Stephanie Okereke Linus Reflects on 14 Years of Private Bliss and Family Life

 Stephanie Okereke Linus, the celebrated Nollywood actress and filmmaker, recently opened up about her deeply private marriage to her husband, Linus Idahosa. The couple, who tied the knot in a serene and intimate ceremony in Paris back in 2012, have managed to keep much of their family life away from the public eye—a decision Stephanie describes as a source of peace and fulfillment.

Reflecting on her choice for privacy, Stephanie shared that her early life experiences taught her the value of shielding personal moments from public scrutiny. "My early life was tough, and I learned the hard way that not everyone should know your story. That’s why I keep my marriage and family life away from the public eye. It’s peaceful that way," she explained. Only a trusted inner circle, including her sibling and mother-in-law, are privy to the intimate details of her family life.

Now celebrating 14 beautiful years of marriage in 2025, the actress revealed for the first time a glimpse into her wedding memories. A pre-wedding video, which she recently shared, symbolized the quiet strength and enduring nature of their relationship. "It felt right," she said. "Just a little reminder that love, when protected, lasts."

Stephanie and Linus are proud parents of two children, whose lives are similarly kept out of the spotlight. The actress’s commitment to privacy has not only preserved the sanctity of her marriage but also served as a testament to the power of safeguarding love from external pressures.

As fans celebrate her milestone anniversary, Stephanie's story serves as an inspiring reminder of the strength that comes with protecting one's peace and cherishing the moments that matter most.

WEDDINGS IN NOLLYWOOD:WHO IS NEXT?GENEVIEVE, RITA DOMINIC OTHERS ON THELINE UP

Nollywood has never had it so good.The number of weddings among actors and actresses in the last one year has been unprecedented. Top nollywood acts like Stephanie Okereke, Ini Edo,Mosun Filani, Bukky Wright, Chinedu Ikedieze,Mike Ezuruonye,Dakore Egbuson,Uche Jombo, Funke  Akindele and others have suprised us with their flamboyant weddings. Want to know who is next?Could it Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic,Monalisa Chinda...Click here to read more on Niyi Tabiti's blog

MORE SURPRISE WEDDINGS TO HIT NOLLYWOOD SOON

By Niyi Tabiti
 It is wedding celebration mood all over the place in Nollywood and i think most of us are just happy for our friends who are taking the bold step into holy matrimony in the industry.The wedding jamboree in Nollywood started with the likes of our very own Ini Edo, the sexy actress whose figure 8 continue to wet the appetite of

How To Become A Movie Star and Sustaining It

Why is it hard to break into nollywood hall of fame list?Did i hear you say we have many of them? Well,most fizzle away within a short period.The truth is the most popular actors in nollywood in the last ten years are still the most relevant till date.If there is anything like nollywood goddess, the crown would definately go to Genevieve Nnaji.She is regarded as the most successful so far.
Others like Ini Edo,Rita Dominic,Monalisa Chinda,Stephanie Okereke,Uche Jombo and Mercy Johnson are also on the A-list.Nse Ikpe Etim,Ebube Nwanbo,Omoni Oboli and a few others are also doing their best.
Here we will give you few tips on how you can become a movie star and how to sustain it

Talent

First you must have the talent.Its the most important tool for you to thrive. Many people love Mercy Johnson and want to be like her. They want to walk and gain attention too just like Kim Kardashian is doing but they forget that these people have got the talent and a flair for it. For instace if you have the hips of Shakira or a figure worth dying for like that of Beyonce,does that make you a superstar?You must have the talent.
Several untalented people get roles too after giving their body or financial grantifications to people on set but they don't last!Think about it.
Think Ahead- Yes,you can have the talent to become a movie star,yet you might not succeed. Why?Some have the ability but they don't have the capacity to deliver.A good artiste must read through the lines,think ahead about the role and practice how to interprete it well.
The reason why most actors flutter is because they can go on two or three movie locations within two weeks without practicing ahead for one.They just read up within ten minutes and they believe they can get into the role so fast. Thats a huge joke,even comedians take time to practice.
Media- I once heard an actress saying she does not want her photos in magazines.i laughed and told her she should look for a private secretary job.A true star is one who is gracefully worshipped by the media.Don't give them a reason to report you bad.Keep your lines open to some reporters so that they can easily get in touch to clarify information. Don't play the superstar role with journalists because unlike your fans who idolise you,they have seen,interviewed and photographed a huge number of high profile personalities before and after you.The idea you put forward to a journalist is what they will give to millions of their readers.If you show off as the mrs snob,that is what they will tell the public.
TO Be Continued
-By Gistmaster

WEDDING:NOLLYWOOD STARS CONGREGATE TODAY AS CHIDI MOKEME WEDS IN LAGOS

It is the turn of top nollywood actor Chidi Mokeme to bid farwell to barchelorhood as he says 'i do' to the woman he wants to spend the rest of his life with.
The latest update on the wedding of one nollywood's glamour boys,at the time of posting this report is that the couples are yet to arrive for the church service.Findings show that the church service will take place at Our Saviours Church,Lagos Island starting from 3pm.Reception follows at Tafawa Balewa Square. We promise to update you later.

