Nollywood actress, producer and script writer, Syephanie Okereke Linus who recently welcomed her first child, a son, has lost her dad.

Chief Okereke died a few days to New years day, after suffering from a brief illness. He was age 83!

Stephanie is currently in US with her hubby and son. And she is expected to be back in Nigeria any moment from now!

May God give her and her entire family the fortitude to bear the lost, amen!






Read More: http://www.topgistng.com/2016/01/stephanie-okereke-linus-loses-dad.html

Rumours making the rounds have it that top celebrated Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji is in hot romance with an Abuja based Alhaji. The rumour mongers alleged that if things goes according to plans, the mother of one, who has never been married, will finally join the league of married women in our society.

The rumour mongers who are speaking through their nose, also alleged that her Alhaji lover is so into her, he has involved her in all his financial dealings, including real estate which she flaunted on instagram few days back...

These rumour mongers sniff around with ears wide open like fry pal, and always willing to blow things out of proportion, but seldom far from the truth.

However, if I were you, I will read this with an incredulous mind, because Sarah will not be held repsonsible for any misinformation. Bless!




Read more: http://www.topgistng.com/2016/01/genevieve-nnaji-allegedly-set-to-weds.html

Stella went bananas, when she found out her baby daddy, James, was married with seven kids. And, it's not her new discovery, but the many troubles that came with it, that turned her life, upside down for the next few years.

Just about a year before, she was deeply in love with this man, and dreamt of nothing but a bright future with him. Oh! How she envisaged their wedding day and a fairy-happy-ever-after with the love of her life, or so she thought... but, she was soon knocked back to reality with the uncovering of the million and one atrocious lies he fed her with... the many lies she believed.

Stella, 28, met James at a supermarket in Sapele, Delta state, one day in 2012, and from the moment they first spoke to eachother, she was completely smitten by him.

For her, it was love at first sight. But, for him, it's just another catch. Another case of chop-and-clean-mouth.

He is tall, winsome, well mannered, fun to be with, profound and got a few change to throw around.

On their first date, at a popular restaurant, James invited her over to his house. The house, a pretty flat, located downtown, he shared with his younger brother, or so he claimed.

Stella and James dated for over a year, and it seemed like she had known him all her life. Unlike her ex, a supercilious, condescending, arrogant, rich brat, James was reserved and truly charming. He was very solicitous about her. And she loved him!

Stella said she began to feel something was amiss, when she had to pressurized him into meeting his family. "There was this vagueness with which he spoke, everytime he had to explain why we can't go to see his family, who lives in a nearby community," she said.

Although, they never met, Stella had a good relationship with them, over the phone. She recalled times she spent hours talking with his mom, his dad and his siblings. And all the time, they would addressed her as 'our wife', making her believed she was welcomed.

"I want to be very sure you are the one, before I take you home," he told her one day after some serious rowing. "I don't want you to meet my family, when I am not sure where our relationship is headed."

Although, she felt slightly insecure, Stella said she believed and saw reasons with him, and didn't mind that she had to wait till he was convinced.

She however, knew her whole life had gone awry, when few days after she gave birth to her identical twin girls (pictured), James' wife stormed her home, prepared for war.

Stella told TGNB Unfold! that, after she got pregnant, James, at first, suggested an abortion, which she spurned and later, indulgently accepted that they could have the baby.

Unknown to her, James was married with kids, 7 of them, and she didn't had the slightest idea, whatsoever.

At first, she didn't believe his wife and her story of them having 7 kids and living together as man and wife.... that was bullshit, as far as she was concerned!

For all she knew, her man stays downtown with her brother, a flat she has been to herself, on countless occasions, and didn't even smell a wife, not to talk of kids.

She had been on the phone with his family and even met with them a couple of times after she got pregnant and no one mentioned a wife nor kids to her.

Well, James lied about so many things including: his age, what he does, where he stays and who he really was. "He told me he was 32, when he was actually 46. And to tell you the gospel truth, he don't even look half his age."

Looks, they say, can be deceiving, and Stella has learned that the hard way, unfortunately.

Immediately James' wife found out about Stella, she balefully attacked her. And sometimes, went beyond mere threats to actually duffing her up.

Stella was press-ganged into relocating to a near by community, just to espace her troubles, as she vows continuously to make life miserable for her.

Fighting back tears, Stella said all she feels is rancour, regrets and pain in her heart. The whole incident has brought her entire existence into complete dilapidation, and she don't even know what to do.

