Residents of Ona-Ara Federal Constituency in Oyo State have called for intervention by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in a long-standing issue of marginalization and unfair representation.
The constituency, created in 1989, was promised equitable representation, with the seat alternating between Egbeda and Ona-Ara Local Governments every 8 years.
The constituents alleged that Ona-Ara has been denied its rightful turn for nearly 20 years, with the local government being overlooked in 2018 and 2023.
The appeal, made by Honorable Ashimiu Afeez Adio, Aspirant for the 2027 election, enjoined the party leadership to ensure a free and fair primary and general election, prevent the imposition of undeserving candidates, and uphold fairness and justice in representation.
The residents of Ona-Ara are seeking justice and equity, and their plea is a call to action for the APC leadership to demonstrate its commitment to Oyo State and its people.
A renowned human rights, environmental and anti-corruption activist, Comrade Amitolu Shittu, has lifted the burden on the less privileged, including students in Osun.
The well-attended event was held in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, as part of the activities to mark Amitolu’s 61st birthday.
The activist also gave scholarships to indigent students from various tertiary institutions across the Southwest of Nigeria through his foundation, Comrade Amitolu Shittu Foundation (CASF), as part of efforts to give back to society.
Shittu, the Jagunmolu of Owu-Ile Kingdom, with many other chieftaincy titles, has been contributing to society since he turned 40.
The needy who graced the birthday ceremony were drawn from all the 30 Local government areas of Osun State.
The beneficiaries of the gestures showered blessings on him and prayed for his longevity on earth.
Anthony Joshua has returned to the UK following the tragic car crash that killed two of his close friends and left him hospitalised. According to The Sun, the boxer arrived at London Stansted Airport on a private jet on Friday night before being taken to his home to continue his recuperation.
Joshua’s friends Latif Ayodele and Sina Ghami died in the accident after chauffeur Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, 47, collided with a stationary truck on the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway. Joshua was then taken to the Duchess International Hospital, where he remained until the New Year and was reported to be in a ‘stable’ condition.
His mother, Yeta Odusanya, remained by his side, but other family members were not allowed to visit him at the private hospital in Lagos. David Joshua, an older brother of Joshua’s dad Robert, said at the time: “We have not been allowed to see him, but from information given by authorities, he is responding to treatment.”
His return to England comes as the funerals of his friends are reportedly set to take place on Sunday at a mosque in London. Family and friends are said to have been invited to a morning ‘janaza prayer service’ – the Islamic funeral prayer for Sina and Latif.
A source said: “Anthony wants to go to the funeral but he hasn’t decided yet. He’s mindful that his presence could cause a circus and overshadow the funeral for the family of his two friends.”
On Friday, it was reported that Kayode had been charged with ‘reckless and dangerous driving’ following the devastating crash that claimed two lives.
He is believed to have undergone extensive questioning and given an official account of the moments leading up to the fatal collision that killed Ghami and Ayodele.
Tactical brilliance meets raw passion as the Lions of Teranga fight to maintain their lead against a relentless Sudanese attack.
Senegal claimed an important 3–1 win over Sudan in their Africa Cup of Nations encounter, confirming their superiority in a match that combined intensity, emotion, and moments of high quality. The Teranga Lions overturned an early setback thanks to a decisive brace from Pape Gueye, while Sudan left the tournament with pride after a courageous performance led by goal scorer Aamir Abdallah.
The match began at a frenetic pace, and it was Sudan who stunned the favorites early on. In the 6th minute, Aamir Abdallah took advantage of a defensive lapse and finished calmly inside the box, sending Sudan into a surprise lead. The goal energized the Sudanese side, who defended with discipline and looked to threaten on the counterattack.
Mozambique head coach Chiquinho Conde has voiced confidence in his team’s ability ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash against Nigeria, while openly accepting the Super Eagles’ status as favourites for the fixture.
