If you think you know Toke Makinwa, you might have to think again! Toke Makinwa isn’t just a TV or Radio presenter or a fashionista or entrepreneur, Toke Makinwa is a human and like every other human, she has a story – a story filled with ups and downs, heartbreaks and new beginnings and facts that you might not know.

In this article, we’ll be exploring 4 little-known-facts about Toke Makinwa and how each blow in life has helped her become the woman she is. This will greatly inspire you, so sit tight as we dive into the life of a celebrity who has been through life and facts about her that might leave you teary.

  She Lost Both Her Parents to Fire at Age 8.

Toke Makinwa

The year 1993 marked a tragic point for Toke Makinwa and her entire family. At the tender age of eight, she lost both her parents, Caleb Ifemayowa and Modupe Monica Mayowa in a gas cylinder explosion in their home in Abuja.

Toke Makinwa explained in depth how the death of her parents was a turning point for her. In her book, On Becoming, she wrote:

‘’In the movies, you sometimes see a scene with someone burning from head to toe, screaming and trying to fight the flames. It happened right in front of me. Everyone ran back trying to figure out who it was and how to put out the flames, shouting advice from a safe distance.

It took me a moment to realize that it was my mum. I stood glued to the spot, watching her burn… Even after they were driven to the hospital, I could still smell it.

From being a bubbly, friendly child, I became withdrawn and taciturn. From being the child who always came first in class, I went to the bottom of the class”

After the death of her parents, Toke and her siblings moved into her eldest aunt’s home in Ikoyi, Lagos. While this was a downhill pivot for her, it also fueled her resilience and outlook on life.

  From Literature to A Thriving Career in Media

Toke Makinwa – Radio presenter, TV personality and Entrepreneur

Toke Makinwa wasn’t born the eloquent presenter and glamorous personality, in fact, at it all started at the Federal Government Girls’ College, Oyo State where she had her secondary education. She then enrolled into the University of Lagos (UNILAG) where she studied English Language.

She seemed to know what she wanted because while in school studying English, she sought for hosting gigs, applied for internships and began to build herself slowly but steadily. She later went on to major in Communication and Media Studies. And her big break didn’t come until 2010 as a media host on Rhythm 93.7 FM in a show called ‘’The Morning Drive’’

Later on, Toke opened up about how losing her parents made her crave expression and how media became an outlet by which she could express herself. In her words:

‘’I had so much bottled up inside me, and I needed to speak, to pour out, to be heard. The mic gave me that power.”

   Private Wedding, Public Divorce

Toke Makinwa’s ex-husband, Maje Ayida

While every marriage is expected to be happily-ever-afters, but some don’t turn out that way, behind the glamorous pictures, bags and following, Toke’s love story started like a fairy tale but plummeted, leading to heartbreak, scandal and then, rebirth.

In January 2014, Toke Makinwa got married to Maje Ayida, a fitness expert and founder of HIIT Squad after being in an on-and-off relationship for about 8 years. It was indeed a joyous moment for Toke and her fans not until barely 18 months later, news spread that Maje Ayida had impregnated his ex-girlfriend Anita Solomon even though he was still married to Toke.

Social media went wild, it was the headline on almost every blog, it didn’t just shake her fans, it broke Toke herself. In March 2016, Toke filed for a divorce on grounds of adultery, verbal abuse and emotional neglect and in October 2017, her divorce was finalized by an Igbosere High Court in Lagos.

But while many expected Toke to crumble, she emerged. That same year, she launched TM Luxury, her luxury bag line and six months later released her memoir – ‘’On Becoming.’’

  On Becoming – A Story of Loss, Grief and Rebirth

Toke Makinwa’s memoir – On Becoming

While a lot of people would have collapsed under the weight of it all, Toke refused to. In November 2016, she released a memoir, and this wasn’t your regular book, this became a revolution.

In the book, she talked about everything – the painful memory of losing both parents in a fire when she was just 8 years old, her relationship with Maje Ayida, the cheating, its effects on her self-esteem, how societal expectations made her stay when she desperately wanted to leave. She didn’t just write about heartbreak but also about identity, faith, survival and womanhood.

And within 24 hours of release, On Becoming sold out in the major bookstores in Lagos. Celebrities like Banky W, Tiwa Savage and others were physically present not just to get a copy but to support her and appreciate her for telling her story.

It has since then become a kind of language that many Nigerian women understand, about the myth of a perfect marriage and the power of feminity and resilience.

In conclusion, the next time to hear the name Toke Makinwa, let it not only remind you of a bubbly internet sensation but also remind you of a woman of resilience and strength who had every reason to give up on life but didn’t but instead used her pain as fuel to build a legacy that would last beyond her.

Let her story be a reminder, especially to the female gender that it is possible to rise above the ashes and turn your lemons to lemonades not just for you but for others as well.

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Mrs. Natasha Hadiza Akpoti-Uduaghan was born on the 9^th of December, 1979. She is a Nigerian barrister, politician, and social entrepreneur who is known for her advocative activities and her commitment to public service. Here are 5 things you should know but probably don’t know about Natasha Akpoti.