Most nights she lay in bed and cried, berating herself for allowing herself to be used, then telling herself that she had no reason to be crying, and crying all the same.

How she got entangled with such a scoundrel, an unrepentant rogue, still beats her till date.

Source: http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/tgnb-unfold-what-will-you-do-if-you.html

Nollywood was recently threw into mourning following the tragic demise of popular comic actor, Dede One Day, who slumped and died Monday, December 14th, after suffering high blood pressure...

Nollywood acts; Ruth Kadiri, Emeka Amakeze, Jnr Pope, Lilian Esoro, Deniel K Deniel, Ken Erics, Georgina Onuoha Igwegbe, Walter Anga, Queen Wokoma, Benson Okonkwo and more have expressed their deepest condolences to the bereaved family. They spoke in a chat with www.topgistng.com

"It came as surprise to me. I did a movie, Airline Babes with him. He has a sense of humor and free spirit. May God give his family the heart to bear the lost." - Ruth Kadiri

The death of Dede One Day is as sad as it is a big shocking loss to Nollywood and his family. He brought joy and happiness to a lot of people but today we grieve over him. Dede has once again reminded us that we are nothing but dust and to dust we shall all return. - Emeka Amakeze
Vice President, Southeast
Actors Guild of Nigeria


"My First movie as an actress in Nollywood (Blood On Fire 2011) was with him... I was so happy working with him because he is an easy going person. A very free spirited and funny person... He gave me words of encouragements... Second Job too, I played the character of his wife (Tom Bigger). I was on set when I heard he slumped! At first I didn't believe it.... I put a call through for confirmation (still hoping it was one of those Nolly gossips or some celebrity publicity stunt), unfortunately it was confirmed. It's true yeah... but I'm still in doubt. Noo.... not the Dede One Day I know." - Queen Wokoma

I never met him personally or did any project with him but from the much I have heard, he is a very lively lovable man. It's indeed another great loss for the world of Nollywood, Entertainment and Nigerians in general. RIP Dede One Day. - Daniel K Daniel (DKD)


We have been on several sets filming and you Dede has always been a pain in the ass, cause you will make us laugh till our stomach and anus hurts. Your demise came as a surprise; i am speechless and shocked. Rest well bro, true heroes never die, in our hearts they live forever. In our heart you live forever. - Jnr Pope

"I never met nor worked with him, but he was a good comic actor and it's quiet unfortunate. May his soul rest in peace. - Esther Ene Audu

Too sad. We really lost a talent. Though we never worked together.. he was a good friend. We all miss him. God bless his soul. - Ken Erics


He has gone, so we, but cherish his memory, abides with us, more potent, nay, more present than the living man. Dede was a respected senior colleague and loved by everyone. His fun to be with on set and respects every actor. He will be missed by all but his memories will always remain....RIP big bro. - Walter Anga

As a senior colleague and a senior brother he was wonderful, understanding, infact am still in shock. We all miss you our beloved brother Dede One Day, May your soul rest in perfect peace, amen. - Paschaline Alex Okoli


Although we were not close, I can say he was a great actor and his death, quiet unfortunate, but God gives and takes. Death is a price we all must pay one day. May his soul rest in peace. And may God give the family the fortitude to bear this great loss, amen.- Benson Okonkwo


Just worked with him once. That once was like I have been friends with him for a long time. Uncle Dede you will be missed. It's unfortunate you left that way. God knows best. May your soul rest in perfect peace. - Ani Amatosero

I'm sending my heart felt condolence to his family, for their loss. I pray that Almighty God grant them the fortitude to bear this great loss; and his soul perpetual rest, amen. - Georgina Onuoha Igwegbe


I was shocked beyond words on hearing the heart breaking news. Although I haven't worked closely with him before, but he is my senior colleague in the industry. And I feel terrible that we have to mourn one of our own. My heart felt condolences goes out to his entire family. I pray the good Lord grant them the fortitude to bear the loss. Rest on Dede One Day, you will be greatly missed. May his soul RIP. - Lilian Esoro Franklin


"Dede One Day was a happy man. He loves to laugh and make people laugh too. I don't even know when he is serious. It pains me that I have not even worked with him but I do watch his movies. Started liking him since the days when Mr Ibu sang those songs. You could hear Dede One Day's voice from the background.

