Every year is packed with racy minutes and momentous days, when the unusual break into earth-shaking proportions. Every hour of the day holds a promise for a new wave of change or a sail with the luck talisman. The year was signposted with the rising profile of individuals in the entertainment, movies, sports and high society, while some were tipped-off and came tumbling down from their high status. Nseobong Okon-Ekong, Funke Olaode and Vanessa Obioha catalogue some of the spicy landmarks and interesting personalities of 2015.
REMARKABLE STRIDES
Yemi Alade
Yemi Alade shone like a diamond in 2015. She bagged her first MTV Africa Music Awards in July as the Best Female Artiste in the continent, and four nominations in the upcoming Headies. She also featured as a judge in the Tecno Own the Stage Karaoke competition. This year also witnessed the launch of her mobile app under her music label Effyzzie music group and her jewellery collection.
Mo’Abudu
A series of events earmarked Mo’Abudu as one of the influential personalities of the year. Besides bagging numerous awards from different platforms, she released various productions including the African adaptation of acclaimed international TV series, Desperate Housewives. Her latest production, Fifty, has garnered more accolades for her. She also acquired formal right from CBS Studios International to the classic blockbuster series ‘Melrose Place’ and ‘Dynasty’. This month, she announced the expansion of EbonyLife TV operations to Lagos and Abuja.
Josephine Ugwu
Assaulted by hardship and the vicissitudes of life, Josephine Ugwu hit the limelight with her honest heart. Four times, Mother Luck came knocking on her door adorned in fresh mint dollar and naira notes, forgotten by their owners at the different airports where she worked, but the Enugu state indigene chose instead to walk the path of integrity by returning the monies to their rightful owners. This admirable show of sincerity earned her fame among Nigerians. She was given automatic employment in the commercial department of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, FAAN on Salary Grade Level 7. In her home state, her name has been penned down for honour as a street will be named after her.
Arunmah Oteh
One would easily agree that Arunma Oteh had a lot to be thankful for in 2015. After her horrendous stay at the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC, she was appointed as the Vice-President and Treasurer of the World Bank, joining the league of compatriots like Oby Ezekwesili and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who had served the bank in various capacities.
Kate Henshaw
The year couldn’t have ended better for Kate Henshaw. After an unsuccessful run to win a seat in the House of Representatives in her home state, Cross River, Governor Ben Ayade appointed her as his Special Adviser Liaison-Lagos. It was a good reward for the Nollywood actress whose Lekki apartment was razed by fire this year.
Alex Okosi
Call him the man with the Midas Touch and you may not be far from the truth. Media mogul and Vice President, Vicacom International Media Networks, Alex Okosi, attained great landmarks this year such as the launch of BET Africa, Channel 129 on DStv and the inaugural BET Experience Africa among others.
Udy Umondak
Udy is one woman whose relevance in the media cannot be overridden. From her heyday as an actress to a renowned TV host, there is always something new about the former first lady of Akwa Ibom State. The funky grandmother launched her new TV show The Udy Factor this year. The show breaks all bounds with its explicit discourse of subjects mostly discussed in the closet.
Paul Adefarasin
The classy clergyman set a new trend of evangelism this year. In a remarkable style, Bishop Paul Adefarasin premiered award-winning Hollywood flick ‘Selma’ that featured British Nigerian actor David Oyelowo. The premiere, according to Adefarasin, was part of his campaign for peace in the March/April general elections. Likewise, he marked the independence anniversary with another premiere, ‘Captive’ which starred Oyelowo again. The message this time around was to build a purpose-driven nation.
Adebola Williams
Co-founder of Red Media, Adebola Williams was hailed for his laudable role in the positive turn-around of President Buhari’s political campaign before the general elections.
Shileola Ibironke
Following the production of Nigeria’s first telenovela, Taste of Love, from her Micro Media stable, Shileola Ibironke returned last year with another gripping series, Casino, which has been well received.
Genevieve Nnaji
Genevieve Nnaji took up the daunting task to produce a movie this year. Her latest production ‘Road To Yesterday’ which premiered at the African International Film Festival, exposed the hidden talents of the actress. The film has also been nominated at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards.
Austin Aimankhu
Austin Aimankhu made a good impression with his Luzol brand this year with the second edition of his Fashion Art Fusion show. The sophomore edition lent a voice to arts and celebrated the African heritage on the runway.
