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Before Stardom With… Mike Afolarin

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Before Stardom With... Mike Afolarin

What was your job before you ventured into the entertainment industry?

I have always been in the entertainment industry but worked more behind-the-scenes in filmmaking. I was involved in photography and worked with camera crews before I started acting.

Who has been your biggest influence in the film industry?

I have had many great influences right from when I started. Gabriel Afolayan had a major influence on my career when I began.

I would have conversations with him about performances, and he’d give me advice and insights. That was very helpful in my journey.

In all the movies you’ve acted in, which one do you think stretched your creative ability?

Every movie I have done stretched my creativity in different aspects and ways. However, House of Gaa, challenged me physically, in terms of speaking Yoruba as it was spoken back in the day, and in the depth of the emotions the characters had to portray.

Different characters stretched me in various ways, so it’s hard to pick just one.

Are you comfortable being in the limelight, or would you rather keep a low profile?

I prefer to keep a low profile. I’m not everywhere as a celebrity; I see myself as an actor who goes to work and does his job. That’s how I view my role in the industry.

If you weren’t an actor or in the creative industry, what other industry do you think you would thrive in?

I think I would still end up in the creative space. Right now, the first thing that comes to mind is photography.

What is that thing you used to do for fun that you still enjoy doing?

I consider myself a pretty boring person. I enjoy playing video games whenever I have time off the sets.

What’s something you could have changed in the past?

I don’t think there’s anything I’d like to change about the past. Every choice and decision I have made brought me to where I am now.

How do you balance your life as a celebrity with your personal life?

I take breaks when I’m not filming. I often take long breaks from social media as well. I spend time with my family and go out with friends.

What’s your advice for people planning to start a career in the movie industry?

There are many ways to enter the movie industry. You can’t start from the top; you have to begin with smaller roles and work your way up. There isn’t a “godfather” who can simply place you at the front. There’s a long line of people trying to get in, so you need to stay prepared and work hard to advance.

Are you working on any new projects?

Yes, several projects are in the works, though I can’t speak much about them yet. I have a couple of movies that haven’t been released and some without release dates. I have a film called Freedom Way that is showing at the Toronto International Film Festival, which I’m excited about.

Another project, Red Circle, is expected to be released next year. Those are the ones I can discuss at the moment.

What’s something about you that people don’t know?

I love to enjoy good music.

Addressing the link between uterine fibroids and mental health

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Addressing the link between uterine fibroids and mental health

Despite being a non-cancerous tumour, uterine fibroids can have a significant impact on a woman’s life that goes beyond her physical symptoms.

These growths are prevalent, and frequently discovered in women’s uteri during their reproductive years.

In actuality, they are the primary cause of major surgery among females. If you have been diagnosed with uterine fibroid, do not lose hope, you are not alone.

There’s more to the fibroids than just the physical pain they inflict. Although frequently unnoticed, living with fibroids can have equally major effects on your emotional and mental health.

The psychological toll that uterine fibroids can have, how they can affect your mental health, and strategies for coping with the problems they can cause on your physical and mental levels are significant enough for you to seek the right information.

Depression may be linked to fibroid symptoms — and vice versa, so you should understand your risk. Fibroids symptoms can understandably affect your mood. It’s easy to understand that having fibroid symptoms might get you depressed.

Heavy, painful periods can leave a woman feeling physically unwell. Pain during sex or loss of libido can affect your relationship with your partner. Pelvic pressure may make it necessary to run to the bathroom all day long.

The need to go to the bathroom can also disrupt sleep, and lack of sleep can contribute to fatigue. Many of the different symptoms might prevent you from exercising or engaging in activities that you once enjoyed, and any or all of the pain or discomfort may prevent you from normal activity and diminish your quality of life. This can exact a psychological toll and even affect your self-esteem.

In addition, studies indicate a deeper depression-fibroid link though it’s still unclear whether depression or fibroids comes first. Depression might be a fibroid risk factor.  Studies have shown this. One such study conducted by a research team from Boston University indicates that depression might be a risk factor for developing fibroids.

Whether you are dealing with fibroids or know someone who is, understanding these impacts can be a crucial step toward holistic health and well-being.

