My relationship with John Fashanu is getting stronger –Rachel Bakam

’Nonye Ben-Nwankwo, and Ademola Olonilua

"Some people may have felt Rachel Bakam, is just ex footballer, John Fashanu’s flame of the moment. But it seems the lovebirds are waxing stronger and have continued in their relationship despite the negative perception people had.

In an exclusive chat with Saturday Beats recently, the actress who is also involved in a lot of charity works with her partner John, said their relationship gets stronger every day.

“We get along very well. Our friendship gets better and stronger with time. We are both Virgos so we understand each other very well. Yes there are ups and downs but we are both communicators, so we work through every situation and grow.”

Formerly married to Isreal Edjeren, Rachel said   most of the negative perception people have about John is not his true personality.

“Most of the things painted about John Fashanu are really not the reality. It is the same as in my case. In the world of showbiz, some will say good things about you and others the contrary. You just need to keep your values up and do your best.”

Not wanting to reveal if the wedding bells would ring in the nearest future, Rachel said, “I am not keen on re-marriage yet. The truth is, marriage is not something to rush into. Experience has taught me that you have to weigh various components before coming to the point where you accept to marry someone. I believe in taking things step by step, get to know each other better first, then taking the step further when the time is right.

“My son getting along very well with John. John is very good with kids. I see the relationship he has with his children, very commendable.”

Rachel also revealed she has a civil relationship with John’s ex, Abigail Igwe and her daughter, Adaeze Yobo.

“And I appreciate that because I mean no disrespect to anyone. I just dey my lane dey play my part…dey live my life. I honestly don’t set out to hurt anyone purposefully. I do the best I can to be respectful. I am work in progress.”

Talking about her charity organisation Rachel Rahila Bakam Foundation, Rachel said she goes out to offer aid and scholarships to the Internally Displaced Persons.

“This project is made possible by Rachel the PIPER and Esther City of Zion Orphanage home. So many destinies are being transformed by this. We also reach out to offer help via social media. We ask people to nominate those in need. We have just begun. So many celebrities and entrepreneurs will be involved in this project.  It is said, ‘Whoever plays the pipe dictates the tune’. We are blowing the tune of positive change, development, poverty eradication, peace, unity and so much more.”

However, she said she has not quit her acting career, adding, “I haven’t done much in that area due to the demands of my media work but I will play a lead role in a movie next month. I am in a number of scenes that will be shot in Washington along with renowned Hollywood A-list actors. This movie is put together by an Abuja-based entertainment company called Busy Mindz Entertainment.

“I also have blockbuster television programme, Rachel the Piper in English and Rachel mai Kakaki in Hausa. My themes are always centred on reaching out, bridging differences, selling the Nigerian brand, enabling peace, unity and eradicating poverty,” she said."

Culled from PUNCH.