Showbiz
Dignitaries Honour UBA’s Abiodun Coker at Grandma’s Burial
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.
The Big Brother Naija Season 11 House has recorded its first evictions on Sunday night, with Martins and Mercedes leaving the competition after polling the fewest votes from viewers.
Speaking with host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu after his eviction, Martins remained positive about what comes next, saying he plans to surprise the world with his next steps outside the House.
For Mercedes, the eviction was not something she considered a loss. She said she gave the experience everything she had and was proud of how she spent her time in the House. On what comes next, she revealed plans to perform globally while continuing to build her massage and concierge businesses. She also shared that one of her priorities is paying for her father’s surgery.
Chimsom Chuka Takes the First Most Influential Player of the Week (MIPOW) Title
While two housemates said goodbye to Biggie’s House, the evening also brought a new advantage for Chimsom Chuka, who emerged as the first Most Influential Player of the Week (MIPOW). The title earned him the betPawa Elite Award and immunity from next week’s eviction.
This adds another layer to the competition as the remaining housemates settle into the reality of the game, with strategies, alliances, and individual influence already beginning to take shape.
Nomy Receives Strike and Final Warning
Moments before the live eviction show, Big Brother summoned the housemates for a meeting following repeated violations of his instructions by Nomy. After addressing the importance of following the House rules, Big Brother issued Nomy a strike and final warning, making it clear that housemates cannot choose which of his instructions to follow.
With two housemates already out of the competition and Chimsom Chuka holding immunity for the coming week, the race for the N160 million grand prize is fast heating up.
Keep up with all the drama, suspense and gameplay in Big Brother Naija Season 11 on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49, or watch it live on DStv Stream. Download the DStv Stream app and sign up – no dish, no decoder needed.
Every great movie starts with a decision; sometimes it’s the decision to do the right thing. Sometimes it’s the decision to fight back. Other times, it’s a split-second choice that turns an ordinary day into complete chaos.
This August, GOtv’s movie lineup is built around characters whose lives change because of one decision. Some are chasing redemption. Some are fighting for survival. Others are simply trying to make it through the madness they’ve found themselves in. Whatever your movie preference, these are stories that will keep you invested from beginning to end.
When bad decisions become great comedy
Let’s be honest, some of the funniest movies are built around people making one terrible decision after another. That’s exactly the kind of fun Bad Behaviour (Stunt) brings. Airing every Friday on TNT, the comedy is packed with chaotic moments, outrageous situations and plenty of laughs, making it the perfect way to leave the stress of the week behind and ease into the weekend.
Catch Bad Behaviour (Stunt) every Friday from 7 August at 2:55 pm on TNT, available on GOtv Max and higher packages.
One act of courage changes everything
There are action movies, and then there are movies that leave you wondering how the characters survived at all.
In Mad Max: Fury Road, Imperator Furiosa risks everything when she decides to help a group of women escape from the ruthless Immortan Joe. Along the way, she crosses paths with Max Rockatansky, and together they embark on a relentless fight for freedom across a brutal wasteland. With breathtaking action, unforgettable chase scenes and Charlize Theron’s commanding performance, it’s easy to see why the film remains one of the most celebrated action movies of its generation.
Watch Mad Max: Fury Road on Saturday, 8 August at 8:00 pm on Studio Universal, available on GOtv Supa+.
Starting over isn’t always simple
Everyone deserves a second chance. Unfortunately for Tom Dolan, getting one isn’t as easy as confessing the truth.
In Honest Thief, Tom decides to come clean about the money he stole years earlier so he can build an honest future with the woman he loves. But instead of finding justice, he discovers that two FBI agents have plans of their own. What follows is a gripping game of cat and mouse where trust is scarce, danger is everywhere, and survival becomes the only option.
Catch Honest Thief on Friday, 14 August at 8:00 pm on MovieRoom, available on GOtv Max and higher packages.
When giving up isn’t an option
Losing his sight could have marked the end of his story. Instead, it becomes the reason he writes a new one.
Blind War follows a former SWAT officer whose quiet life is shattered when the enemy from his past resurfaces and threatens his daughter. Forced back into action, he must rely on his instincts, determination and years of training to protect the person who matters most. It’s an emotional action thriller that proves courage isn’t measured by what you can see, but by what you’re willing to fight for.
Catch Blind War on Saturday, 29 August at 7:00 pm on KIX, available on GOtv Supa and higher packages.
Four movies. Four unforgettable stories.
Whether you’re looking for something to make you laugh after a busy week, an action film that keeps your heart racing or a thriller packed with twists you won’t see coming, GOtv’s August movie lineup has something for every mood.
So the next time you’re wondering what to watch, you won’t have to spend half the evening searching. Just pick a movie, settle in and let the story take over.
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.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A Nigerian actress, Temitope Osoba, fondly called Tope Osoba by her fans, has reportedly passed away.
She died barely a year after she survived a battle with breast cancer, reports say.
The 41-year-old entertainer left the acting world to cater to her health, but returned shortly after she had a successful treatment in 2025.
The movie producer, however, has not been very active in the past months, ostensibly due to her health.
Her demise has come as a shock to some of her colleagues and admirers, as she was very lively during her lifetime.
Details about the unfortunate incident, which became known to her fans on Wednesday morning, have not been given by her family.