As explained previously, uterine fibroids are typically non-cancerous tumours that appear in the uterus, primarily during your childbearing years. While they vary in size — from as small as an apple seed to as large as a grapefruit — the presence of fibroids can lead to a range of symptoms that may disrupt your well-being and daily life.

You’re probably familiar with the common symptoms – heavy menstrual bleeding, pelvic pain, frequent urination, and sometimes pain during intercourse.

These physical symptoms are not just discomforting; they often lead to emotional distress, affecting a woman’s self-esteem and mental health.

The unpredictable nature of fibroid symptoms can cause significant anxiety and you may worry about when and where you might experience severe pain or heavy bleeding, complicating everything from your work commitments to your social plans.

This constant concern can lead to heightened stress levels, which may exacerbate fibroid symptoms, creating a distressing cycle. Living with uterine fibroids can take a toll on your mental health. The chronic pain associated with fibroids often leads to depression and anxiety.

It is not unusual for you to report feelings of isolation or being misunderstood by those who haven’t experienced similar health issues. Concerns about fertility and family planning can add another layer of stress, particularly for those who face challenges in conceiving due to fibroids.

The psychological impact is compounded by the lack of control that you might feel over your body and the uncertainty about the future. Fibroids can affect not only your physical health but also your mental state, influencing your quality of life profoundly.

Addressing these mental health challenges is just as important as treating the physical symptoms. Managing the mental health effects of fibroids is crucial, hence developing strong coping mechanisms and having a robust support system can make a significant difference.

Techniques such as mindfulness meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can help manage stress and reduce the overall impact of symptoms on mental health. Additionally, joining support groups where experiences and coping strategies are shared can be incredibly beneficial.

It’s essential for you to speak openly with your healthcare provider about the mental strains that you may experience. Healthcare professionals can offer or recommend access to counselling and therapy, which can be instrumental in dealing with emotional stress and anxiety.

Being proactive about mental health can improve overall outcomes and empower you to take control of your health journey. Various treatment options for uterine fibroids can also influence mental health positively by alleviating the physical symptoms that contribute to psychological stress.

From medications that manage symptoms to surgical options that aim to remove fibroids, each treatment offers hope for relief. Holistic approaches, including diet changes and acupuncture, may also support overall well-being and help manage symptoms.

It’s important to discuss all available options with healthcare specialists who understand the intricacies of fibroids and their treatment. Effective management of fibroids requires a personalised approach, taking into account both physical and mental health needs.

Understanding the intersection of uterine fibroids and mental health is vital for those affected. While the journey with fibroids can be challenging, it’s important to remember that help is available.

Providing comprehensive care that addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of living with fibroids is essential. If you’re struggling with symptoms or just need someone to talk to, don’t hesitate to reach out.

My marriage…With Chibueze Oforbuike

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My marriage…With Chibueze Oforbuike

What is the most surprising thing you’ve learned about your wife since you got married? She is extremely understanding and forgiving. Because of my job, if there’s any shortcoming on my side, we talk about it. Even the issues you wouldn’t expect her to understand or overlook, she does. It’s surprising to see this trait

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Probe cases of rights violation, N’Delta group tells FG

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Ohanaeze commends Igbo for boycotting #EndBadGovernanceInNigeria protest

The Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group has urged the Federal Government to investigate cases of human rights violations that occurred during the hunger protests which began nationwide on Thursday, August 1, 2024.

In a statement by its Chief Executive Officer, High Chief Anthony George-Hill, and a member of the Nigeria Civic Space Protection Alliance, Stiv Obodoekwe, the group emphasised the need for the government to ensure democratic freedom and safeguard the civic space.

The group issued this statement following its two-day civic space protection training in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The statement reads, “The government must promote and protect the human rights of citizens at all times. Therefore, the government should create an enabling environment for citizens to breathe and exercise their rights.

“Considering the importance of human rights and civic space to the survival of democracy, we call on the government to prioritise citizens’ interests and the protection of human rights and civic space in its agenda, policies, and actions.

“The government should take serious steps to ensure democratic freedom, the safeguarding of civic space, human rights, and the rule of law. Authorities should allow citizens to exercise their rights to freedom of expression.

“Authorities should ensure that incidents of rights violations and civic space suppression are properly investigated, and state actors found culpable should be brought to justice.”

