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

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

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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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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

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Opinions divided over Pasuma Jaiye Kuti proposed wedding 

 

 

The current threading in *entertainment* world of speculated society marriage between oganla Fuji, Wasiu Alabi Pasuma with Nollywood icon, and widely acclaimed Queen of the tube jaiyeola Kuti has brought out different opinions amongst the fans and entertainment personnel.

 

What started as a rumour and mirage is gradually turning to reality and some fans are saying it’s not possible for Jaiye Kuti who is one of the scandal free Nollywood actress to be involved in such an unholy union with Pasuma

Most people who spoke with our correspondence, are of opinion that such a marriage can only happen in a mirage sessions and in Nollywood movies that apart Jaiye Kuti been responsible and married with children, Pasuma is someone who have vowed not to married and have a woman under his roof.

But to some also, it’s not impossible as artistes are known to be engaging and married to each other after denied and counter claims, which made and at the end they will go ahead and married . With this most people believe that truly there’s marriage in offspring for both celebrities While both parties refused to comment on the trend controversial issues about the whole issue , the world is anxiously waiting if this well circulated story of Pasuma getting married to Jaiye Kuti will come to pass or it will turn out to be a mirage.

Either way the die is cast as all eyes will be on Jaiye Kuti and Pasuma with searchlight on Nigeria entertainment industry once again

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

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PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has congratulated his Senior Special Assistant on Digital Engagement, Strategy and New Media, Mr Otega Ogra, on his election to the Executive Committee of the World Federation of Advertisers (WFA).

 

The election took place today at the organisation’s Annual General Meeting, held during the Global Marketing Week Conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

PRESIDENT TINUBU CONGRATULATES OTEGA OGRA ON ELECTION TO WORLD FEDERATION OF ADVERTISERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

President Tinubu described the development as a significant step for Nigeria’s growing influence in global communications.

 

He noted that Mr Ogra’s emergence as the only representative from West Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa on the Executive Committee reflects the depth of Nigerian expertise and the contribution of a new generation of young Nigerian professionals to global industry standards.

 

Mr Ogra was elected to the Executive Committee on the platform of the Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN), underscoring the role of Nigeria’s organised advertising and marketing industry in shaping representation at the global level.

 

The WFA is the leading global body for advertisers, representing over 150 multinational and Fortune 500 companies, alongside national advertiser associations across more than 60 countries, with a combined annual marketing spend running into hundreds of billions of dollars. Its Executive Committee is the organisation’s highest decision-making body, responsible for setting priorities and guiding global policy on responsible advertising, media transparency, sustainability, and the evolution of digital ecosystems.

 

President Tinubu noted that Mr Ogra’s election is both a personal distinction and a strategic opportunity for Nigeria and the African continent, placing them at the centre of global conversations on brand trust, platform accountability, innovation and the future of marketing and communications.

 

The President commended Mr Ogra, who also serves as Vice President of ADVAN, for his sustained contributions to strengthening Nigeria’s marketing and communications ecosystem, drawing on a career spanning leadership roles across the banking, manufacturing, and public sectors.

 

“Otega’s election reflects the growing recognition of Nigerian expertise and affirms our capacity to contribute meaningfully to the frameworks shaping global markets,” the President said.

 

President Tinubu added that the achievement aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly in advancing the creative economy, strengthening digital governance, and positioning Nigeria as a competitive hub for innovation and enterprise.

 

Josh Faulks, CEO of the Australian advertiser association (AANA), and Simon Michaelides, Director General of the UK advertiser association (ISBA), also join the leadership team.

 

Current members of the executive committee, David Wheldon, President and Philip Myers, Deputy President, who is also the Chief Institutional Affairs and Corporate Communications Officer at Ferrero, continue in their current roles, as do all regional vice presidents.

 

 

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