Veteran Nollywood actor, Davis Ofor, popularly known as Clarus in the 1980s sitcom, New Masquerade, is dead.

The news of his passing was announced on Tuesday by a fellow actor, Tony Akposheri, in an Instagram post.

Akposheri expressed shock and sadness over the death of the actor, recalling their recent interactions.

He revealed that they had recently spent time together during the New Year, sharing memories and discussing future plans.

“Today, my heart is heavy. Davis Ofor, fondly known as Clarus from New Masquerade, is gone.

“We crossed into the New Year together, laughing, talking, sharing memories, and speaking hopefully about the days ahead,” he wrote.

“We spoke about life, about plans, about how far we had come. None of us knew that time was already counting differently for you.”

Describing the late actor as more than just a screen personality, Akposheri paid tribute to his character and impact.

“You were more than a familiar face on screen. You were a friend, a brother, a man with warmth, humour, and a presence that could light up any space,” he wrote.

“It is hard to believe that the voice I heard not long ago is now a memory. Hard to accept that someone so full of life can suddenly become a story we tell.”

He added, “Rest well, my friend. You came, you gave joy, you made your mark, and you will never be forgotten.”

Clarus gained prominence for his role in New Masquerade, one of Nigeria’s most popular television comedy shows, where his character became a household name.

Details surrounding the cause of his death were not immediately available.

Ofor rose to prominence for his role as Clarus in New Masquerade, a widely acclaimed Nigerian television comedy that aired on the Nigerian Television Authority and became a household favourite in the 1980s.

His portrayal of the comic character earned him national recognition and endeared him to audiences across the country, making Clarus one of the most memorable figures in Nigerian television history.

Major listed brewers in Nigeria generated a combined revenue of over N1.54tn from the sale of beer and other non-alcoholic drinks in the first nine months of 2025, indicating the estimated amount spent by Nigerians on brewery products during the review period.

According to the unaudited financial statements of Nigerian Breweries Plc, International Breweries Plc, and Champion Breweries Plc for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, the companies collectively recorded strong top-line performance driven largely by beer sales.

Nigerian Breweries Plc, the largest brewer in the country, recorded net revenue of N1.05tn for the period, up from N710.87bn in the corresponding period of 2024. Cost of sales stood at N631.23bn, resulting in a gross profit of N415.15bn.

After accounting for selling and distribution expenses of N193.85bn, administrative expenses of N59.58bn, finance costs of N39.15bn, and other charges, the company posted a profit after tax of N85.51bn, compared with a loss of N149.50bn in 2024. Basic earnings per share rose to 275 kobo from a loss of 1,455 kobo in the previous year.

In March, Nigerian Breweries Plc announced a return to profitability in the first quarter of 2025, reporting a 186 per cent increase in net profit compared to the same period in 2024. The unaudited financial results released on the Nigerian Exchange Limited showed that revenue for the period ended March 31, 2025, rose to N383.6bn, representing a 68.9 per cent increase from N227.1bn recorded in the first quarter of 2024.

International Breweries Plc, which operates in Nigeria and other West African markets, generated revenue of N472.57bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, up from N343.45bn in the same period of 2024.

The company reported a profit after tax of N57.83bn, reversing a loss of N112.81bn in 2024. Cost of sales increased to N311.64bn from N248.58bn, while administrative, marketing, and distribution expenses rose to N92.09bn from N72.68bn.

International Breweries Plc posted a profit of N11.9bn for the second quarter ended June 30, 2025, marking a turnaround from a loss of N47.3bn in the same period last year. The company’s unaudited financial statements showed revenue increased to N167.4bn in Q2 2025 from N120bn in Q2 2024, while gross profit rose to N61.9bn from N33.8bn.

Champion Breweries Plc recorded revenue of N21.44bn for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, up from N14.02bn in the same period of 2024. The company posted a profit after tax of N2.05bn, compared with N21.50m in 2024. Cost of sales rose to N11.14bn from N8.13bn, while selling and distribution expenses increased to N4.24bn from N3.25bn.

Overall, the combined revenue of the three companies amounted to N1.54tn, with Nigerian Breweries Plc accounting for the bulk of sales.

Analysts say the figures highlight the resilience of Nigeria’s beer market, which continues to benefit from strong brand loyalty and distribution networks despite rising production costs and broader macroeconomic pressures.

Commenting on consumer behaviour, the Head of Financial Institutions Ratings at Agusto & Co., Ayokunle Olubunmi, said the market is experiencing a gradual shift in spending patterns, with some consumers reducing beer consumption, a trend influencing how breweries adjust their strategies.

