Nollywood actress and spokesperson for the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Kate Henshaw, has denied claims of neglect made by Stella Maris, the wife of actor John Okafor, also known as Mr. Ibu.
Stella Maris alleged that the guild had not been helpful in getting medical attention for her husband amid his health battles.
Speaking on behalf of the AGN on Saturday, Kate Henshaw maintained that the guild has always supported its members, regardless of their status, especially in matters of health.
She emphasised that their aid was extended to Mr Ibu even before he disclosed his health condition, with the full consent and knowledge of his immediate family.
“We’ve had to task members privately to help assist with our intervention for his health issues. But it would be wrong to make it public knowledge of any form of assistance we provide to our members in need.”
In response, Stella Maris, in a video shared by the social media critic VeryDarkMan, insisted that the guild’s statement was a cover-up and lacked truth.
She revealed that she hadn’t received assistance from the union before her husband’s health crisis, and her attempts to contact the Actors Guild had been unsuccessful.
Kate Henshaw fired back, accusing Stella Maris of spreading falsehoods. She firmly asserted that the Guild has supported Mr. Ibu since 2021.
While acknowledging Stella’s distress, Kate stated that labelling the Guild as unhelpful is inaccurate.
Kate Henshaw concluded by emphasizing that the focus should be on Mr. Ibu’s health and that she wouldn’t make any further statements on the matter.
The dispute revolves around the assistance provided to Mr. Ibu during his health struggles, and Kate Henshaw, as the AGN spokesperson, has defended the guild’s position.
Legendary Kumawood actor and broadcaster, Akwasi Boadi, also known as Akrobeto, has been spotted on a movie production set with Nollywood megastar Rita Dominic and other seasoned Nollywood and Ghallywood actors.
In a behind-the-scenes video shared by Ghanaian movie producer Shirley Frimpong Manso on her Instagram page, Akrobeto was seen with the Nollywood actress and Ghanaian stars like Akosua Agyepong, Gloria Sarfo, Kojo Boakye, and others.
The video opened with Shirley Frimpong Manso advising her cast to take their scripts seriously. She explained that without adequate preparation, the actors would most likely perform poorly.
“You’ve got to practice, it’s not funny. You think you can wing it? It can only happen when you practice and have read your script over and over again. When you have read your script, it shows in your acting, and when you don’t, it is also visible,” Frimpong Manso counseled her cast.
Rita Dominic acknowledged the work ethic of the actors and crew members on set, saying, “Bravo to everyone on set. I did not see a single frown. Everyone worked professionally. I am quite impressed with that, and we need more of such professionalism in the movie industry.”
Shirley Frimpong Manso is gearing up for her latest film project, “Two of a Kind.” This highly anticipated movie will bring together a mix of top talent from both Ghallywood and Nollywood.
Actress Christiana Awuni has expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment of the movie industry by Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP government.
In an interview on UTV, she claimed that Nana Addo and his administration have not fulfilled their commitments to the movie industry.
Madam Awuni voiced her concerns about Nana Addo’s failure to honor his promises to filmmakers in the country and his refusal to sign a bill that was crucial for them.
Consequently, Christiana Awuni is urging Ghanaians to vote for John Mahama in the 2024 elections.
“The movie stars, alongside the NDC and John Dramani Mahama, are calling for votes against Akufo-Addo and his administration due to financial mismanagement.
“Many sectors are not functioning properly. Nana promised to build a film village but did not deliver. We presented a bill to him, which he refused to sign,” she stated.
“We protested in parliament, but our pleas fell on deaf ears. The film industry is consistently overlooked during budget readings, and we have felt neglected for a long time,” she added.
“Should we trust someone who couldn’t ensure a safe journey as a driver, let alone as a mate [Bawumia]? We refuse to do so and instead opt to liberate ourselves, allowing the real driver [Mahama] to guide us to safety,” Christiana Awuni concluded.
Renowned Nollywood producer and actress Funke Akindele is not only making waves in the film industry but also inspiring women across Nigeria to pursue financial independence and mental wellness. In a candid interview with Nigeria’s Arise TV, Akindele highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurship in empowering women, regardless of their circumstances.
Akindele, known for her hit films and series, passionately argued against the traditional notion that women must rely on men for financial success. She spotlighted successful female entrepreneurs like Folorunsho Alakija as examples of what women can achieve on their own. “Who says women can’t make money?” she challenged. “You don’t have to rely on a man to make it.”
Her advice extended beyond financial independence; she urged young women to focus on their own goals and avoid the pitfalls of envy and overspending. “Whatever you have, just start something. Move. Don’t wait for the big opportunity. Even if it’s petty business, just start something,” Akindele encouraged.
Drawing from her own experiences, Akindele shared anecdotes about her humble beginnings, illustrating that self-belief and resourcefulness are key. “I used to buy my handbags from ‘bend down select.’ I would wash and iron them and slay with them. Even with the cheap bags, I still felt good. Just believe in yourself,” she recounted.
Furthermore, Akindele emphasized the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and maintaining mental wellness. She warned against the negative impact of toxic people and harmful content. “Content that would drive you crazy, people that would say things that would upset you, toxic people—avoid them. Because you’re growing in a new space. It’s what you feed yourself with that matters,” she advised.
In a society where women often face societal pressure to conform to traditional roles, Akindele’s message is a powerful reminder of the importance of financial and mental self-sufficiency. Her words resonate deeply, encouraging women to carve out their own paths and build their futures with confidence and resilience.
