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Dignitaries Honour UBA’s Abiodun Coker at Grandma’s Burial

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UBA's Abiodun Coker

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Friday, October 22, 2021, will remain fresh for a long time for Mr Abiodun Coker, a journalist, public relations expert and core member of the media relations department of United Bank for Africa (UBA).

It was a day for the burial of the grandmother of the former reporter with a foremost business newspaper in Nigeria, Business Day, in Lagos, Mrs Joanna Tokunbo, who was born on August 31, 1934, died on September 23, 2021, at the age of 87.

The three days event kicked off with a Christian wake on Tuesday, October 19, service of songs on Wednesday, October 20 which was followed by a requiem mass and interment on Friday, October 23 at Ikoyi Cemetery.

The memorable Requiem Mass was held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, Lafiaji on Friday and was attended by family and friends of the deceased who came out in their numbers to pay their last respect.

The event climaxed with an elaborate shindig which saw guests, including eminent personalities from all walks of life, being entertained at NAF Base, Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In his tribute, Mr Coker extolled the virtues of his late grandma, describing her as compassionate and an epitome of love that cared for all. He said Mama’s humility and selfless service to God and humanity were second to none.

“My special Grandmother, may you rest in the bosom of the lord till we see to part no more.

“These words felt like a dagger to the chest, knowing that you are gone. But I know you will never be forgotten.

“I know for a fact that I will never forget you and how much you’ve impacted my life. Not only that but also the lives of every single person you came across. I know for a fact that you touched many lives. Little wonder you were adored so much and I know that they will all miss you to bits.

“You truly were a special, special woman! You may have passed on, but your memories are etched in my heart. In there you will always live on.

“As I write this piece, I do it with a lot of struggle. Losing you on that 23rd of September brought a pain that cut so deep! Thank you for your sacrifices, your care and concern, your love, compassion and everything that you have done for me.

“Wherever you are, I look back to when I was very much younger when you put me on your back to pound Jero while mum was at work and also attended to the neighbours who depended on you for so much because they were not lettered.

“You worked so hard and multi-tasked, doing so much at once yet perfectly, helping others. You were more like a rallying point for all the neighbours who all came to you for help, support and guidance. I guess it’s from you and Papa that my Mum and we the children learnt how to be passionate and dedicated to any course we embarked upon.

“You loved your children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren unconditionally. You were truly the epitome of love and taught us all how to effortlessly stand by others genuinely and selflessly. l am proud to have had you as my grandmother. Mama General, I will miss you sorely! I know it is important to be strong for others so as to advance your wonderful legacy.

“When I summoned up the courage to tell Fadekemi about your passing after she asked about you repeatedly, I was shocked when she hugged me and said, I know my great-grandma is resting in heaven and God will look after her. Without a doubt, I know an angel spoke through her and I am certain that indeed you accomplished all that God sent you here to do and he has called you to be with Him.

“I am consoled by the fact that you are in a much better place!

“Love you Mama General. You truly were a treasure to all of us,” he penned.

UBA's Abiodun Coker1

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Heartbeat Finale: Who Found Love, Who Lost It, and Who Almost Had It

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Heartbeat Watch This Weekend on DStv

From day one in the Love Pad, Heartbeat gave us everything; instant attractions, messy triangles, soft moments, hot arguments, and connections that kept switching lanes when we least expected them. Now, after all the chaos, the final episode came down to one thing: who is actually ready to choose love for real?

If you remember how it all started, Kena and Chidera were one of the first “locked-in” connections. Even when new singles walked in, and Kena became the house favourite, Chidera made it clear, not on her watch. From the roses’ apology to that whole Jane situation that had Chidera raging, their bond was constantly tested. But the finale didn’t care about history. It came with real questions about compatibility, intentions, and life outside the Love Pad. At that point, it was no longer about feelings, it was about alignment.

Then there’s Ken and Latifah. If there’s any couple that defined chaos this season, it’s them. From cuddling like nothing happened after fights, to the dinner date drama, to that moment he lied about production setting things up (we have not forgotten), these two gave us a full rollercoaster. Even when Ken tried to “fix things” with breakfast in bed, the trust had already taken hits. So when it came down to the final decision, the real question was: was this love, or just something they kept going back to?

Igwe and Shekinah? Still one of the most confusing dynamics in the house. From flirting, to tension, to Shekinah defending him when everyone said he was playing games, to the moment she found out he had written letters to multiple women, it was always something. Even when he tried to reassure her, there was always that small doubt. So when the finale tests came in, it was time to see if what they had was actually solid or just vibes.

And let’s not forget how everything shifted when the new singles entered. From Ceeoni’s unexpected revelation that she and Henry were exes, to Jane boldly saying she was still coming for Kena, to Victory, Timi, Sharon and Bosa all bringing new energy, the house never stayed the same. Some connections grew stronger under pressure, others didn’t survive it.