Speaking on Mozambique’s performances, the lessons learned, and the challenge posed by Nigeria, Conde said: “We have shown that we have a strong and competent team. Against Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon we failed the details, but now it’s kill-kill. Nigeria are favourites but let’s face the game with humility, tranquility and lot of responsibility. We’ve come to this stage with respect, now we’re going to show what we can do.”
Mozambique secured qualification to the knockout stage of the ongoing 2025 Afcon after a challenging group campaign against strong opposition.
The Mambas began their tournament with a narrow defeat to Côte d’Ivoire, before recording a historic victory over Gabon to register their first-ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Paris FC winger Moses Simon has expressed excitement over the growing competition within the Super Eagles squad ahead of Monday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 clash against Mozambique’s Mambas.
In the final group game against Uganda, manager Eric Chelle made several changes, handing Afcon debuts to four players Ryan Alebiosu, Igoh Ogbu, Tochukwu Nnadi and Salim Lawal.
Fringe players such as Paul Onuachu, Francis Uzoho, Raphael Onyedika, and Chidozie Awaziem were also given the chance to stake their claim for a starting position.
Despite resting several key players, the Super Eagles delivered their most convincing performance so far at the 2025 Afcon, thrashing the Cranes 3-1 thanks to a second half brace from Onyedika and Onuachu’s first half opener.
Simon has made just one start at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, with former African Footballer of the Year Ademola Lookman ahead of him in Chelle’s pecking order.
Commenting on the increasing competition in the Super Eagles team, Simon told Austin Okon Akpan’s YouTube channel: “Yes, actually, you can see everyone is ready to play, which is really good. Every position has competition, and especially yesterday, you could see it for yourself.
“For me, that is something great and reflects well on the coach, who is doing a good job by inviting these players to the team.”
Promising tri-national centre-back Ifeanyi Ndukwe has agreed a move to Premier League giants Liverpool, marking a major step forward in the career of one of Europe’s most exciting young defensive tale.
Born in Vienna to a Russian mother and a Nigerian father, the Austria Wien prodigy is eligible to represent Nigeria, Austria and Russia at senior international level.
However, Ndukwe is leaning towards committing his international future to Austria, the country of his birth, having already featured in competitive games for the Austria U17 national team.
As Nigerians enter the new year with cautious optimism and unsure of how things would pan out in coming months, analysts are upbeat that things bode well for the economy in 2026, judging by indices and key fundamentals, which they are certain would manifest and project positively across all fronts, reports Ibrahim Apekhade Yusuf.
Certainly 2026 could be the much awaited glory year of Nigeria, if the assurances given by some economic and financial experts are anything to go by. Hope is rising for a further economic rebound in 2026.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), one of those institutions that controls the levers of the economy and should know which way the pendulum could swing, has given what could possibly be an assurance of what to expect.
Specifically, it has said Nigeria’s external reserves would rise to $51.04 billion this year, supported by easing pressure in the foreign exchange market, stronger oil earnings and sustained inflows from remittances and foreign investments,
The apex bank disclosed this in its 2026 Macroeconomic Outlook for Nigeria published on its website last Tuesday, noting that the projected reserve level compares with an estimated $45.01 billion in 2025.
The CBN said the expected improvement in external reserves would be driven largely by reduced pressure in the FX market, anchored on a combination of higher oil receipts, sovereign bond issuances and steady diaspora remittance inflows.
It added that the ongoing expansion of the Dangote Refinery’s nameplate capacity to 700,000 barrels per day from 650,000 barrels per day in 2025, and ultimately to 1.4 million barrels per day in the medium term, would further strengthen reserve accretion.
According to the bank, recent reforms in the FX market are expected to further enhance efficiency and transparency, narrow the premium between the Nigerian Foreign Exchange Market (NFEM) and Bureau de Change (BDC) rates, and sustain exchange rate stability. Improved domestic refining capacity is also expected to significantly reduce foreign exchange demand for fuel imports, thereby easing pressure on the reserves.
