Celebrity
Minister hails Saidi Balogun on Online Movie Premier, says it’s a youth instructional
Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr Sunday Dare has expressed his delight on the premiere of Saidi Balogun’s new movie ‘Online”
The Minister stated that the movie highlights the possible dangers that come with the virtual world and insights into how families can navigate these dangers.
He reiterated that:
The Internet has come with its immense benefits but young people must have their whits about them in order to be one step ahead of the perils that may accompany the opportunities offers ‘
Saidi has accomplished what many more Nigerian entertainers should aim for and that is using creative arts to educate our youth on modern trends and dangers of a digital world.
The Nollywood industry is ranked as the second largest film producer in the world, the industry has made great strides in keeping our culture alive and enabling it to transcend generations as well as put Nigerian talent on global screens.
The Industry according to PWC is a significant part of the Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Sector which contributed 2.3% (NGN239biliion) to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2016. It is one of the priority sectors identified in the Economic Recovery and Growth plan of the Federal Government of Nigeria with a planned $1billion export revenue by 2020.
The industry is an integral part of Nigeria’s social and economic development process for the well-being and quality of life of all Nigerians and must continue to be identified as such.
The Minister commended Saidi for his personal contributions to this industry over time and the ability to encapture today’s relevant issues in a language which the young people understand.
The movie ‘online’ is a phycological thriller of an online predator whose mental state is debatable in this intriguing, suspense-filled movie. It throws light on the perceptive nature of a vital part of some of the things that happen on the internet.
Celebrity
Mariaa Voice expands gospel music mission with ‘Akoko Mi’ and four-volume CCC Hymns series
Maria Abimbola Iyaomolere, popularly known as Mariaa Voice, is expanding the scope of her gospel music ministry with a growing body of work that combines original inspirational music with a deliberate effort to preserve and promote the rich hymn tradition of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC).
Following the release of her inspirational single, “Akoko Mi (My Season),” Mariaa Voice has continued to build on a musical journey that increasingly reflects both her artistic identity and her desire to use music as a vehicle for faith, learning and spiritual upliftment.
“Akoko Mi,” which translates to “My Season,” carries a message of hope, patience and divine timing. Re…
[9:59 am, 31/08/2026] Wikipedia Guy: Mariaa Voice expands gospel music mission with ‘Akoko Mi’ and four-volume CCC Hymns series
Maria Abimbola Iyaomolere, popularly known as Mariaa Voice, is expanding the scope of her gospel music ministry with a growing body of work that combines original inspirational music with a deliberate effort to preserve and promote the rich hymn tradition of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC).
Following the release of her inspirational single, “Akoko Mi (My Season),” Mariaa Voice has continued to build on a musical journey that increasingly reflects both her artistic identity and her desire to use music as a vehicle for faith, learning and spiritual upliftment.
“Akoko Mi,” which translates to “My Season,” carries a message of hope, patience and divine timing. Released in 2026, the song presents a declaration that seasons change, doors open and transformation comes at the appointed time. Its accompanying visual further reinforces the message of trusting the process and remaining hopeful for what lies ahead.
For Mariaa Voice, however, the song represents only one part of a broader musical assignment.
A particularly significant aspect of her recent work has been the CCC Hymns project, which has now grown to four volumes. The project brings together hymns from the Celestial Church of Christ, with Mariaa Voice intentionally selecting many songs that are not among the more commonly known hymns regularly heard in church settings.
According to the gospel minister, some of the selections also draw from newer hymns contained in the CCC New Revised Standard version, allowing the project to introduce listeners to a wider range of the church’s musical heritage.
“So far I have done CCC HYMNS VOL 1, 2, 3 & 4,” she said, explaining the motivation behind the project.
“The majority of the hymns in each album are not the common ones, some are new hymns included in the CCC New Revised Standard version.”
For Mariaa Voice, the project goes beyond recording and releasing music. It is also an effort to help people discover and learn hymns that they may otherwise have little opportunity to encounter.
“The main reason behind it is not just to showcase the beautiful and spirit-filled hymns God has given the church, but it’s also an avenue for people to actually learn to sing these hymns,” she explained.
That approach has given the project a distinctive place within her growing catalogue. Rather than concentrating solely on contemporary gospel sounds, Mariaa Voice is using her vocal ability and recording experience to bring renewed attention to a repertoire rooted in the worship tradition of the Celestial Church of Christ.
Her official catalogue now features four volumes of the CCC Hymns project alongside original songs including “IRE,” “ORI MI,” “Sin Oluwa,” “Se’yanú” and “Oti Funmilayo.”
The development represents a natural progression for an artiste whose musical journey began in the church.
As previously documented, Mariaa Voice’s early exposure to music came through the church choir, including her time with the “Little Angels” choir, before her talent was recognised and she was encouraged to pursue music professionally.
Over the years, that foundation has developed into a career spanning gospel music, songwriting, recording, performance and voice-over artistry. Her repertoire has also demonstrated a willingness to explore different contemporary gospel influences while maintaining a strong emphasis on positive and uplifting messages.
With “Akoko Mi,” that message remains central.
The song is built around the reassurance that delay does not mean denial and that every individual has a season ordained for them.
“Akoko Mi (My Season) is not just a song, it’s a declaration,” Mariaa Voice said.
“A reminder that no matter how long it takes, your time will come. Transformation will happen. Doors will open. Grace will speak. Nothing can stop what God has already ordained for you.”
That message has become particularly consistent with the direction of her recent work, music that does not merely entertain but seeks to encourage listeners, strengthen their faith and point them towards hope.
While the CCC Hymns series looks back to a rich worship tradition and helps bring lesser-known hymns to a wider audience, “Akoko Mi” looks forward, offering a contemporary expression of faith and expectation.
Together, the two strands of her recent work reveal an artiste increasingly defining her ministry around both preservation and inspiration, preserving hymns that deserve to be heard while creating new music that speaks to the experiences and expectations of today’s listeners.
With four CCC Hymns volumes now completed and “Akoko Mi” adding another chapter to her catalogue, Mariaa Voice continues to carve out a distinctive space for herself as a gospel minister committed to using her voice not only to perform, but also to teach, inspire and preserve a musical heritage for the next generation.
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