It, however, cautioned individuals or groups calling for a regime change through the military, adding that democracy remained a better option than a minute of military rule.

“Nigeria should be a democratic model in Africa, irrespective of its ups and downs,” the statement added.

Naval officer dies rescuing 59 from drowning in Rivers

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Naval officer dies rescuing 59 from drowning in Rivers

The Base Operations Officer of the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny, Lieutenant-Commander Gideon Gwaza, has lost his life during a rescue operation in River State.

The Director of Naval Information, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, in a statement on Friday, said the operation led to the rescue of 59 persons from a dredging vessel, MV AMBIKA 4, that was on the brink of sinking while operating at the Okpobo Field, near the Okpobo River.

Adams-Aliu said the operation was conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force.

He said, “In response, the Nigerian Navy Forward Operating Base in Bonny deployed a rescue team comprising 10 armed personnel in two interceptor boats, led by the Base Operations Officer, to carry out the rescue operation.

“Efforts to approach the distressed vessel were challenging due to the strength of the waves, prompting the deployment of another squadron of three boats to reinforce the rescue team.

“Additionally, the Nigerian Navy Ship GONGOLA, drones, Nigerian Navy helicopters, and a Nigerian Air Force helicopter were mobilised for the search and rescue mission. Eventually, all 59 crew members were successfully rescued, but the Base Operations Officer, Lieutenant-Commander Gideon Gwaza, paid the ultimate price.”

He noted that the deceased officer accidentally fell overboard during the rescue operation which lasted for approximately 10 hours, from midnight on July 29 to 30, 2024.

“The Nigerian Navy deeply mourns the loss of Gwaza, who bravely risked his life to save others.

“He was a well-trained combat diver whose untimely death reflects the risks and sacrifices of Nigerian Navy personnel in ensuring the safety of Nigeria’s maritime domain.

“His dedication and sacrifice will forever be remembered,” Adams-Aliu added.

We feel unsafe during riots – Nigerians in UK

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We feel unsafe during riots – Nigerians in UK

Nigerians living in the United Kingdom have expressed fear over the recent attacks on immigrants in the country, saying they feel threatened and unsafe.

Britain has been plunged into a series of protests that erupted early last week following the death of three young girls in a knife attack in Southport, northwest England.

The police arrested a 17-year-old male as the suspected killer of the victim. However, rumour soon spread that the suspect was an Islamist migrant.

Consequently, several thousand far-right natives gathered near Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Downing Street office in Central London to protest.

The protest soon turned into riots as security agents arrested 100 suspects.

There have been riots in more than 20 cities across Britain, including Sunderland, Plymouth and Belfast.

Protesters attacked mosques, buildings housing asylum seekers, cars and houses, including a library, which was set ablaze. Shops were also looted.

Starmer warned that the rioters would be sentenced within a week.

Despite the assurance given, some Nigerians told Saturday According that the rioters targeted immigrants, and some homes belonging to Nigerians were attacked.

A Nigerian engineer living in London, Toyyib Adelodun said, “London has been generally safe, but the Nigerian community is feeling unsafe in places where the riots were intense like Middlesborough and Plymouth. We have reported attacks on some Nigerian homes and some people couldn’t leave their houses for some days.”

Another Nigerian IT professional, Dr Evelyn Okpanachi, blamed the riot on misinformation.

“It’s deeply saddening to witness the rise in violence in the UK, especially the unjust targeting of immigrants. Misinformation has fueled unrest across cities. While law enforcement is doing its best to intervene, more must be done to end this violence,” Okpanachi added.

Another Nigerian student at Cambridge University, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Black British were not excluded from the attacks.

The source said, “I feel threatened because it is targeted towards immigrants. Even the immigrants who are already citizens are also targeted because they are not whites. I feel threatened because it’s been violent and lives have been lost.”

Also, a senior lecturer in London, Dr Oyedele Ogundana said, “As a Nigerian and a person of colour, it’s natural to feel concerned for one’s safety and that of loved ones. Nonetheless, we remain hopeful that peace will be restored.”

But a realtor, Maxwell Adeyemi, who lives in Bradford, said the unrest did not get to the ward, adding that there was peace in the area.

