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SIMS Movie Premiere, Musical Concert Draw VIP Crowd (Photos)
It’s fair to say the palpable presence of the holy spirit was felt when the highly anticipated Christian Movie, STEPPING INTO MAGGIE’S SHOES drew VIPS from top Churches in Nigeria to the Ballroom of the Oriental Hotel, Lagos last December.
Titilope Oshunlalu covered the well attended Event which had in attendance VIPS like Dr Daniel Olukoya, General Overseer of Mountain of Fire And Miracles, and his wife,Pastor Mrs Folashade Olukoya . Also, the highly popular woman of God and philanthropist, Iya Aladura Esther Ajayi, Pastor Leye Adeboye, Pastor Ituah Ighodalo,Revd. Gbeminiyi Eboda,Dr Israel Kiristilere, Pastor Amos Fenwa, Dr Emmanuel among others.
According to Veronica Folorunso SIMS, executive producer, “This is probably the first of its kind. We are producing a Christian movie with content everyone can attest to, yet we’re doing it in such a relatable and delectable way.”
Stepping Into Maggie’s Shoe, SIMS, a DEEP THOTS FIILMS in conjunction with Opeyemi Akintunde Productions adapted from its namesake book also authored by Opeyemi Akintunde is directed by David Kola Okeowo, written & produced by Opeyemi Akintunde,D.O.P is Angel Alake,Light Designer is Sola Texas Eleazu,Sound Designer is Kafari Kadzai,Continuity is Seun Oni and Executive Producer is the hardworking Veronica Folorunso.
SIMS is a love story that deals with most of the issues in the body of Christ, which aims to correct,heal,restore,direct and hopefully speak the mind of Christ to the church. It boasts an impressive cast that includes veteran actress Liz Aweye(formerly Benson), Euchariah Anunobi, Femi Jacobs, Opeyemi Akintunde, Veronica Folorunso, Mike Abdul and many more.
Virtually all the G.O and Senior Pastors of Nigerian churches were invited and those who could not make it were ably represented.
The concert featured top artists who lit up the stage vis Beejay Sax, DVG, Nonso, Bidemi Olaoba, Tope Alabi, Beulah Acapella and more. Other top showbiz celebs in attendance included Mama Rainbow, Liz Anjorin, Lanre Teriba AKA Atorise,Woli Agba, ID Ogungbe, Kenny Saint Brown and so on.
In her remarks, the producer and writer of the movie said she wants everyone that watched the movie to learn and be touched by the spirit.
Mrs Folorunsho Veronica emphasised why it is important to use three of the seven mountains of societal influence ( Religion, Media and entertainment) to produce good and positive platforms or else we blame ourselves.
She thanked sponsors who supported the project vis Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM), Esther Ajayi Foundation,Unilever,Coca-Cola,Wema Bank,Belinda Shoes, Marvin Shoes and Bambi Shoes who gave them several Shoes to give out at the Event. Also, Irin Ajo Travels who gave Tickets to London and Dubai for five Lucky guests. Yvonne Travels and the impressive Modern Properties who gave a Plot of Land to be given to a worthy winner.
Dr Daniel Olukoya of MFM in his speech touched on how the film is not to condemn anyone but like the Prodigal Son we can retrace our steps into the warm embrace of our God as Jesus is waiting eagerly to restore us to the joy of salvation.
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Opeyemi Akintunde,the Producer and writer of SIMs Movie and Book
I am Opeyemi Akintunde, a gospel novelist, I write novel, I am also a faith based film maker, I make faith based film and you can follow me on Facebook and Instagram @opeyemiojerindeakintunde
Q: Can you explain the movie/storyline to prospective viewers?
Stepping Into Maggie’s Shoe is a love story that teaches us basic things we need to know about Christianity. It is wrapped around the love story that happened in the church. Many wish to be in the pastor’s wife’s shoe but did not know what it was really like.
Q: What do you want the viewers to learn or gain from the movie.
To understand that, don’t wish to be in someone else shoes because you don’t know how it works.
Q: Word to your fans
Wow, to all my fans to all those who are reading my novels, I love you all. Thank you for pushing me into success, you know, when one novel is ended, they have a way of asking me when are we expecting the next?
Q: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years
Making more movies for God.
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Iya Aladura Worldwide, Esther Ajayi
Q: Kindly introduce.
My name is Rev. Mother Abimbola Esther Ajayi from Christ Generation Church, Cherubim & Seraphim,where the glory of God showers.
Q: You have a signature natural smile, what is the secret behind it?
The Joy of the Lord is our strength, and is new every morning, every day Lamentation 3:23b.
Remark: We are proud to have a female like you doing so well in the ministry.
Thank you
Q: What are the challenges you face as a white garment member and wearing your garment wherever you go?
It makes me feel as if they don’t know Jesus.John 3:16 says,for God so loved the world and He gave His only begotten son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting life, Christianity is all about love,1st Corinthians 12 says,I don’t want you to be an ignorant.The body of Christ is not divided, it is because people are ignorant,that is why they do segregation,you understand what I mean?u.Until when the love of Christ is paramount in people’s heart,that is when they will understand that we are one.
Q: How do you relax?
Ha! I do relax o. I love exercise a lot,I do yoga,I love swimming,I just do my thing for Jesus.
Q: What can you say about the organisers of SiMs?
Yes, It was Mrs Folorunso Veronica that came to me,I could feel the positive energy coming from her and if anything like this comes my way,I don’t relegate them.
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Liz Benson- Ameye
Q: Can you tell us your role in the movie?
