Mary Njoku Tells Pastors: ‘Touch Not My Anointed Also Applies to False Accusations’

Nollywood actress and filmmaker Mary Njoku has urged pastors to take responsibility for their public statements and actions instead of relying on the biblical phrase, “Touch not my anointed,” whenever they face criticism.

Njoku shared her views in a social media post while addressing how religious leaders should respond when their publicly expressed opinions or actions attract scrutiny.

According to the actress, the biblical warning should not be used to silence people who legitimately criticise pastors or discuss things they have said or done.

Njoku explained that “Touch not my anointed” should apply when a person is being falsely accused, deliberately lied against or intentionally targeted for harm.

She argued that when someone accurately reports a pastor’s public words or actions, the focus should be on what was said or done rather than attacking the person who reported it.

Read Also: Tayo Faniran: ‘If Nollywood Were About Talent, I’d Be Far Ahead’

“When someone gives an accurate account of what you said or did publicly, and it is causing you harm, Brethren, the problem isn’t the storyteller. The problem is what you said or did,” she stated.

Njoku encouraged pastors to acknowledge their mistakes, apologise where necessary and provide clarification if there is additional context.

She also reminded religious leaders that nobody is perfect, stressing that pastors, like everyone else, are human and capable of making mistakes.

Her comments have generated discussion about accountability, criticism and responsibility among public figures.

Tayo Faniran: ‘If Nollywood Were About Talent, I’d Be Far Ahead’

Nollywood actor Tayo Faniran has spoken about his experience in the Nigerian film industry, alleging that talent alone does not determine how far an actor or filmmaker can go.

Faniran made the claim during an interview on TVC’s eSplash, where he discussed the realities of working in Nollywood and the factors he believes influence success in the industry.

According to the actor, some of the producers widely regarded as major figures in Nollywood are not necessarily the most talented professionals in the industry.

He suggested that there is often a difference between public perception and what happens behind the scenes.

Read Also: Tems: ‘I Never Wanted to Be in the Spotlight’

“In Nollywood, the film producers you guys see and know as the biggest are not the most talented film producers,” Faniran said.

The actor also reflected on his own career, stating that he believes he would have achieved greater success if opportunities within the industry were determined strictly by talent and merit.

“If Nollywood were strictly about talent, I should be far beyond where I am,” he said.

Faniran further alleged that the industry is affected by what he described as “rigging,” suggesting that factors beyond professional ability can influence opportunities and career advancement.

His comments have sparked discussion about talent, access to opportunities and competition within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

Tems: ‘I Never Wanted to Be in the Spotlight’

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer Temilade Openiyi, popularly known as Tems, has revealed that despite wanting musical success, she was uncomfortable with fame.

Speaking in an episode of The Boost Podcast, Tems disclosed that for a long time, she hid her identity from fans because she didn’t want to be in the spotlight.

She explained that she wanted to continue her “secret life” while still making music.

“I would go to the airport and people say, ‘You’re Tems.’ I will be like, ‘No, I’m not Tems.’ I was so afraid, I wanted to continue my secret life, and I was like, ‘God please, I don’t want to be in the spotlight,’” she said.

Read Also: ‘Nigeria Is Not Safe’ — BBNaija’s Cross Claims Beggar Robbed Him in Lagos

The singer said she eventually started adapting to fame when she could no longer hide her fame.

Tems quit her job as a digital marketer to pursue a career in music in 2018. She released her debut single, “Mr Rebel,” the same year.

She rose to prominence after being featured on Wizkid’s 2020 single “Essence.”

‘Nigeria Is Not Safe’ — BBNaija’s Cross Claims Beggar Robbed Him in Lagos

Big Brother Naija reality TV star Cross Okonkwo has raised concerns over security in Lagos after alleging that he was robbed by a street beggar in the Ikate area of Lekki.

Cross made the allegation in a video shared on his social media page, where he narrated how the incident reportedly occurred.