He said, “The tension has created panic almost everywhere in the UK. However, my area in West Yorkshire, the city of Bradford is calm. I can say it’s the headquarters of immigrants in the UK.”

The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, assured that Nigerians in the UK are safe.

Montgomery spoke on Wednesday during a meeting with the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa.

The envoy said, “We will not, as a country, accept discrimination or attacks against any community.”

Adetshina gets support after alleged parental fraud

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Miss South Africa contestant with Nigerian roots bows out amid citizenship controversy

Nigerians in South Africa have said the controversial parental history of Chidimma Adetshina who withdrew from a beauty contest should be thoroughly investigated.

Adetshina, 23, pulled out from Miss South Africa Beauty Pageant 2024 on Thursday following criticisms from South Africans that she was not eligible to participate in the pageantry.

Her withdrawal stemmed from the information published on the organisation’s website that she was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and a Mozambique mother.

The organisers also affirmed that she was a naturalised South African.

However, the Department of Home Affairs for South Africa, in a statement on Wednesday, claimed that Adetshina’s mother might have engaged in a fraud.

“The Department of Home Affairs can indicate that prima facie reasons exist to believe that fraud and identity theft may have been committed by the person recorded in Home Affairs records as Chidimma Adetshina’s mother,” the statement read.

This forced Adetshina to withdraw from the contest billed for Saturday at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.

She wrote on Instagram, “I have made the difficult decision to withdraw myself from the competition for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I.”

The President of the Nigerian Union in South Africa, Mrs Doris Ikeri-Solarin, told Saturday Punch that it was an “unfortunate” incident borne out of “discrimination.”

“It is very unfortunate that this young, beautiful, and intelligent lady is made to face this level of discrimination. The investigation is yet to be concluded; I’m not sure she should be made to suffer the consequences. Let’s wait for the outcome,” Ikeri-Solarin said.

“The Immigration lawyer who was interviewed explained the different ways of acquiring citizenship in South Africa, which is not limited to one. This needs to be thoroughly reviewed. Under what circumstance did Chidinma (Adetshina) acquire hers? Is her father legit and papers in order? If so, let’s look at options.”

Similarly, a Nigerian lawyer in Johannesburg, Austin Okeke, said Adetshina should not be  condemned for her parents’ alleged errors.

He said, “The illegality of her mother has no bearing whatsoever on her citizenship status. That she has now withdrawn from the Miss South Africa beauty pageant was a direct consequence on the growing hostility towards her.

“I am sure she must have been very traumatised and petrified by the level of hostility, which must have invariably affected her confidence and composure to continue with the competition.

“The pageant is nothing but a competition that should not have attracted this level of hatred and abuse of her dignity as a fellow human.”

Asked about the 23-year-old’s safety in South Africa, Ikeri-Solarin said, “I do not think she’s at risk of experiencing xenophobic attacks even though her story and personality stirred up the social media space globally.

“Her talents need to be nurtured and guided to open new doors for the future.”

Lagos-Ibadan expressway accident kills three passengers

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Lagos-Ibadan expressway accident kills three passengers

Three yet-to-be-identified passengers on Thursday lost their lives following a multi-vehicle crash on the Kara section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Saturday According gathered that an unidentified truck driver transporting sugar, lost control and collided with another vehicle, triggering a chain of collisions around 7 pm along Isheri-Olofin, outward bound from Lagos State.

Our correspondent learnt that the other vehicles involved in the accident included an SF3000 truck, a Toyota Camry car with the number plate EPE 200 GK, an Isuzu mini truck with the number plate T-1079 LA and a Honda Accord car.

A fuel attendant at a nearby filling station, identified only as Michael, told our correspondent that he saw several other passengers being rushed to the hospital.

“Three vehicles were involved in the accident, including one fully loaded with bags of sugar. I heard that some people lost their lives.

“However, I saw several injured passengers being rushed to the hospital. The truck driver fled the scene before he could be arrested,” Michael stated.

The spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident.

She said the victims had been taken to a hospital in Lagos for medical attention.

Odutola said, “Three passengers including two women and one man, died at the scene. The injured were transported to the emergency clinic at Old Toll Gate in Ojota for treatment. The Lagos State Fire Service was present to extinguish the fire.

