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News_Naija

Working With Funke Akindele Changed My Life Tobi Makinde

Actor and podcast host, Tobi Makinde, has said that working with popular actress and filmmaker, Funke Akindele, changed his life. Makinde, who has featured in Akindele’s movies such as A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa, told Sunday Scoop, “The first time I worked with Funke, I knew I was standing on holy ground when it came to excellence. She’s not just talented, she’s intentional, focused and relentless in the best way. I watched her run massive productions with a calm sense of control, then step in front of the camera and give 110 per cent. That level of dedication rubs off on one. It forces one to rise to the occasion. Working with her has been a masterclass, not just in acting, but in how to carry oneself as a creative. It changed how I approach everything.” The role interpreter who started out acting as a child actor in Kamsi and Neighbours also recounted how his work helped a fan through tough times.He said, “There was a day I’ll never forget. I was out in public when a young woman saw me, and she just froze. She started fidgeting, clearly emotional, and then said, ‘Your work helped me through a really hard time’. In that moment, it hit me: this isn’t just about acting or being on screen. It’s about impact. One never knows who’s watching, who is healing because of a story one told. That interaction grounded me. It reminded me that what we do isn’t small. It can reach into someone’s darkness and bring light.” Makinde who recently ventured into podcasting with the The Tobi Makinde Show said it has made him know the importance of real stories. “I never imagined how different storytelling could feel until I started hosting the show. In film and television, there’s a script. You know your lines. You know where the story is going. But with the podcast, it’s different. It’s just me, my guest, and the truth.”

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News_Naija

Toba Gold To Premiere Sickle Cell Documentary In US

Artist and filmmaker, Toba Gold, is set to premiere his documentary titled, Surviving Sickle Cell Africa, on Thursday, July 26, 2025, at BloomBars in Washington, D.C, United States of America. A statement sent to Sunday Scoop stated that the documentary, which is presented in partnership with the Africa World Now Project and BloomBars, “is a powerful visual journey into the lived experiences of sickle cell warriors across Africa and the Diaspora. It highlights the unrelenting pain, social stigma, lack of access to care, and the fight for survival in regions where medical infrastructure is insufficient.” It added, “The documentary also explores emerging scientific solutions; bone marrow transplants, gene therapy, and other treatments. It calls attention to the healthcare inequality that makes access to these breakthroughs out of reach for many African families. Speaking on the inspiration behind the documentary, Gold said, “The pain is relentless. The cost— emotional, physical and financial— is devastating. Yet, the resilience of our people remains unshaken. “Even though their blood may fail them, we will not fail them. This film is not just about survival, it’s a movement for dignity, access and justice.” He also noted that the documentary aims to reposition the global narrative around sickle cell, advocating for inclusive healthcare, international funding, and local solutions.

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News_Naija

April Obichies Preye Bags Multiple Nominations At TINFF

Nollywood Actress and filmmaker April Obichie’s short film titled Preye has garnered multiple award nominations from the Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival. According to a statement sent to Sunday Scoop, the film aims to raise awareness of female genital mutilation. Obichie played the role of a victim of FGM, while Kelechi Udegbe acted as her husband, Jaja. The film was nominated in categories such as Best Film by a Female Filmmaker(Africa), Best Short Thriller/Drama, and Best Short Film (Nollywood). Expressing joy at the nominations, Obichie said, “Being nominated is such an incredible honour, and I’m so grateful for the recognition. It is a dream come true, and it feels so good to finally see one’s hard work pay off. I can’t wait to see what the future holds.” Obichie, who was also nominated for Best Supporting Actress for her work in the movie, The Waiter, added, “It is truly surreal. It’s an absolute honour to be recognised for my work in such a fantastic film. I am so grateful for the opportunity, and I’m thrilled to be part of it all.”

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P7as2

Is Salman Khan Finally Settling Down? A Suspicion That Has Fans Going Gaga

For more than three decades, Salman Khan has dominated Bollywood not only with his hit films but also with his title of being one of India’s most eligible bachelors. Even with his string of relationships, gossip, and public speculations, the actor remains single, to the fascination of fans and media personnel alike. But a recent Instagram update from the actor of Battle of Galwan has set the internet agog, fueling renewed rumors about whether the superstar is finally set to get married. On Wednesday, Salman Khan went to Instagram to wish his brother-in-law Atul Agnihotri a happy birthday. What was apparently a normal post soon generated headlines, not for the birthday per se, but for the emotional caption that Salman added with the snap. He wrote: “Happy birthday, Atul. “My bil” means “brother-in-law.” Thank you for taking care of my sister. I love you, man. Best husband and father, now can you please be the man I knew? One day I will be the man you are. Wake up, brother.” It was the line “1 day I vil be the man you are” that caught everyone’s attention. For years, Salman has been asked about his marriage plans, and this cryptic statement seemed like a soft admission that marriage could be on his mind. Social media exploded soon after the post went live. Fans rushed to the comment sections and fan pages, speculating whether Bhaijaan is finally planning to get married. Comments ranged from hopeful curiosity to full-blown excitement: • “So one day Salman will also be married?” • “Matlab bhai shaadi karna chahte hai?” • “Is this the hint we’ve been waiting for?” The fact that Salman mentioned wanting to become a man like his brother-in-law, a dedicated husband and father, was enough to make fans believe that marriage might not be off the table for the superstar anymore. This isn’t the first time Salman has addressed the topic. In an appearance on Aap Ki Adalat with Rajat Sharma, he had opened up about why he has remained unmarried. With his trademark honesty, he said, “Jab upar waala chahega, Sir (when God wills it). Two individuals are needed for marriage. In one case, the marriage didn’t happen. When I said yes, the other person said no. When the other person said yes, I said no. Now it’s a no from both sides. When both say yes, the marriage will happen.” He also added, “There’s still time. I’m 57. I want that this time, it should be the first and last. Matlab ek hi biwi honi chahiye.” This rare moment of vulnerability from Salman revealed that he’s not against marriage; he just hasn’t found the right time or person yet. Salman has had his share of romantic relationships over the years with many top actresses, such as Aishwarya Rai, Katrina Kaif, Iulia Vantur, and Zarine Khan. Perhaps the most serious relationship he had was that with Sangita Bijlani. Rumor had it that their marriage was imminent; wedding cards were even ordered. But the romance did not last after Salman reportedly cheated on her with Somy Ali. While the media have had a field day speculating about his romantic life, Salman has remained tight-lipped, never denying or confirming the various rumors. And yet another recurring motif in Salman’s interviews and public appearances is how much he loves children. He’s reputed to have wanted children even if it meant obtaining a father before a husband. He’s famously documented for having loved his nieces and nephews and frequently posts moments with them on social media. This latest caption expressing admiration for his brother-in-law as a father is yet another indication of how much Salman values the idea of family. While fans are busy speculating about his personal life, Salman remains focused on his professional commitments. He is prepping for his next film, Battle of Galwan, a patriotic drama inspired by the actual confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. Familiar with playing high-impact, emotionally charged roles in the past few years, this movie will see the actor deliver a more intense and realistic performance. Whether Salman Khan is actually going to settle down anytime soon or not, it’s sure that his cryptic caption has re-piqued the public interest in his personal life. Being an individual who has closely kept his personal life under wraps for years, even a little hint from Salman seems monumental. Maybe this time, it’s not just another rumor. Maybe, just maybe, Bhaijaan is finally ready to become a husband and a father, the man he always admired in others. Until then, fans can only wait and hope. After all, in Salman’s own words, “When both say yes, the marriage will happen.”