Stories by RITA OKOYE
In February 2016, Nollywood actress, Ini Edo, joined the league of Nollywood stars such as Kate Henshaw, Nkiru Sylvanus and Mercy Johnson Okogie holding political offices as Special Advisers to their state governors.
Ini, as she is fondly called by her close friends and colleagues, was appointed Special Adviser on Tourism & Culture in Akwa Ibom State by Governor Emmanuel Udoh.
It is more than a year since she got the appointment but nothing seems to be coming from the office of the movie star. And this calls for concern as the state, blessed with abundant tourism potentials is lying fallow and without any form of awareness about how to promote the cultural assets.
“If put in proper use, the tourism sector alone can generate much revenue for the government, but the person in charge seems to be at a loss as regards what to do with nature’s gifts to the state. One cannot point at any project the actress has embarked upon aside being in the governor’s entourage to functions, and this has left many wondering if that is all her job entails,” an agitated Akwa-Ibomite complained to Inside Nollywood.
Yul Edochie endorses Oros perfume
Hunk and fashion enthusiast, Yul Edochie is once more smiling to the bank. He was endorsed as the new face of high-end French fragrance brand, Oros. 
The excited father of three expressed his joy to Inside Nollywood thus: “The year is just in its third quarter and it has been so good so far. I am happily associated with the Oros brand because it fits; it is a brand of class.
“Every time I step out wearing the Oros Limited Edition which happens to be my favourite, it makes me feel good and I also receive lots of compliments. I therefore, recommend the Oros Limited Edition, Oros Pour Homme and Oros Oud for every man who wants to leave a signature of class whenever and wherever he goes,” Edochie said excitedly.
Hope not lost on Lilian Esoro’s marriage
There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel for the marriage of actress Lilian Esoro and Ubi Franklin. The Clinic Matters’ star might have given up on the union which could not survive its first year but her husband is not ready to let go.
When Inside Nollywood met the Triple MG boss, at a social function recently, the father of one dismissed thoughts of losing his precious wife but expressed his strong belief that love would conquer every challenge.
He said: “Few weeks ago was my wife’s birthday and I celebrated her on my social media handles. People were dropping funny comments but I kept asking ‘Why won’t I wish my wife happy birthday? She is my wife after all and I owe her that’. I don’t really care about what people say or write about me and my family; that is their business. My marriage and my son have made me a calmer person. So, I don’t care whatever people speculate.”
Are there chances that they can come together once more? Ubi’s response: “You, a journalist, are you married? If not, you don’t have the right to ask me further questions pertaining to my marriage.’
I’ve crush on Chika Ike –Emeka Ebelunor, actor
The name Emeka Ebelunor might not ring a bell but the Anambra State budding actor cum musician is making waves in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Inside Nollywood met him on the set of ‘Story Told By An Idiot’, and he spoke about his love for acting and his crush on star actress, Chika Ike.
“Ever before I joined the movie industry, I have always admired two lovely divas, Mercy Johnson and Chika Ike. Well, Mercy has already been taken, so my crush on her died a natural death. But for Chika Ike, she is my kind of woman. Aside her beauty, I love her self-confidence and goal-getting spirit which stands her out. Painfully, I haven’t met her but I look forward to the day I will be privileged to express my feeling towards her,” he said.
On his career, Ebelunor stated: “I have been in the entertainment industry for over eight years but I was more into the music sector. I decided to explore my talents in acting two years ago and it has been a blessing for me.
“Although, it’s not easy going from one audition to another but determination is the key. I don’t give up easily and that mindset has brought me this far. Hopefully, I will do more movies before the end of 2017.”
