Nigerian Newspapers
My guy said he would insure my BOOBS—Nollywood actress Collette Orji
Nollywood thespian, Collette Orji, may be perceived as new to the industry but she says she has a lot up her sleeves. Recently nominated as Vanguard’s sexiest woman, the stunning actress, screenwriter, model and entrepreneur speaks to OVWE MEDEME on issues surrounding her career, romance, family and a host of other issues.
WHAT has Collette been up to? I have been very busy with a lot of things, shuttling from one location to another. Apart from that, my mum was ill and I had to travel out of the country with her for treatment. That was December last year. She had Arthritis which developed to a serious condition so I gave my mum the whole of my December and January; I was busy taking care of her. My family is my ultimate. I took her to India for a surgery. Even when we returned to Nigeria, I still had to be with her; I was like her doctor within that period, a reason I couldn’t do any other thing.
How is she faring now?
By the God’s grace, she has bounced back to life. She is great now; she walks around now and even wants to continue with her business. I’m the one begging her to take her time.
You are known to feature more in epic movies, why is that?
Apart from being skilful in role interpretation, I think I also have this African woman look. I guess that is why they call me a lot for epic movies.
What do you mean by African woman look?
I’m an African girl, I’m a curvy girl. I’m not a tiny or skinny girl (Laughs).
How did you venture into Nollywood?
I grew up in Cameroon but came to Nigeria in 2003. I once visited my aunt and met her having dinner with Stella Ukwuegbu, a well known Nollywood actress. Right there, I indicated interest in acting and she promised bringing me into the industry. Not long after, I followed her to the Actors Guild of Nigeria’s office in Enugu. There I was told to register. I got a job that very day. At the end of my registration, I found out there was an audition going on which Stella immediately asked me to participate. I went for the audition and I got the job which happened to be my first.
What was the title of the movie?
It was titled Two Outside. It had stars like Jim Iyke, Patience Ozorkwor, late Pete Eneh, and so many others. I played the role of a girl who was raped by Jim Iyke. Imagine, in my very first movie, Jim Iyke was raping me. I was excited going for auditions and seeing myself in movies. Even at that, I never really knew then that I could take acting as a career.
Since then, have you taken a break?
I went back to school after about three or four movies. I attended the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. I got admission to read Chemical in Engineering in 2004. I’m this serious person when it comes to my academics. I’m a bookworm. So I had to focus on my studies. In 2008 when I came out of school, I decided to give myself to the industry; I chose to settle down with acting as a career.
I travelled in November 18, 2008, to Asaba and got myself a one room apartment. I bought a small mattress of five thousand naira, and a small gas cooker. In fact the house was empty, but from that day, I started shuttling from one movie location to another. In fact, I was everywhere. For two years, from that time till 2010, I was just everywhere; people got to know Collette Orji and what she was capable of.
Your diction is quite sound. Where did you pick it from?
I was born and raised in Cameroun. I think I have the Camerounians diction. I pronounce things the way I learned them in my own English school in Cameroon. At times when I go for an audition I see Directors correcting some people on how to pronounce certain words. And these are words I grew up knowing how to pronounce. I didn’t struggle to learn them, I don’t fake them. I think it is just in me.
How have you been coping with sexual harassment from producers?
Fortunately for me, I already had a breakthrough movie before I relocated to Asaba. It was titled Hidden Treasure, staring Ramsey Noah, Olu Jacobs, among other known names. The success was massive so everybody already knew me. They started giving me jobs based on merit because they had seen the stuff I was made of. They harassed me with jobs, not sex. I never found myself in a situation of sleeping with a producer or director before being given a role.
Besides, I don’t call it harassment. I’ve dated a producer but it wasn’t a sex for role thing; everybody knew about it. No producer would like to put his money in the wrong way. If a girl warms a producer’s bed for one month, she might still end up not getting the job if she is not good at what she does. I’ve seen some movies that are not too cool, and I can tell you why is not cool. When you see the crew on that job it would tell you what has transpired.
So far, in your journey through life, what have you learnt?
I’ve learnt that life is difficult and that money doesn’t come easily. Because of this, I don’t lavish money. I’m not this extravagant person. I don’t do hyping. I don’t join the crazy celebrities to attend all the events around the world. I don’t live fake life. I’ve always had money because I like working hard. I’m an only daughter. I have five brothers who are all very wealthy, but I don’t depend on them. They always assist me but I don’t depend on them. A lot of people are suffering and I like extending a hand of help. That is why I opened an NGO. Generally, life has taught me to always remember those who don’t have; to always give!
What is your NGO into?
