On Monday, December 1, 2025, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, joined Nollywood stars like Keppy Ekpeyong Bassey and Omowunmi Dada, to read to students of the State Senior High School and Ikeja Junior High School as part of the activities leading to the 2025 edition of Best Of Nollywood awards.
The annual BON book reading, which heralds another edition of the indigenous films awards ceremony, saw the organisers partnering with Kiyesola Media, publishers of Tomi Falade’s book, ‘Olobun.’
The reading to the elated pupils was heightened with the involvement of the wife of the Deputy Governor, who read to the students alongside their principals and the Nollywood stars. The book’s author, Tomi Falade, also joined in reading to the pupils.
The three-hour-long event remained a memorable one in the lives of the students of the two schools as well as the wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, who expressed gratitude to the founder of BON, Seun Oloketuyi, for finding her worthy of the reading.
Nigerian Breweries Plc has unveiled its 2025 Christmas showcase, ‘A Legendary Christmas,’ signalling the official kickoff of this year’s Detty December festivities.
At a cocktail event held at Nomaada Lagos, the brewery giant outlined plans to elevate the month-long cultural and commercial season, now estimated at over ₦100 billion in economic value with one of the largest coordinated festive lighting installations in the country.
This year’s campaign will feature Christmas street-lighting across six cities and seven landmark sites, covering over 13 kilometres of lit road networks. Nigerian Breweries will also activate seven of its flagship brands, Maltina, Amstel Malta, Heineken, Desperados, Life Beer, Goldberg, and Legend, to deliver distinctive December experiences, including the return of regional Beer Villages designed to serve as vibrant centres of entertainment, cuisine, and cultural exchange.
Speaking at the unveiling, Marketing Director of Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mrs Sarah Agha, said the initiative represents a commitment to amplifying the spirit of the season.
“Every December, Nigeria transforms into something extraordinary. What began as a local year-end celebration has evolved into a global cultural export. This year, we are creating experiences across the country that capture the joy, creativity, and togetherness that make this season special,” she said.
The brand activations will cater to diverse audiences, ranging from the family-focused offerings led by Maltina and Amstel Malta, to the nightlife-driven cultural showcases supported by Heineken, Desperados, Life Beer, Goldberg, and Legend.
Guests at the announcement event enjoyed a lively preview of the December experiences, complemented by musical performances from the Loud Urban Choir and energetic displays by carnival-style dancers.
A new musical family, AMAN Five Stars, (AFS), is set to take on the Nigerian music industry.
AFS, which is made up of Ashams, Azeena, Mkudi, Naffy and Tieniel, was unveiled during the 30th anniversary celebration of AMAN.
The members of the group, it was gathered, all have new singles and a joint song entitled ‘Win’ from their album as a group entitled, ‘Genesis.’ The group album was presented as a special highlight at AMAN @ 30 Awards 2025.
In a post-mortem of their performance, the founder of the group and Global Spokesperson of Artiste Managers Association in Nigeria, Karifest Duchess Onyekaah Esq., hinted that the unveiling of AFS couldn’t have come at a better time and occasion in the presence of veterans and young creatives.
She noted that AFS was founded from an overflowing pool of creative talents in AMAN, groomed in the AMAN academy from a legion of highly talented artists that abound in Nigeria.
According to Lady Karifest Duchess, unveiling AFS is still in line with AMAN’s motto of publicly recognising talents, rewarding hard work and celebrating excellence within the creative industries in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.
Fast-Rising Nigerian star Adeleke Timileyin Tunde aka Ekunrawo, and Tanzanian R&B sensation Juma Jux have joined forces to release a brand-new single, ‘Halima.’
‘Halima,’ producers revealed, is a smooth Afro-fusion track already generating buzz across the continent.
The highly anticipated collaboration produced by Nigerian hitmaker P Jay Beat was recently released across all major streaming platforms, marking a major milestone for Ekunrawo, who has continued to carve a niche for himself in the Afrobeats scene.
The song further adds another cross-border hit to Ekunrawo’s expanding catalogue.
‘Halima’ blends Afrobeats, Bongo Flava, and R&B elements, with both artists delivering a soulful performance that celebrates beauty, love, and admiration.
Premier Records Limited has added another distinguished accolade to its legacy as the company recently received the Creative Industry Builders Positive Impact Award, presented by the Artist Managers Association in Nigeria (AMAN).