Last weekend, gistmaster reported that actress Stephanie Okereke was getting married to Linus Idahosa in Paris.It was big line up of nollywood actresses who came to support one of their own.Few ones, stayed back in Nigeria for one or two reasons.For instance,Rita Dominic stayed back to receive her best actress award at AMAA 2012.
Already,some reporters and photographers are waiting anxiously for the guests and when the bride arrives,all eyes will be on her bridal outfit.The design and the maker would definately gather interest
Mokeme and his wife met in far away United States of America.
This is a message to all the girls in town-Chidi Mokeme is no more a barchelor so you guys should keep off.
-Niyi Tabiti

Actor Chidi Mokeme Quits Barchelorhood This Week

Top nollywood actor Chidi Mokeme be his traditional marriage this saturday in the eastern parts of Nigeria.The event comes up the same day that another nollywood star, Stephanie Okereke will be getting married in Paris France.
It is a sign that most of the stars would be missing in action at this year's Africa Movie Academy Awards in Lagos. The award comes up on Sunday 22 April 2012.
Gistmaster gathered that the Mr.Mokeme's church wedding will however take place in the last weekend in April.
Chidi Mokeme,a Will Smith look alike, is known for his bad boy roles in Nigeria movies.In real life,he had been linked to a string of women including an older woman,a very rich and well connected politician,Senator Florence Ita-Giwa.

STEPHANIE OKEREKE'S WEDDING LATEST:ARIK AIR TO FLY GUESTS

 The sunny-faced multiple award winning actress, Stephanie Okereke, will be getting married to her heartthrob, PR genius, Linus Idahosa in far-away France, sharing vows in front of family, friends and colleagues. The ceremony which undoubtedly is the most anticipated wedding in the country will hold in a 17th century Parisian Castle reserved for royalties this Saturday, April 21. It is rumoured that the new couple wish for guests to receive a unique kind of ‘touch’ from the experience.

The wedding will be a very private affair, celebrating the couple’s love, respect, admiration and appreciation for each other.

Arik Air, the official airline for the wedding, is playing a major role. With a chartered flight for select guests from Nigeria to France, Arik has proven to be a true Nigerian brand supporting one of its bests on their special day!

Air France, we also hear is throwing its weight behind the couple; providing highly discounted tickets to guests from all over the world and sponsoring the couples honey moon trip to any destination of their choice abroad.

Everyone is curious to know what Stephanie would be wearing and all the fun and breath-taking details of the event. Magazines are already clamouring to cover exclusive details of the wedding but we are yet to get the gist on the magazine of choice for the couple.

TOYIN LAWANI:PROFILE,PHOTOS,JOBS

Toyin Lawani

Occupation:Stylist, beauty enterprenueur
Toyin is one of Nigeria's most talked about fashion stylist. Elegant and always on point, Toyin has made her mark working with top celebrities .She has worked with the likes of actress Mercy Johnson, Stephanie Okereke,Waje,Susan Peters,Nike Oshinowo and others.Several magazine covers speak volume about her

STEPHANIE OKEREKE APRIL 21 WEDDING IN PARIS,FRANCE GATHERS MOMENTUM

The wedding of award winning Nigerian actress, Stephanie Okereke and city businessman Linus Idahosa is gathering momentum by the day. The actress have been keeping the plans as top guilded secret have not been seen in most high profile functions in town.Uche Olehi reported that some Nigerian stars invited for the wedding in Paris, France have been working towards getting their Schegen visa.The wedding would take place on 21 April 2012.
  The actress have refused to answer questions or confirm anything concerning the wedding preparations.
 Congrats with love from Gistmaster!

ROAD TO AMA AWARDS 2012 BEGINS

The journey to the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) 2012 has begun  Peace Anyiam Osigwe, the founder of the organization that puts together the annual event disclosed in an email sent to gistmaster.com that nominations starts on 17 March 2012 while the award proper holds on 22 April 2012.