It is a health related organisation called Collette Orji’s Foundation. We are partnering with an Indian based hospital. The hospital has about eight branches in India. The arrangement is for them to carry out certain health services for indigent Nigerians through the NGO. There are lots of people who are sick and unable to take care of themselves.
We would meet them and ascertain how much they can afford for their treatment. Whatever they have, my foundation in partnership with the hospital would take care of what is left. There are some wealthy people who are going to come in also to lend a hand of support. Whatever kind of illness, the hospital will treat the person; if it’s what they can’t treat, they will link the person up to another hospital.
If acting had failed you, what else would you have been doing?
I probably would have ended up as a TV presenter. I was this kind of a pretty girl in science class and everybody was wondering if I could succeed. But when they saw me dissecting an animal, doing it better than my male counterparts, they are always surprised. So I could have as well practiced what I read.
What was growing as an only daughter like?
Growing up in the midst of five boys was something else. When they wore their trousers, I wore mine; when they put on their cap I put mine on, when they go, out I join them. When they do their Tupac stuff, I do same (Laughs). In fact, I was a boy for a very long time (Laughs).
How do you cope with male admirers?
I love them. They are tempting at times but the bottom line is that I’m a Christian. I work with my conscience. I try to do the right things. And the fact that I don’t lack makes me able to resist all the temptations.
Have you ever been heartbroken?
I’ve never been heartbroken. I think I’m a good girl; people love me. I meet very nice people all the time.
How soon should we expect you to walk down the aisle?
God Knows I’m not desperate to get married. I’m still enjoying spinsterhood. It is so sweet being a spinster. I have lots of married friends. They are not inspiring me at all to get married. They are always telling me that marriage is not easy. I will get married one day, but right now I’m more interested in having a baby than in getting married.
Does that mean you have not met a man that sweeps off your feet?
I want Christiano Ronaldo. My friends would say I’m always saying that every day. I don’t know why. I don’t know whether it’s because I love Real Madrid. I don’t know why but I’m crazy about him.
How many times have you gone nude on a movie?
I can’t go nude in a movie. Nudity is not sexy. It’s cool wearing a bikini or being in a mini, exposing little things.
If you were to insure any part of your body, what part would that be?
My guy said he would insure my boobs, and I was laughing. I don’t have big boobs but they are lovely.
Aside acting, what else are you into?
I recently launched my clothing and cosmetic business. It’s called Coco House and is situated in Enugu state. I felt I should start up whatever I want to start from home. I’m from Anambra State but Enugu is my home. I’ve always been a business oriented person. I was even doing business when I was in school.
Congratulations on your recent vanguard nomination as ‘sexiest woman’ (actress). Why do you think you deserve it?
Thank you. I think I’m a real African woman. I’m not skinny and I think I’m pretty and sexy.
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Posted in Nigerian Newspapers. A DisNaija.Com network.
Source: The Nation Newspaper
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•Deploy more personnel as army chief vows to wipe out terror group
•Security beefed up at N’Assembly
Deji Elumoye and Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja
Abuja, Nigeria’s seat of power, is under a massive security cordon following threats of attacks by insurgents and the increasing wave of banditry in the contiguous states of Kaduna, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger States, THISDAY’s investigation has revealed.
There has been a wave of kidnappings in the outskirts of the federal capital, notably Pegi, Tuganmaje and Kuje among others, which the police have battled in recent times.
The security situation in and around the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) was heightened by the pronouncement of the Niger State Governor, Mr. Sani Bello, that Boko Haram fighters who he said sacked 50 villages in the state and hoisted the terror group’s flag, were about two hours drive away from the FCT.
Security has also been beefed up at the National Assembly as operatives, yesterday, thoroughly screened every vehicle approaching the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
The deteriorating security situation nationwide prompted the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, to warn that the 2023 general election may not hold, demanding the declaration of a state of emergency as well as the convocation of a national conference.
However, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, yesterday restated the Nigerian Army’s determination to annihilate Boko Haram.
But the Governor of Katsina State, Hon. Bello Masari, cautioned against declaring a state of emergency, saying doing so isn’t the solution to combat the security challenges facing the country.
The security of the nation’s airports was also in focus yesterday as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) said there was no threat to them.
THISDAY’s investigations showed increased presence of troops, police, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) personnel and intelligence operatives at the three strategic entrances to the city notably, Keffi, Zuba and Gwagwalada.
More checkpoints were also mounted around Gwagwalada and Keffi.
THISDAY also observed increased intelligence deployment at the entrance and the borders of FCT with contiguous states.
