Celebrity News
Stars Turn Up for Ini Edo’s Dad’s Burial
If there’s one thing Nollywood knows how to do, it’s supporting themselves, whether for a blockbuster premiere, a glamorous wedding, or a moment of deep sorrow. Over the weekend, the industry’s biggest stars came together in Akwa Ibom for the burial of veteran actress father Ini Edo, Jonathan Ekim. What should have been a solemn affair turned into a blend of emotions, tears, heartfelt tributes, and, of course, the unmistakable glamour that follows the entertainment elite.
But honestly, If you were expecting a normal, somber funeral, you clearly don’t know how Nollywood rolls. From A-list celebrities in their best traditional attire to a grand procession fit for a king, Ini Edo’s father’s final farewell was nothing short of a spectacle.

Friends and Supporters
A Star-Filled Send-Off
Ini Edo is not just a Nollywood queen; she’s family to many in the industry. So, when it was time to lay her father to rest, her colleagues pulled up in full force. The guest list read like a who’s who of Nollywood royalty, with the likes of Rita Dominic, Uche Jombo, Kate, Mary Remi Njoku and Toke Makinwa making grand entrances.
Desmond Elliot, who has perfectly blended politics with entertainment, was present, offering words of encouragement to Ini Edo. And of course IK Ogbonna, Ini best friend known for his flawless style, also attended, embodying the fusion of mourning and elegance that characterized the event.
The ceremony was a testament to the unity and friendship within the Nollywood community, with stars turning up in style to honor Ini Edo’s late father. And if there was ever a way to combine mourning and style, the stars at this event certainly cracked the code.
Fashion Meets Tradition
Now, let’s talk about the outfits! Because, come on, did you think Nollywood celebrities would attend a high-profile event without making a fashion statement?
Ini Edo herself dazzled in a pure white attire, a perfect representation of grace and mourning. Her attire featured elaborate beadwork and designs, complemented by a well-styled gele (headwrap) and coral bead accessories, giving her a regal presence.
Guests for Ini Edo burial wore an aso-ebi in green and orange. And everyone showed up at their best, different styles and designs graced the occasion. It was another opportunity for Nigerian fashion designers to showcase their talent.
From the glamorous outfits to the heartfelt tributes, the event was a perfect blend of tradition, style, and deep emotion.

Toke Makinwa Graced The Event in Style
Tears, Tributes, and Fond Memories
As much as the event was a glamorous view, it was also deeply emotional. Ini Edo, known for her strong on-screen presence, broke down in tears multiple times during the ceremony. Her colleagues surrounded her, offering their support and warm embraces.
The funeral service was filled with heartfelt tributes, as friends and family members shared touching stories about her late father. He was described as a man of wisdom, a pillar of his community, and a loving father who always believed in his daughter’s dreams.
Uche Jombo, visibly moved by the eulogies, spoke about how Ini Edo’s father had always been a father figure to many of them in the industry. “He was our biggest cheerleader. He celebrated Ini’s wins as if they were his own, and today, we celebrate him,” she said, her voice thick with emotion.

Merlin Boss Standing Out
A Celebration of Life
In Nigeria the reception after the wake and burial is a different ball game. The atmosphere moved from sorrow to celebration as the guest moved to an open air reception. Filled with decoration and traditional music in the air.
A live band kept the mood alive, performing a mix of highlife, gospel, and Afrobeat tunes. Even in grief, the Edo family ensured that their father was given a grand send-off.
Guests enjoyed meals in local delicacies, from afang soup to jollof rice that had people going for second and third plates. Let’s be honest, no Nigerian gathering is complete without food that leaves guests licking their fingers.

Ini Edo
The Internet Reactions
With social media being the ever-watchful eye that it is, videos and pictures from the event flooded timelines. Nigerians praised the Nollywood family for standing by one of their own, while others debated the extravagant nature of celebrity burials.
One Twitter user wrote, “Nollywood burials be looking like AMVCA afterparties. Rest in peace to Ini Edo’s dad, though.”
On TikTok page, someone made a content picking on Ini Edo’s dance steps. “Why would Ini Edo be dancing like this on her father’s burial”
Another added, “Ini Edo’s dad must have been a great man to have so many stars turn up for him. May his soul rest in peace.”
However, not everyone was delighted. Some criticized her for attending a birthday party in Ghana shortly after the burial, calling it “insensitive.” But hey, grief is personal, and people cope with it in different ways.

Ini Edo’s Father
Final Thoughts
Losing a loved one is never easy for anyone, it was warming to see Nollywood celebrities give their support to Ini Edo in this difficult time. The ceremony was a perfect blend of tradition, love,fashion and star power.
Proving once again that in the Nigerian entertainment industry, family extends beyond blood ties.
To Ini Edo and her family, we send our deepest condolences. May Papa Jonathan Ekim’s soul rest in peace, and may his legacy continue to shine through those he left behind.
Also read : Vivien Chidera Okafor: The Fabulous Lawyer Redefining Entertainment
Celebrity News
Mercy Eke Levels Up with an MBA from the University of Sunderland London
Mercy Eke has never been one to stay boxed into a single narrative. From reality TV fame to business, real estate, entertainment, she has built a public profile through reinvention and strategic choices. Now, she has added another milestone to her journey; earning an MBA at University of Sunderland in London.