The CBN said Nigeria’s external balance is expected to remain positive in 2026, supported by robust export growth and steady remittance inflows. It noted that the projected rise in export earnings hinges on increased crude oil and gas output, as infrastructure improvements and better security around oil installations boost production.
Overall, the external position is expected to benefit from improving demand conditions in major trading partner economies, reinforced by a projected uptick in foreign investments.
The current account balance is projected to record a higher surplus of $18.81 billion, representing 11.16 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2026, compared with a surplus of $16.94 billion, or 10.94 percent of GDP, in 2025. This outlook is underpinned by steady diaspora remittances and increased export receipts.
In the goods account, export receipts are projected to rise to $58.26 billion in 2026 from $54.59 billion in 2025, driven by stronger oil and non-oil exports.
Oil export earnings are expected to improve on the back of higher domestic crude oil production, supported by improved security around oil facilities and sustained investments in the sector. In addition, the commencement of petroleum products exports in 2025 is expected to further lift export earnings.
For non-oil exports, the CBN said sustained growth in agricultural commodity and fertilizer exports is expected to boost receipts. The recently launched National Export Trading Company, aimed at addressing persistent gaps in the export value chain, as well as the National Intellectual Property Policy designed to support creative exports, are expected to further strengthen non-oil export performance.
Imports are projected to increase to $43.27 billion in 2026 from $39.92 billion in 2025, reflecting anticipated higher demand for capital goods and intermediate inputs as economic activity strengthens.
The services account deficit is expected to widen to $13.68 billion in 2026 from $12.80 billion in 2025, driven by higher payments for business and transport services. The rise in business services payments reflects Nigeria’s increasing demand for research and development services, while payments for transport services are expected to rise in line with higher freight charges associated with increased imports of non-oil merchandise.
The primary income account is projected to remain in deficit at $8.62 billion, due to higher investment income payments to non-resident investors, as relatively attractive yields continue to attract foreign portfolio inflows.
Meanwhile, the positive performance of the secondary income account is expected to be sustained in 2026, with a projected surplus of $26.13 billion compared with $23.82 billion in 2025. This projection is based on anticipated growth in diaspora remittances through formal channels, as well as higher inflows of general transfers, particularly those linked to preparations for national elections.
The financial account is expected to remain in a net borrowing position of $10.15 billion, reflecting higher portfolio inflows and new external borrowings by the government, the CBN added.
Assurances of economic revamp by more experts
A leading economist, Bismarck Rewane, holds this view and very strongly too that Nigeria could enter 2026 on its strongest economic footing in more than a decade.
According to him, a combination of factors both complex and superficial including easing inflation, rising investment, major corporate listings and stabilising monetary conditions will propel the country into a new and more durable cycle of growth.
Rewane made his projections at the Parthian Economic Discourse 2025 in Lagos, mid last month, where he described 2026 as a defining year in which structural reforms, private-sector expansion and improved policy coordination converge to reposition Africa’s largest economy for a significant turnaround.
The economist hinged his optimism in what he says, are clearly visible signs at play in the key commanding heights of the economy including but not limited to – manufacturing, banking, technology, telecoms, the creative industry and real estate – under more favourable macroeconomic conditions.
He says matter-of-factly that after years of unstable inflation, exchange-rate distortions and suppressed investment, Nigeria is finally approaching an economic juncture where fundamentals and reform momentum can reinforce each other rather than work in conflict.
A major fulcrum of his forecast is an explosive expansion of the capital market, where he projects that the Nigerian Exchange’s total market capitalisation could jump to N262 trillion in 2026, up sharply from the current N90 trillion – a staggering 191% surge.
At that level, he notes, the market would represent 72% of Nigeria’s projected GDP, placing it among the fastest-expanding markets in the emerging-economies across the universe.
Pressed further, he said the coming expansion, no doubt, is anticipated because of the planned listings of mega corporates, including the Dangote Refinery and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), alongside accelerating profitability across sectors such as telecoms, cement, consumer goods and banking.
