Celebs

Embattled Former Miss SA Contender Chidimma Adetshina To Compete For Miss Universe Nigeria After Citizenship Controversy

Following weeks of controversy surrounding her participation in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant, Chidimma Adetshina has agreed to run for the Miss Universe Nigeria title.

The 23-year-old model, who was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father, withdrew from Miss South Africa “for the safety and wellbeing of my family and I” after a backlash that brought anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa to the fore.

Organizers of the Miss Nigeria Universe contest immediately invited Chidimma Adetshina to join their final on August 31, saying it was a chance to “represent your father’s native land on an international stage”.

“Thank you so much for this opportunity, and I look forward to participating in Africa’s most prestigious beauty pageant, Miss Universe Nigeria,” Adetshina replied in a video on Instagram.

The social media backlash centered on her father’s nationality, despite South Africa granting citizenship by birth to anyone born in the country after 1995 to a South African parent or permanent resident.
As the controversy attracted the attention of government ministers and other figures, the home ministry launched an investigation that ultimately raised questions about the nationality of Adetshina’s mother, who was reported to be a South African of Mozambican descent.

It uncovered “prima facie indications” that her mother might have stolen the identity of a South African woman, the ministry said, adding it was obtaining legal advice on the implications for her citizenship.

The saga exposed anti-foreigner sentiment in South Africa which has witnessed violent, and at times deadly, attacks on immigrants and led to accusations of “Afrophobia” against citizens from elsewhere on the continent.

It also fanned rivalry between the netizens of Africa’s two economic powerhouses.

South Africans did not appreciate the reaction of Nigerian afrobeat superstar, Burna Boy, when the eventual winner of Miss South Africa was announced on August 10 as a white woman, Mia le Roux.

“So after all that …” he posted on X with laughing emojis.

Celebs

Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh launches Christian Prayer Ministry

The former Nollywood actress kicked off her ministry in Abuja, called New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle. After months of announcing her plans to go into ministry, former Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh is now leading a Christian gathering in Abuja. In a video clip shared on her Instagram page, the 40-year-old was captured leading a powerful prayer session in her newly launched New Wine Prophetic Ministry.

The former Nollywood star describes her New Wine Prophetic Tabernacle as an interdenominational altar dedicated to prayer, revival, spiritual training, and the awakening of consecrated believers.

“NEW WINE PROPHETIC TABERNACLE (NWPT) @nwpt_global is an interdenominational altar, spiritual home, and global movement of consecrated believers called to experience the raw power, purity, and presence of God. Grounded in the foundational truth of Scripture “And no one puts new wine into old wineskins…” (Mark 2:22).
NWPT exists as a dwelling place of His presence for those who refuse to settle for lukewarm Christianity and are hungry for genuine revival, fire, and transformation.”

She added that her ministry is not a church but an intense gathering of those consecrated and equipped for the purposes of God. Since converting to a born-again Christian, Tonto Dikeh has been vocal about her faith. In February 2026, she completed a discipleship programme at Pastor Jerry Eze’s Streams of Joy International church, sharing her certificate on Instagram and speaking about a profound spiritual rebirth that had reshaped her perspective on life, faith, and service.

The vocal embrace of her Christian faith has not been without some controversy. In March 2026, a video where she was performing a deliverance on a schoolgirl went viral online and led to massive criticism, including the threat of a lawsuit by a Human Rights Lawyer.

Celebs

Veteran Actress Ngozi Nwosu appeals for N30 Million For Three Surgeries as she battles health crisis

Veteran Nollywood actress Ngozi Nwosu has made an emotional appeal to fans, colleagues and well-wishers as she battles a serious health condition that requires urgent medical attention.

The actress shared a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed, revealing that she has been hospitalised for the past three weeks. According to her, speaking publicly about her condition was a difficult decision, but she could no longer remain silent as she urgently needs three life-saving surgeries estimated to cost ₦30 million.

“My people, my fans and my family. I know you have not seen me in circulation for some time. I’ve been hospitalised now for three weeks.

“Pls, the thing has gone beyond my control. I need your help. Don’t let me die. I know that you people never forsake me, and I know that God will always see me through. But I am begging you my fans and family, don’t let me down.”

Nwosu also revealed the physical pain she has been enduring, adding that anyone willing to support her treatment should reach out to her management.

“I am going through a lot of pain. I have like three surgeries to go through.

“If there is anything you want to do for me, pls contact my management; they will be there. Thank you, God bless you. My sickness will never be anybody’s portion.”

n the caption accompanying the post, the actress reiterated her appeal, asking fans to share her message and contribute towards her treatment.

“Please don’t scroll past. Share this post and support if you can. God bless you, and may you and yours never experience this affliction.

“Please contact my legal representative/management for more details.

“Total amount needed for all surgeries is: N30,000,000.”

Nwosu is one of Nollywood’s celebrated veteran actresses, with a career spanning decades. She is widely recognised for her memorable performances in films and television productions.

Celebs

Nollywood Veteran Hanks Anuku captured roaming the streets of Abuja

A viral video showing veteran Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku on a roadside in Abuja has sparked concern among Nigerians on social media. The footage, believed to have been recorded recently, shows the 64-year-old actor appearing distressed, holding a disposable cup and seemingly talking to himself. Some social media users speculated that he may have been under the influence of alcohol, though this remains unconfirmed.

Sharing the clip online, eyewitnesses appealed for support, writing:

“Please Nigerians, Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku needs our help. Please repost and share so he can get help.”
The video has generated mixed reactions, with some expressing concern for the actor’s well-being, while others urged the public not to jump to conclusions.

One user said, “He made his choice. Donate for him and he will still visit his drugs and drinks. Best advice na the one wey person advice himself.”

Several fans called on his fellow actors and the Nigerian Actors Guild to provide the actor with the necessary medical and financial support.\

Anuku previously made headlines in November 2022 after a viral video showed him dressed in worn-out clothing while wandering the streets, prompting widespread speculation about his mental health. The actor later dismissed claims that he was battling mental illness. However, this latest video shows concerns over the state of his mental health and well-being.

During his time in Nollywood, Hanks Anuku was known for playing the archetypal bad-boy role, which earned him fame through his performances in movies like ‘The Senator.’ The actor’s current situation sheds light on the issues confronting movie stars and other celebrities who often battle with depression and financial crisis after leaving the limelight.