Entertainment

Prison Was a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience – Tems Reflects on 2020 Arrest in Uganda

Published

2 years ago

June 6, 2024

ADMIN

By Oratokhai Jesusemen O.

Nigerian singer Tems has opened up about her 2020 imprisonment in Uganda, describing it as an eye-opening and humbling experience. In a recent interview with ESMagazine, Tems reflected on her time spent in a small cell with numerous other women and her initial fears of being beaten if she made a mistake.

“Prison was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I actually feel honoured to have had because otherwise, I would never have thought about these people, and to be in their presence was very humbling,” Tems shared. She recounted asking one of the girls, “Do they beat people up here? Am I gonna be beat up?” to which the girl responded, “Only if you misbehave.”

Tems and fellow Nigerian singer Omah Lay were arrested in Uganda on December 13, 2020, for performing at an “unauthorised concert” in violation of COVID-19 protocols. The following day, they were arraigned in court on charges of conducting acts likely to spread the infectious disease COVID-19. They were detained for two days before being released.

After their release, Tems issued a public statement, detailing the struggles of women she encountered during her detention. “The past week has been difficult but eye-opening for me. While I was being detained, I met some amazing women and children, and my eyes were opened to the strife and hurt a lot of women are going through,” she wrote.

Reflecting on the anniversary of her arrest a year later, Tems expressed gratitude for the experience. “This very day last year, I was sitting in prison in Uganda bonding with women and kids. I almost can’t believe the things I’ve seen so far. All I can say is God is too awesome and He will always have the last and final laugh,” she posted on X.

Tems’ reflections highlight her resilience and the profound impact of her brief imprisonment on her perspective and understanding of the struggles faced by many women.

Entertainment

Alia Appoints Fr Alumunku Chairman of Benue Television Corporation Board

Published

2 months ago

March 5, 2026

Editor

By Samson Adeyan

Governor of Benue State, Hyacinth Iormem Alia, has approved the appointment of Rev. Fr Dr. Patrick Alumunku, OON, as Chairman of the Board of the Benue Television Corporation.

Alumunku, a renowned media professional, brings decades of experience in broadcasting and communications to the position. He holds a Doctorate Degree in Mass Communication and previously worked for 12 years with Vatican Radio.

He also served for 21 years as Director of Communications at the Catholic Archdiocese of Abuja and is currently the Executive Director of Catholic Television of Nigeria.

His appointment is part of a broader board constitution approved by Governor Alia to strengthen the operations of the state-owned broadcasting corporation.

Other members of the board include Dr. Thaddeus Hanmakyugh as Secretary, Mrs. Jennifer Ejembi, Dr. Barnabas Gbam, and Engr. Sunday Iji.

Hanmakyugh holds a doctorate in Film Production and Media Arts from the University of Abuja and retired from the National Film Institute.

Ejembi is a former Executive Director of the Nigerian Television Authority in Ibadan, while Gbam previously served as Rector of the NTA College Jos. Engr. Iji is a former Director of Engineering Services at Radio Benue.

According to a statement issued by the governor’s Technical Adviser on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Chief Solomon Iorpev, the appointments take immediate effect.

Governor Alia charged the new board to deploy their wealth of experience toward improving broadcasting standards in Benue State and promoting the state’s cultural heritage through quality programming.

Entertainment

2Baba Confirms Political Ambition, Remains Focused on Nation-Building

Published

3 months ago

February 7, 2026

Editor

By Ade Iyamoye

Veteran Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, has reiterated his ambition to venture into politics, saying his interest remains alive.

Speaking on the Mic On podcast with Seun Okinbaloye, 2Baba linked his political ambition to years of civic engagement, including his campaign “Vote No Fight”, which aimed to reduce election violence. “It’s definitely alive… we need very grassroots engagement,” he said.

Asked if Nigerians should expect “Senator Innocent Edibia” or “Governor Innocent Edibia,” he replied cautiously: “Let’s keep our fingers crossed on that.”

He revealed he currently serves as a Technical Adviser in Benue State, a role he sees as contributing to nation-building.

2Baba clarified that he is not a member of the APC but noted his partner, Honourable Natasha, is active in politics.

He also highlighted his ongoing humanitarian work as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, focusing on displaced persons.

The singer first hinted at political ambitions in 2018 and has consistently expressed interest in contributing to governance and national development.

Entertainment

Singer Nanyah Dies After Snakebite in Abuja

Published

3 months ago

February 1, 2026

By Patrick Idowu

Abuja-based singer Ifunanya Nwangene, popularly known as Nanyah, has reportedly died after a snakebite at her residence in the Federal Capital Territory.

The 25-year-old classical, jazz, R&B and soul artiste was said to have been bitten in the early hours of the day and rushed to two hospitals for treatment. Reports indicate she could not receive care due to the unavailability of anti-venom.

Sources said this was not the first time a snake had been sighted around her residence. As of the time of filing this report, health authorities and the police were yet to issue an official statement.

Nanyah was described as a rising talent in Abuja’s music scene. Her death has renewed concerns over emergency healthcare gaps, including the shortage of life-saving anti-venom in hospitals, even within the FCT.