Expectedly, he said investor sentiment is already shifting due to improving FX stability, sustained disinflation and stronger earnings guidance from top-tier companies.
He further maintains that Nigeria’s equity market is entering a new cycle powered by corporate expansion, regulatory reforms and the return of long-delayed market-moving listings.
Rewane also forecasts a significant easing of inflation in 2026, describing it as one of the most fundamental development to affect the nation’s economic recovery projections.
He also expects food and core inflation to fall to around 20%, driven by a firm disinflationary stance by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), improvements in domestic refining capacity that will reduce volatility in fuel prices, stronger manufacturing output, rising productivity, and reforms aimed at lowering logistics and supply-chain costs.
With inflation easing, he predicts an improvement in household purchasing power, which will in turn stimulate demand across retail, services and industrial sectors.
On monetary policy, Rewane emphasises that 2026 will likely mark the beginning of cautious interest-rate cuts by the CBN after nearly two years of aggressive tightening. However, he warns that the apex bank will move slowly and conditionally.
He further argues that the CBN must first be convinced of sustained disinflation, improved liquidity control through robust CRR and liquidity-ratio management, more efficient FX market operations, strengthened reserves, and credible fiscal consolidation with reduced deficit financing. In his view, monetary authorities will be navigating a delicate balance – cutting too soon could reignite inflationary pressures, while cutting too late risks suppressing the investment momentum that Nigeria urgently needs.
Rewane predicts a more stable and stronger Naira in 2026, projecting that the exchange rate will appreciate and stabilise within the N1, 450 to N1, 500 per dollar band.
He expects this outcome to be supported by higher oil production and export earnings, improved FX supply from rising reserves, policy reforms that reduce arbitrage and speculation, favourable inflation-interest differentials that attract capital flows, and a moderation in import demand due to fiscal and trade measures.
He stresses that sustained exchange-rate stability will be central to investor confidence, business planning and macroeconomic predictability.
On overall economic performance, Rewane forecasts Nigeria’s GDP growth to rise to 4.1% in 2026, driven by expanding business activity, infrastructure improvements, industrial-policy execution, stronger private-sector credit, better trade flows and higher domestic value addition. He notes that consumption – which has been heavily eroded by inflation – is expected to recover gradually, while investment spending will be supported by strong government-bond issuance and public infrastructure expansion.
Rewane identifies six industries he believes will shape Nigeria’s economic direction in 2026: agriculture and agro-processing with projected earnings of ₦104.6 trillion; real estate and construction with ₦72.41 trillion; telecommunications with ₦41.07 trillion; manufacturing with ₦38.25 trillion; the creative economy with ₦7.23 trillion; and technology and fintech with ₦2.97 trillion.
He noted that each of these sectors is undergoing its own structural transformation driven by demographic pressure, digital expansion, urbanisation, regional trade integration and the broader macroeconomic adjustment.
Corporate earnings, according to him, will be one of the strongest indicators of renewed economic vitality next year.
He highlights MTN Nigeria and Dangote Cement as standout performers. MTN is projected to see Q1 2026 revenue rise to N1.7 trillion and Q2 revenue to N2.22 trillion, driven by data-led growth, cost efficiency and tariff adjustments.
Dangote Cement is expected to post Q1 2026 revenue of N1.3 trillion and Q2 revenue of N1.37 trillion, with profit after tax in Q2 jumping by more than 100% to N628 billion, boosted by clinker exports, infrastructure demand and regional expansion. He argues that strong corporate results will play a critical role in sustaining investor confidence and driving market capitalisation higher.
The CEO of Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) Limited, also expects Nigeria’s banking sector to enter 2026 with strengthened stability indicators, helped by moderating inflation, reduced FX exposure as the naira stabilises, improved digital banking penetration, increased sector diversification, and stronger capital buffers following the recapitalisation exercise.
He predicted that the sector will be led by large universal banks with strong balance sheets, digital-first institutions and fintechs that continue to disrupt retail payments and SME finance.