Uzodinma Iweala
The first son of ex-Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala made history this year as the first Nigerian author whose book ‘Beast of no Nation’ caught the interest of Hollywood producers. It was adapted for a motion picture of the same title that starred American actor Idris Elba.
Korede Bello, Tiwa Savage, Olamide Desmond Elliot
It was a good year for the entertainment industry as the likes of Korede Bello, Tiwa, Salvage, Olamide and Desmond Elliot had good news emanating from their stables. After what seemed like an end of the road for Tiwa Savage’s marriage in late 2014 with rumours of separation and divorce, the Eminado crooner shocked her critics that all was well in her matrimony when she did not only get pregnant for the same man and ex-manager, Balogun, she delivered a bouncing baby boy in a London hospital sometime in July.
“I don get alert” crooner, Korede Bello would remember 2015 as a year of blessing and recognition. His single “I don get alert” became an instant hit. He got endorsement from telecommunication company Glo.
He wrapped up the year by becoming the first personality to be appointed Nigeria Police Youth Ambassador. The king of street music Olamide too had cause to smile this year. His song (Shakiti Bobo) received warm reception from all and sundry before it was banned due to his dirty and vulgar lyrics.
The greenhorn in politics and Nollywood actor, Desmond Olusola Elliot, also got elected into the Lagos State House of Assembly to represent Surulere.
CELEBRITY CONTROVERSIES
Linda Ikeji:
Celebrity blogger, Linda Ikeji, left many gobsmacked with her acquisition of a half a billion naira landed property. However, a subtle hint emerging from the Dasuki saga has cast a damning blur on her vast wealth.
Toke Makinwa
The blogger’s marriage hit the rocks this year after her much celebrated husband Maje Ayida allegedly cheated on her with an ex-girlfriend, Anita Solomon. Toke who is known for dishing out relationship advice apparently couldn’t apply any to her love life.
Adams Oshiomole
Irrespective of his recent brickbat in the media, Governor Adams Oshiomole of Edo State left many jaw-dropped when he took Cape Verdean beauty, Iara Fortes, down the aisle. The wedding was popular for many reasons, from the gaping age difference between the couple to the seemingly contrast in their facial appearance.
Jennifer Obayuwana
After all the show of love in the media, the Underboss of the iconic Polo Luxury Limited, Jennifer Obayuwana did not walk the aisle this year. Daddy’s girl got engaged to Peter Salah and even flew to Paris to lock their love. But it’s still uncertain if the monsters crept out at night to unlock their love or did the couple misplace the key?
Elohor Aisien
CEO of Beth Modelling Agency Elohor Aisien had her own share of media backlash when it was rumoured that she and her husband, Owen, had gone separate ways. But the couple are said to have settled their differences and are living together.
Majek Fashek
The rainmaker made history this year by being the first Nigerian celebrity to openly enter a rehab after much public appeal.
Oscar Pistorious
Convicted South African sprint runner and convicted murderer, Oscar Pistorius, had a mixed bag in 2015. He was released from prison in October, however, the Appeal Court overturned the culpable homicide verdict and convicted him of murder. He is due in court in April, 2016 to either receive a date on which he will be sentenced for the murder conviction or to update the judge on his appeal process.
Charlie Sheen
The ‘Two and a Half Men’ actor took everyone momentarily aback on November 17 when he revealed he was HIV positive. He said he had been aware of his status four years ago and had paid extortionists over $10 million to keep the secret. He however denied infecting any of his partners.
Caitlyn Jenner
The ex-husband of Kris Kardashian and ex-athlete defied nature by switching to his female side. For months, Caitlyn topped Google search. Caitlyn (or if you like Bruce) Jenner was one of the most searched topic in 2015.
Marriage, Alleged Divorce, Engagement
On Air Personality and one time Big Brother Nigeria contestant, Ebuka Obi-Echendu got married to Cynthia Obiano, daughter of transport magnate and CEO of Chisco Motors in a lavish and elaborate wedding in Nnewi Anambra State. It was cheering news from Tolu Oniru of Beat F.M. when she eventually did her introduction with her long time fiancé, Captain Demuren, in November. The governor of Delta State, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa also gave his daughter to Gbolahan Daramola at an elaborate ceremony that drew the crème la crème to Asaba. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar gave three of his beautiful daughters in marriage and his son also got married. The wedding ceremony was held at his Adamawa palatial home.
