The National Executive Council and Central Working Committee of Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures’ Practitioners (TAMPAN) Worldwide has suspended the celebration of this year’s International Theatre Day (ITD).

The event scheduled to hold on Friday, 27th March, 2020 in Osogbo was postponed indefinitely due to the ravaging CORONAVIRUS pandemic which has caused a global health emergency.

The suspension notice was contained in a statement signed by the President of the association, Otunba Bolaji Amusan Latin on Friday.

He said the decision became imperative as the event will be well attended by theatre practitioners, media practitioners as well as dignitaries within Nigeria and beyond and in adherence to precautions given by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Also, Amusan said the association’s decision on all film shoot locations and productions will be announced in the next 48 hours after deliberations by the stakeholders.

He therefore enjoined all members of the association to stay safe and take the necessary precautionary measures such as constant washing of the hands with soap and water, covering of the nose and mouth while sneezing or coughing, avoid close contact with people that are sick, avoid mass gathering of people, maintain good personal hygiene and other measures advised by health institutions.

According to World Health Organization, Coronaviruses are a family of viruses that cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS).

The Virus was first confirmed in Wuhan, China in December, 2019 and has since claimed the lives of over 8,000 people across different countries of the world.

Ace actress, Monalisa Chinda speaks about her failed marriage to Dejo Richards, explaining why and how it hit the rocks.

Monalisa Chinda says she married the wrong person at the right time. Her first marriage to Segun Dejo Richards crashed after five years.

The actress made this known while granting an interview with The Sun.

The actress was asked if she sees her past marriage as a mistake or regret ever taking such a decision.

According to her, she was young and naive at that time and the person she got married to was wrong for her.

“No, I don’t see it as a mistake. I was just young and naive. I met the wrong person at the right time. The person was wrong for me, so what I did was to dust the dirt off my body and move on,” she said.

In 2009, Chinda was the talk of the town after her marriage to Dejo Richards hit the brick wall.

It was alleged that Chinda faced domestic violence and abuse while married to Richards. They have a daughter, Tamar together.

…features ace actor Odunlade Adekola, Adunni Ade, Bidemi Kosoko, others

It is no news that Sekinat Ovayioza Usman is one actress that has continued to stay relevant in the Nigerian movie industry irrespective of her age.

The young producer is currently working on another movie that promises to get the viewers glued to their screen from start to finish with its suspense, intrigues, twists and comic relief.

In an interview with Evelyn Ohiolei, Usman says life experiences inspired the conception of the movie, Shekinah.

She said: “I am always inspired by life experiences and I can say that the movie, Shekinah, is a product of such. Film-making is one thing I love to do and I find fulfillment doing, so I’m always full of joy when I put together a movie I can call my own.

“Shekinah is a story of love and betrayal. It is what the audience can relate to and I believe they will rate it high when it eventually comes out”

Reacting to the level Nollywood is on the global scene, the Kogi-born actress says “ the Nigeria movie industry is the best we have. Our movies and stories are unique. Even foreigners love and envy our dedication and tenacity as film makers. I’m certain that the recognition we now enjoy is just a tip of the iceberg. We are definitely going to break more grounds.”

Usman has produced three movies namely: Eru (Fruad), Dangerous wedding and her latest Shekinah which features Odunlade Adekola, Adunni Ade, Bidemi Kosoko and directed by Wasiu Adeyanju.

She has also featured in several movies which include; Emi ati Baba mi (My father and i), Asife Okunrin, Kaffy Omo lemomu, Ile Opo, Imoran, Ika and others.

Usman advised young aspiring actors and film makers “to always put God first in whatever they do as nothing can be achieved without him. Also, determination and focus is the key to success.”