I played the role of Mimi,Happy’s mum in the movie, stepping Into Maggie’s Shoe. Outside being an actor, I see the story line in the movie as a message of salvation as God was able to use Happy to bring the man of God, her husband back on track.
Q: You have been in the Industry for decades now,what is the secret of your good looks?
Nothing else but God,the air that we breath, everything we own is all about God,I have nothing to say than to say it is only God,I can’t lay claim to nothing but God.
Q: What do you want viewers to learn in the movie?
The movie is about salvation,Jesus is the way,we are the light of the world and as children of God,being the salt of the earth by accepting Jesus and giving our lives to God,we need to show the light in our life which is what the movie, Stepping Into Maggie’s Shoe is all about
Q: A message for your fans.
I love my fans so much and pray God’s blessing upon them,God’s will in their lives also as they step into their purpose of God’s will.
See photos below:
Cynthia Morgan (Madrina) urges President Tinubu to roll back the full fuel subsidy removal due to the increasing hardship, inflation, and crime rates
Nigerian singer Cynthia Morgan, now known as Madrina, has made a heartfelt appeal to President Bola Tinubu, urging the government to address the severe economic hardship facing Nigerians in the wake of the recent fuel subsidy removal.
In a candid video message shared on her TikTok page, Madrina expressed her frustration, revealing that while she initially supported the decision to remove the petrol subsidy, the current situation has become unbearable for many citizens.
“Are you guys feeling what I am feeling? I’m not even going to lie, I’m feeling it o!” she stated in the video. She went on to explain that despite the government’s reasoning behind removing the subsidy, the consequences are proving to be too much for Nigerians to bear.
Madrina pointed out the sheer scale of the financial strain, noting that the country had spent over $8 billion on fuel subsidies. She highlighted how this amount far exceeded Nigeria’s total annual revenue of around $20 billion for 2023/2024, raising questions about the sustainability of the subsidy removal.
“I was one of the persons who applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the removal of the fuel subsidy because you know what it is. But currently, I don’t think we have what it takes to live totally off subsidy removal on petroleum products,” she confessed.
According to the singer, Nigeria lacks the necessary structures to cushion the impact of the subsidy removal, leading to a sharp rise in inflation, as the price of petrol affects almost every other commodity.
The economic consequences, she said, have contributed to a weakening naira, higher import prices, and an increasing GDP per capita of just $860.
While acknowledging the long-standing issue of the petrol subsidy and the attempts by previous administrations, including that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to address it, Madrina stressed that the removal has not been implemented in a way that Nigeria can sustain. The country’s infrastructure and economic framework, she argued, are simply not prepared for such a drastic shift.
In her message, the singer passionately called for a compromise, asking the government to reconsider and at least roll back 50 percent of the subsidy removal, saying, “People are hungry.
Crime rates are increasing.” She emphasized that while it is understandable to reduce the subsidy, the government must also consider the current socio-economic reality.
Madrina concluded with a call to Nigerians, urging them to refrain from complaining or protesting aggressively. Instead, she suggested that citizens engage in a “begging challenge” to plead with the government for help and reconsideration.
“Let’s beg the government to help us, that they shouldn’t be angry. Maybe we have been irresponsible,” she said.
As the economic hardships continue to mount, Madrina’s plea for immediate government intervention has resonated with many Nigerians, who are grappling with the effects of rising fuel prices and inflation.
Nollywood actress Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello has expressed her support for former Queen Naomi Silekunola, who is facing difficulties following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organized in Ibadan, resulting in the loss of young lives
A top Nollywood actress and movie producer, Arewa Bukky Amos-Bello, has joined numerous well-wishers who have expressed their support for former queen of Ife Kingdom, Naomi Silekunola, who is currently facing challenges following a tragic stampede at a charity event she organised in Ibadan, resulting in the loss of children’s lives.
The beautiful thespian, popularly called Ajitannawo, in a statement made available to journalists on Sunday, sent a message of encouragement, urging Queen Naomi to stay strong.
In her heartfelt message, Arewa Amos-Bello expressed sorrow over the incident and offered prayers for Queen Naomi’s courage and resilience in the face of the tragedy.
“Be strong and courageous; the Lord is with you. And He will never forsake you my Queen Silekunola. My heart goes out to you in this sorrowful time of yours. My prayer is with you always. God bless you in this difficult time,” Arewa Bukky wrote, while she offered her sincere condolences to families and parents of the victims.
Arewa Amos-Bello stated that she feels every bit of what Queen Naomi feels at the moment because she is also a philanthropist who understands that the former Ife Queen did what she did with good intentions.
She added, “I know she meant well because I’m also into charity. The Ibadan event was not her first nor was it the second. We can only pray that God help her and console the victims.”
“I want to assure her of my valid support; she is not alone. Her struggles are valid and real, and in acknowledging this, she finds our solidarity. When things like this happen, we may feel ashamed and find it hard to cope, yet even in such a dark time as this, we share our burdens, support one another, and find strength in our unity. She must not give up on her goal and she is encouraged to continue her philanthropic endeavours.”
South African TikTok star Beandri Booysen has passed away at the age of 19 following a valiant battle with progeria, a rare genetic disorder that caused her to age rapidly—eight years for every year of her life.
Her mother, Bea Booysen, announced the tragic news in a heartfelt post within a Facebook group dedicated to Beandri’s journey. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” the grieving mother shared.
Beandri, known for her uplifting presence and brave attitude, touched the hearts of many across the world. Her legacy as an inspiration to others facing adversity lives on, as she remains an unforgettable figure in the South African social media scene.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Beandri Booysen, one of South Africa’s most beloved and inspirational young women,” the bereaved parent wrote.
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