Cynthia Nwadiora, a former Big Brother Naija housemate, who is popularly known as Cee-C, has explained why she believes it was difficult for her to succeed in Nollywood after gaining fame from the reality television show.

Cee-C became popular after she finished as the first runner-up in the 2018 edition of Big Brother Naija, where Miracle Igbokwe emerged as the winner.

However, she explained that the quick rise to fame that comes with participating in Big Brother Naija can make it hard for contestants to build the kind of relationships needed to succeed in the film industry.

Speaking in an interview with Vanguard, she said many participants move from being unknown to becoming famous within a short period.

According to CeeC, this sudden change may not give them enough time to build strong connections in the entertainment industry, especially in Nollywood, where relationships and networks often play an important role in career growth.

She explained that actors who enter the film industry through the traditional route usually spend years building contacts, working on smaller projects and developing strong ties with producers, directors and fellow actors.

This process helps them gain stability in the industry.

In contrast, reality television stars often gain popularity quickly but may not have the same professional network that helps many Nollywood actors grow and remain active in the industry.

Since leaving the Big Brother Naija house, Cee-C has appeared in a few films and television projects.

Despite these opportunities, she admitted that finding a stable place in the entertainment industry after reality television can be challenging, especially when the intense attention that follows the show begins to fade.

Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Olatunji Disu, has approved the appointment of Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Anthony Okon Placid, as the new Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO).

Placid is described as seasoned officer of the Nigeria Police Force with extensive experience in administration, operations, intelligence, training, and international peacekeeping.

Born on 2 December 1970, he hails from Mbiokporo Nsit, Nsit Ibom Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography and Regional Planning from the University of Uyo, and Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (M.A.L.D) from the University of Jos.

He was recruited into the Nigeria Police Force as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police at the Police Academy, Kano, in 1996, and was commissioned in August 1998.

He has attended several professional and international courses, including United Nations Peace Operations Specialised Training (POST), with certifications as expert in Police Studies, Military Studies, Gender Awareness, International Humanitarian Law, Human Rights, and Civilian Protection.

DCP Placid has served in various strategic capacities within and outside the country, including Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, Adamawa State; Police Staff College, Jos; Chief of Training, African Union Mission in Sudan; Head of Training and Development, United Nations Mission in Darfur; Divisional Police Officer in Federal Housing Calabar, Bakassi, Uruan, and Gembu; Officer-in-Charge, Anti-Robbery Unit, Kaduna State; African Union Election Security Adviser; Assistant Commissioner of Police (Operations) in Akwa Ibom and Kogi states.

He equally served as Assistant Commissioner of Police, Intelligence Department, Abia State, and Deputy in charge of Administration and Finance, Zone 3 Headquarters, Yola.

Placid is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, IACP, Commonwealth Human Rights Trainer and International Committee of the Red Cross, ICRC, Trainer on International Humanitarian Law.

He is a graduate of the Senior Executive Course, SEC 47, of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, NIPSS, Kuru, and was inducted as a Member of the National Institute, mni, on 13 December 2025, prior to his redeployment to Cross River State.

He is happily married with children.

His hobbies include listening to good music, playing football, basketball, table tennis, badminton, and engaging with people.

DCP Placid can be reached on 07031179186.

He takes over from ACP Benjamin Hundeyin.

No official reason has been given for Hundeyin’s removal. His new posting has also not been disclosed.

Veteran Nollywood actress Omotola Jalade Ekeinde has revealed that her commitment to personal values has prevented her from becoming a billionaire.

The thespian spoke while appearing as a guest on the Afropolitan Show.

According to the mother of four, throughout her career, she was offered deals that could have brought huge financial rewards, but accepting them would have meant compromising her principles.

The actress explained that she often walked away from opportunities that clashed with her beliefs, even when the money was tempting.

She said choosing to stay true to herself has given her rewards that cannot be measured in cash.

Omotola also noted that she has faced these choices many times and remained firm, even when those who offered the deals are still watching her career today.

She said: “If I wanted to be a billionaire I would have been it easily because I have been in situations where no one would have known and I would have taken things and compromised my stands, but I would say no, and I would walk away.

"Many times, and some of those people are even watching me today.”

Popular Nigerian actor Linc Edochie has cautioned the northern region of the country against actions that could provoke powerful nations.