On pensions, he projects that funds will experience short-term volatility at the start of 2026 due to global and domestic shocks but will recover strongly by year-end, with net asset value expected to rise to 12–15% as liquidity improves and political risk fades. He expects domestic equities and government securities to outperform as confidence returns.
Global shocks foretold
However, Rewane believes that Nigeria’s outlook will not be insulated from global turbulence.
He warns that geopolitical tensions, moderating commodity prices, potential declines in cocoa and other key exports, fragile global growth and shifts in global energy markets could affect Nigeria’s fiscal and market stability.
Domestically, he identifies four major risks that could upset the projections: oil prices falling below $60 per barrel, worsening insecurity in food -producing states, excessive election-year spending in 2026, and a sharp decline in global commodity prices if geopolitical tensions ease.
Ultimately, Rewane concludes that 2026 will be a year in which Nigeria’s economic direction is determined by the quality of policy choices, the discipline of fiscal and monetary authorities, and the country’s ability to secure its productive regions.
In his words, Nigeria is “standing at the threshold of a profound economic reset,” with the potential either to accelerate into a new era of stability and growth or stumble at the edge of transformation if reforms stall.
Echoing similar sentiments, Group Managing Director of Parthian Capital, Oluseye Olusoga, said Nigerians should take charge of the country and not leave it only to the government.
He said: “Security is not a job only for the government. It should be our own job too. Without security, investment won’t flow”.
Dr. Ayo Teriba, CEO, Economic Associates, has also projected that Nigeria’s inflation could slow to a single digit by January 2026 as the lag effect of ‘Detty December’ is poised to further cool prices that have remained in the double-digit range for more than five years.
Teriba projects that prices could ease to about 12 percent in December 2025 compared to about 33 percent it stood in the same period last year, noting that the cooling inflation was more of a lag effect than the rebasing exercise conducted by the National Bureau of Statistics last year.
“The steep deceleration in YOY inflation from 33% in December 2024 to 24.48%, in January 2025 was not the as a result of rebasing but the lagged effect of Detty December as steep retail price cuts continued into January and indeed less steeply to the rest of the year to the detriment of large retail chain stores that are now known to be closing down one after the other,” Teriba said in a statement recently.
“This explains the -5.2 month on month deceleration in January 2025. This effect should repeat in January 2026 to push year on year inflation into single digits, where it will remain for the rest of 2026. We predict that the deceleration Detty December should repeat to bring YOY inflation to about 12% in December 2025.”
According to Teriba, Nigería is finally experiencing a return to economic calm for the first time since 2019/2020, urging the NBS to stay committed to communicating clearer data that would help restore confidence and decision-making as month-on-month data for January 2025 remains elusive.
“Never in recent memory has the NBS’ rebasing produced this level of ambiguity. The remedy is straightforward: publish the missing month-on-month figure for January 2025 and clarify the December 2024 index value,” Teriba said.
While attempting a post mortem of the performance of the nation’s capital market in the outgoing year, Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, Chairman of the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Group, said the market has made measurable progress toward its strategic vision of a globally competitive, inclusive, and innovation-driven capital market.
The NGX equities market, he stressed, sustained strong performance in 2025, with overall turnover more than doubling year-on-year. The All-Share Index (NGX-ASI) registered robust gains, placing the NGX among the top-performing African stock markets in 2025 with a near 49.17% increase as of December 24, 2025.
Dr. Kwairanga identified policy and regulatory reforms, realigning financial sector capitalisation, and enhanced retail and institutional participation as key drivers of the market’s performance in 2025.
Recommendations for 2026
Looking ahead to 2026, Dr. Kwairanga recommended that stakeholders, regulators, and market operators work together to deepen market resilience, international competitiveness, and inclusive growth.
He suggested embracing long-term investment frameworks, leveraging technology for engagement, and focusing on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices.
Lending credence to the foregoing, Dr. Peter Adebola, financial expert and economist, who is also the Managing Director of Edgefield Capital Management, is very optimistic that the economy would indeed turn the tide in 2026, if all the boxes are ticked and the authorities push the frontiers of socioeconomic growth without faltering.