"Nollywood has lost yet another great act. Who are we to question God. If it's possible to bring him back with the number of smiles he has put on people's face... Trust me, he would have resurrected that same day. I pray God gives the family the fortitude to bear the loss. Rest in peace Dede. You will always be remembered. (Actor no dey die) #stepbystepnojumping. - Nosa Rex.

Source: http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/exclusive-ruth-kadiri-jnr-pope-emeka.html

Nollywood actress and film maker, Ani Amatosero has recalled her most embarrassing moment. The Delta state born startlet and CEO Effixzzy magazine told Top Gist Nigeria Blog in a recent chats that she was embarrassed on set.....

My most embarrassing moment was when I was already dressed for a shoot. My director was about to say action when a call came in by somebody I will not call his name. He said he kept that role for his girlfriend. I was so disappointed. I ran into my car in shame. I could not even wait to remove my costume. But my happiness is that even after the girl collected the role. She still could not act. And they almost called me back. But the person who made the swap requested the shoot like that.

Source: www.topgistng.com

A few days ago, a friend of mine told me about a woman who lives in her neighborhood, who lost her only child few years after quitting her marriage. She said since I am hunting for people with unique, touching, inspiring life stories to share on my weekly column (TGNB Unfold!) maybe I could talk to her.

I've heard of parents losing their only child and often imagined how traumatic that is. But after listening to Esther Oniowoni narrate her story, it came home to me that it's a mind-bogging nightmare. I just hope never again will anyone have to go through such indescribable life-shattering experience.

In company of my friend, I went to her house, a one room apartment she used to share with her late elder sister and her children. The room which is situated in a mud house that appears to be more or less abandoned by its owner, don't only lack furnitures, but was practically empty - with few Ghana-must-go-bags, an old cupboard, a plastic chair, table and a bed. I was told the house has never experienced what it feels like to have electricity, even though an electric pole isn't far from the building.

Esther, 54, has lived here for the last seven years.

We got to her house at about 12noon and didn't leave till 4pm, thanks to her chatty, jovial and friendly disposition.

When I told her i'm a reporter who will like to share her story with the world, she was elated and said she'd love to tell her story. Although she didn't understand what a blog is, she was very happy someone was actually showing interest in her and everything that has happened to her.

Esther who spoke in pigin, said she got married at a very tender age of 14 back in the 70s. She said she suffered several pregnancy complications that after she had her son, Moses, no other pregnancy lasted more than three months.

She said marriage was a bad experience for her. So bad she had to ran away with her son to save her dear life. Her husband was the combination of everything a husband shouldn't be - he smokes, drinks, womanizes and worst of all beats her up at will.

Esther who lost her parents at a very tender age, recalled times she died and rose again following severe beating and torture from her husband. There was one occasion she spent three whole month in an hospital bed after sustaining multiple internal and external injuries.

She said on the fateful day, her husband had returned with a strange woman believed to be his lover and said she was going to be staying with them from that day on, Esther protested and that landed her in an hospital bed for the next three months. Her husband used pistol to pound her like yam.

She said she never returned to his house. She left for the village with her son, than he was 19, immediately she was discharged from the hospital.

Esther and her son stayed in the village for years before she was hit with a boit from the blue.

Her son worked in a bakery, while she does menial jobs as well as farming to keep the body and soul together. But unfortunately for her, her son sustained major injury at work, after an engine chopped off his entire five fingers. He died at the hospital few weeks after.

It's been several years since he passed on, and his mom hasn't gotten over it. Probably, will never do. According to her, she died that day. Her whole world came to an utter end the day her son died in her arms.

I asked her if she ever considered a second marriage, she said haven experienced all that she did in the hands of her estranged husband, anything that sounds like marriage scares her. She said marriage isn't for everyone and she is, sadly one of those.

After the tragic death of her son, Esther slipped into insanity and for two whole years she didn't have any idea what she was doing. She practically rome the streets raving mad.

It's took the divine intervention of God and family members to get her back on her feet.

She said she returned to the city to join her sister and her children in that one room apartment seven years ago because life at the Village was lonely and almost impossible to live.

Esther has lived a hard-scrabble life for as long as she can remember and now, it's seems normal to her - from being an orphan to being a victim of domestic violence to being a childless mother to living life on the breadline. Indeed, it's been one misfortune or the other.

Her eyes were glistening with tears all thought. I could feel she was still in grief. It's was in so much pain she said she wished the death that took her son killed her instead.