According to the reality star, he was inside his car when a group of beggars approached his window and began speaking to him. He said he did not turn them away, but one of the men allegedly reached into his vehicle, grabbed an item and fled.

“Federal government, I just got robbed. All these beggars, they were in my window talking to me. I did not refuse the guy and he just ripped off something from my car and ran away,” Cross said.

Read Also: BBNaija Season 11: Keivo Becomes Second Housemate to Be Disqualified

He added that he attempted to chase the alleged thief but was unable to catch him because the man ran away quickly.

Expressing frustration over the incident, Cross questioned why street beggars were allowed to operate around Lagos.

He also raised broader concerns about public safety, saying the incident had made him question the security situation in the country.

Cross described the situation as unfair and called attention to the need for greater security around the city.

BBNaija Season 11: Keivo Becomes Second Housemate to Be Disqualified

Keivo has become the second Big Brother Naija housemate to be disqualified from Season 11.

This follows his physical altercation with fellow housemate, Tram.

The fight broke out after Tram accused Keivo of taking one of his shirts.

Keivo did not take the allegation of theft lightly, and the situation eventually became violent.

Read Also: ‘I Can’t Forgive Burna Boy’ – Speed Darlington Explains Why

It took the intervention of other housemates to calm both men down.

On Tuesday, Biggie sent ninjas to escort Keivo out of the house through the storeroom.

Biggie eventually gathered the remaining contestants and confirmed Keivo’s disqualification.

Nomy was the first housemate to be disqualified due to repeated defiance and refusal to wear an assigned punishment outfit.

‘I Can’t Forgive Burna Boy’ – Speed Darlington Explains Why

Rapper Speed Darlington has said he would welcome a boxing match with Grammy-winning singer Burna Boy, describing it as an opportunity to confront their longstanding dispute.

Darlington made the remarks in an interview with Nevon Media while discussing his proposed October 1 bout with skit maker Carter Efe.

The rapper said his grievance with Burna Boy was linked to his time in detention, adding that he hoped organisers would arrange a subsequent fight between them.

Read Also: Lady Accuses Reekado Banks’ Team of Failing to Honour Compensation Promise

He described a bout with Burna Boy as a potential highlight of his year and an opportunity to release the anger he said he had carried since the incident.

Darlington, however, said a boxing match would not end the dispute between them, maintaining that their rivalry would continue beyond the ring.
“The plan is after I finish with Carter Efe, I hope they can make it happen. I want Burna Boy next so I can offload all my anger on him. That would be sweet, that would be the highlight of this year,” he said.

“He had me locked up, that’s what he did to me. That’s the deal, I can’t forgive that. Even after the fight, we are still enemies for life.”

Lady Accuses Reekado Banks’ Team of Failing to Honour Compensation Promise

A Nigerian woman has accused the management team of popular singer Reekado Banks of failing to fulfil an alleged promise to compensate her after she joined the artiste on stage during a performance.

In a video circulating online, the woman explained that she was invited onto the stage during the performance, where she danced with Reekado Banks before preparing to leave.

According to her account, a member of the singer’s management team approached her afterwards and informed her that she would receive compensation for participating in the performance.

She said she had not asked for payment and did not initially expect to receive anything. However, because the offer was made to her, she provided her contact details to the team member.

The woman said she later sent a message introducing herself but received no further communication.

Read Also: ‘You’re Pained Because I Left a Feeble-Brained Man’ – Moyo Lawal Hits Back

She claimed that several days later, another person who identified himself as a member of Reekado Banks’ team contacted her and asked whether she had received the promised compensation.

Confused by the development, she said she contacted the first manager to verify the identity of the person who reached out to her.

According to her, the manager requested a screenshot of the conversation, which she provided. She alleged that the manager subsequently stopped responding to her messages.

She said she followed up again several days later but received no response, leaving the matter unresolved.