No doubt about it. The year 2026, has already started showing visible signs of robust events in the culture sector. Some carry-over programmes cannot wait to commence. Some artists have shown also that the enthusiasm of last year must be surpassed this year with dispatch. Events around wealth creation are more in the offing. Edozie Udeze writes.
It is indisputable that since the creation of the Ministry of Creative Economy, the lull in the culture sector seems to have dissipated somewhat. There is this aura and accelerated pull which the name Creative Economy has added to the creative zeal of stakeholders. Together it is called the Federal Ministry of Culture, Art, Tourism and Creative Economy. This rare recognition by the Federal Government by merging all the cultural ideals that propel the creative forces has indeed given artists a huge sense of belonging.
This year, 2026 looks hopeful. It is a year of new ideals, year of the execution of big projects. Already artists, authors, event planners, culture enthusiasts and technocrats have set out programmes to keep the sector alive all year round.
Come the first or second week of January 2026, Senator Shehu Sani, will present about seven books at the Mpape, Abuja, headquarters of the Association Nigerian Authors (ANA). Sani is a prolific writer, human rights activist, politician and a formidable member of ANA. This book presentation will certainly refocus attention on the renewed ideals of the Mamman Vatsa writers village Abuja where authors hibernate.
There is also the Yusuf Alli (SAN) yearly largesse of monetary donation to ANA to continue its literary campaigns in the state chapters of the association. Already expectations are high about the money and the grassroots works ANA leaders will do with it. Over the years, the donation which has become sacrosanct has been very helpful in reaching out to schools in different parts of Nigeria to reawaken students interest in literature and literary matters. Alli always feels obliged to indulge in this kind gesture.
Art Miabo Enyadike is on her way to Nigeria from South Africa. A visual artist who resorts to using wastes to create wealth and who has indoctrinated many other artists into this vocation will have her usual yearly art exhibition/festival in Lagos. Her attention this year will be focused primarily on tertiary institutions from where young artists will be invited to form the bulk of the show. It’s for her to begin on time to let them into seriousness and secrets of art value, art for art sake and using art to create wealth speedily.
From the government parastatal of the National Gallery of Art (NGA) will come all their usual yearly shows. But most of all one of their topical events which involves the stakeholders will surely hold. This programme attracts all the creative artists in the visual art, both home and abroad to brainstorm on the way forward for the sector. Ever since he assumed office, the Director, Ahmed Sodangi has not reneged on this. Also the NGA will hold its annual distinguished lecture during which a timely theme will be chosen to address burning issues in modern and contemporary art.
As for the National Troupe of Nigeria, its training of young artistes, drummers, costumiers, dancers, actors, and all, will happen. This time around, it will take place in Lagos and Abuja. Since the Troupe is operated to cater for all artists, most times its programmes are spread across to reflect its national outlook. Hajja Bulama Gana, its Artistic Director is often conscious of the programmes that breed togetherness. So, this year the Troupe will do more to prosper stage dance and performances generally.
As for the National Films and Videos Census Board, the issue of controlling and supervising contents and titles to suit a proper Nigerian cultural ethics will continue unabated. Films convey a societal consciousness and Nigeria is wired to use it to tell positive ideals for all. Its Director Husseini Shaibu is ever prepared to inject new lease into the sensitivity of the sector for the good of all. And 2026 is the year when good stories, proper conduct and sound morals must be the watchword of those who control this sector.
In terms of performances, the Troupe will take on one of the foremost female epic stage shows. This is Queen Amina, the Zauzau heroine who lived for her people. The stage performance will also take place in Abuja to show the symbolism of the person of Amina, one of the bravest women leaders in Nigerian history. Based on its tradition, the Troupe will carry all the necessary people along.