EVENTS
General Elections
Palpable tension heralded the past general elections. Many feared that violence would break out in some parts of the country, while others clung to the prediction of experts in a CIA-sponsored workshop years ago that the country would break-up. Despite its postponement from February 14 and 28 to March 28 and April 11, the elections were peaceful, but not without some theatre of the absurd.
Former Minister of Niger Delta, Godsday Orubebe, acted a one-man script that fateful day as the results of the presidential election were collated. Like a possessed man, he grabbed the microphone and unleashed a slew of allegations on the INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega. The whole drama will remain in the minds of Nigerians not only for the disgraceful attitude of Orubebe but also for the calm and ease with which Jega responded. It is still uncertain if Orubebe’s performance was part of a secret plot to abduct Jega or not as widely speculated.
Lunar Eclipse
One of the epic moments in 2015 was the occurrence of a Lunar eclipse. The eclipse took place between September 27 and 28. It was seen Sunday evening, September 27, in the Americas; while in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, it was seen in the early hours of Monday morning, September 28. The last time it happened was in 1982.
Hard Rock Cafe
After successfully opening eight Hard Rock Cafes in his home country, India, Sanjay Mahtani opened the second Hard Rock Cafe in Africa, precisely in Lagos, Nigeria. Occupying a vast land at Landmark Events Centre, Oniru-Lagos, Hard Rock Cafe is an upscale club, lounge and restaurant with memorabilia of all the Rock music superstars used as interior decor. It also has a fashion shop where guests can buy fashionable items such as wears and customised pins that certifies one as a Hard Rock Cafe member in any part of the world.
Nigerian Breweries
Nigerian Breweries Plc made few changes to some of its events this year. The annual star trek music concert was restricted to two legs. Its adventure reality show Gulder Ultimate Search was transformed to a consumer oriented promo. There was also no yuletide intrigue this year unlike last year when the company built a Christmas tree with bottles. However, for the first time, its Heineken brand headlined the Lagos Fashion Designer Week.
No Love Like a Movie
The much anticipated fairy tale show ‘Love Like a Movie’ did not hold this year following tension from the past general elections. However, the convener Darey Art Alade has promised it would return with a bang next year.
Smooth Luxury concert:
The annual Smooth FM. Luxury concert took a break this year. The radio station for some unknown reasons decided to rest the show in 2015 but may likely host it next year.
Steve Harvey’s Gaffe at Miss Universe Pageantry:
It was an awkward moment for American TV host and actor Steve Harvey when he mistakenly named Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez winner of the Miss Universe Pageantry instead of Miss Philippines, Pia Wurtzbach. He later apologised but the gaffe had already gone viral.
TRAGEDIES
Cecil the Lion Legacy
The brutal killing of a 13-year old Lion in Zimbabwe sparked worldwide public outrage in July. Cecil who was one of the world’s most famous lions and the biggest dominant male black-maned lion in Hwange National Park was killed by an American dentist Walter Palmer. The dentist had paid the sum of $50,000 to veteran safari guide Theo Bronkhorst. Cecil was lured out of the sanctuary before being shot and wounded with an arrow. He would later be killed by a rifle.
Bristow Helicopter Crash
It was dark Wednesday for Nigeria when a Bristow helicopter flying from an oil rig in Escravos, Delta State on Wednesday, August 13, crashed into the Lagos lagoon. On board were two crew members and 10 passengers, out of which four died instantly while six were rescued. The crash cast a gloom on residents of Lagos that fateful afternoon.
Military Air Crash
Another tragedy that struck the nation was the crash of the military aircraft Dornier-228 on Saturday, August 29, killing the seven passengers on board. The crash happened in Kaduna. The cause of the crash was not stated.
Mecca Crane Accident
Just as the city was preparing for the annual hajj pilgrimage in Mecca, a crawler crane toppled over onto the Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Mosque in Mecca, Saudi Arabia killing over 111 people.
The victims were from 12 different nations. However, Egyptians and Bangladeshis were most affected. The incident happened on September 11 and was recorded as the deadliest crane accident in the world.
Mina Hajj Stampede
One of the deadliest happenings of 2015 was the Hajj stampede in Mina Mecca. The praying ground for Muslim pilgrims turned into a bloody ground on September 24 following a stampede. About 2,236 pilgrims were killed in the stampede which was triggered when two groups of pilgrims collided on the same street. Nigeria lost many of its citizens on pilgrimage in the stampede including journalist Hajiya Bilikisu Yusuf of Daily Trust and Leadership newspapers.