Her elder sister passed on a few months back and has already been buried. Speaking about her, Esther said she watched as her children took home her corpse and laid her to rest. Adding that she haven't been able to stop crying knowing that one day she will give up the ghost and there wouldn't be a single child to bade her final goodbye.

She ended by saying being the kind of person that she is, she wouldn't want to give her relatives a hard time burying her when she dies, so she has began paying weekly contributions and hope to gather enough money for her own coffin before her time runs out.

She said she is still trying to figure out what to do with the rest of her life and wondered if there is happiness after loosing a loved one and if she would be able to find it.

By the time we asked her to pose for pics, her eyes were already red and downbeat.

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/tgnb-unfold-when-only-child-dies-sad.html

Another Nollywood marriage has collapsed, just three months after it began.

According to Yes International Magazine, a popular Nollywood actress (name withheld) has been sent picking by her husband, three months after they got married....


Godwin, her once-upon-a-time loving and caring husband, just kicked her out.

The reason for the man’s action is not known. However, some insiders informed YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine that the man who is based in Houston Texas, United States of America must have stumbled on some shocking things about his wife who lives alone in Nigeria that he couldn’t stomach.

According to what we were told, he called the actress whose native name is Ifeoma from his US base and asked her to vacate their matrimonial home; that he was no longer interested in the marriage. Again, that she should expect his divorce papers soon.

One of the angry man’s sisters, whose name was given as Judith, reportedly introduced them, and not long after they were married. Now they are unmarried. ‘They got married in September and went their separate ways in December. Can you imagine that?’ Asked one of our sources. The only thing that would have still glued them together is their son. But now the boy is dead.

He took ill and died. We learnt that the duo had their baby prior to making their relationship formal. Both of them are from one of the villages close to Owerri, the Imo State capital and on the few occasions that Godwin visited Nigeria then, they used to be the cynosure of all eyes in their village.

 Now, the shame is so much for the actress that she’s become a shadow of her old self. Constantly crying and asking God ''why me?''. She has also emaciated so much, making some of her close friends and family members to be keeping vigil around her lest she comes to any harm.

“Godwin must have dumped her after being shown some crazy sex stuff she did in the past – and it’s to avert any scandal that may further dent her image and career that he asked her to vacate their matrimonial home and she did without raising any dust”, added one unconfirmed source.

Ifeoma is on the fair side, pretty, wild, used to live with her parents around Ilasa, Lagos and has in her movie pouch Domitilla, Karishika and so on. Like palm oil, her sad story is gradually spreading in Nollywood.

**OMG! I am blank, don't have any idea who this is. Somebody please help!


http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/husband-sent-popular-nollywood-actress.html

So cute...:-)

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/too-cute-adorable-new-photo-of-ty.html

Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Annie Idibia has ditched her low cut for dreads. The mother of two debuted her new look as she stepped out with her hubby, 2face Idibia recently. She looks great in her new look, and I think she has never looked better. See photos below and tell us what you think...

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/annie-idibia-debuts-dreadlocks-as-she.html

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/delta-police-uncovers-23-baby-factories.html

The police in Delta State have uncovered no fewer than 23 illegal orphanages where babies are allegedly sold within the Warri and Asaba environs of the state.

The police arrested 21 persons suspected to be behind the illicit business, just as they recovered six babies in the hideout of the suspects.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Mrs. Celestina Kalu, confirmed the development, saying that the police, following a tip-off, have rescued over 40 babies allegedly put up for sale at various illegal orphanage in Asaba, Kwale and Warri.

Kalu said, “Recently, the police uncovered a baby factory behind NTA Asaba and arrested the operators of the factory. The police also arrested other 21 persons (male and female) suspected to be running illegal orphanage homes in Warri metropolis, their hideout was located at the outskirt of Warri towards Udu where the police uncovered an uncompleted buildings where the six babies were discovered.”

She added that the suspects were currently helping the police in the investigation.

Kalu said the suspects, upon interrogation, confessed to the crime, saying they bought babies from relations of mentally challenged persons and took them to the home where they were sold.

Sunday Punch gathered that a six-month baby was put up for sale for N2.5m, while those between the ages of three and four years were sold for N5m.

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/i-met-my-dad-for-first-time-at-seven.html

Popular dancehall singer, Cynthia Morgan, has revealed that the first time she laid eyes on her father was when she turned seven years.

