Amaka Igwe, Renowned Nollywood Movie Producer, is Dead

Amaka Igwe, one of Nigeria’s foremost film producers, writers, directors and a leading player in the motion picture industry, is dead.

The news of her death which came to many as a shock, was contained in a statement issued Tuesday in Lagos by The Nigerian Entertainment (NET).

The statement said that Amaka died on Monday night in Enugu after a brief illness.

Confirming the death to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Tuesday in Abuja, Mr. Agility Onwurah, Chairman, Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Abuja Chapter, said Amaka’s demise was a big blow to the Nollywood industry.
“Amaka had gone to Enugu in company of her husband for pre-production of a new Igbo soap when the sad incident occurred.

“She suffered an asthma attack and was immediately rushed to a hospital, but died before getting there.
“Amaka is survived by her husband of 21 years, Charles Igwe, three children, and an aged mother," the statement said.

Born Amaka Isaac-Ene, the deceased was an accomplished writer, producer, director, entrepreneur and teacher.
She founded the BoB TV Expo, and was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Top Radio 90.9 FM, Amaka Igwe Studios, and the newly-launched Q Entertainment Networks.

Major Milestone for Nollywood! Oscars approve Nigerian Comittee

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) has approved a 12-man committee of Nollywood stakeholders, ahead of the 2015 Oscars (Academy Awards).

Called the Nigerian Oscars Selection Committee (NOSC), they’ll pave the way for Nigerian entries to be considered for the world’s prestigious prize for films.

Every year, countries with an approved selection committee may submit one film for consideration for the Foreign Language Film Award.

Only 5 movies are selected from all international submissions for Academy members to cast their votes and choose a winning foreign language production.

Oyinlola Sale presents The Question of the Day

Oyinlola Sale was presenting A Woman's World on TVC News Africa, but now she is happy of a new platform called The Question of the Day.

To watch stay tuned to TVC News  on startimes and Consat at 6pm Nigerian time Mon, Wed, Fri.

Nun gave birth to baby in Italy

A nun from El Salvador who gave birth to a baby boy in Italy has described him as "a gift of god" and pledged to take care of him as she faces expulsion from the convent.

Sister Roxana Rodriguez, 33, was rushed to San Camillo de Lellis hospital with acute stomach pains in the town of Rieti, 50 miles north of Rome, late last Tuesday – apparently unaware that she was pregnant.

A few hours later a baby boy, weighing nearly 9 pounds was born and Sister Roxana named him Francesco in honour of the pope. The father of the child is believed to be in El Salvador.

"I will definitely take care of my baby because he is a gift of God," Sister Roxana told social worker Anna Fontanella. "I called him Francis in honour of our South American pope.

"However I am very worried about the commotion that this has stirred up. They are talking about this, not only in Italy but in my own country and I am afraid to return there." 

Cobhams Asuquo celebrates 33rd Birthday

The award winning Nigerian singer, songwriter and producer turned 33 on Monday 6th January 2014. He celebrated his birthday with an intimate dinner party on Sunday 12th January 2014.

He and his wife Ojuola Asuquo hosted some of his close friends at the Primi Piatti Restaurant, Lekki, Lagos. Spotted at the event were Banky W, Waje, Timi Dakolo, Tosin Martins, Toolz, Oscar Oyinsan, Tosyn Bucknor and Dotun Kayode.

Cobhams toasted and thanked guests for being part of the celebration. “This happens to be one of my best birthdays ever because I’m celebrating it among friends. I have a personal relationship with everyone in this room on an individual basis and I’m so happy that our relationship extends beyond the profession that brings us together.”

Omawumi who was also present at the event, gave a touching toast to Cobhams.

Dozens arrested after anti-gay law passed in Nigeria

Dozens of gay men have been arrested in northern Nigeria under a draconian anti-gay law that makes same-sex marriage a crime punishable by up to 14 years in jail, human rights activists say.

The law was signed in secret by members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives in Abuja on December 17 and by the president on January 7, although there was no public announcement.

The Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act criminalizes same-sex marriage and provides for up to 14 years in jail. Membership or support of gay organizations, associations or clubs carries a penalty of up to 10 years’ imprisonment.

The new law reflects a highly religious and conservative society that largely considers homosexuality a deviation. In areas of northern Nigeria law is enforced by Islamic Shariah courts and homosexuals can be stoned to death.

Dorothy Aken’Ova of Nigeria’s International Center for Reproductive Health and Sexual Rights said that police in Bauchi state have drawn up a list of 168 allegedly gay men, 38 of whom have been taken into custody so far.

Many feared dead in Maiduguri bomb attack

Many are feared dead in a car bomb explosion in Maiduguri, Borno State.
The blast was said to have been carried out by a lone suicide bomber, who carried the Improvised Explosives Device in a tricycle, popularly called Keke NAPEP.

The bomber was said to have driven the tricycle into the crowded business area before detonating it.
The Maiduguri post office, situated in the heart of the metropolis, is said to be a very busy area where traders, mostly from the eastern part of the country, sell handsets.

An eyewitness said the explosion shook the whole of Maiduguri town, as people ran helter skelter for their lives.
As of time of filing this report, the death toll had not been ascertained as soldiers had barricaded the whole area, preventing people from going near the scene of the blast.
Blood-spattered people were seen fleeing and vehicles crashed into each other, while soldiers fired automatic weapons.

The Islamist militant group, Boko Haram, has carried out numerous attacks in the region.
Its campaign of violence is aimed at imposing Islamic rule in northern Nigeria.
The Director of Defence Information, Maj. Gen Chris Olukolade, confirmed the bomb blast incident in Maiduguri when our correspondent contacted him on the telephone.

Olukolade said that security operatives had arrested a suspected insurgent in relation with the explosion.