“Following AB InBev’s acquisition of International Breweries, the company invested in new breweries and production facilities to expand capacity. This indicates that firms are prioritising scaling operations and improving efficiency to meet rising demand and strengthen their market position,” Olubunmi said.

On the broader economic impact, the Chief Executive Officer of Economic Associates, Ayo Teriba, cautioned that strong sales figures do not necessarily translate into greater economic contribution.

“The point is that bigger isn’t necessarily better. Sales may be boosted by size, but if that size reflects purchases from other companies rather than actual value added, the contribution to the economy is limited. What really matters is net output, what value the company is actually creating. GDP, after all, is the sum of value created, not just total sales figures,” Teriba said.

Source: PUNCH

The Edo State House of Assembly on Tuesday summoned the member representing Egor Constituency, Natasha Irobosa, to appear before its Ethics and Privileges Committee within one week.

The Assembly said she was invited to defend herself over allegations of misconduct leveled against her.

The development comes amid growing controversy surrounding the lawmaker’s relationship with music legend, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba.

Speaking during plenary, the Speaker, Blessing Agbebaku, said Irobosa must explain why her conduct had dragged the name of the Assembly “in the mud.”

He said, “Hon. Natasha Irobosa has been summoned to appear before the Ethics and Privilege Committee of the Assembly due to her recent conduct which has been trending online.

“This conduct drags the name of the House into the mud, and it is the responsibility of members of the Assembly to conduct themselves well.

“This House has cerebral minds and educated people who have been dragged in the mud for too long by our colleague, Hon. Natasha. She has been trending on social media and television for the wrong reason.

“The House has members who know what they are doing, and the attitude of our member has brought this House to disrepute, and we will not tolerate it.”

The Speaker added that the committee would submit its findings to the House within two weeks.

Meanwhile, fans of 2Baba have expressed deep concern over the singer’s marriage following a series of disturbing videos circulating online.

One of the videos on Tuesday captured a heated exchange between the artiste and Natasha during an Instagram Live session on Monday.

The live session, hosted by media personality, Daddy Freeze, featured members of 2Baba’s former management team discussing stalled international projects when the singer suddenly joined the broadcast.

Moments into his appearance, he was heard confronting Natasha, asking, “What is your problem?”

The situation quickly escalated, with Natasha appearing to attempt to seize the phone as both raised their voices before the session abruptly ended.

The incident came shortly after another viral clip showed the singer being handcuffed and escorted away by police officers in the United Kingdom. The footage, shared by blogger Tosin Silverdam, captured officers speaking with 2Baba outside a retail store before leading him away.

The viral clips have triggered widespread anxiety among fans and industry watchers, many of whom fear the singer may be experiencing a deepening personal and marital crisis.

During the live session, 2Baba’s former management team alleged that internal interference had halted major international plans. These included a UK tour, an African tour, stadium concerts, and government-backed engagements across several countries.

“You go out there to make your money; even if it’s 100,000 people listening, the money is enough to sustain you,” his former manager, Kaka Igbokwe, said.

He added that the team’s long-term plan was to elevate 2Baba to the level of globally respected African music icons.

“When I started working with 2Baba, my aim was for him to be larger. You can’t compare yourself to Burna Boy, but you can achieve what Angélique Kidjo has done. You can still do arenas,” he said.

Amid the unfolding drama, popular content creator Nasboi penned an emotional note expressing sadness over the singer’s current situation.

He said the recent clips were damaging to the calm, humble image 2Baba had maintained for decades.

“I’ve looked up to you since I was 16. I loved every bit of your music, your personality, and the humility you carried yourself with. In fact, you were one of the people who taught me what it means to be humble. You have had your criticism in the past, but your character and humility still stood tall,” he wrote.

Nasboi added that the version of events being shared online was unfamiliar to “those of us who truly love and respect you,” urging the veteran artiste to take control of the situation.

In a separate live session with Daddy Freeze, a female fan tearfully called on Nigerian men to intervene in 2Baba’s marriage.

“All Nigerian men should please come out and help him out of this,” she said.

“It’s so disheartening seeing my Idol like this,” another fan, August Chris, wrote on X.

On his part, @Abraham_Gidi posted, “Honestly, this is a fact. I still find it hard to believe. I love and respect him from childhood, and it has stayed like that forever. Legend forever.”

Another X user, @ariyiB, said in a video posted on Tuesday, “2Baba should have stayed on his own since he left Annie. He already has enough kids. I am not happy with what I am seeing about him on social media.”

The relationship between 2Baba and Natasha became public shortly after the singer announced the end of his 12-year marriage to Annie Macaulay in January. He later unveiled Natasha as his fiancée and proposed to her publicly on the eve of Valentine’s Day, February 14.

The couple went on to hold a private traditional wedding ceremony in July in Abuja.

PUNCH