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Interesting story of late Amaechi Muonagor, the journalist who became actor by accident

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Interesting story of late Amaechi Muonagor, the journalist who became actor by accident

Following his months-long battle with kidney failure, Amaechi Muonagor, the ace Nigerian actor, passed away on March 24, 2024, at the age of 61.

For many who watched him while growing up, Muonagor was quite a character on TV screens. Dating back to the late 1900s, he had always put up exceptional performances across a diverse range of roles. He also showcased versatility, depth, and a profound understanding of the craft.

It did not matter if he was the ‘wicked uncle’, ‘rich chief’, ‘troublesome husband’, ‘wise king’, ‘funny drunkard’, or even ‘Aki and Pawpaw’s father’, he always delivered his roles effortlessly. He was indeed a legend in his own right.

FROM ECONOMICS TO JOURNALISM

Amaechi was born on August 20, 1962, in Obosi, Idemili north, Anambra state. He was a native of Idemili.

He attended St. Mary’s Primary School, Obosi before proceeding to Oraifite Grammar School for his secondary education.

He furthered his education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) where he studied economics and graduated in 1987.

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Shortly after his youth service in 1989, Amaechi started working for the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

“I worked under the close supervision of the editor-in-chief of NAN for 12 years,” he said in an interview.

MUONAGOR’S ACTING LEGACY

Amaechi Muonagor died of kidney failure on March 24, 2024
After spending over a decade with NAN, Amaechi left the news agency and ventured into the movie industry, starring in his first-ever acting role in ‘Ashes of Hatred ’. He took up the role of Akunatakasi.

However, it was his character in the 1999 film ‘Igodo’ that shot him into the limelight and paved the way for his illustrious career. The movie also earned him a nomination for the ‘Best Supporting Actor’ category at the Africa Movie Academy Awards.

He also featured in hundreds of movies such as ‘Karishika’, ‘Living In Bondage’, ‘His Last Action’, ‘Most Wanted Kidnappers’, ‘Jack and Jill’, ‘Village Rascal’, ‘Evil World’, ‘Aki Na Ukwa’ and ‘Sincerity’.

Speaking about his career in the interview, Amaechi said he ventured into “Nollywood by accident”.

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“Why I say my entry into Nollywood was by accident; one day, I went for lunch and met Chuks Omeraku, one of the foremost Nollywood directors. While I was dining with some of my friends, I saw a group of individuals doing what I later came to know was called rehearsals. They were doing it and unfortunately, one particular character was giving them trouble,” he said.

“On my own while I was sipping my wine, I was repeating what they were asking the guy to say. So there and there the man picked interest, I did not know he was watching me. So when I was about to leave, I did not realize that he was following me until I sat at my desk. Then the receptionist came to tell me that someone was looking for me because then it was through intercom. I allowed the man to come in and behold it was Chuks Omeraku.

“He then convinced me to come for a shoot at Tarkwa Bay, I almost turned back when I found out that I would be ferried but eventually, I got there. He asked me to repeat those lines which I did and everyone started clapping for me. There I knew I was onto something and the rest is history.”

Amaechi was considered a very unique actor because of his versatility and his ability to embody multifaceted roles that were given to him.

Aside from acting, he also doubled as a producer and director. He established Amaechi Muonagor Productions, his own movie production company.

He founded the Amaechi Muonagor Foundation, a non-profit organization (NGO). His organization provides scholarships to less privileged students and supports various charitable causes.

AMAECHI’S MONTHS-LONG BATTLE WITH STROKE, DIABETES AND KIDNEY FAILURE

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In 2016, it was reported that Amaechi was suffering from diabetes and had left the film industry. In November 2023, the film star cried out for financial assistance.

In 1989 after his youth service, Amaechi started working for NAN
Muonogor, who spoke from a hospital bed, said the sickness caught up with him while on a movie set. He also apologised to fans for not making his condition public.

“I am on set, this thing that is called stroke caught up with me. I was lucky I was not driving. They rushed me to the hospital. The first hospital was Nnewi, where I spent two months and I was referred to a teaching hospital here in Nnewi,” he said.

“I was to enter my car when I was struck with this problem and since then it is getting worse. Right now, I cannot move, I cannot work on my own. My left leg and left hand are paralyzed.

“It is a problem to breathe. I am so sorry, I did not make it known to the public early because I did not know it would last this long but as it is now, I need help.

“Anybody who is touched, that is my fan, this is the time. I am calling all my friends both inside Nollywood and outside that is the time they will help me.”