Again, the late Moses Adejumo alias Baba Sala, ace comedian will be remembered. This time, the stage performances will revolve within his works, life time and achievements. It will be tagged laftaism and will happen to commemorate his birthday on May 17. The Baba Sala Dynasty is not relenting in keeping his legacies alive in the lives and minds of thespians and others.
The Osun Osogbo carnival sort of street festival will also happen. A UNESCO recognized event and one of those that attracts tourists to Nigeria, the festival is a big symbolism of a nation on the crest of cultural renaissance. Already the date and month are sacrosanct. This time it is hoped a more invigorated young vigin will be found to shoulder the huge cultural responsibility for others. Osun-Osogbo is a symbol of using culture at its very peak to remake a nation, generate wealth for artisans and for all and for the state.
The Eyo festival came back again in 2025 after eight years of interregnum to reignite social life in Lagos. The idea is that it will be more robust this 2026. It is hoped however that the population of the participating masquerades will be trimmed to a manageable size. That will surely restore its prestige and compactness. The beauty and colourfulness of Eyo is never in question. The attraction it has for those who fancy tradition and the beauty of history cannot be controverted.
So, Eyo, with the assistance of the Lagos State government and the approval of the Oba of Lagos is going to be bigger and more result-oriented this year. It is hoped that more tourists will arrive. More Nigerians in Diaspora will return. But the timetable has to be set well ahead of time to help for logistics.
In the main, plans are underway to finally create some office accommodation for theatre workers at the Wole Soyinka Centre (National Theatre) Iganmu, Lagos. For over five years, they have been operating from makeshift spaces, often hanging under trees and shrubs to do their official duties. Feelers from the Theatre Board says that provisions are underway to accommodate them. But then, the Theatre management has to do more to ensure that it begins to have popular programmes that make theatre a grassroots affair.
Based on these, we will witness a sector that is in a process of renewed renaissance. A sector that believes that wealth is hidden within the confines of culture. The programmes cannot wait to commence in earnest.
Many names on this list may not yet ring a bell, at the time of writing, but they will soon enough. Some of these actors, and musicians have been bubbling up for years, while others are set to make their screen debuts in some of 2026. Also on the list are established acts, who are poised to make waves and contribute to the totality of what is expected to be 2026. Across TV, theatre, music, and streaming platforms, The Nation Entertainment identifies the most promising young talent destined for great things in the New Year.
Fola
Folarin Odunlami, aka Fola, was one of the breakout stars of 2025. He injected fresh energy into the industry and earned himself several features with established music acts to create some of the biggest tunes of 2025. His album ‘Catharsis’ performed impressively enough to land inside Spotify’s top Nigerian album charts, amassing tens of millions of streams and signaling a rising trajectory.
Singles like ‘You,’ and ‘Lost’ (featuring Kizz Daniel) also became streaming staples, firmly placing the singer on both local and global radars; a rare achievement for emerging voices in a year dominated by established names.
Fola, like some others on this list actively set the nation’s new sonic agenda, alongside established heavyweights like Wizkid, Seyi Vibez, and Ayra Starr across the most-streamed artist and album categories, proving Nigerians’ unwavering loyalty to homegrown talent.
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde
Omotola Jalade Ekeinde is one of the leading faces on the Nigerian film scene, who has graced the klieglights for almost three decades. For a while between 2023 and 2024, she decided to go underground, while still working behind the scenes. Then came 2025 and she decided to unveil what she’s been working on to the world – she made her directorial debut and premiered it at the 50th edition of the Toronto International Film Festival in Canada. An elated Omotola revealed that 2026 will see more of her works behind the scenes as well as in front of the camera.
Zaylevelten
Chisom Lucky Okoro aka Zaylevelten is one of Nigeria’s most compelling emerging voices on the music scene specialising in rap and alternative Afro‑fusion. He fuses street energy, trap influence and experimental sound into something distinctly his own. Zaylevelten’s breakout came through a series of strong releases and viral moments including ‘Maye.’ Many agree that what makes Zaylevelten stand out is his work as a producer under the name Tenski as he plays a critical role in crafting sound, producing, and ensuring identity while ensuring his music reflects his vision from the ground up.