The delectable singer said that although she did not grow up with her father, she made the best of the situation by determining to be a success in life and make her mother proud.

“The first time I met my father was when I was seven years old and I know what it feels like. There is the psychological effect that comes with growing up without your parents together as a kid. It is only few people like me that came out normal and I became determined to be successful in life so as to make my mother proud. Some people use that as an escape to be wayward and turn out to be a single parent just like their mothers who gave birth to them. They forget that no woman wishes to be a single parent if they really knew what they were going into. Everyone wants the best for their kids and having a father is one of those things,” she told Punch.

Taking a trip down memory lane, she recalled how bad she felt whenever her friends’ parents came to visit them in school and how her peers talked about the places they visited during vacations in school.

“Those days in school, parents came to pick their kids and my friends often told me how they went on vacation with their parents. I felt bad because I didn’t have such experience. It is only few kids who experienced what I did that would understand because it goes a long way in shaping one’s life even when you become an adult. You feel alone and lost. This is as serious as rape, child abuse and domestic violence. I have met a couple of young people who told me they won’t get married; they just want to have babies. This is actually what prompted me into writing the song, Baby Mama,” she said

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/lupita-nyongo-covers-elle-uk-january.html


The Hollywood actress looked stunning on the cover of Elle UK January issue....

Fans of Nollywood actress Mercy Johnson Okojie have dragged her by her huge baby bump for allegedly snatching another woman's husband and for celebrating her colleague, Nuella Njubigbo who coincidentally is married to a man who was previously married with kids.

Yesterday, Mercy who is heavily pregnant with her third child took to instagram to congratulate Nuella and Tchidi Chikere on their recent court wedding.
"My bossman and madam didn't tell me o.lolzzz congratulations dear ones and may God keep you.my love to my baby tess on her 1st birthday," she captioned the below pic of the couple from their court wedding.

Tchidi was married with three kids before he broke up with his wife and married Nuella in 2014, likewise Mercy's husband. Fans felt it's quite shameful for them to celebrate after snatching other women's husbands and for this they dragged them really hard.

See many more comments here: http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/pregnant-mercy-johnson-in-another.html

The comedian who just welcomed his third child is pictured here with his pretty wife and two of his kids....


See many more pics here : http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/lovely-photos-of-comedian-klint-da.html

What she wrote below...

[b]''This is to all of my loyal fans who have had weight concerns... There's been lots of questions thrown at me via social media n beyond about my weight loss . As much as i do not live my life based on any ones dictate, am also a realist. Now, I've always said this and proud of it, I was born chubby. I've been that way for years. Had all d major endorsement deals , acted in over 300 movies in that my chubby state and most of you accepted me like that cos all I had or came to offer was the talent God gave me. Ur size or shape doesn't determine who you are, how successful u can be or how acceptable u will be. The world will always be unsatisfied with what ever situation u present to them. Ini... Ur too fat ohhh she's too slim kilodeeeeee ? My point is.. Be urself once ur happy with urself, everything else is inconsequential. We all have our individual problems. Some people find succor in social media by playing ghost and spitting flames in de dark to mask their bitterness. Don't look at them. Take care of urself. What I did? I hit de gym, reduced my carb to de barest minimum, lots of green tea n lemon and detox. It's extreme discipline. I had Thai noodles today and seafood wooooh I enjoyed it. Hmmm yea too much carbs but it is what is. However, if u loose weight to impress anyone, u will be depressed cos after all of that hard work, those complaints will take the direct opposite dimension. Lesson is ... Love urself cos world people WILL ALWAYS have something to say. It's standard.''[/b]

https://www.instagram.com/p/-48ZRyBAUS/?taken-by=iniedo

The proud new mom showed off her selfie skills in new instagram pics....

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/yummy-mum-tiwa-savage-lovely-in-new.html

The Nollywood bad boy shares lovely new photos with his wife and son to usher in the new month...

See more at: http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/actor-jnr-pope-his-wife-and-son-lovely.html

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/12/kelly-rowland-and-son-lovely-in-new.html


Kelly shared the pics on instagram.

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/11/peter-okoyes-daughter-looks-all-gown-up.html

As shared by the singer on instagram...:-)

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/11/peter-okoyes-daughter-looks-all-gown-up.html

Photo shared by the singer on instagram...:-)

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/11/tgnb-unfold-lady-from-broken-home-tells.html

My parents were married for only four years and broke up when I was three. Their marriage ended badly with both parties in no talking terms.