“The corpses have been taken to the mortuary at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital for identification and autopsy. Authorities are actively working to locate the truck driver who fled the scene.”

Also reacting, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Fire Service, Amodu Shakiru, stated, “The incident occurred in Ogun State but our team was on-site to do everything possible to manage the situation. It took place along the Kara Bridge.”

Nigerians criticise govt’s UK travel warning amid local unrest

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Nigerians criticise govt’s UK travel warning amid local unrest

In light of the recent riots in the United Kingdom, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, released a statement cautioning that extra care should be taken by anyone who had plans to travel to the UK.

The statement, which was signed by the ministry’s spokesperson, Eche Abu-Obehas, read, “There is an increased risk of violence and disorder occasioned by the recent riots in the UK, stemming from the killing of three young girls at a concert (sic). The violence has assumed dangerous proportions, as evidenced by reported attacks on law enforcement agents and damage to infrastructure.

“To this end, citizens are advised to be extra vigilant and take measures as follows— avoid political processions and protests, rallies or marches. Avoid crowded areas and large gatherings. Be vigilant and self-aware at all times. Demonstrations by far-right and other extra-parliamentary groups in parts of the UK in recent weeks have been large and, in some instances, unruly.

“These disturbances have only been aggravated by the unfortunate deaths of the three girls, spawning an anti-immigration narrative with particular emphasis on targeting Muslim immigrants or persons of colour.”

However, many Nigerians have criticised the statement, accusing the government of playing the ostrich while the country was engulfed in the #EndBadGovernance protests.

A netizen, The_real_localman, wrote, “This is extremely funny. No death has occurred as a result of the riots in a few places in the UK, but you are issuing travel advice. Whereas right under your nose, over 2/3 of the states in Nigeria are rioting and at least 13 deaths have occurred so far. If you care about the safety of Nigerians, you should look within.”

Using Biblical reference, i.am_pauli wrote, “Typical case of trying to remove the spec of from your neighbour’s eyes while a log of wood is in yours.”

Winosa5 also wrote, “Government thinks people will seriously pause plans to travel because of riots in the UK, compared to the supposed luxury of living in Nigeria.”

CSOs demand probe on trapped N4.9bn meal subsidy

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CSOs demand probe on trapped N4.9bn meal subsidy

Civil Society Organisations have called on the Federal Government to investigate why the Ministry of Finance failed to release a N4.9bn meal subsidy for 112 Federal Unity Colleges across the country.

The According had earlier revealed that a sum of N2,478,056,400 was paid monthly to all the 112 FUCs, but the finance ministry skipped the payment of the intervention funds for November and December 2023.

The ministry, however, paid the intervention funds for January 2024 to date. The immediate past Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Walson-Jack, who is the Head of Civil Service of the Federation-designate, in February 2024, wrote to her finance counterpart, asking that the intervention funds for the two months be released.

Walson-Jack noted that the failure to release the subsidy was affecting the smooth running of the colleges, adding that the current challenges being encountered in the management of the meal subsidy in the schools were as a result of the inflation and the worsening effect of the recurring late releases of the meal subsidy funds to the schools.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, in a conversation with Saturday According, highlighted the need to investigate and unravel the reason for withholding such funds as the ministry ought to have released the money to the schools a long time ago.

He also raised the alarm that the people in charge of the funds might have temporarily diverted them for personal gains, noting that anybody found culpable of causing the delay should be brought to book.

According to him, while the people in charge of the funds are investigated, all factors, including any bureaucratic disturbances, which may have contributed to the delay, should also be identified.

He said, “It is a fund that ought to have been planned for since a very long time. So, if there is any bureaucratic disturbance, they ought to have ironed it out before it was due not to speak of running it to arrears so those that are in charge should be thoroughly investigated.”

“Everybody involved should be made to account for his role in the delay or in the withholding of that fund, and if anybody has benefited from it, they should be jailed.”

Also, the Secretary of the Oyo State chapter of the Joint Action Forum, Abiodun Bamgboye, said averting such situations would require that the management and control of the resources made for all the institutions were subjected to democratic management and by a board which would include students, parents, and representatives of the government as members.

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