Bimbo Ademoye
Bimbo Ademoye is a recurring name on lists like entertainers, who defined 2025 and entertainers to watch out for in 2026. This is because the demure actress seems to have mastered her craft in storytelling and positioning her brand. With Ademoye not ready to stop, she’s one of the entertainers to watch out for in 2026.
Fido
2025 was a good year for Josiah Olayemi Awosika aka Fido, who joined emerging music acts that are actively setting the nation’s new sonic agenda and securing spots in the lists of top songs in the country. It is believed that the young Nigerian, who is not relatively an upcoming act, will consolidate on his 2025 achievement to make further statements musically in 2026.
Genoveva Umeh
Year on year since she broke out from the Netflix limited series, ‘Blood Sisters,’ Genoveva has continued to wax stronger in the film industry. She’s unarguably one of the rising film stars gaining significant traction with strong performances year upon year and she’s one act to watch out for in 2026.
Adesewa Rebecca Ojedele aka Sewà Ayoola is a Nigerian soul singer, who grounds her music in Afro-soul, but with the gleams of R&B, jazz and pop. Though she’s based in Toronto, Sewà is finding her path in the line of bold voices like Asa and Cavement. Her sound is a rich fusion that carries both mainstream and niche circles with a speciality in storytelling. Her debut album, ‘Detox’ announced her powerful strength and she’s one music act to watch out for in 2026.
Mike Afolarin
Mike Afolarin found, almost instant, fame with the klieglights since he broke out and he has enjoyed film casting with his name frequently mentioned for exciting projects. Afolarin has been able, through his performances, to carve a niche for himself such that he features in at least 3 out of the top 10 films in Nigeria per year. He’s one young star to watch out for in 2026.
Uzoamaka Onuoha
Uzoamaka Onuoha rose to fame with her role in the popular series, ‘Origin: Madam Koikoi.’ However, she has since proven her worth with several defining roles in projects that have projected and catapulted her career faster than she expected. From ‘Inside Life,’ to ‘Agemo,’ Onuoha has done so well that she will feature prominently in Nollywood come 2026.
Syntax, the creator
Wisdom Omotoso Adeoluwa aka Syntax, The Creator is a self taught producer, pianist and songwriter that has distinguished himself as one of those artists that makes music which takes listeners into spaces of introspection, celebration and creative expansiveness. Always wearing Ibadan as his badge, he wowed fans in the last two years with successful EPs such as ‘Room 203’ in 2024, and ‘Rvivi’ in 2025 and expresses this vividly, with collaborations and features that expanded his sound. 2026 is expected to also favour Syntax, the creator.
Martha Ehinome
Martha Ehinome is an emerging talent to watch out for in 2026. Having done so well for herself in previous years, 2025 seems to be the major unveiling for Ehinome with her performances in ‘Gone,’ ‘My Father’s Shadows,’ ‘Midnight in Shangisha,’ and ‘I am Anis.’ With Ehinome’s achievements in 2025, it’s obvious 2026 will be a bigger year for her.
Kunmie
Oluwabukunmi Ariyibi Peter aka Kunmie is a fast-rising Nigerian Afro-R&B artist who gained massive fame with his viral hit single ‘Arike.’ The song was released in early 2025, and became one of the biggest songs of the year earning him significant streams, nominations, and a historic chart position on Spotify’s global viral chart as an independent artist. Known for soulful vocals and heartfelt lyrics, he dropped his debut EP, Before We Became Strangers, following the song’s success. Kunmie is an act to watch out for in 2026.
Sandra Okunzuwa
Sandra Ese Osayamon Okunzuwa aka Sandra Okunzuwa is a trained lawyer turned actress and movie producer. Okunzuwa has been on a steady rise on the Nigerian film scene snatching different challenging roles per film. Well noted for her rising presence, Okunzuwa is billed to shine an extra mile in 2026.