My name is Temisan (surname withheld), please find attached photos.

Shortly after their marriage packed up, my mom relocated to Lagos. According to my uncle, on the day she left Akure (where she stayed with my dad and I during their short marriage) she took me to my dad's furniture workshop but met his absence. She than left me with his boys and said she was going to the market, that she will be back in no time. That was the last we heard of her.

My dad and his mom went to look for her at her family's house and her mom poured dirty water on them, telling them to go and take care of me, that her daughter has gone in search of a better living. That was how I ended up living with my grandma at age three.

Before my dad remarried, he used to give my grandma money for our upkeep although not often. But after he got married, even the little we were getting, stopped coming. And for time to time my grandma will have to fight and rowed with him for some money.

My grandma single handedly raised me up with little support from my uncle, my dad's younger brother. She was a farmer, who also does all sort of menial jobs for people to make hands meet. And that was my fate as I grew older. I can't remember exactly at what age I started hustling for money. It's been a long time coming.

My dad own a very big furniture workshop with several boys working under him. He has a building in Akure where he collects house rent. But every time, my grandma and I go to him for money, especially after he got married, he always have an excuse not to give us money.

My grandma believes it has something to do with his wife, I don't think so, because even before he got married he was always reluctant to help us. His problem were always bigger than ours. He always needed money more than we do.

As for my mom, I never really got to see her or knew what she looks like until I was 16 years old. She had attended a wedding ceremony in Akure and somehow our part crossed, (she dare not come to my grandma's house to look for me, my grandma will skin her alive).

It was when we met I learned she later got married to a Yoruba man in Lagos and had a daughter, Shola.

When she was leaving for Lagos she left me with a N1000, which was the first money she ever gave to me since I was three.

Did I mention that we both look alike? Like an identical twins! The only difference between my mom and I is that she is older and more matured, otherwise, I am an exact replica of her.

Being abandoned by the two people who met and birthed me into this world wasn't enough punishment to pay for doing absolutely nothing wrong, I also suffered strong rejection. Rejection from my step mom. Rejection from my dad.

I tell you one occasion, when my grandma traveled to Benin for omugwo. It was Christmas eve and I thought I should spend the day at my dad's. Only for me to get there and my dad turned me back, saying he does not have food for an extra mouth. It's been almost fifteen years since that day and I have never, will never eat at his place.

Broken marriages are a source of heavy heartbreak that seem to affect only the products of such marriages. I don't wish anyone, not even an enemy to go through the pains of a broken home, but if you ever find yourself in that situation, I like you to always remember that a broken home is not a reason for you to give up or lead a wayward life, instead it should be a reason for you to get up and be great.

I pray you don't experience suffering like I did. I've suffered, I've gone through so much in my short life, not because I was born poor, or because I am an orphan but because I came from a broken home. Because my parents' marriage failed and they decided to use me to get at each other.

After my secondary school, I want in pursuit of higher education. I got admitted into Auchi Polytechnic in Edo state to study Mass communication in 2010. And if I have ever known the true definition of suffering or hardship, it was while in school.

Majority of Nigerian students struggle to go through school, so it wasn't peculiar to me, just that mine came in a larger proportion.

Imagine going on a 1-0-0 diet meal everyday for the most part of a semester. Sometimes even the one time meal a day is not readily available. I'll have to ask a friend or a neighbor to get that. I can't tell you acutely how many times I drank garri without groundnut as breakfast, launch and dinner. In short, that was my most regular meal in school.

My grandma is over 80 and there is a limit to what she could do to help my plight. Besides, she has an unstable health condition due to her age, and every time she falls ill, it digs deep into our pocket.

My only saviour was my uncle who sent me money from time to time - but sometimes the money he sent were not enough to do anything.

My situation was so critical I didn't pay school fees for two academic year. For every assignment, test, practicals that attracts money, I was always found wanting.

During my ND1, I traveled to Lagos to see my mom. And to be sincere, I was expecting to see her living in a gutter or under bridge or one of those abandoned buildings in the state. Because every time I call her to ask for money, she was always penniless and broke. Sometimes broker than I am. But to my greatest surprise, she is living the life! She is a Matron at a general Hospital, has a large chemist store and stays in a good apartment with her daughter, her husband is late already.

