Encomium
– Why she gave out her N15m G-Wagon
+ All about the Sept. 22 Miss Earth, Nigeria
EX-beauty queen and popular actress, Ibinabo Fiberesima is doing well for herself. The first woman President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) has since she assumed office begun serious moves to reposition the world’s second largest guild of actors.
In this exclusive interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly, the stunningly beautiful mother of many children opened up on a whole lot of issues including the much-talked about Sunday, September 22, 2013 Miss Earth Nigeria pageant holding at the prestigious Oriental Hotel, Lagos and how she runs AGN.
As frank as ever, the Okrika, Rivers born thespian and entrepreneur equally shared her love life with us, admitting she is not in a fresh relationship. Ibinabo also dispelled recent reports that she and her long-time heartthrob, Fred Amata are back together. And denying romancing ex-militant and influential Niger-Delta activist, Chief Atake Tom, Miss Fiberesima insisted he is a big brother.
She also explained he didn’t buy the N15 million 2013 G-Wagon she was flaunting months back, but admitted it was a gift. (It was, however, revealed that the fun-loving actress has given out the posh ride because of the attention it was giving her).
Ibinabo speaks…
What is unique about Miss Earth, Nigeria 2013?
What is unique about Miss Earth, Nigeria, 2013 is that we are bringing in the big stars this year. Our high profile guests include Amber Rose, Boris Kodjoe, Genevieve Nnaji, Kelechi Amadi Obi, and the celebrity stylist from the United States, Ryan Christopher. I think bringing these big stars this year makes it bigger and better.
Where is the pageant taking place?
It is going to be at the Oriental Hotel, Grand Ballroom. It’s going to be fun. We have sensational music star, D’Banj performing too.
How many contestants are you parading at the show?
24 contestants representing some of the 36 states in the six geo-political zones.
What are prizes in contention at Miss Earth?
The first prize for Miss Earth Nigeria 2013 is a 2013 full option Toyota Camry. There is also a cash prize of N3 million which the winner would be receiving as salary all through her reign. The second prize is N1 million, a salary as well. The third winner gets N500,000. They would also be representing Nigeria in other pageants across the globe.
Can you please explain this?
We have Miss Earth, Nigeria, which is the first prize, then Miss Earth, Water, Miss Earth, Fire and Miss Eco Friendly. And they would all be representing Nigeria in different international beauty pageants.
What has really changed about Miss Earth, Nigeria in the last 12 years?
We are 12 years old.
How many queens so far?
We have eleven beauty queens. It has been 12 wonderful years but this year is the biggest because many brands are now involved in the pageant.
How has it been running Miss Earth for all of 12 years?
My strength is believing in my cause. Look at what is happening. The floods, I have been saying it that we would get to this point. And when I go to sponsors, then, they would tell me it can’t affect Nigeria. Today, it is obvious that our environment is under threat. And climate change is real. That is the campaign Miss Earth is championing not only in Nigeria but across the globe.
Your admirers say you have the midas touch in all you do. How come you excel in all your endeavours?
It is the grace of God. That is all I can say.
How is the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) doing?
AGN is doing great. Finally, the fight is going down. And people are realizing I didn’t come to fight but to make the guild a better place.
In less than one year in office as National President, a lot has really happened in AGN. How did you do it?
It is the grace of God, like I said. I thank God a lot of people have started gaining from the guild. Some guys tell me, ‘Mama, this is how Nigeria should be run.’ So, I thank God for what He is doing in AGN. It is not by our might but by his spirit, says the Lord.
How have you been carrying everybody along?
I don’t know how to work alone. We don’t work alone here. I work with everyone. In fact, I share love.
Back to the crisis that almost disrupted your regime, how did you handle the growing but needless opposition?
For me, like you said needless. I just didn’t see them. They were doing what they had to do, I guess to remain relevant. They were not fighting.
How do you make out time to run your personal business?
Miss Earth, Nigeria is my personal business.
What about movie productions?
Yes, I’m fully back into movie production. The last film I shot was with Chidi Mokeme. And it would be coming out soon. It is entitled, The Limit. I wrote it. Somehow everything is falling into places. I have a powerful team I’m working with.
How much attention are you really giving to your personal life and how is your love life?
My brother, that love life is on pause at the moment (laughs). There is no time for that. My children take all my time. That is all that matters to me right now.
So, you are not in any serious relationship at the moment?
No. Let me focus on my children, their education…
There is this speculation that you are back together with Fred Amata? Is Fred history?
It will always come. You know Fred Amata is my baby’s father. We are friends. So, whenever we see, we will always talk. But we are not in a relationship.
Was it why you didn’t attend his 50th birthday?
No, I wasn’t around. Why won’t I come? If I was, I would have been there.
How is your daughter, Zino doing?
She is fine. She is even here. I was with her at Omotola’s celebration. Fred came and I was like, yeah, your daddy is here. I think the media took the opportunity and concluded we are back together.
So, she’s in constant touch with her dad?
Yes. She is in the UK. She is in primary one.
Yes, the issue of romance for now is on pause, like you claimed. But when you are off the pause mode, what kind of man will appeal to you?
I don’t really know. I guess, I will go for any man that has the fear of God.
From all I know about you, you are beautiful in and out. You are good and can make a good housewife. I always wonder why it was difficult for you to get married?
It wasn’t difficult. I guess it is the people that I dated. They probably were not ready for that kind of relationship. So, I can’t force it.
A lot has also changed about Ibinabo, looking sexier and more beautiful…
I have grown up. I’m a grown woman now. You know the challenges I had been through. So, I had to slow down.
If you are to roll back your life what amendments would you love to make?
Amendments? Ah, I have made it already. I take life easier now. I respect and adore people. I live a simple life. I’m not a wannabe, I am me.
You are always on point when it comes to fashion and style, what determines it?
Thanks for the compliment. I don’t know. I always like looking good.
The last time you were in the news, parading a posh car, a G-Wagon. How much did the wondrous auto cost you?
I don’t know, it was a gift.
It was said it was from Chief Atake Tom, was that true?
Not at all. Chief Atake is my big brother. It wasn’t from him.
So, who bought the ride for you?
I have even given it out, it is no more with me.
Why?
Oh, I didn’t want any noise. I didn’t like the kind of attention it was giving me.
What car are you currently using?
A red Peugeot, the regular 407.
What is your expectation in life?
For God to continue to bless and protect me.
And businesswise?
Contentment. I want to be happy. I want to be able to look after my children. And that is all I want in life.
As a South-South citizen are you not worried with the fight going on between the Rivers State Governor and President Goodluck Jonathan?
I don’t know what is happening o. All I know is that in 2015, we are coming back. I stand there. For once, living in Nigeria, I’m appreciative of what I have seen. My view is that President Jonathan has done well. I see a sense of stability in the economy although it can only get better. Take for instance the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar. It has remained relatively stable over the years. So, Jonathan has done well. And I will support him.
Where are you taking AGN?
AGN will be a better organization. People will believe that sharing love is the ultimate. We are not a money-making organization. We are to look after our members. So, people aspiring to head AGN shouldn’t make it a money-making affair. They should better the lives of guild members.
– UCHE OLEHI