Bomb Blasts
The insurgent group Boko Haram continued with its deadly bomb attacks in villages, towns and cities in the Northeast killing and maiming scores of innocent people. It also continued with its traditional style of bombing cities on the nation’s Independence Day this year. Members of the group bombed Maidugiri on October 1 and Abuja on October 2. Other cities affected by bomb blasts this year include Adamawa, Kano and Bauchi among others.
Paris Attacks
Another highlight of 2015 was the deadly terrorist attack on France on November 13. The series of attacks took place in Paris, the capital of France, and its northern suburb, Saint-Denis. Beginning at 21:20 CET, three suicide bombers struck near the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, followed by suicide bombings and mass shootings at cafés, restaurants, and a music venue in Paris.
About 130 people were murdered in cold blood including 89 at the Bataclan Theatre, where they were taken hostage before engaging in a stand-off with police, 368 people were badly injured. Seven of the attackers also died, while authorities continued to search for accomplices. The attacks were the deadliest on France since World War II and the deadliest in the European Union since the Madrid train bombings in 2004.
Bamako Hotel Attack
The daredevils struck again on November 20, in Bamako, the capital city of the West African country of Mali. The attack was carried out on Radisson Blu hotel where the Islamic militants Al-Mourabitoun took 170 people hostage, with mass shootings that left 20 dead. It was initially feared that Nigeria’s richest man Aliko Dangote was among the hostages. The insurgents would later claim cooperation with the Al-Qaeda terrorist group in the attack.
Nigerian Army vs Shi’ttes
It is still uncertain who is telling the truth on the Zaria massacre that left scores dead on Saturday December 12. While the Nigerian army accused the Islamic Movement of Nigeria members of attempting to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, the sect is claiming that the army opened fire on them deliberately. The situation has attracted international bodies to seek investigation into the whole matter.
NIGERIANS MAKING WAVES OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY
A few Nigerians made the country proud by attaining greater heights in their country of abode. They include:
Jidenna
The Nigerian-American artiste soared to greater heights this year with his singles ‘Classic Man’ and ‘Yoga’ under the American artiste Janelle Monae’s record label, Wondaland Records. The hits topped international charts and beamed the spotlight on the Nigerian. Classic Man was nominated for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 58th Grammy Awards.
John Boyega
He is the man of the moment in Hollywood for his dazzling role in the astronomical flick Star Wars: The Force Awakens. The 23 year-old Nigerian is basking in his new found fame by hanging out with Hollywood veterans like Harrison Ford and featured on CNN as well as other international media organisations.
Chuka Umunna
Very few people knew about Chuka Umunna until he jostled for the leadership of UK’s opposition party, Labour Party. Umunna has served the party as Shadow Business Secretary before climbing higher the political later. His re-election was greeted with heroic applause.
Helen Grant
Together with Umunna, Grant was re-elected to represent the Maidstone and The Weald
Constituency in Kent under the Labour Party. She was the first black Conservative black Member of Parliament (MP) after she replaced Ann Widdecombe, who stepped down as an MP. She is also the first black woman selected to defend a Tory seat. Ms Grant also served the UK as Minister of Sports, Tourism and Equalities.
Chi Onwurah
The 50 year-old lady was re-elected alongside her colleagues in Labour Party to represent Newcastle. She became Newcastle’s first black MP when she was elected in 2010.
Kate Osamor
She is the new kid on the block for the Labour Party representing Edmonton. She won the Labour ticket from another Nigerian, Kate Anolue. Osamor who has worked with the NHS for 15 years is a well known trade unionist and member of the Labour Party’s National Executive Committee.
MEDIA
PM News, NET Newspaper Quit Newsstands
This year saw the disappearance of evening newspaper, PM News and the weekly entertainment newspaper NET from the newsstands. According to the publisher of NET, Ayeni Adekunle, it became imperative for him to stop production of the hard copy due to the low sales. Both brands have limited their publication to the online community.
Daily Independent
For Daily Independent, it is still unsure if the newspaper will shut down or continue running its operations. After settling its employees of 13-month salary, pension contribution and other entitlements, the management dismissed the workers. The fate of the paper after this dramatic turnaround is yet to be known.