Beyond the borders, there were more deployments and police patrols inside the city and increased intelligence deployments as well.
Security sources told THISDAY: “There are deployments here and there but they are routine. Alertness is key to a secure environment.”
It was also learnt that security agencies were involved in frenzied meetings throughout yesterday.
The meetings, coordinated by the office of the Chief of Defence Staff under the new joint operational strategy of the armed forces, were aimed at coordinating a joint response to possible threats of attack to the FCT.
“I understand the security teams have been meeting for some days now and if you look around you, you will notice that there are increasing patrols and numbers of security personnel. The threats are not been taken lightly,” a source said.
National Assembly workers, lawmakers and visitors also had a harrowing experience accessing the legislative complex due to heightened security in the area.
Security operatives thoroughly screened every vehicle approaching the National Assembly complex in Abuja, impeding both human and vehicular traffic.
The Sergeant-at-arm of the National Assembly and other security agencies supervised the operations, leading to huge traffic build-up inside the complex.
Legislative staff, visitors and lawmakers were seen patiently waiting for their cars to be searched so that they could go ahead with the business of the day.
Some staff and visitors at some point got tired of waiting and were seen alighting from their cars to trek from the gate to the complex.
Meanwhile, the ONSA has said there is no threat to the nation’s airports.
A statement by the Head of Strategic Communication, Mr. Zachari Usman, said the reports of threats to the airports were an internal correspondence of security threat assessment misconstrued as security threat to the airports.
PDP Demands State of Emergency
In a related development, the PDP National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus, yesterday demanded the declaration of a state of emergency, warning that the 2023 general election might not hold if the federal government failed to tackle insecurity.
He called on the federal government to summon a national conference to address the spike in insecurity.
Secondus added that the national caucus of the party will meet today to discuss the state of the nation.
Addressing members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) in Abuja, Secondus said: “We are worried Abuja is not even safe. It is no longer politics. We got alert of plots to bomb and burn down our airports.
“We urge the federal government to declare a national state of emergency in security. There is the need to call a national conference to discuss the insecurity in the country.
“There may not be any election in 2023 in Nigeria due to insecurity. This government must listen to the people. The Buhari government should call a national confab to discuss security and state of the nation. It is no longer politics. This time we are not playing politics. Let’s keep politics aside and move the nation forward.”
He said the country had been grounded, regretting that there had been no matching response from the federal government.
Secondus said in the past, terrorism in the North was confined to the North-east, but with the report of Boko Haram occupying villages in Niger State, terrorism had spread to the North-central
“Herdsmen are also menacing in the West; gunmen causing havoc in the East; and the militants in the South; all killing, looting, raping, maiming and burning down homes. The situation is bad; Nigerians all over are living in fear,” he said.
The Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, said the problem of Nigeria was outside of the PDP headquarters, while pledging the support of the Senate to the declaration of state of emergency in security.
Abaribe said he deliberately decided not to speak on the floor of the Senate but to allow the APC senators to speak so as to avoid being accused of giving a partisan colouration to the issue of insecurity.
He stated that only electoral reforms would give victory to the opposition party in the 2023 general election and ensure a democratic defeat of the APC-led federal government.
Also, the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, commended the NEC and the PDP leadership for their collective efforts at resolving the House leadership crisis.
The NEC meeting adopted the position of Secondus, calling on the federal government to convoke a national conference to discuss the state of insecurity in the country, according to a communiqué read by the National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan.
Army Chief Vows to Wipe Out Boko Haram
The army yesterday reiterated its commitment to wipe out Boko Haram.
Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, told reporters in Maiduguri, Borno State that Boko Haram had been defeated in many encounters and would continue to be defeated until it’s annihilated from Nigeria.
“We will take on Boko Haram decisively, and we are committed to the focus of the operations, which is the total annihilation of Boko Haram from Nigeria,” he said.
The COAS, who was visiting the headquarters of Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri for the fifth time since his appointment four months ago, said the visit was to boost the morale of the troops, reassure them and listen to any issues affecting them.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Farouq Yahaya, lauded the visit, which he said had continued to boost the morale of the troops.
“We are honoured, we are grateful, we are encouraged by those visits. You provided us guidance, logistics and other things we required. We are most grateful for those visits,” Yahaya said.
State of Emergency Won’t Solve Security Challenges, Says Masari
Katsina State Governor, Hon. Aminu Masari, has, however, said declaration of a state of emergency won’t solve the security challenges facing the nation.
Masari, who spoke yesterday with journalists after meeting with the Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari at the State House, Abuja stated that he was against the recent call by the House of Representatives for the declaration of a state of emergency in the security sector as it would not solve the problem.