The woman expressed disappointment, stressing that the issue was not primarily about the money.

She said she would not have expected compensation if no promise had been made, but once an offer was made, she believed it should either be honoured or properly communicated.

As of the time of filing this report, Reekado Banks and his management team had not publicly responded to the allegation.

‘You’re Pained Because I Left a Feeble-Brained Man’ – Moyo Lawal Hits Back

Nollywood actress Moyo Lawal has responded sharply to a social media user who criticised her for remaining active in the entertainment industry and accused her of taking opportunities away from younger actresses.

The man reportedly questioned why Lawal had not retired from acting, while making a derogatory remark about her age and career.

In response, the actress challenged the criticism and suggested that the comment may have been motivated by her appearance and personal history.

Lawal also addressed her past relationship, rejecting suggestions about her private life and insisting that she had no connection with the behaviour being attributed to her.

She wrote in part: “You are pained because I look amazing? Because I left a man who’s feeble brained could not stand losing me and tried to destroy me at a time?”

Read Also: Juliana Olayode: Marriage Doesn’t Make Women Desperate

The actress further stated that she had nothing to do with sleeping around, pushing back against the personal attack directed at her.

Lawal has previously faced intense public scrutiny over aspects of her private life, particularly after an intimate video involving her was leaked online in 2023.

Since then, she has repeatedly responded to online criticism concerning her personal affairs.

Her latest response reflects her continued willingness to challenge comments she considers insulting or intrusive, while maintaining her presence in Nollywood.

Juliana Olayode: Marriage Doesn’t Make Women Desperate

Nollywood actress Juliana Olayode has defended women who desire marriage, saying the decision to want a husband should not be interpreted as desperation or a lack of ambition.

The actress shared her thoughts in an Instagram post while addressing the criticism women sometimes face over their personal choices.

Olayode said women who are content with being single or have no interest in marriage should be respected, just as women who hope to become wives should be free to express their desires without being judged.

She stressed that wanting marriage does not diminish a woman’s achievements, ambitions or purpose.

Read Also: Asa Asika Claims Davido Is Nigeria’s Most Influential Person Under 40

“Wanting to get married is not a personality disorder,” she wrote.

The actress acknowledged that marriage can come with difficulties and that some unions end painfully. However, she noted that many people still consider marriage a beautiful institution and genuinely hope to experience it.

Olayode recalled an incident at a salon where she overheard women criticising another woman for openly expressing her desire to get married. She said she joined the conversation and later found humour in the matter after remembering a “BRIDE” swimsuit gifted to her by a friend in 2024.

According to her, women should be allowed to pursue different aspirations, including faith, career, financial stability, family, friendship, purpose and marriage.

She concluded by wishing women seeking marriage the opportunity to find good partners and enjoy fulfilling unions.

Asa Asika Claims Davido Is Nigeria’s Most Influential Person Under 40

Renowned talent manager Asa Asika has claimed that singer, David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, is the most influential Nigerian under 40.

Speaking in a recent episode of The Manager’s Playbook podcast, hosted by Mauricio Ruiz, Asika noted that Davido is the most followed Nigerian on almost all social media platforms.

He revealed that he sometimes jokes with Davido about him having the same level of influence as the President.

He claimed that other artists’ careers would not have survived the kind of scandals Davido has been through while still remaining relevant.

Read Also: Ramsey Nouah Reveals Why He Stays Away From the Spotlight

He said, “Davido is probably the most influential person from Nigeria under 40, in my opinion. Some people will argue about other things, but let’s use the most popular metric today, which is social media. Davido is the most-followed [Nigerian] artist on almost every platform.

“I say to him all the time, ‘You do know you’re kinda like the President of Nigeria?’ Some of the things that I have seen Davido do, if someone else did that, they would never ever get back from it.

“Davido is a walking billboard. Every brand wants to associate with him. We haven’t paid for a music video with our own money in ages.”