-By Niyi Tabiti

niyi@gistmaster.com

Related links

What could actress Fathia Ballogun be thinking? See photo

Kate Henshaw's moment of glory as she was declared AMAA 2008 actress of the year

See Stephanie Okereke and others on the red carpet at past amaa awards pre-event

 

HOW BLOGGERS RE-SHAPED NOLLYWOOD'S WARDROBE!

By Niyi Tabiti

Pre-2008 was a period when little attention was given to style in Nigeria movie industry.

Gistmaster brought so much focus on that aspect because glamour is the wheel balance of a true celebrity.

So proud that gistmaster.com and other bloggers gave it a try and it worked. We can say that has helped our stars get their wardrobe right though some still make avoidable mistakes.

Then, Ini Edo was always the worst hit of commenters. (click here to see voters comments on best dressed actress in nollywood) .

For the first time , Gistmaster decided that it was time to recognize 'Miss Stylish' in Nollywood. Most of our readers and celebrities that voted said Rita Dominic deserved it and we had no choice.(Click here to see the party we hosted in honour of Rita Dominic at Swe Bar

Ini Edo is one of the sexiest in nollywood and now she is ranking high on the most fashionable list. Congrats to the stylist who is doing a great job.  Kate..hmmm... always looking young and sexy. I was in company of a German journalist to see Kate Hensahw one day and he said Kate couldnt have been more than 26 years, we all laughed. About a year later, Kate celebrated her 40th birthday at Civic Centre, Lagos. (Click here to see photos of Kate Henshaw the day she won Nollywood's actress of the year) . The fashion police have been kind to Kate.

Stephanie Okereke is a darling. To me she is symbol of a true nollywood star on the red carpet. Well, I am not suprised. What do u expect of a model and a former beauty pageant contestant? She is always well put together with her alluring smile. Fashion Police have also been kind to the engaged actress.

Susan Peters has logged into the big league with her look. She was a model before joing nollywood so we are not suprised that the Benue State born actress is doing well in that aspect.

email: niyi@gistmaster.com

 

STEPHANIE OKEREKE WEDS

Stephanie Okereke needs little or no introduction here. A past most beautiful girl in Nigeria contestant and actress, Stephanie has also made name for herself as a producer. She is one of Nollywood's most talked about celebrities. The latest gist everyone is curious to know about the star actress is her wedding plans.

After her first marriage with a footballer crashed some years and friends of the delectable actress have been looking forward to when she would finally give marriage another try.gistmaster.com gathered that all his now set for that now.

That Stephanie is dating city businessman,Linus Idahosa is not news. The two have been an item for sometime now. They have been all over the place showing off that they are indeed in love.

A recent report by Punch disclosed that Stephanie and her man, Linus will be getting married in February 2012  in the French capital of Paris.It is expected to be a close knit thing but trust, there is no hiding place for the golden fish.

RED CARPET QUEEN 2011

Last year, Gistmaster published a story on the most talked about red carpet personality in Nigeria.Eku Edewor the amazing studio 53 Extra presenter made the top position from our findings.
Yes, she is a presenter but she became more attracted to everyone on the red carpet fabulous lane that her name get mentioned in almost all red carpets event in Nigeria in 2010.Not even all the big actresses could match her popularity on the red carpet in 2010.
Now, in 2011 we already have a line up of some Nigeria's top female presenters,actresses such as Genevieve Nnaji,Omotola Jolade Ekehinde, Stephanie Okereke, Ini Edo, Uche Jombo, Susan Peters and others are already on our list.
www.niyitabiti.blogspot.com will unveil the full list very soon.
 

KATE HENSHAW, HUSBAND HEADS FOR DIVORCE-ENCOMIUM

  So painful that few months after Kate Henshaw's elaborate birthday celebration in Lagos, the Nigerian actress and fashionsita is allegedly unhappy over cracks in her marriage.  Kate and her husband , Rod Nuttal have decided to call it quit with their 12 year old marriage, which produced a daughter.
  Encomium magazine this week, wrote that the couples have been having issues long before they decided the marriage could no longer work. They are also said to be talking to their lawyers on divource.