BHM
Prominent public relations agency, BlackHouse Media, held a one day funeral for the profession at its office in Ikeja, this year. The event was a stunt with a thrust to outline the various malignancies that has crippled the growth of the profession in recent times. Tagged ‘PR is Dead’, guests were dressed in black and asked to pay tribute to the profession.
WFM
The first women radio station in Africa WFM 97.1 was launched in Nigeria in September. According to the managing director of the station, Toun Okewale-Sonaiya, the radio is for women, the men in their lives and the family.
Toyin Nwosu’s Kidnap
Wife of Deputy Managing Director of The Sun Newspapers; Mrs. Toyin Nwosu, was kidnapped at her Okota, Lagos home. The mother of four was released after four days in captivity after an undisclosed ransom was allegedly paid.
Toni Kan
Poet and journalist, Tony Kan, climbed a rung higher on the ladder of success with an endorsement deal from Samsung.
DEATHS
Adunni Bankole
The year started with the sad news of the death of the Iyalode of Gbagura, Egbaland on the First Saturday of the year. The shrewd businesswoman died on the morning of her second daughter, Mopelola Zeenat’s wedding. Adunni was said to have suffered from a long heart-related disease and was comatose for five days before her untimely death. She passed on at the age of 55.
Muna Obiekwe
Nollywood actor Muna Obiekwe bowed to death on January 18, 2015. He had been suffering from a kidney disease but kept it from public glare. His death was greeted with sadness and pity.
Oba Okunade Sijuade
Yorubaland was thrown into despair when the great Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, joined his ancestors in July. His death was shrouded in secrecy. The Yoruba monarch died in London at the age of 85. He would later be succeeded by Architect Adeyeye Ogunwusi.
Deinde Fernandez
Nigeria lost one its richest men, Antonio Deinde Fernandez, this year. The multi-millionaire mining tycoon and diplomat died on September 1 at Brussels, Belgium after battling with an undisclosed ailment. He died at age 78.
Olu of Warri
His death was one of the controversial deaths of the year. For days, the people of Itsekiri were uncertain about the true state of their monarch, Ogiame Atuwatse, until the Warri Traditional Council of Chiefs announced the death of the king. The influential Itsekiri King, who reigned for 28 years, was reported to have died in a private hospital on September 5 in Lagos.
HID Awolowo
Nigeria lost one of its prominent jewels Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo this year. The matriarch of the Awolowo family passed on September 19, survived by her children, grand children and great-grandchildren. HID was fondly remembered for her active support in her late husband Obafemi Awolowo’s political career. She was aged 99 years.
Gamaliel Onosode
The boardroom guru Gamaliel Onasode was one of those snatched by death in 2015. The humble technocrat died on Tuesday, September 29 after suffering from a cancerous ailment. He died at age 82.
Diepreye Alamieyesiegha
With just a month and six days to his 63rd birthday, the Grim reaper visited former Bayelsa State Governor Diepreye Alamieyesiegha. The Governor-General of the Ijaw Nation died on October 10 of cardiac arrest.
Emir of Borgu
Paramount ruler of Borgu Kingdom, Haliru Dantoro Kitoro III, joined his ancestors on October 30 after a brief illness in Germany. The 77 year-old monarch was famous for naming the National Leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as the Jagaban of Borgu.
Audu Abubakar
One of the shocking deaths on the political landscape this year was the death of the Kogi State APC gubernatorial candidate, Audu Abubakar. He died in the early hours of November 22, while he was leading in the governorship election and before INEC could conduct supplementary polls after announcing the election inconclusive. His death stirred a political dilemma that left the late aspirant running mate’s, Hon. James Faleke at loggerheads with the party’s preferred candidate, Yahaya Bello.
Agnes Nnamani
In the same manner, former governor of Enugu State, Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani, also lost his beautiful wife, the late Agnes Nnamami to death in an American hospital after complications from sickle cell anaemia.
Kate Keshi
Former Super Eagles Coach Stephen Keshi also lost his wife to death this year. Kate was reported to have been battling cancer for three years. She died on December 9 at the age of 54.
Skibii’s ‘Death’
He didn’t actually die but the death stunt he caused on August 14, earned him a spot in the limelight. The artiste signed under Five Star Music was earlier declared dead until his management debunked the news. Whether it was for a few seconds of fame or not, Skibii Mayana will always be remembered for the death stunt.
– THISDAY