According to him, declaring a state of emergency will not achieve the desired effect as the security structure and personnel to be used to execute the emergency are already overstretched in a bid to safeguard lives and property.
Sourced From: THISDAYLIVE
Tribune Online
Nigeria records 55 new COVID-19 infections, total now 165,110
The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has recorded 62 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 165,110. The NCDC disclosed this on its official Twitter handle on Friday. “55 new cases of #COVID19Nigeria; Lagos-21, Yobe-19, Ogun-6, Akwa Ibom-3, Kaduna-2, Plateau-2, FCT-1, Rivers-1.” YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE COVID-19: Nigeria Recorded […]
Nigeria records 55 new COVID-19 infections, total now 165,110
Tribune Online
Sourced From: Tribune Online
By Olasunkanmi Akoni
The people of the South East region have been urged to explore the power of negotiation and mutual settlement in the face of ongoing killings and security challenges in the zone because the east can not afford another war at present.
Stakeholders from the South-East geo-political zone made the remark on Thursday, at the unveiling of the book, “Igbo, 50 years after Biafra,” written by Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Drainage Services, Joe Igbokwe, held at Ikeja G.R.A.
Speaking at the unveiling of the book, the chairman of the occasion, Mr. Cutis Adigba,
urged the people of the South-East to learn to build bridges across the country, so that they can realise their ambition of producing the next president of Nigeria.
Adigba urged leaders from the zone to discourage the move and agitation by some youths in the South East to go to war and secede out of Nigeria.
Also read: Banditry: Disregard viral video, Niger State gov’t urges residents
He said that Igbo have always found it difficult to rule Nigeria because they refused to build bridges across the six geo-political zones that made up Nigeria.
While describing the agitation as uncalled for, Adigba noted that after two decades that Nigeria returned to civil rule, the Igbo has predominantly identified with only one political party.
He maintained that remaining in one party can not advance the cause of the people of South East and cannot make them realise their objective of producing an Igbo man as president.
He maintained that the publisher of the book, Igbokwe played politics outside his state, so that the Igbo race can be integrated with one another race.
Adigba said the failure of the Igbo to reintegrate with other ethnic nationalities politically was responsible for the retrogression of the race in Nigerian politics.
Igbokwe, also addressing guests on the occasion, maintained that the Igbo are not advancing politically because they refused to be integrated into National politics, lamenting that, despite their success in business, they are not successful in playing politics at the national level.
Corroborating Dimgba, Igbokwe noted that there was the need for the Igbo people to stand up and build bridges so that their objective of producing the next president of Nigeria could be realised.
According to him: “I have decided to raise my voice, I hope my people will hear me while trying to quell the effect of the war, our people are spoiling for another war, mayhem is being unleashed in Igbo land, and there is palpable fear.
“Those who could speak have lost their voice, mindful of the consequences of their actions, I am calling on all Igbo leaders to speak up because all actions carry consequences, consequences of the silence will be too dastardly to sustain.
“Those silently supporting the wild wind should be careful or else they hand over to their children,” he said.
Igbokwe urged those spoiling for war to jettison their plan and embrace dialogue, urging them to learn from the South West region that despite the challenges faced after the annulment of the June 12, 1993, election, they did not go to war, and the region had the opportunity of producing two of her sons for presidential position in 1999.
“You have to build bridges to become president of Nigeria, but it is unfortunate the Igbo are burning bridges.”
Speaking at the event, Chief Uche Dimgba who is the coordinator of Igbo in All Progressives Congress, APC in Lagos, described Igbokwe as “a Frank, fearless and reliable leader, who based his views on issues and stand by his opinions, and we the Igbo have confidence in him and believe he can lead us aright.”
“He is a leader we Igbo believe in and we will follow him. If he can serve all the governors produced in Lagos State since 1999, he is a better man to follow because he possesses all the experience that can be of benefit to Igbo both at home and in the diaspora.”
The post Attacks on S’East: We must explore all options of negotiation — Stakeholders urge Igbo appeared first on Vanguard News.
Sourced From: Vanguard News
The government said that no worker should stay back beyond 6:00 p.m. within premises of buildings undergoing construction.
The post Insecurity: Lagos bans occupation of abandoned buildings appeared first on Premium Times Nigeria.
Sourced From: Premium Times Nigeria
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Nigeria records 55 new COVID-19 infections, total now 165,110
Military, Police Ring Abuja to Forestall Boko Haram Attack
UFC: Usman gets N584m after beating Masvidal
Insecurity: Lagos bans occupation of abandoned buildings
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