Weeks after Amaechi revealed his stroke diagnosis, Tony Muonagor, the actor’s cousin, also disclosed that he was battling kidney failure and diabetes.

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Tony said the actor had been “managing his diabetes” for years but the recent stroke worsened his health.

Amaechi is survived by Hope Chikodi Muonagor, his wife, and their four children.

His demise came a few weeks after the death of John ‘Mr Ibu’ Okafor, the ace Nollywood actor.

Mr Ibu died from a cardiac arrest on March 2 at Evercare Hospital in Lagos. The 62-year-old actor had battled with a life-threatening illness for months before he passed on.

Source: The Cable Nigeria

 

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Showbiz & Lifestyle

Trending Video: Socialite Omoge Saida’s Leaked Tape Tops Social Media Buzz

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The name Omoge Saida has recently become a dominant social media trend in Nigeria. Once celebrated as a muse of Fuji music legend King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal (KWAM 1), she has now become the subject of online discussions that blend nostalgia, controversy, and reflections on privacy in the digital age, as reported by Spectatorsng.com.

Omoge Saida, a popular UK-based gold dealer and Lagos socialite, became a household name after being eulogized by KWAM 1, the Ultimate in one of his Fuji classics. The Fuji icon, known for immortalising influential personalities through poetic praise, used her name to symbolize grace, wealth, and class — a hallmark of the Yoruba highlife culture that flourished in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Her appearance in KWAM 1’s music established her as a symbol of beauty and sophistication, and the phrase “Omoge Saida” soon became a pop expression among Fuji lovers.

Decades later, that same name resurfaced for an entirely different reason, trending widely after a purported private viral video began circulating online. The incident ignited heated conversations about digital ethics, online privacy, and non-consensual content — raising questions about how quickly the internet can turn admiration into intrusion.

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Marital Mess: Regina Daniel’s Father Breaks Silence

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Following the matrimonial mess involving Senator Ned Nwoko and Reginal Daniels that has pushed out different narratives from the couples in the last three days on social media, Reginal’s father has finally opened up.

Regina had accused her husband, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, of domestic violence in a video making the rounds, an allegation he already countered.

According to a Facebook post quoting Jude Ojegwu, Reginal Daniels’ father, saying:
“Regina and her mother, Rita Daniels called an ēnēmy of progress and wished me Dēãth when I told her not to mãrry Ned Nwoko.” _ Regina Daniels’ father, JUDE OJEGWU reveals 😲‼️
“I knew this marriage was bound to have issues. Even me I am in my late 50s and I can’t marry a 20-year old girl. I feel very ãshamed that I was alive and watched my own 18-year daughter marry a 70-years old man. When Regina told me about this marriage, I told her that there’s more to life and marrying a man who is older than me her father isn’t right. But guess what? Her mother, Rita called me an ēnēmy of progress and wished me dēath. So I backed off and let Regina follow her happiness since she was already an adult anyway. I didn’t even attend her wedding because I was ãngry. And today the same marriage they called me an ēnēmy of progress when I tried to open her eyes is crumblîng. I knew this would happen but I just hope she finds peace in her matrimonial home.” ~ JUDE OJEGWU

 

 

 

 

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Popular Skit Maker Laments Losing ₦3.7m iPhone At Luli Concert

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Popular Skit Maker Laments Losing ₦3.7m iPhone At Luli Concert

Popular skit maker Samuel Bankole, widely known as Samuel Banks, is facing a difficult time after losing his newly purchased iPhone 17 Pro Max at a concert.

Just days before the incident, the content creator who recently celebrated buying a new home had been actively promoting the Luli Concert organised by the Celestial Church of Christ, expressing excitement about the event and what attendees could look forward to.

In a promotional video for the concert, which took place on Friday at Tafawa Balewa Square, Samuel was seen dressed in his signature white garment.

However, a viral clip circulating online shows a distressed Samuel Banks searching for his missing phone alongside his partner and several others.

The comedian was seen pacing anxiously while discussing the situation with a man nearby, as his partner stood by looking visibly concerned.

Onlookers could be seen attempting to call his number in hopes of locating the device, but their efforts appeared unsuccessful.

This isn’t the first time a celebrity has suffered such a loss.

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A few years ago, popular disc jockey Florence Otedola, famously known as DJ Cuppy, had her phone stolen in London after it was snatched from her hand while walking down the street.

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BBNaija Season 10 Winner Imisi Receives N80m, SUV

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BBNaija Season 10 Winner Imisi Receives N80m, SUV

Imisi, the champion of the Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) ‘Ten Over Ten’ season, has officially received her winnings.

