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Nigerian singer Mr Real has sparked controversy after rejecting economic advice recently offered by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, declaring that he would rather “join banditry” than take up the small-scale businesses she suggested.

The “Legbegbe” crooner made the remark while reacting to comments by the First Lady, who encouraged low-income Nigerians to embrace small businesses as a means of achieving financial independence amid the country’s economic challenges.

Speaking at an event last Thursday, Mrs. Tinubu advised Nigerians with limited financial resources to consider ventures such as frying akara (bean cakes), roasting corn, or producing kuli-kuli (groundnut snacks). According to her, these businesses require relatively low start-up capital and can provide a sustainable source of income.

However, Mr Real dismissed the suggestion, arguing that petty trading is not a practical solution to the economic hardship many Nigerians are currently facing. In a reaction that quickly gained attention on social media, the singer said he would rather turn to banditry than engage in the businesses recommended by the First Lady.

His comment has since generated mixed reactions online. While some social media users criticized the statement as reckless and inappropriate, others viewed it as an expression of frustration over the country’s worsening economic conditions rather than a literal endorsement of criminal activity.

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A newly circulated video of veteran Nollywood actor Hanks Anuku has sparked fresh concern among Nigerians, with many expressing worry about the actor’s health and overall well-being.

The video, reportedly recorded on Saturday, June 27, shows Anuku sitting and at times lying on the ground along a street in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja.

In the footage, the veteran actor appears unkempt and is seen holding a disposable cup while speaking to himself, prompting widespread discussion across social media platforms.

The video has generated mixed reactions online, with many fans expressing sympathy and calling for support for the actor. Some social media users speculated that Anuku may have been intoxicated or under the influence of alcohol.

However, these claims remain unverified, and there has been no official confirmation regarding the cause of his condition or behavior in the video.

As of the time of this report, the actor and his representatives have not publicly commented on the circulating footage.

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The widow of late Nollywood actor John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, Stella Maris Okafor, has refuted allegations that she secretly disposed of her late husband’s properties and kept the proceeds for herself.

Speaking in a video interview with content creator King Mitchy, Stella Maris insisted that the sale of the property was carried out legally and in compliance with a court order.

According to her, the transaction was jointly handled by herself and Mr Ibu’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor, adding that she possesses documents to support her claims.

“I have to show you this document. This is a court order. We—I didn’t, not me alone. My husband’s two sons, Valentine Okafor and Daniel Okafor, and I did it according to the court order. Every evidence is here. We sold the house. I am not the one that sold the house,” she stated.

The clarification comes amid renewed public attention on the late actor’s family following revelations about their financial struggles after his death.

Stella Maris also spoke about her current source of livelihood, revealing that she operates an online jewellery business. She explained that she had wanted to venture into the business years ago but was

discouraged by her late husband because she was actively pursuing her acting career.

“I have a page online where I sell jewellery, and I am still selling my jewellery. When I wanted to start this business, my late husband stopped me because I was acting. My late husband was my colleague in the industry,” she said.

She further disclosed plans to leave her current residence, describing the accommodation as too expensive to maintain. According to her, she only moved there because of security concerns and public pressure following her husband’s death.

“I did not intend to come to this place. It’s because of pressure and security, but I am packing out.”

Addressing claims made online by a young man alleging he is one of Mr Ibu’s children who was denied financial support, Stella Maris said disputes over money began shortly after the actor’s burial.

She alleged that some members of the late actor’s family demanded that she share money donated to her during the burial ceremony, despite her insistence that the funds were meant for the welfare of her children.

“Before they sold the land, we were still in the village, and they were dragging with me over the money that was given to me during the burial. They insisted that I should share the money with them. I told them that this was money given to me for my children. Why should I come and share it with you people?”