Nathasha Akpoti

1. Natasha Akpoti was born on December 9th, 1979, to a Nigerian father, Dr. Jimoh Abdul Akpoti, and a Ukrainian mother, Ludmila Kravchenko. She grew up, however, in Ihima, Okehi, Kogi State, Nigeria, alongside three siblings.

Her younger years were influenced by her father’s philanthropic medical practices, which inspired her dedication to advocating for human rights and to community service.

2. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a trained lawyer and businesswoman who transitioned into politics.

She studied and received a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in 2004 from the University of Abuja, Nigeria, attended the Nigerian Law School, and was called to the bar in 2005. She also obtained a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Oil and Gas Management in 2012 from the University of Dundee.

Natasha Akpoti, politician and lawyer

3. Before becoming a part of the Senate, Natasha contested for the Kogi State Senatorial seat in 2019 under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Although she was not successful in the election, she gained national recognition.

In 2023, under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), she was officially elected as the Senator for Kogi Central in the 10^th National Assembly.

4. Nathasha Akoti’s biggest cause has been the revival of the Ajaokuta Steel Company, as she believes it can transform Nigeria’s economy.

Even before her political journey in 2019, she gained national attention in March 2018 for presenting an investigative report to the National Assembly, highlighting corruptions and other secret groundworks that were preventing the progress of the Ajaokuta Steel Mill.

Natasha and her husband, Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Alema of Wari

5. She got married to Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan, the Alema of Warri, on the 5^th of March, 2022, and their marriage is blessed with three children.

Senator Natasha Akpoti, fearless advocate for women’s empowerment

Although Natasha Akpoti is currently going through a hard patch following her accusation of the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, of sexual harassment, her suspension for alleged misconduct, and her seeking internal intervention, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s journey is one of commitment, political optimism and doggedness and hopefully, everything works out fine for her in the end.

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Biography of Uzor Arukwe – Nollywoods Sought-After Actor

Medlin Boss, Fashion Queen, ”Named Among 100 Most Influential African Women”

Uzor Arukwe is a Nigerian actor, model, and television personality born on August 6, 1983. He hails from the Igbo tribe -Nkwerre in Imo State, Nigeria, and is proud of his cultural heritage.

Uzor Arukwe in an Igbo Attire Giving the Look of an Igbo Groom

Uzor’s educational background is rooted in excellence. He attended the prestigious Nigerian Navy School, Portharcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria for his secondary education. After completing his secondary education, he proceeded to Abia State University, where he studied Economics and holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics. In addition to his educational qualifications, he holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration.

Career:

Uzor Arukwe in a black and sprinkled white suit

Uzor began his career in the entertainment industry as a model before transitioning to acting. His passion for the arts led him to pursue a career in acting, and he has since become one of the most sought-after actors in the Nigerian entertainment industry. He started acting in 2014 but gained recognition in a 2019 movie for his role as Inspector Sam in Sergeant Tutu. His widespread breakthrough came after he featured in the box office Queen’s 2023 movie – A tribe called Judah where he played the role of Chigozie – a typical wealthy Igbo man in furniture business. Recently, he has hit another breakthrough with his latest feature in the movie – Love in Every Word.

Breakthrough Role: Love in Every Word

Movie Cover of “Love in Every Word”

Uzor Arukwe has had several breakthrough role but this is different. Another of his mind-blowing breakout role came in March 2025 when he played the lead role of Obiora, also known as Odogwu Paranran, in the Romcom movie “Love in Every Word.” The movie, produced by Omoni Oboli, tells the story of a wealthy, intentional “Igbotic” Igbo man who falls in love with a soft-spoken and ambitious lady, Chioma -Bam Bam. Uzor’s performance in “Love in Every Word” was widely praised by critics and audiences alike. He brought a level of depth and fine detail to the role of Obiora, making his character relatable and endearing to audiences.

Other Notable Works:

In addition to his work on “Love in Every Word,” Uzor has appeared in a number of other films and television shows, including “Sugar Rush” “A Tribe Called Judah,” “Dwindle,” “Progressive Tailors Club,” “Mailaka,” “Size 12,” “Kambili: The 30 whole yards,” “The Set up,” “Smash,” “Bloodletters,” “Tanwa Savage” etc. He has been nominated for several awards due to his performances, including the Best Actor award at the 2019 Best of Nollywood Awards and Best Actor in a comedy at the 2020 viewers choice Awards.

Uzor Arukwe in rocking a red stylish attire

Throughout his career, Uzor Arukwe has demonstrated a commitment to his craft, and his performances have consistently been praised for his great interpretation of roles and embodiment of each character.

Uzor Arukwe is a talented and versatile actor who has made a significant impact in the Nigerian entertainment industry. His performance in “Love in Every Word” is a testament to his skill and dedication to his craft, and he continues to be a respected and sought-after actor in the industry.