Linc Edochie gave the warning after some northern youths protested the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed on February 28, 2026, in a joint airstrike by Israel and the United States.

The conflict, however, escalated after Iran launched retaliatory strikes on Israeli and U.S. assets in Middle Eastern nations.

In solidarity with the development, pro-Iran protests broke out in some northern states of Nigeria.

Speaking in a video on his Facebook page, Linc warned protesters not to provoke superpower countries against Nigeria.

While opining that the ongoing conflict might turn into the deadliest in world history, the actor noted that Nigeria cannot stand the fury of the U.S. and Israel.

“This may not be our direct concern, but what is happening in the world, let us take this matter to God in prayers. Whether it concerns us directly or we try to shy away from it, I’m sorry to say this: a third world war has formally begun.

“This war may not be fought on conventional terms, in all honesty, but it’s going to be the deadliest the world has ever seen. And to some of those guys up North protesting over what is happening in Iran, please let us leave the streets.

“You don’t want to provoke a superpower. If we draw their attention towards us, we’re in trouble. We cannot stand the fury of these countries. Let us just respect ourselves and manage our problems the way we are, please,” he said.

Former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez has dismissed the possibility of Lionel Messi returning to the Spanish club.

Xavi told La Vanguardia that Barca’s president, Joan Laporta, does not want Messi back at the Camp Nou.

“Leo Messi is never coming back to Barcelona, because Laporta doesn’t want that,” he said.

Xavi also insisted that LaLiga did not block Messi’s return, neither did his camp demand more money.

Laporta sanctioned Messi’s departure from Barcelona in August 2021, after both camps failed to agree a contract extension.

Messi left as a free agent and joined Paris Saint-Germain. Later, he moved to Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.

The Federal Government has issued emergency contact details for Nigerian diplomatic missions across the Middle East to support citizens impacted by the escalating conflict in the region.

The advisory was issued in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nigeria and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.

According to the ministry, the emergency contacts were provided to enable Nigerians living in or travelling across the Middle East to quickly reach diplomatic missions for assistance as tensions escalate in the conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The ministry explained that the emergency contact list covers Nigerian diplomatic missions in 10 countries across the Middle East affected by the ongoing hostilities.

It urged Nigerians in the region to maintain communication with the nearest Nigerian embassy or consulate.

“Further to established communication channels publicised by the various Nigerian missions in the Middle East region, Nigerian citizens affected by the ongoing crisis should contact the following mobile numbers in case of emergency and also ensure that they are registered with the respective embassy or consulate in their country of residence,” the statement said.

The ministry listed the following emergency numbers for Nigerian diplomatic missions in the region:

• Embassy of Nigeria, Tehran (Iran): +98 937 685 1897; +98 933 951 5348; +98 930 972 9965; +234 906 768 4063
• Embassy of Nigeria, Tel Aviv (Israel): +972 547 115279; +234 706 4263944
• Embassy of Nigeria, Abu Dhabi (UAE): +971 56 884 4130
• Consulate-General, Dubai (UAE): +971 56 377 8678
• Embassy of Nigeria, Kuwait (covers Bahrain): +965 9789 5737; +965 9950 9288
• Embassy of Nigeria, Doha (Qatar): +974 3019 7102; +974 3019 7261
• Embassy of Nigeria, Beirut (Lebanon): +961 78 861 779; +234 803 8954425
• Embassy of Nigeria, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): +966 542149456; +966 565695763
• Consulate-General, Jeddah (Saudi Arabia): +966 56 096 5633
• Embassy of Nigeria, Amman (Jordan – covers Iraq): +962 777 369428; +962 776 594020

Authorities advised Nigerians to register with their respective embassies to facilitate communication and emergency support.

The government had earlier issued a security advisory to Nigerians living in or travelling across Iran and other Gulf countries following the escalation of the regional conflict.

According to the ministry, diplomatic missions in Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have been placed on high alert to provide consular assistance where necessary.

Kehinde Adegbodu has paid tribute to his late twin brother and music partner, Taiwo Adegbodu, while recalling the final moments they shared before his passing.

Kehinde shared old photos of his brother on the Adegbodu Twins’ Facebook page and wrote about the pain of losing the person he described as his closest companion.

He recalled that both of them were together until about 11 p.m. on the night before Taiwo passed away, noting that his brother was still active at the time before leaving unexpectedly.

