The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has postponed the announcement of this year’s Oscar nominations due to the wildfires ravaging the Los Angeles area.

Originally scheduled for Friday, January 17, the nominations will now be revealed on January 19.

Voting for the nearly 10,000 Academy members, which began on January 8, has also been extended by two days, now closing on Tuesday, January 14.

Among the celebrities affected by the fires are former Oscars host Billy Crystal, Paris Hilton, James Woods, and Miles Teller, all of whom have lost their homes.

In a letter sent to members on Wednesday, Academy CEO Bill Kramer offered his condolences, saying, “We want to offer our deepest condolences to those who have been impacted by the devastating fires across Southern California.

“So many of our members and industry colleagues live and work in the Los Angeles area, and we are thinking of you.”

Wildfires sweeping through communities across Los Angeles County, which began around 5:45 pm on Wednesday, have damaged or destroyed over 2,000 homes, businesses, and other buildings, with at least five confirmed dead.

Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo, has revealed in a recent interview that she is been a victim of rape five times in the past.

Speaking with Biola Bayo, on her talk show, Talk to B, she expressed her frustration with rape apologists.

Iyabo Ojo shared her traumatic experiences, emphasising her zero-tolerance stance on rape.

Iyabo Ojo also discussed her complicated family history, including her father’s struggles with addiction, which led to his death at 49.

She revealed that she grew up with her grandmother and didn’t meet her mother until she was seven years old.

“I was raped five times in my life. I discovered we have a lot of rape apologists. I don’t care who the person is; if that person is my son, I am going to come for him unapologetically.

“I have never met Naira Marley before my entire life. The only time I lacked was when I insisted this was the man I was going to get married to because, at that time, my dad and I disowned each other.

“My dad did everything, alcohol and drugs, so it messed him up at a young age. He died at 40.

“I grew up with my grandmother, who is half Delta and half Igbo. I think I was seven before I knew my mother.”

First Bank of Nigeria Limited proudly sponsored a remarkable stage play titled ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again: A Biting Satire.’ This captivating performance was masterfully directed by the acclaimed Joseph Edgar, widely recognised as The Duke of Shomolu. The play received high praise for its creative ingenuity and sharp satirical brilliance, effectively delivering a meaningful message to its audience.

The much-anticipated performance took place on December 23, 2023, at the prestigious Shell Hall, MUSON Centre in Lagos. This staging was an integral part of the vibrant activities associated with the 2024 edition of FirstBank’s annual Initiative, ‘DecemberIssaVybe,’ which aims to support and promote the thriving arts and entertainment sector in Nigeria.

Written and produced by the versatile Joseph Edgar, who is also a distinguished playwright and journalist, ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ is a profound satire that conveys a compelling message through clever satirical elements and well-crafted characters. Edgar describes the play as a compilation of his earlier writings that appeared in ThisDay newspaper, along with his personal reflections shared on various platforms, including WhatsApp.

This particular production marked the fourth outing of the play, with previous adaptations being celebrated and well-received. One standout performance featured the talented actress Chantal, who humorously chastised Edgar in a memorable scene, referring to him as a “self-centred Ibibio man,” eliciting laughter from the audience. Another crowd favourite was a scene set in a white garment church, directed by the iconic Segun Adefila. This lively depiction showcased the vibrant energy and joyful movements of the beautiful women attending such congregations, further engaging the audience with their energetic performances. Additionally, the play prominently featured a scene centered around the controversial journalist and TV host Rufai Oseni, thoughtfully reflecting current societal debates and media dynamics.

A significant portion of the production was dedicated to a heartfelt tribute to the late Herbert Wigwe, a revered banker and former chairman of Access Holdings, known for his bold business strategies and calculated risk-taking. Edgar, drawing from his personal experiences with Wigwe, portrayed the late banker as an inspiring figure who achieved prominence through sheer determination and hard work. The narrative expressed a profound sense of loss felt by many following Wigwe’s untimely passing, resonating deeply with the audience.

The storyline of ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ is a vibrant and dynamic fusion of dance, music, traditional aesthetics, and visual spectacle, seamlessly blending comedic and tragic elements. In addition to honoring Herbert Wigwe, Edgar also paid homage to other notable figures, such as Mrs. Umo Eno, the recently deceased First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, and the iconic singer Onyeka Onwenu, showcasing the play’s deep connections to the fabric of Nigerian society.

The themes explored within the play span a broad spectrum of human experience, including pain, love, joy, relationships, and the myriad challenges faced by society. It poignantly reflects the complexities of Nigerian life and culture, utilizing elements from Edgar’s finest writings to resonate with the audience on multiple levels. Furthermore, the production served as a platform to commemorate several Nigerians who have recently passed away, intertwining personal narratives with collective grief and memory, thus adding another layer of depth to the performance.

Crafted with a rich, emotional plot, ‘Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again’ is an exhilarating theatrical spectacle that effortlessly integrates various aspects of Nigerian culture, music, folklore, and languages. While rooted in satire, the core narrative resonates with contemporary societal realities, making the production both entertaining and deeply thought-provoking.

Olayinka Ijabiyi, the Acting Group Head of Marketing & Corporate Communications at FirstBank, expressed the bank’s unwavering commitment to providing a memorable December experience for all generations. He remarked, “FirstBank is dedicated to facilitating unforgettable homecoming experiences this December for gatherings such as weddings, family reunions, and festive celebrations. Our collaboration with the Duke of Shomolu on this play signifies our dedication to promoting the creative industry through the arts and stage plays, aligning perfectly with our vision as an organization that cherishes Nigeria’s artistic landscape.”

Ijabiyi further highlighted FirstBank’s rich 130-year legacy of supporting the arts through its First@arts initiative. He encouraged Nigerians to embrace the diverse entertainment offerings presented throughout DecemberIssaVybe. He assured people that FirstBank is steadfast in its mission to create memorable experiences while considering the overall well-being of its customers.

The FirstBank DecemberIssaVybe is celebrated each year to enhance the arts and entertainment sectors in Nigeria. Throughout December, the bank hosts multiple opportunities and platforms that provide a memorable Homecoming Experience for Nigerians, welcoming both local and international guests. It is designed to provide access to premium live performances featuring beloved artists and engaging concerts that embody the spirit of joy and celebration, ultimately creating lasting memories for all attendees.

Looking ahead, FirstBank is actively working on an exciting lineup for the upcoming 2024 DecemberIssaVybe ensuring that both customers and social media followers can look forward to a world of entertainment that promises to be unforgettable.

This story is sponsored by FirstBank, and written by Oladapo Sofowora