LATEST NEWS:GENEVIEVE, STEPAHANIE OKEREKE,OSITA IHEME, YOBO OTHERS GET NATIONAL HONOURS FROM NIGERIA GOVERNMENT

 Top entertainers such as Genevieve Nnaji,Stephanie Okereke, Osita Iheme of Aki and Paw Paw fame, Olu Jacobs and Kanayo O Kanaya made it to the national honour list this year. The federal government has considered them for the award of MFR (Member of the Federal Republic).
  The captain of the Nigeria's national football team, Joseph Yobo (the proud husband

NOLLYWOOD SUPER SINGLES MEN ARE DYING TO DATE (PART 2)

 Uche Jombo is also one of the hottest single actresses a lot of guys are dying to date.
 A close pal of the actress once told Gistmaster that she is the most business minded actress in Nollywood. She is a typical Ibo girl who knows how to make money and how to spend it. The award winning actress falls into the A-list group in nollywood and she has also produced some of the finest Nollywood films with the likes of Desmond Elliot and Emem Isong.
  Heavily endowed from the back (though she is trying to burn it), Uche has taken part in several movies.
  Uche Jombo lives in elitist Lekki area of Lagos State. She is from Abiriba, Abia State. She has acted in movies such as Secret Fantasy, Endless Lies,Kiss and Tell,Silent Scandal,Home in Exile and several others.
 Age:32
Education:Mathematics and Statistics, University of Calabar,Cross River State
Past Relationship:The most talked about relationship of star actress Uche Jombo is with footballer, Ikechukwu Uche.
(Click here to see photos of Uche Jombo's past birthday party)

Monalisa Chinda is another star actress who is single. Though, once married to Dejo Richards, they are now divorced. While Dejo Richards has given marriage another try, Monalisa is yet to say 'i do' to another person.
 For now pretty Mona is single and for sure a lot guys are dying to date her.
  Monalisa is beautiful, read Theater Arts at the University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.Monalisa took part in Pregnant Virgin, a movie that was shot in 1996. Since then, she has not looked back (Click here to see the first movie Monalisa Chinda produced by herself-2011) You can also click here to see Gistmaster's coverage of Monalisa and Dejo Richard's baby dedication

 Stephanie Okereke is one of the hottest, almost scandal free actresses in nollywood. When it comes to beauty and height, she's got it all.Once married to a footballer, Stephanie is now in a relationship with Linus Idahosa.No one could say when they would be getting married but all things being equal it would be soon.
 For now, she is still one of the hottest singles in nollywood.A source told gistmaster that the actress used to be on a very big size but she successfully worked on it.
 Some years back, she also took part in the Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria beauty contest.

CLIMB MOUNTAIN KILIMAJARO WIN A KISS WITH BEYONCE

 By Niyi Tabiti

Just yesterday I watched my friends as they argued over Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Nigeria's own presenter, Toolz and others. Beyonce is an heavenly beauty with all the grace and style shinning through her. This man speaks like someone who would take part in a competition whereby if you climb one of the highest mountains in the world, the first prize would just be a kiss with Beyonce!lol
 I know some crazy fellow, they can take part in Gulder Ultimate Search and after winning, if they are asked to choose between a kiss with Genevieve Nnaji or an Explorer jeep, they will choose Genny! 
 "Niyi thats a good idea" Ola said jokingkly (maybe she was even serious), many of our stars who organise charity shows don't get to make much. If i become a celebrity, i mean a super celebrity like stephanie Okereke,Omotola Jolade , Genevieve or Shakira, i will offer a CELEBRITY charity kiss for 7 million, believe me some igbo boys in Alaba will scramble for it!

Toolz- photo courtsey Neks2u

naija presenter, Toolz- photo courtesy Neks2u

STEPHANIE OKEREKE KANEKALON ENDORSEMENT DEAL: BE THE FIRST TO WATCH THE TV COMMERCIAL

Kaneka Corporation of Japan, maker of renowned hair fibre, Kanekalon, has signed an endorsement deal with Nollywood’s top actress, Stephanie Okereke, as its brand ambassador in Nigeria.

The endorsement will see the award winning actress promoting the company’s product and participating in the marketing campaigns which include Kanekalon’s Brand Building campaign, Kanekalon ‘Salon Storm’ Activation, Kanekalon ‘Night of a Thousand Braids’ event and other brand promotional activities.  

Stephanie will be the major face of Kanekalon in Nigeria, visiting some selected salons (VIP Beauty Centre, Cynosures Salon, dsalon Downtown and Salon d’eve) in Lagos during the Kanekalon ‘Salon Storm’ project, towards educating consumers and hairstylists on the benefits of the brand. Her presence in Kanekalon Salon Storm print adverts, currently running in the media is unique and distinct to say the least. Stephanie has just concluded Kanekalon’s brand building television commercial that would surely turn many heads the 100% Kanekalon way with her hairstyles showing class and glam on your television screens.
She will also be the star celebrity at the Kanekalon annual party designed to thank its customers for their patronage, coming up in November this year.