After I met my mom at 16, I met her again at 19 and I am not sure if we ever met again till I traveled to see her in 2010. I stayed with her for a few weeks and returned back to school. She gave me food stuffs and the exact transport fare that took me back to school, with the promise that she will send money across to me in a few days time which she never did.

For the three years I spent in ND, my mom only sent me N5000 and nothing more. My dad managed to pay my house rents and first year school fees after several attack from my grandma and uncle.

I recalled asking my mom for money on one occasion and she told me to go and look for a man who will give me money. She told me to stop calling her for money, instead I should call my dad or better still meet a man.

One morning I was in school and my dad called me to come back home that it was an emergency. On getting there, I found out that he had arranged for me to marry some dude that I have never met. It's was crazy! He wanted me to marry the guy because his dad seem rich. And when I refused, he vowed never to have anything to do with my education.

See, I have come to realize that in life not everyone will accept you, and it doesn't matter who don't, you got to keep living regardless.

For everything you loose, God gives you something in return. In place of my parents who choose not to be part of my life, I have a beautiful grandma who loves me till death. An uncle who treats me as a family. Friends who will stick their heads for me any day, anytime.

Living alone with my grandma taught me to be independent and contented in whatever I have, no matter how little it is. I'm a hard worker, I learnt that from my grandma. I know I can't afford to be lazy if I must go far in life. I've done all sort of menial jobs. From weeding, to farming, to washing - just name it! I've done all there is to do, just to support my grandma and myself. And for her, I am already to do more over and over again and again.

Everything, they say happen for a reason, and I can never be more thankful for all the events, all the disappointments, the tears, the heartbreaks and the countless number of times I faced rejection from people who I should have mean the most to. They've helped shaped me into a better person.

Back in my ND days, there were times I feel worthless. I wished I lived in someone else's life. Mere thinking of my parents and their attitude towards me saddened my heart. How I hated them. I hated my life. I questioned God. But these days, I think I have grown past that.

I have learned how to forgive and pray for those who hurt me. I have also accepted the fact that my parents are no part of me. And these have helped me in no small measure at being a better person.

I just rounded up my HND 1 second semester exams, I still have two years to go. I hope to graduate and get a better living for my grandma and myself.

Unlike my ND days, a lot have changed about me. I no longer live in guilt. I no longer feel worthless. I no longer blame my parents or anyone else for all the times I go to bed without food. For all the times I have to work extra hard to make hands meet. I have taking them all as part of the sacrifices I need to make to become someone great in life. And like my grandma taught me, I am doing it all without stoicism.

My only advice to victims of broken homes, especially those who are yet to get over it and come to terms with reality, learn to forgive, love and live. And like I said earlier, a broken home is not a reason for you to give up or lead a wayward life, instead it should be a reason for you to get up and be great.

Don't beat yourself up cause the truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive those who hurt you, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, you can't make the most out of it. You can't move forward.

My ultimate wish right now is to graduate and start working, so that I can fed for my grandma. I want to take care of her. She is 85 this year and the only thing I pray for right now is long life and good health for her. Nothing gets to me right now than her health. My heart breeds every time she is in pain.

I might not be where I want to be right now but I have so much to be thankful for. I would have been a prostitute, a thief, or something worst - maybe even dead but God saved me and gave me a reason to live using my grandma and uncle as the ultimate tool.

I hope to tell this story again someday with a better ending. Until than, thank you for reading to this point. May God bless us all.

These kids are just too cute! Their mom deserves an award... OMG! I am practically tripping.... how do they end up being so stylish?

See many more photos here

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/11/why-so-cute-fab-new-photos-of-nigerians.html

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/11/respect-your-fans-stay-humble-2face.html

While speaking as a guest in a recent TV programme, renowned Nigerian music legend, 2face Idibia said respect and humility are two things every entertainer must have if they really want to go far in the entertainment world. He said this while listing his top five tips to success.

2face top five success tips includes...

1 - “You have to be ready mentally, physically and spiritually to face challenges that will come your way.

2 - Number two is you must maintain your focus, focus on your dream and pursue it; live it and sleep it every day.

3 - “Number three is respect; you have to respect people because people are the backbone of your success and failure.

4 - You must respect your fans and the people that contributed in one way or the other to your success be­cause there is no artist that can come out and say he or she is an island.