The singer spoke about the shock of living without his twin, saying several days had already passed since Taiwo’s death, and he was still trying to come to terms with the loss.

According to him, the absence of his brother’s voice and presence has left a deep gap in his life.

He wrote: “By this time last week Saturday you were still alive and very active. We were together till 11pm before you left suddenly. So it’s already 8 days without you my best friend.

"It’s already 8 days you chose to stay alone in the morgue without telling me you’re going. So I won’t see you anymore, so I won’t hear your powerful vocal voice again but you suppose to know that I will miss you a lot. Please sir T, you must do everything to become number one choir master in heaven and you must be with me in spirit to take care of the kids, wife and band members.

“Now I understand the reason why you always tell me I can do it. Now I know why you sometimes tell our manager we can attend two shows at a time. But I promise never to disappoint you in every area, and I am sure you will stay with me forever till we meet again up there. It is well with my soul.”

Taiwo Adegbodu died on March 1 at the age of 46, although the cause of his death has not been made public.

The late singer was widely known as one half of the Adegbodu Twins, a gospel music group he formed with Kehinde. The duo became popular in the Yoruba gospel music scene after releasing their first album titled Faratimi (Lean on Me) in 1999.

Family members have announced plans to honour the late singer with an artistes night scheduled for March 30 at Bollads Event Centre located along Akala Express in Ibadan.

His burial service will take place the following day, March 31, at his residence.

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully rescued two kidnapped bankers during a security operation in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, HQ JTF operation WHIRL STROKE, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, 7 March 2026, said the victims, both staff members of Unity Bank, Benue State, were abducted a few days ago. 

“Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) successfully rescued two kidnap victims following an intelligence-led search and rescue operation conducted in Gborgbor Village, Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State, forcing the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee,” the statement read.

"The operation was launched in the early hours of 6 March 2026 following credible intelligence indicating the presence of terrorist and their victims within the general area. 

"Acting swiftly on the intelligence report, OPWS troops conducted an aggressive search and rescue mission aimed at locating the terrorist and safely recovering the victims.

"During the operation, troops thoroughly searched suspected houses and locations within Gborgbor Village but initially found nothing unusual. 

"However, further intelligence obtained indicated that the kidnappers and their victims were still trapped within the general area.

"In response to the new development, additional troops led by the Sub-Sector Commander were deployed to reinforce the search operation and intensify efforts to secure the safe release of the victims. 

"The troops subsequently extended the search to surrounding settlements including Tse Anaka.

"A sustained pressure from the advancing troops forced the terrorist to abandon their captives and flee the area. 

"The rescued victims were later identified as Mr Marwan Abubakar, 40, and Mr Leng’en Cakop, 37, both staff members of Unity Bank from Zaki-Biam in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.

"No direct contact was made with the fleeing terrorist during the operation. 

"However, troops recovered a motorcycle suspected to have been used by the terrorist along the route leading to Tse Anaka Village.

"The Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, commended the troops for their professionalism and swift response to actionable intelligence. 

"He noted that the success of the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led operations in combating kidnapping and other terrorist activities within the Joint Operations Area.

"Major General Gara further reassured residents of Taraba and neighbouring states of the Joint Task Force continued commitment to protecting lives and property. 

“He urged members of the public to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information that could assist in dismantling criminal networks operating within the region.”

Global crude oil prices rose above $100 per barrel on Monday morning, while the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) in Nigeria climbed past N1,000 per litre.

Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude blends surged by 13 percent and 15 percent to $103.3 per barrel and $107.3 per barrel, respectively, according to oilprice.com.

The latest crude price rally comes amid the ongoing war in the Middle East, with Iran faced by the United States and Israel.

Both sides have refused to broker peace as the region has been in turmoil since February 28th, 2026, when the US and Israel coordinated an attack on Iran, which led to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several others.

Iran has since launched retaliatory attacks in the Gulf region, leading to the shutdown of major refineries and crude businesses.

Crude price surges have also impacted domestic petrol prices in Nigeria, which have risen above N1,000 per liter, down from around N870 per liter before the war in the Middle East.

However, there is possibility of a slight respite as finance ministers of the G7 plan to discuss the possibility of releasing oil from storage in response to the price rally in the past days.