Speaking on the endorsement deal, Hideaki Nakamura, Manager Marketing Kanekalon Division for Kaneka Corporation, noted that the agreement between Kaneka and Stephanie was an indication of the Company’s commitment to expand business interests in Nigeria. According to him, “In line with Kaneka Corporation’s corporate philosophy and strategic direction to promote the beauty of the African woman through the provision of high quality hair products, Kaneka desires to play a more prominent role in the economy by investing more in the Nigerian market.” Hideaki Nakamura further stated that “the deal with Stephanie is consistent with Kaneka’s policy of using the best talents everywhere the company has presence to promote our product and Stephanie came highly recommended in this area.”

In reaction, Stephanie promised to deliver on the confidence reposed in her, not just as a star actress but one that would preserve the African heritage. According to her, “The African woman is legendary for her beauty and her strength, her style and grace; she is an epitome of beauty, and unmatched quality and a style icon. All this I hope to promote as Kanekalon ambassador.”

The endorsement is coming on the heels of the successes recorded by Kaneka in Nigeria in 2010 which include the ‘Braids Parade’, an initiative celebrating Nigeria’s 50^th Independence Anniversary through a hair competition; the ‘Night of 1000 Braids’, A Kanekalon braids event designed to thank its customers for their patronage during the year. 

-Gistmaster.com

MGBN PRESENTER,MITCHEL DEDE SIGNING IN?

[caption id="attachment_6149" align="alignleft" width="319" caption="Mitchel Dede"][/caption]

By Niyi Tabiti/Gistmaster.com

She is not signing the wedding register yet, we only saw her signing her name into a register at a function.

That was what gistmaster.com captured recently at a function in Victoria Island.

'Photographing' someone like Mitchel Dede on the red carpet makes your camera happy! She knows the ABC of swaying her body to make work easier for the photographer.

Mitchel arrived this event with a companion,Anette Cole. At first the bouncers wanted to be funny but it didn't take 10 ten seconds before they knocked the bouncers out of the way with their British accent.

[caption id="attachment_6152" align="alignleft" width="255" caption="Mitchel Dede "][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_6153" align="alignleft" width="319" caption="Anette Cole"][/caption]

Mitchel is making good money from her MC jobs. She's got work and more work coming her way. She is one of the presenters of a TV game show for a top brand and recently, Mitchel anchored the just concluded Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria.

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Communication for Change celebrates Red hot nollywood star, Stephanie Okereke

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Lagos Fashion and design week-all the details and photos from the press conference

RED HOT AND SEXY NOLLYWOOD ACTRESS,STEPHANIE OKEREKE ROCKS WITH CFC

[caption id="attachment_6128" align="alignleft" width="320" caption="Stephanie Okereke"][/caption]

Communication for Change recently celebrated leading acts in the Nigerian creative industry. The event which was the premiere of a new five-part documentary film series, featuring some of the best acts of Nigerian visual and performing arts in music and film sectors, was held in June 29 at the Silverbird Cinemas.

The series titled, RedHOT, serves as an exciting feature on selected veterans as well as an expose on the very bright, established and authoritatively budding talents in the country.

Filmed over a two-year period, the documentary is a description of the life and work of 17 amazing Nigerian artists, discovering their inspiration.

Renowned Nollywood actor and director, Stephanie Okereke was, along with other creative veteran painter and printmaker  Bruce Onobrakpeya, painter Kainebi Osahenye, mixed media artist and scholar Nnenna Okore, top flight musician and photographer TY Bello, engaging dance groups such as Crown Troupe and the Society for the Performing Arts of Nigeria (SPAN), some exponents of the traditional Yoruba Oriki Oration, comedy entertainer Julius Agwu, as well as music producer, Cobehams Asuquo, veteran flutist Tee Mac, the talented female drummer Ara, and celebrated Nollywood directors Tunde Kelani, Izu Ojukwu, honoured

CFC, a Nigerian non-profit development communications organization, is committed to producing stories about developmental issues from an African view point. For 13 years, CFC has produced human interest films, radio programmes, print and on-line publications which highlight the developmental challenges facing Africa, with a focus on showcasing the amazing resilience, creativity, and positive energy of Nigerians. CFC has also produced films on innovative development projects, community leaders, youths, aside radio and television dramas which explain issues surrounding HIV & AIDS, safe motherhood, democracy and good governance, environment etc.

The documentary done with support from the US charity, Ford Foundation, is a tribute to Nigerian's finest creative talents, showcasing the depth and breadth of our ingenuity.

-Gistmaster.com

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