The 23-year-old winner, whose real name is Opeyemi Ayanwale, was presented with a cash prize of N80 million and a brand-new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) at a ceremony on Tuesday.

Her victory, secured by polling the highest votes during Sunday’s finale, cements her place in the show’s history.

Not only did she claim the largest grand prize ever offered — a staggering N150 million — but she also became the fourth female winner, following in the footsteps of Mercy Eke (2019), Phyna (2022), and Ilebaye (2023).

The prize presentation marked the culmination of a whirlwind season that began with a two-day opening ceremony in July.

The show introduced 29 housemates in total, starting with the females on July 26 and the males on July 27.

After weeks of competition, the finale featured nine finalists: Imisi, Koyin, Dede, Mensan, Sultana, Jason Jae, Kola, Kaybobo, and Isabella.

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The final rankings saw Kaybobo and Isabella finish in ninth and eighth place, respectively. Mensan and Jason Jae placed seventh and sixth, while Kola finished in fifth.

Sultana was named the third runner-up, leaving Koyin and Dede as the second and first runners-up, respectively, before Imisi was crowned the ultimate winner.

In addition to the headline cash and car, Imisi also received various other prizes from the show’s sponsors.

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Adunni Ade Wins ₦20 Million Law Suit Over False Dino Melaye Dating Report

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Adunni Ade Wins ₦20 Million in Privacy Suit Over False Dino Melaye Dating Story

Nollywood actress Adunni Ade has recently achieved a significant legal victory as a Lagos High Court awarded her ₦20 million in damages.

This ruling comes after she filed a lawsuit against a media platform for publishing false claims about her dating Senator Dino Melaye. The court’s decision highlights the importance of accountability in media reporting.

This case, filed under suit number LD/17781MFHR/2024, centered on an article published in January 2023 titled “Six Popular Nigerian Actresses Who Have Been Accused of Dating Dino Melaye.” In her claim, Adunni Ade contended that the report painted her in a misleading and offensive light, infringing her constitutional right to privacy under Section 37 of the Nigerian Constitution as well as under the Nigeria Data Protection Act.

In defending itself, the online platform and its reporter argued that Adunni Ade had posted personal photos publicly on social media and that she delayed bringing the suit. However, Justice Ibironke Harrison rejected those arguments. The court held that the misuse of a person’s name or image does not require that data be voluntarily submitted by the claimant, and that a misleading portrayal (false light) is actionable in Nigerian law.

When judgment was delivered on June 24, 2025, the court ordered removal of her name and image from the contentious article and awarded her general damages of ₦20 million.

Legal analysts describe this ruling as landmark. The recognition of a “false light” claim marks a significant development for privacy and defamation law in Nigeria.

In months prior, Adunni Ade had threatened legal action over other fabricated stories and misquoted statements circulated online.

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5 Things To Know About BBNaija Season 10 Winner, Imisi

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5 Things To Know About BBNaija Season 10 Winner, Imisi

Big Brother Naija Season 10 has officially crowned Imisioluwa Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, as its winner.

The 23-year-old housemate captured the hearts of millions with her emotional openness, fiery personality, and resilience throughout the “Ten over Ten” edition.

1. Her real name is Opeyemi Ayanwale
The 23-year-old Imisi hails from Ibadan, Oyo State, and works as a fashion designer and aspiring actress. She is known for her vibrant personality and expressive nature, and she brought both emotion and entertainment to the house from day one.

2. Imisi won several tasks during the season
Throughout the season, Imisi proved her versatility by winning six major tasks, including the Guinness, Indomie, Munchit, Gordon, Terra, TravelBeta, and Lush hair, among others.

3. One of the most talked-about housemates
From emotional diary sessions to fiery confrontations, Imisi remained a central figure in the house. She openly discussed surviving rape at age 12 and a miscarriage during a past relationship, earning viewers’ empathy for her courage to be vulnerable on national television.

4. Mix of friendship, rivalry, and romance
Imisi’s journey wasn’t without drama; she clashed with Koyin and Rooboy during a heated kitchen fight but also shared close bonds with Kola and Isabella, creating moments that trended online. Her openness about liking multiple male housemates made her one of the season’s most unpredictable contestants.

5. She won N150 million worth of prizes
At the grand finale hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, Imisi was announced as the winner, with Dede as the first runner-up. She takes home N80 million in cash and, overall, N150 million worth of grand prizes.

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