more than two decades and over 150 film credits, including the iconic Aki na Ukwa franchise, visibly reacted with humble surprise as he received the vehicle, bowing his head in respect and gratitude. The actor later shared the moment on his Instagram account with a caption celebrating the gift, further fuelling online engagement around the event.

 

Beyond the spectacle, this incident underscores evolving dynamics in Nigerian celebrity culture and the intersection of wealth, influence and reciprocity. Sociologist Dr. Chinedum Uche of the University of Lagos, speaking on the broader implications of such high‑profile gifts, notes: “Philanthropy that is highly publicised can reinforce social bonds, but it also reflects a culture where generosity is intertwined with reputation economy; where giving becomes as much a social signal as it is an act of kindness.” The quote highlights how public acts of wealth transfer among elites serve layered social functions that extend beyond pure altruism.

 

Critics of such displays argue that ostentatious giveaways, particularly in a country with stark economic disparities, risk amplifying social envy and exacerbating perceptions of inequality. Economist Dr. Ifunanya Nwosu from the Lagos Business School observes: “In societies marked by economic stratification, celebrity largesse may inspire admiration, but it can also inadvertently highlight structural inequities; prompting questions about systemic investment in public welfare versus individual generosity.”

 

Still, supporters maintain that E‑Money’s annual tradition (which has in past years included cash gifts to his brother KCee, comedians and even domestic staff) reflects genuine gratitude and a commitment to uplifting his immediate circle, albeit within the private sphere.

 

For Ikedieze, the SUV stands both as a heartfelt gesture from a longtime friend and a public affirmation of their enduring relationship. As the video of the moment continues to circulate, the broader narrative has ignited discussions about the role of private wealth in public life, celebrity culture and how acts of giving are interpreted in contemporary Nigerian society.

 

In a landscape where influence and generosity often play out in equal measure on public stages, E‑Money’s gift to Aki is more than a headline, it is a flashpoint in ongoing debates about wealth, friendship and visibility in Nigeria’s entertainment and entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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Spiritual Reality: Wicked People Are Possessed by Wicked Spirits — Dr. Christian Okafor

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Spiritual Reality: Wicked People Are
Possessed by Wicked Spirits — Dr. Christian Okafor

…..“You don’t need to offend them before they attack you.”

…..“Your only true help comes from God.”

 

Demons are strategic and calculating. They detect threats quickly and position themselves to resist any power that may expose or overpower them.

According to the Generational Prophet and Senior Pastor of Grace Nation Global, Christian Okafor, spiritual intelligence operates both in light and in darkness—and believers must understand this reality.

Dr. Okafor delivered this message on Thursday, February 19, 2026, during the midweek Prophetic, Healing, Deliverance and Solutions Service (PHDS) held at the international headquarters of Grace Nation Worldwide in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, Nigeria.
The Operations of Demons

 

Teaching on the subject “Spiritual Reality” with the subtitle “Operations of Demons,” the Man of God explained that when demons possess individuals, their behavior changes. Such people may attack, bully, or resist those sent by God to help them, unknowingly rejecting divine assistance and prolonging their struggles.

“You don’t need to offend a demon before it attacks you,” he said. “What you carry is enough to provoke opposition. The greater your potential, the greater the battle.”

Dr. Okafor noted that many believers misinterpret battles as signs that God has abandoned them. However, he explained that some battles are permitted for growth, training, and divine glorification.

According to him, God may allow certain confrontations so that believers understand spiritual warfare and emerge stronger.

“Some battles are necessary,” he emphasized. “They push you into your turning point.”
He further stated that God does not respond to lies, blackmail, or bullying. He responds to His Word. Therefore, opposition is not proof of God’s absence, but often evidence of destiny at work.

The Weapon Against Demonic Attacks

Addressing solutions, Dr. Okafor described prayer as the strongest weapon against satanic operations.
“Prayer is the license that invites God into your battles,” he declared. “God does not intrude—He responds to invitation.”

According to the Apostle of Altars, understanding the principles and discipline of prayer enables believers to receive divine strategies for overcoming demonic resistance. Without prayer, he warned, spiritual help cannot be activated.
“You cannot receive help without God,” he concluded. “And you cannot engage God without prayer.”

Manifestations at the Service
The midweek gathering was marked by a strong move of the Spirit, with testimonies of deliverance, miracles, restoration, and solutions to various challenges presented before God. Several individuals reportedly committed their lives to Christ during the service.

 

Spiritual Reality: Wicked People Are
Possessed by Wicked Spirits — Dr. Christian Okafor

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