Image: Instagram
Mercy’s rise began in 2019 when she made history as the first woman to win Big Brother Naija. That victory was more than just prize money and endorsements. It showed a woman whose confidence and competitive drive, traits that defined her on national television.
In 2025, she revealed she had started a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program in the UK shared her excitement about returning to school. She described the journey as “Chasing my dreams, back to reality. Learning and leveling up.” Today she achieved that milestone by earning her degree!

Image: Instagram
Owing multiple businesses, an MBA reinforces her strategic approach, provides formal structure to skills she already demonstrates; negotiation, branding, investment, positioning and market expansion. This will further strengthen her credibility and professional profile.
In many ways, the MBA is Mercy Eke returning to her core: the ambitious business-minded and resilient woman who existed before the fame. Her journey highlights that visibility opens opportunities, but expertise sustains them.

Image: Instagram
For a woman whose public life began with cameras and competition, this academic milestone proves her story was never just about winning a show. It shows her strategic and bold approach to building her career on her own terms.
Celebrity News
Veekee James and Femi Atere Share Pregnancy News in a Dreamlike Reveal
When Veekee James announced her pregnancy on Instagram, the reaction was immediate across Nigerian social media. The post felt bigger than routine celebrity news. It became a shared milestone. Fans, fellow designers and entertainers filled the comment section with congratulations within minutes, turning the reveal into a public celebration that extended well beyond her fashion audience.
The designer delivered the news in a short video featuring her husband, Femi Atere, and a caption that referenced faith and gratitude. The tone matched what followers already associate with her online presence: direct, spiritual and personal. The message arrived complete, as the couple is expecting their first child.

Photo Credit – Instagram
Veekee James’ rise in fashion has been built on recognisable craftsmanship. From bridal couture to red carpet commissions, her work is known for sharp construction and detail that translates strongly in photographs and videos, a quality that has helped her maintain a powerful digital following. The pregnancy announcement does not interrupt that professional identity. It adds a personal update to a public figure whose career has developed largely in front of an online audience.
Her relationship with Femi Atere has been visible since their engagement and wedding celebrations, events widely followed across Nigerian entertainment platforms. Coverage of their wedding placed them at the centre of celebrity conversation at the time, introducing their partnership to audiences who may not have previously followed her work in fashion. The pregnancy announcement continues that shared public timeline, marking another major life event witnessed in real time.

Photo Credit – Instagram
The scale of the response reflects Veekee’s position within contemporary Nigerian celebrity culture. She represents a generation of creatives who combine fashion, entrepreneurship and personal storytelling on social media. Many young followers openly cite her career as motivation, particularly women navigating business and marriage at the same time. Her announcement therefore sits inside an ongoing conversation about visibility, ambition and family life in the public eye.
Notably, the couple chose not to release additional details about timelines or future plans. The decision to share a single, clear message is noticeable.

Photo Credit – Instagram
Veekee James remains one of the most watched figures in Nigerian fashion, and her audience is now witnessing her enter a new phase of adulthood alongside the career that built her platform. The excitement surrounding the pregnancy is not limited to celebrity interest. It reflects how closely her supporters follow the milestones of a designer whose success has unfolded in full public view.
The announcement does not attempt to redefine her image. It extends a story her audience already understands, a designer building a career, a marriage and now a family under the attention of a national following that continues to grow.
Celebrity News
IShowSpeed Hits 50 Million Subscribers in Lagos, Celebrates Milestone Live
Lagos was the stage for a major milestone in online entertainment this week when American YouTuber and Twitch streamer IShowSpeed, born Darren Jason Watkins Jr., reached 50 million subscribers during a livestream from the city on January 21, 2026. The achievement coincided with his 21st birthday, which he celebrated live with fans in Lagos and viewers around the world.
IShowSpeed’s Africa tour, titled “Speed Does Africa,” began on December 29, 2025, and has taken him to multiple countries across the continent. His stop in Lagos drew particularly large crowds, highlighting the city’s role as a hub for digital culture and entertainment in Africa.

IShowSpeed – Instagram
The 50 million subscriber milestone was reached live on camera, with millions of fans watching the subscriber counter tick over in real time. At one point, IShowSpeed paused his security convoy to react live as the counter hit 50 million, sharing the moment directly with his audience.
This milestone places IShowSpeed among YouTube’s fastest-growing channels and confirms his position as one of the most influential Black creators on the platform. The event also showcased the growing global recognition of African cities in the digital entertainment space, with Lagos becoming a focal point for fans and media worldwide.

IShowSpeed – Instagram
During his time in Lagos, IShowSpeed visited several key locations, including local markets and cultural spaces. He sampled Nigerian food, including jollof rice, which he praised during the livestream, and interacted with fans on the streets, making the milestone feel both personal and communal.
Thousands of fans gathered during the livestream, capturing and sharing clips online, which drew global attention to Lagos and the broader African creator community. The event underlined the rising impact of digital creators across Africa and how local cities are increasingly becoming central to global streaming culture.

IShowSpeed – Instagram
For IShowSpeed, reaching 50 million subscribers marks a major career milestone. His journey from energetic gaming streams to global recognition demonstrates the power of personality, consistency, and audience engagement in building a worldwide following. With the Africa tour highlighting both his growth and the continent’s growing role in digital culture, Lagos will be remembered as the city where this milestone became a shared, global moment.
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