Why did Frank Donga wait until university to speak to a girl? 😲 The actor reveals the crippling shyness and the strict father who watched him fail without helping. "It was my first blow in life." #ValidUpdates #FrankDonga #WithChude
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Frank Donga reveals reason he spoke to first girlfriend only in university
Story Highlights
Frank Donga (Kunle Idowu) disclosed in a January 8, 2026, interview that extreme childhood shyness prevented him from speaking to his first girlfriend until university. The actor also detailed a “depressing” academic setback where his strict father refused to use connections to secure his university admission, insisting he merit the spot despite the failure.
Image Credit: Photo: Frank Donga/Social MediaFrank Donga sat down with media personality Chude Jideonwo to discuss the hurdles that shaped his early life and career.
The popular actor, known for his deadpan comedy style, admitted that his journey to stardom began with significant personal struggles.
In the interview published on January 8, 2026, Donga described himself as a “church boy” who masked his pain with silence.
Childhood Shyness And Romance
The comedian explained that his reserved nature severely impacted his social life during his formative years.
He told Chude that he lacked the confidence to approach women and only built his first romantic connection after entering university.
Donga noted that he eventually developed a “casual friendship” based on shared interests rather than using “pick-up lines.”
This revelation adds another layer to the host’s portfolio of deep conversations, as Chude Jideonwo opens up on why he never dates women who ask for money in his own candid reflections.
The “Depressing” Academic Failure
Donga recalled a pivotal moment when he failed his university entrance exams by a single grade.
His father, a retired school principal and strict disciplinarian, refused to use his influence to help his son secure admission.
The actor quoted his father’s harsh ultimatum: “It is either you enter university by merit or else you are going to repeat every exam you fail.”
This refusal forced Donga to retake the exams, a period he described as his “first blow in life” that led to a bout of depression.
The Cost Of Silence
The content creator admitted that he kept his academic struggles to himself instead of seeking help.
He later discovered that a lecturer in his circle could have legally assisted him if he had spoken up earlier.
This realization taught him that “when you keep quiet, your misery keeps quiet with you.”
Such early career hurdles are common among top Nigerian creatives, much like how Layi Wasabi reveals Davido’s secret support before stardom changed his trajectory.
Breaking Industry Stereotypes
Donga also touched on the challenge of being typecast as the “clueless job seeker” character that made him famous.
He initially embraced the role to make people happy but eventually felt the need to prove his versatility.
The actor cited the movie Hakkunde as a career-defining project that allowed him to break free from the comedy stereotype.
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Layi Wasabi reveals Davido’s secret support before stardom
Story Highlights
On January 1, 2026, skit maker Layi Wasabi appeared on the With Chude Joy 150 special to discuss his career rise. The content creator revealed that music superstar Davido supported him long before his mainstream success, dating back to his days in Osun State. Layi credited his close friendship with Tunji Adeleke for facilitating the early connection.
Image Credit: Social Media / With ChudeSkit maker Layi Wasabi has opened up about the pivotal role music superstar Davido played in his career long before he found fame. The content creator shared these details during the With Chude Joy 150 special on January 1, 2026, surprising fans with the depth of their history. His revelation adds another layer to the singer’s reputation for lifting rising talent.
Sources confirm that the connection stems from Layi’s time in Osun State, where he built a friendship with Tunji Adeleke, the singer’s cousin. Layi explained that the 30BG boss extended love and support through this family link, even when the comedian was still finding his voice in the industry.
The Osun Connection
Layi described the support as consistent and genuine, noting that the Adeleke family embraced him early on. He told host Chude Jideonwo that Tunji Adeleke, who now serves as a local government chairman, was his close companion during those formative years. This proximity allowed Davido to spot the comedian’s talent well before the rest of Nigeria caught on.
The skit maker emphasized that this backing was not just about money but about belief. Layi noted that Davido’s encouragement gave him confidence during a time when his unique style of comedy was considered “niche.”
A Pattern of Generosity
This story aligns with the singer’s well-documented history of funding and hyping creatives across the entertainment sector. Fans will recall the recent internet frenzy where Carter Efe Reacts As Davido Sends Him 20 Million Naira for his contributions to the culture.
Beyond financial gifts, the 30BG boss consistently rallies behind rising stars in competitive spaces. During the last season of Big Brother Naija, the singer publicly picked a side when BBNaija 10: Davido Supports Imisi, Tells Team To Back Her to ensure she had the necessary votes.
Layi concluded his tribute by stating that the singer’s “humanity” is what makes him truly special. The comedian joined other guests, including actress Omawumi Dada and Toyosi Etim-Effiong, in celebrating the most interesting people in the culture for the new year.
#30BG #Davido #LayiWasabi #NigerianComedy #TunjiAdeleke #ValidUpdates #viralNews #WithChude
“I was ready to die”: Bimbo Thomas reveals hiding Funke Akindele from gunmen
Story Highlights
Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has shared a chilling account of how she once hid colleague Funke Akindele from armed robbers who stormed their hotel specifically to find the box office queen. Speaking in an interview released on January 3, 2026, Thomas revealed she was prepared to sacrifice her life to protect Akindele during the harrowing ordeal.
Image Credit: Photo: Instagram / @iambimbothomas & @funkejenifaakindeleThe revelation came during an emotional session with media personality Chude Jideonwo. Bimbo Thomas described a film set in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos that turned into a near-death experience.
According to the actress, the incident began when local “area boys” disrupted their shoot, feeling the movie depicted their lives without permission. While the crew thought they had settled the dispute with cash, the situation escalated later that night at their hotel.
”They came for her”
Thomas explained that Funke Akindele had asked her to come over to her hotel room for a massage session after the shoot. It was around midnight when they heard loud bangs.
The actress described the chaos that followed. The gunmen breached the hotel security and made their way to the room. Thomas noted that she instinctively knew the attackers targeted Akindele.
”I told the masseuse, ‘Let’s put Funke under the bed,'” Thomas recounted. When the bed proved too low, they moved to the bathroom. Thomas wore a large gown and hid Akindele underneath it while they prayed.
This revelation adds a grim layer to the public life of Akindele. While fans recently celebrated news that Funke Akindele follows Faithia Balogun again to mend industry rifts, this story highlights the physical dangers stars face.
A close shave with death
The attackers eventually broke into the room. Thomas recalled a moment of pure adrenaline where she almost attacked one of the gunmen but held back.
The gang dragged Akindele out of the room. In a bizarre twist, they forced the superstar to sing and dance to “Mongo Park” songs to prove she was “born in the ghetto.”
Thomas watched helplessly from the window as the six armed men surrounded her friend. She noted that about 20 other gang members waited outside.
The situation only calmed when officers from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, arrived at the scene. Gunshots ensued, and Akindele managed to run to the generator house where a security guard gave her a towel to cover up.
”If they kill you, they kill us together”
The bond between the two actresses proved vital that night. Thomas told Jideonwo that Akindele later asked why she didn’t give her up to save herself.
”I said, ‘If they were going to kill you, they didn’t kill us together,'” Thomas stated, fighting back tears.
This level of loyalty stands in stark contrast to the usual industry squabbles. For instance, the public recalls the time actress Iyabo Ojo reacts following reports of tension in her own circle, proving that true friendship in Nollywood is rare but real.
Bimbo Thomas confirmed that the police later arrested the gang members, and some were killed during the operation.
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