Julius OkorieThe world is bidding 2024 good bye for good. Some may have realised dreams and target set in 2024 while others did not. Since there is time for everything under the sun, it is simply time for 2024 to exit the stage and make way for a new 2025.
With the coming of the New Year hope rises that dreams that were not realised in the previous year will be realised and even more.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelMeanwhile, stock taking continues as 2024 tidies up to exit the stage. Here are some celebrities who have every cause to count their blessings, beat their chest and say “Veni, vidi, vici”(“I came, I saw, I conquered”)
Funke Akindele:
Filmmaker actress and producer, Olufunke Ayotunde Akindele, could be said to have earned bumper harvest this year. She made triumphant entry into the Real Estate ownership venture by launching Jefina Gardens in the Ibeji Lekki area of Lagos.
Speaking on the Garden, the 47-year-old entrepreneur who was recently appointed National Goodwill Ambassador for the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) described it as a place where dreams come true.
“I proudly present Jenifa Gardens, a place where dreams come true. This real estate venture embodies the belief that everyone deserves a home that reflects their style and personality.” The said estate is located just two minutes from the coastal road, opposite NNPC Filling Station, Eleko, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos,” she enthused.
But the big one that will blow your mind is her latest production “Everybody Loves Jenifa” that has not only broken the Box office record but on the verge of over taking the record set by “A Tribe Called Judah.”
The film has already achieved a remarkable milestone, grossing over N1 billion in 19 days.
In a post on X.com on Monday, Akindele revealed that ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa; has become the second Nollywood film to hit the N1 billion mark within the last 12 months, achieving a cumulative total of ₦1,034,091,220.
The film has reportedly dominated the December box office, accounting for about 40% of the total revenue with 202,604 admissions.
Akindele noted that this success has solidified her position as the “highest-grossing producer and director,” with her holding the record for the “top 4 highest-grossing Nollywood films.”
The success of Everybody Loves Jenifa is not limited to Nigeria.
Just eight days after its international debut on December 20, the film has earned an impressive $194,560 (approximately N300 million) across various countries outside Africa, including the UK, US, Canada, and other regions.
Recall that “A Tribe Called Judah” broke several office records including becoming the first Nigerian film to earn 1 billion naira
in domestic theatres in just three weeks, as well as the first Nollywood film to gross over ₦113 million in its opening weekend
READ ALSO: Funke Akindele Turns Oliver Twist As ‘Everybody Loves Jenifa’ Breaks Record
The film which was relesed on December 15, 2023 was a major hit in countries like Ghana, the United Kingdom, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Rwanda, Senegal, and Togo.
Certainly the former Deputy Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 Election has every course to sing Hosanna in the Highest.
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde:
Nollywood actress, singer and former model, Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, called Omo-Sexy by her fans shocked many recently when she revealed health challenge that almost took her life.
The mother of four in a video revealed how excruciating pain had forced her being rushed to the Emergency Room a record three times in one week, and how she ultimately underwent gallbladder surgery.
The video highlights captured her on a hospital bed in a wheelchair with IV drips and undergoing medical tests. Accompanying the video clips with a lengthy post, the multiple award winner narrated how she practically came face to face with death after doctors told her that submission most people dread to hear “there is nothing more we can do”
She wrote: “Happy Thanksgiving! Please join me as I thank God for life and good health.
“Have you been told by a doctor, ‘There’s nothing more we can do at this time,’ and you still feel like you’re dying? A read…”
According to the veteran, the pain intensified after she attended an academy viewing event for Gladiator II.
“All through the viewing, I could not sit up. I had already been rushed to the ER twice that week for intense acid reflux and high blood pressure,” she said. The third hospital visit revealed a critical condition with her gallbladder.
“The doctor said, ‘You have to go in immediately for surgery to remove your gallbladder!’ It was so dilated they wondered how I wasn’t in more pain,” she recounted.
As a fall out from the ugly experience the darling wife of Pilot Captain Matthew Ekeinde, opined that prayer point is “Not only the gift of life, but the gift of good health, a complete body, or a sane mind to even dream of a better day!”
Known for her true to life approach while interpreting her roles in movies, is still a darling of her numerous fans who wish her the best as she embraces the New Year.
Princess Chineke:
Former Anambra State representative in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria (MBGN) pageant, Princess Chineke, achieved one of her heart desires in the course of the year after successfully joining the U.S Army.
The former Nollywood star announced the major decision on her Istagram in what can best be described as major career change and a desire to set new goals in life.
The former Miss UNIBEN and former model, while announcing her decision wrote; “I’m an American Soldier, I am Member of a team, we are the Army and Proud of Our name.”
“We are the Army and Proudly Proclaim. I answered the call of Service to my Country, to serve the people of United States. This I will defend, So help me God. “God bless America. What God cannot do does not exist.”
Princess Chineke who originally relocated to the United States to further her studies is proud to have achieved so much since hitting the United States described as land of opportunities. She had revealed reason for relocating when she did then, saying
” I left Nigeria for the United States to further my education and perhaps, acquire more skills. So far, it’s been beautiful, I’m glad I did,” adding further “It’s now that I believe that dreams do come true. This land is blessed in all ramifications. What I couldn’t achieve in Nigeria, I have achieved even more in a short time” she wrote on Instagram page then.
Patience Ozokwor:
Veteran actress Patience Ozokwor was given special recognition that tickled her fans who wished her well and prayed for more blessings.
The former broadcaster and Evangelist popularly called Mama G, received honourary Doctorate Degree in Theatre and Media Arts from Achievers Networks Academy, UK. The event which took place at the Aderinokun Lecture Theatre, University of Lagos, saw the mother of four looking radiant and stepping out in style to receive her award to the admiration of all present.
The 66 year old who has stared in over 100 movies has fans say got an award well deserved for her contribution to the entertainment industry especially Nollywood.
Her interpretation of roles and ability to submerge herself into the character being played has remained her unique selling point that endeared her to Nollywood fans over the years. As the curtain gradually falls on 2024, Mama G advised his fans, well-wishers and her colleagues in the entertainment industry on the need to live within their means.
Julius Okorie is Chief Sports and Entertainment Correspondent for Prime Business Africa. He began his journalism career with the Champion Newspaper and Sporting Champion and later moved on to Daily Independent and the Nation Newspapers. Okorie joined Prime Business Africa in 2024 bringing on board 20 years of experience in writing investigative news on Sports and Entertainment. His well researched and highly informative articles on Sports Business and general entertainment are followed by a wide range of audience.
