At the Showbiz Interactive Session with President Goodluck Jonathan

Sequel to a series of events put together by the campaign team of President Goodluck Jonathan for a second term in office, an interactive session with members of the showbiz industry  was held on Sunday March 15, 2015 at the Eko Hotel and Suites. The event aptly tagged GejWinsIt, had a remarkable turn out of young and veteran showbiz stars who were happy to meet with the President.

Tit bits from the event

Liz Benson stages come back

Besides the fact that the veteran actress turned evangelist who had gone on evangelical sabbatical has been staging a subtle come back to the movie industry, the ageless beauty proved that she was still a notable part of Nollywood when she graced the interactive session. She led the gathering in prayers which was laced with subtle hints of her support for the President.

Sir Victor Uwaifo turns poet

Yes he is a sculptor and a musical instrument inventor but not many people are aware that the former Commissioner of Arts and Culture, Edo State, under Lucky Igbinedion, is also a poet. The Guitar Boy crooner, who doesn’t look anything near his 74 years, took time to herald each song he sang, with a poem, connecting the audience to his experiences behind each of the songs he belted out.

That moment when the President danced

President Goodluck Jonathan was at his best at the session and proved to all that he was truly a lover of reggae music. During the performance of a reggae number by the three reggae musketeers; Righteous Man, Orits Wiliki and Ras Kimono, he danced to the beat of the song to the admiration of all present.

Chris Mba sneaks in quietly

One person who many didn’t quite take note of at the event was veteran musician, Chris Mba. The Jerry curl wearing crooner who ruled the airwaves in the early 80s with one of his popular singles, Baby Don’t Cry, sat quietly at a corner of the hall savoring happenings at the events. Chris who had been away from the music scene for years nursing injuries on his two legs which left him at a point, bedridden, looked  hale and hearty.

TY Bello: The President’s favourite photographer
That she is the President’s favourite photographer is not in doubt. Theirs is a relationship that was formed in the early days of his tenure  and one that has blossomed over the years. As usual, the diminutive singer who recently welcomed twin boys after nine years of marriage was at the event, strategically clicking away with her camera.

Funmi Ajila-Ladipo dazzled at the interactive session
The 51 year old President of Fashion Designers Association of Nigeria was there in her capacity  as a representative of the creative industry, fashion designing precisely. Accompanied by some of her executives, her presence spoke volumes about her endorsement of the President for a second term. What however begs for answer is why her bosom friend, Hon. Abike Dabiri who is a staunch supporter and member of the opposition party, APC, has been unable to woo her to her camp.

Earl Osaro Onaiwu made an appearance
Even though he is based in Abuja and hardly comes into Lagos, Osaro Onaiwu otherwise known as the Earl, made sure he made it to the interactive session, full of life. Perhaps, the Edo State born public relations strategist and image consultant was there in his capacity as the secretary and administrator of the Nigerian Governors’ forum. Before his current appointment, he was the special adviser to the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, on governors and government.

Nollywood and its army of soldiers

This was one of the high lights of the night. Members of the Actors’ Guild of Nigeria, led by its president, Ibinabo Fiberesima-Ebuka, mounted the stage dressed in a jersey top, the colour and design of the Nigerian army camouflage and a bonnie cap, to pledge their solidarity to  President Goodluck Jonathan.

The song with a standing ovation
One of the best musical performances of the night was the rendition of You lift me up by  Bayelsa State born Timi Dakolo, winner of the maiden edition of Idols West Africa and Reuben Studdard, popular American R&B/Soul singer who won the second season of American Idol and received a  Grammy Award nomination in 2003 for his single, Superstar. To say that they both connected well as they sang, would be an understatement.

Entertainers entertain the president
Besides comedian Ayo Makun and actor cum Comissioner, Richard Mofe Damijo who both handled proceedings before and after the arrival of the President, there were quite a number of artistes who entertained the President, his entourage and the audience. There was music by D’Banj, Oritsefemi, Sanni Danja, King Sunny Ade, Waje, Kcee, Raskimono, Oritz Wiliki, Righteous Man, Sir Victor Uwaifo, Sammy Okposo, Duncan Mighty and Nikky Laoye. Gordons, Funny Bones, Igors, Klint D drunk etc did their best to crack some ribs.

Roll call of notable entertainers, politicians and members of the corporate world
Onyeka Onwenu, Alex Usifo, Ali Baba Akpoborome, Ngozi Ezeonu, Rachael Oniga, Bob Manuel, Kenneth Okonkwo, Fred Amata, Chika Okpala, Patience Ozokwo, Jimi Agbaje, Jim Ovia, Tony Elumelu, Ifeanyi Uba, Musiliu Obanikoro, ex-governor, Gbenga Daniel, ex Super Eagles’ player, Jay Jay Okocha, Governor Godswill Akpabio, Florence Ita-Giwa etc.