But the finale? That’s where everything got real.

The couples were put through final compatibility tests, not just games, but moments that forced them to answer difficult questions about trust, commitment, and how well they actually know each other. Some couples faced these moments together, standing strong and showing they were on the same page. Others? The cracks showed, and certain decisions had to be made individually, which said a lot without saying too much.

But when it was time for the final decision, Heartbeat didn’t hold back. The couples were first hit with a lie detector test, and that alone shook the entire Love Pad. Chidera and Kena had to face some hard truths when Kena said he had never thought about breaking up with her, only for the machine to call it false. He also admitted he still misses his ex, and that came out true. On the other side, Ceeoni and Alvin also had their moment when she confirmed she had a child outside the Love Pad, something that instantly shifted the energy between them. After all that, emotions were high, but the show didn’t slow down.

 At the Heartbeat Commitment, the real verdicts came in. Kena and Chidera still chose each other despite everything. Igwe and Shekinah are locked in and are ready to see where things go, while Bosah and Hilda, Ken and Latifah, and Victory and Toria have also decided to continue their connections outside the house. The only pair that didn’t commit was Alvin and Ceeoni, who made it clear they’re not there yet. With earlier exits like Jane, Timi, Sharon and Henri, not everyone made it to this stage, but by the end, it was clear who came for vibes and who was actually ready for something real.

Heartbeat may be over, but the drama, the debates, and the “did they really make the right choice?” moments are far from done. The finale gave us truths, tears, and tough decisions, but it also left us asking: what happens next for these couples outside the Love Pad?

If you’re not ready to let go of the chaos, there’s still plenty to keep you hooked. From the twists in Wura, to the high-stakes drama of Dividends, and the unfiltered excitement of Stripped, your screen is far from quiet.

Missed an episode or want to relive the madness? Reconnect, catch up, or stay plugged in on the MyGOtv App or dial *288# to stream anytime, because the drama never really ends it just moves to the next show.

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From E! Africa to Bravo Africa: Where Your Favourite Reality Shows Live Now

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E! Africa to Bravo Africa

If you’ve been wondering where all your favourite reality TV shows went after E! Africa went off air, this is for you! Bravo Africa is officially the new plug.

In late August 2025, E! Africa announced it would be discontinuing, with the channel set to go dark on October 7, 2025. For fans who had built their entire reality TV routine around it, the news hit hard. But the gap didn’t stay empty for long.

Bravo Africa stepped in on GOtv Channel 36 with something even better. A fully dedicated space for premium, drama-filled reality television. And if you’re a fan of bold personalities, luxury lifestyles, and unfiltered storytelling, this is one channel you should already have on rotation.

So, what exactly makes Bravo Africa worth your time?

First, the content lineup is stacked. From the iconic Real Housewives franchise, with all its glam, shade, and unforgettable moments, to fan favourites like Below Deck and Married to Medicine, Bravo Africa delivers the kind of addictive TV that keeps you glued episode after episode. It’s the same high-quality reality content E! lovers enjoyed, just more focused and consistently curated.

What also stands out is how the channel leans fully into reality TV culture. This isn’t a mix-and-match entertainment channel; it knows its audience and delivers exactly what they want: drama, relationships, ambition, luxury, and real-life chaos (the good kind).

For viewers who loved E! Africa’s blend of lifestyle and celebrity-driven content, Bravo Africa feels like a natural transition. It’s cleaner, more intentional, and built around shows that already have global fanbases and proven engagement.

Access is pretty straightforward, too. If you’re on GOtv Jolli or any higher package, you already have it, no extra stress, no additional subscription needed.

To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.

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Davis Offor ‘Clarus’ of New Masquerade Comedy Sitcom Dies

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Davis offor clarus

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A veteran Nigerian actor, Mr Davis Offor, who dazzled many viewers with his role as Clarus in the famous New Masquerade, is dead.

The death of the 83-year-old actor was confirmed on Tuesday by Mr Tony Akposheri, who acted as Zaki in the now-rested comedy sitcom.

“Davis Offor, fondly known as Davis Offor, our own Clarus from New Masquerade, is gone.

“We crossed into the New Year together, laughing, talking, sharing memories, and speaking hopefully about the days ahead. We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.

“Life, as always, had its own plans.

“You were more than a familiar face on screen. You were a friend, a brother, a man with warmth, humour, and a presence that could light up any space. Knowing you personally was a gift I will always be grateful for.

“It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell.

“Rest well, my friend. You came, you gave joy, you made your mark, and you will never be forgotten,” Mr Akposheri wrote on his Facebook page.

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