This recognition celebrates Premier Records Limited’s decades‐long contribution to the growth, preservation, and global projection of Nigeria’s creative and cultural heritage. Through its unwavering commitment to artist development, music preservation, and industry innovation, Premier Records continues to shape the trajectory of the nation’s creative economy.
Speaking on the honour, the company’s CEO, Mr Michael Odiong, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to AMAN, saying:
“This award is a testament to our enduring dedication to strengthening the creative industry. For us at Premier Records, it fuels our commitment to preserving our musical legacy and advancing the Nigerian creative space. We are grateful to AMAN for this recognition and humbled to stand among other industry contributors.”
As Premier Records Limited celebrates this achievement, the company reiterates its promise to continue championing initiatives that support creatives, expand industry opportunities, and spotlight African talent on global platforms.
Female Disc Jockey (DJ), Adenike Oshimade has proven to be a hugely successful nerve in the Nigerian entertainment community.
As a child, Nikky Jockey, as she is fondly called by friends and colleagues, was always pushed by an uncommon dream to excel and carve a niche for herself in a profession that is dominated by males.
With a firm belief in the saying, ‘education is the great engine of personal development’, Adenike began her journey of self development when she was enrolled at the African Bethel Primary School in Ikorodu, Lagos, where she laid a strong academic foundation and developed her early love for learning.
“As a little child, my desire was to become a lawyer when I grew up. I love the way they dress, and it fascinates me each time I see a lawyer, particularly the women,” Adenike says of her early life.
The burning desire to actualize her dream saw her proceed to Oriwu Junior College, where she excelled both academically and socially, showing great enthusiasm for extracurricular activities.
By the time she completed her secondary education at Soyindo Grammar School, her childhood love for the wig had switched to the hospitality profession. Her desire for a higher school certificate led her to the Tai Solarin University of Education, where she studied Hotel Management.
Upon completing her studies, Adenike began her professional career in the hospitality sector, working with various hotels across Lagos and Ogun States.
Through her dedication, professionalism, and leadership skills, she quickly gained deep and valuable wealth of experience in hotel operations and customer service. She has managed different hospitality establishments, earning a reputation for excellence and reliability in the industry.
But despite the seeming accomplishment, Nikky Jockey still felt that something was missing. She soon found out what it was after she developed an uncommon passion for music and entertainment, particularly in disc jockeying (Djing).
Her exposure to event management and entertainment within the hospitality scene inspired her to explore this creative path. By combining her managerial expertise with her love for music, she transitioned into a dual career as a hotel manager and professional DJ.
“I really didn’t realize early enough what music and entertainment meant to me. But my exposure to various kinds of music during my stint as a manager in hotel business really opened my eyes to what has been missing in my life.”
With the new realization, Adenike chose to try hands on the turntable as a disc jockey. To gain experience, she linked up with a top disc jockey and industry leader, Roland James, who is also the chairman of the Deejays Association of Nigeria (DJAN Lagos).
Adenike learnt very fast and soon emerged as one of James’ best students.
With over one decade after she completed her training, she has successfully established herself as one of the best female DJs in the country.
On her journey into the business of disc jockey, Adenike said: “I love challenges and to explore new grounds. These are just few of the things that push me into wanting to do more.”
Today, Adenike has successfully handled numerous events, including weddings, corporate gatherings, private parties, and social functions. Her ability to engage diverse audiences and create memorable experiences through music, making her a respected name in both the entertainment and hospitality industries.
Having taken her trade to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where she has displayed her dexterity and left her imprint on the city’s entertainment, Adenike says she is planning to export her talent to the USA and Europe, where she promises to make immediate impact.
A popular notion that oil and water don’t mix aptly explains one of the reasons the relationship between two Nigerian politicians, Ned Nwoko and Natasha Osawaru, and two Nigerian entertainers, 2baba Idibia and Regina Daniels, has enjoyed little or no peace since they announced their relationship.
First was Senator Ned Nwoko whose six-year-old marriage to Regina is in turmoil. After months of speculation, the marital crisis was confirmed by both parties, and today, the centre can no longer hold. Currently, 2Baba’s six-month-old marriage to Edo lawmaker, Natasha, is in trouble. The union is wobbling, tottering, and currently being tossed by the wave of sheer instability. From fanfare to warfare. From fun and merriment to pain and sorrow. Celebrity and their marriages to politicians are critiqued in this feature by The Nation’s Entertainment Editor, GBENGA BADA.