5 - “You have to have some level of humility. It is not by force that you must greet everybody you see on the road but you have to know how you put yourself out there. And finally talent, you need to have talent to make it in the industry.”

http://www.topgistng.com/2015/11/actress-empress-njamah-catering-for.html


This is just exciting and very commendable. Nollywood actress, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Empress Njamah has revealed that aside throwing large give away parties for kids on special occasions, she also caters for over a thousand of them on daily basis, all year round with her own money.

The delectable screen diva made this known during her foundation's 10th anniversary recently in Lagos. She said....
“Officially my foundation is 10 years old but I started the initiative when I was in secondary school to celebrate my birthday. When I was able to stand on my own I was able to float the foundation, Empress Njama Foundation. It is against my nature to take funds from people so I do everything with my money. I usually have celebrations with less-privileged kids on my birthday and every festive celebration like Valentine’s Day, October 1st, etc. I started in Lagos and I came back to Lagos after being in Abuja for six years to celebrate a decade of founding my foundation. I am so happy that most of the children have grown and are doing very well. Sometimes I find it difficult to carry on but God has always been faithful at the end. I built four blocks of classrooms for the children because I know that most of these children are very intelligent especially the blind ones.
“I have adopted all the children to my foundation. In Abuja I have about 1,400. Before I left Lagos, my foundation was catering for over 800 children. Now that I came to celebrate here I saw that they were lacking in a lot of things and I would change that. I don’t count my children, I count my joy,” she said.

How do one's post makes front page? Please help guys!

Promising and fast-rising Nollywood actress, Esther Ene Audu, isn’t a household name yet, but the dark-skinned thespian has all the trappings of a big star in the making - beauty, brains and the talent.

If you love Nollywood as much as I do, than you must have come across a movie or two of this young, sultry emerging screen diva. Her perfect interpretation of roles and clear diction always leave fans and Nollywood lovers alike in awe of her acting prowess.


Miss Audu made her Nollywood debut in 2010 and has starred in several hit movies including Heart of a Fighter, Ungodly Romance among others.

While many of her colleagues have set a limit to what they can do when it comes to acting, the Kogi-state born starlet tells TGNB in a recent chat that there is absolutely nothing she can't do, when it comes to delivery her role as an actress.

"Its acting so I don't know what there is that one cannot do as an actor," she said when asked to what limit can she go in the name of acting.

Keen on getting to the peek of her career in the make believe world, the winsome beauty said she aspires to be a world class actor well recognized in Hollywood, Nollywood and Bollywood.

Maybe that singular aspiration of hers fueled her decision not to join the brand wagon of new generation actors delving into movie production... as she tells TGNB that she has no plans for that... at least not yet.

Some few months back, the soft spoken actress, who said she likes to keep a very low profile, stunned fans when she announced on her instagram page that she and fellow actor Wole Ojo were in a romantic relationship, (read here if you missed it). But when TGNB tried to find out a thing or two about their relationship, she made it clear that she is not open to discussing her private life. "I don't want to talk about my private life or my relationship," she said while deftly avoiding all other questions that followed.

Miss Audu is passionate about her job and expresses great enthusiasm that as long as she continues to strive for greatness and excellence in her promising career, the sky is her stepping stone. But she however acknowledge that being an actor isn't without its challenges.

"The stress of going from one location to another and meeting different types of people all the time," are some of the numerous challenges she is faced with, in course of doing what she loves best.

On the most challenging role she have ever played, "Every script comes with its own Challenge, because am playing a totally different person that i am so that enough i will term challenging."

For TGNB readers, Miss Audu revealed that she has never told anyone, "I will love to be on set with Denzel Washington."


Source: http://www.topgistng.com/2015/11/i-can-do-anything-when-it-comes-to.html

A Court of Appeal sitting in Makurdi, the capital of Benue State has nullified the election of former senate president, David Mark.

The Makurdi division of the Court of Appeal on Saturday, ordered a re-run of the poll within 90 days.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Benue South, Mr Donald Onjeh had challenged the decision of the National and State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal, which upheld the victory of Senator Mark of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Onjeh’s lawyer, Adetunji Oso, also urged the Appellate Court to allow his appeal and set aside the decision of the Tribunal.
He said the court erred when it held that the papers tendered by his client were mere documentary hearsay.

The documents, according to Mr Oso, demonstrated that while the collation of results for the Benue South senatorial district’s election on March 28 was still ongoing in seven of the nine local government areas, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), declared Senator Mark winner of the poll.