Ned Nwoko and Regina Daniels
The relationship that exists between film star, Regina Daniels and Nigerian politician cum senator, Ned Nwoko, has consistently found attractive spots since their marriage was contracted in 2019.
At the inception of the union in 2019, the media was awash with their seeming gap of 39 years as their age difference – Nwoko, 64 and Regina, 25. Some even speculated that she was way below 19 during her traditional marriage, but Nwoko has dispelled the allegations insisting she was of ripe age when they contracted the marriage, according to the customs and tradition of the Anioma people.
The public space, for a total of six years, has been awash with their love story, which is undoubtedly riddled with controversies. The union lasted for a period of 72 months, until the film star decided to call it quits, after which she claimed domestic abuse, and the politician alleged she was battling drug addiction. Sadly, ever since their union kicked off, the estranged pair have been in the news for various reasons ranging from extra-marital affairs to the birth of children, to the exchange of expensive gifts and recently drug and domestic abuse allegations.
Between 2020 and 2022, the couple welcomed their two children – Munir Neji Ned Nwoko, June 2020; and Khalifa Chiamaka Ned Nwoko, June 2022.
In 2024, social media was abuzz when Regina deactivated her social media accounts and claimed that actress Chika Ike was allegedly pregnant with Ned Nwoko’s child, and was to become his wife, which took over the airwaves. While both parties swiftly denied the rumours, it reignited old speculations about Nwoko’s polygamous tendencies and the pressures Regina might be facing in the marriage.
The couple had gone through the phase of extra-marital affairs with claims that Ned, a confessed polygamist, was planning to take another wife. The pair were able to weather the storm and remained together until 2025.
Senator Nwoko has claimed that Regina’s brother and her assistant are the drug couriers aiding his estranged wife to get an unlimited supply of drugs. In response, Regina admitted being on drugs but insisted that Nwoko always wanted her more sexually when she’s on drugs – a claim the Senator is yet to deny or admit.
2Baba and Natasha
Nigerian musician Innocent Idibia, aka 2Baba, has always been in the news for two major reasons – music and women – in the last three decades of his career as a performing artist.
Notorious for having children with several women outside wedlock, he eventually decided to settle down with Nollywood actress, Annie Macaulay in May 2012.
However, the marriage only lasted 13 years and produced two children: Isabella and Olivia. All through the 13 years, allegations of infidelity and drug abuse rocked the Idibias’ marriage for the better part of the time it lasted. Speculations were rife that 2Baba was neck deep in love with Natasha while he was still married to Annie – a situation some allegedly said drove Annie into drug abuse. He was also alleged to have been enjoying amorous relationships with other women.
Just when Nigerians and fans of 2Baba were settling into 2025 in January, the ‘African Queen’ announced his separation from Annie and plans to file for divorce.
Shortly after the announcement, 2Baba announced his relationship with Hon Natasha Osawaru, a lawmaker at the Edo state house of assembly and granddaughter of the Esama of Benin, Chief Igbinedion.
Their relationship was initially rejected with 2Baba’s mother kicking against it and some of his brothers expressing disappointment in the singer’s decision.
On July 25, 2025 – six months after his separation from Annie – 2baba married Natasha in a private traditional ceremony in Abuja. The ceremony was attended by close family members and followed Idoma and Benin traditions.
Since the marriage was contracted, those close to 2baba had expressed dissatisfaction claiming Natasha was bad for business. And barely six months into the union with Natasha, all is not rosy in the new home formed by 2Baba. Videos of constant fights between the 50-year-old lanky singer and the Edo lawmaker have been shared on social media at different times.
As the drama continues to unfold, 2Baba’s brothers have expressed their dissatisfaction with his union to Natasha claiming he is unwell.
One of his brothers, Charles Idibia, publicly warned that 2Baba was living in bondage. Charles also accused Natasha of controlling the singer’s devices and disrupting his business activities. He further wrote that she had cloned his WhatsApp, sabotaged his business trips, and told strangers she was his wife.
In the same vein, another brother of the singer, Hyacinth Idibia, appealed to the singer to allow his family to support him as concerns grew over his troubled personal life. “You’ve always been ahead, always been brilliant, lyrics meant to inspire, but somehow, it’s unfolding in real time. Painful reality, allow us to save you. Oyinem, you’ve been suffering for too long. God knows.”
Some industry watchers have opined that 2Baba’s union with Natasha seems to be heading for the canvass as their incessant fights continue to gain public attention.
Not many know Oluremi Hamzat, the beautiful and graceful wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr Kadiri Obafemi Hamzat.
She does not court attention, but her beauty and position in Lagos State has consistently put her on the faces of people at different times.
Those close to the meek Oluremi repeatedly say she exudes gracefulness and elegance whenever she steps out, and she has continued to win several fans to her side.
Mrs Hamzat was recently spotted in Ikeja, where she had attended an event in a secondary school and was received by the students, who couldn’t help but express their love for her.
Oluremi exuded grace and elegance all through her stay at the event – a state many who know her say is a common norm.
Those close to Oluremi attested to some of her amazing qualities including being a virtuous woman and a vessel of love that’s pouring out grace both in and outside of the home.
A politician once described her as the beautiful woman and the jewel of inestimable value of a perfect gentleman and thoroughbred professional.
A dive into her humble background revealed that Oluremi had an exciting and humble background which largely contributed to the compassionate and kind-hearted woman she has grown up to become.
A certified marketer and successful entrepreneur, Oluremi served as a Social Worker in the United States for over 16 years, before she returned home to contribute her quota to national development.
The Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Abdulkabir Adewale Shotobi, Adegorunshen V, has displayed an unbridled love and passion for education.
The 2025 Oba Ayangburen And The Bee Spelling Competition provided an opportunity for the Ikorodu monarch to showcase his passion for education and willingness to support the young generation to achieve greatness.
At the event, which was spearheaded by Temidayo Phillips and had other dignitaries including Asiwaju Dr. Michael Olawale-Cole (CON), Hon. Babawale Alogba; and Alhaja Mutiat Abeni
Ojulari; Dr Dipo Arigbede; Prince Olayiwola Oyedele Shotomiwa; Alhaji Fatai Mustapha; Alhaji Kolawole Fatai; Otunba Adegoke Akinola Awomodu; Sheikh Abdulrasaq Ishola; Mr Oluseyi Momoh; Ashake Modinat Shonubi Wahab; and Prince Taiwo Odumbo in attendance, Oba Ayangburen was full of smiles.
Describing the event as a platform for nurturing the next generation, the monarch approved a ₦1 million cash prize to be shared among the finalists and contributed ₦2.5 million to support the organisers – further cementing his leadership role in youth development.
As if that wasn’t enough, Oba Shotobi and his Olori Kudirat Shotobi declared a full secondary school scholarship for the first and second runners-up, Oghenetega Oyindamola Ovie and Idris Mutimayina.
The beautiful Abiola Laseinde is a successful professional, who swims in several professional waters as a strategic corporate governance expert and the Founder & CEO of Edniesal Consulting.
With a passion for shaping the future of businesses and rewarding Chief Information Officers, CIOs, Laseinde has proven over time that she’s imbued with so much in her.
Just as the world grappled with the uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Laseinde, a trained lawyer and a serial entrepreneur, launched The Chief Information Officer Awards out of her genuine concerns for the practitioners and their contribution towards technology and companies.
The CIO and C-Suite Conference and Awards was born to recognise outstanding individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to drive digital transformation and ensure seamless organisational operations. Now in its sixth year and rebranded, the conference and awards ceremony have not become a pride of Nigeria but a pride of Africa.
In a recent gathering Laseinde narrated her journey with the CIO and C-Suite Conference, which she said has exposed her to many realities of the industry and several other aspects of the industry.
Raised by a serial entrepreneur mother, Laseinde developed entrepreneurial skills early in life, hence her success in various sectors of the economy.
She also expressed that her team and herself have ensured that the conference and the awards ceremony is taken to a notch higher every year so as to give value to the support system – brands and corporate organisations supporting the brand.
One of Laseinde’s dreams is to host an edition of the awards ceremony in South Africa or Kenya as over 10 African countries have been sending entries to get nominated at the awards ceremony.
