The Nation Newspaper

Author: Yewande Fasan

  • Small Doctor raises alarm over rise of drug abuse among youths

    Small Doctor raises alarm over rise of drug abuse among youths

    Afrobeats singer Small Doctor has expressed deep concern over the alarming rise of drug abuse among Nigerian youths, following a distressing visit to his childhood neighborhood in Agege, Lagos.

    On his X handle, the singer shared his dismay after witnessing the deteriorating state of young men he once knew, many of whom now appeared disoriented, with some seen “sleeping while standing” or frozen in “crazy postures” while asleep.

    Small Doctor called for intensified advocacy against drug abuse, urging more public figures to lend their voices to the fight.

    He also recalled advice he received six years ago from Fuji legend Wasiu Ayinde (KWAM 1), who had suggested establishing a rehabilitation center, predicting it would become a “lucrative” venture due to the worsening drug crisis.

    Small Doctor wrote, “There is one bros that sings against drug abuse on socials, been a minute I came across his contents (David something can’t fully remember). I think we need him more this moment.

    Read Also: KS1 Malaika replies Small Doctor: Fuji music isn’t dying, it’s evolving

    “I strolled through hoods on Sunday and what I saw was heartbreaking. The rate young chaps use drugs nowadays is alarming .

    “Wasiu Ayinde told me 6 years ago to establish a rehabilitation centre, stating it is the new oil. That man saw the future.

    “Most heartbreaking was when I arrived in my hood, I saw some promising guys we grew up together sleeping while standing, some were even making some crazy postures while sleeping. So sad”.

  • I never dated Asake, says UK model Eva Apio

    I never dated Asake, says UK model Eva Apio

    UK-based Ugandan model Eva Apio has denied being in a romantic relationship with singer Asake.

    After being spotted together at various events, speculation about their relationship had been circulating.

    However, Apio clarified on her X handle that she was never in a romantic relationship with Asake.

    Read Also: Wizkid, Rema, Asake, Tems nominated for 2025 American Music Awards

    She responded to a post that assumed she was Asake’s girlfriend, sharing a viral photo of the two and simply stating, “I was never his girlfriend.” 

  • I’ll never participate in Nigerian reality shows again, says BBNaija’s Doyin

    I’ll never participate in Nigerian reality shows again, says BBNaija’s Doyin

    Former Big Brother Naija Season 7 housemate, Doyin David, has declared that she will no longer participate in any Nigerian reality show, citing the negative impact it had on her mental health and public image.

    Speaking during a recent podcast, Doyin revealed that her experience on BBNaija was mentally draining and left her feeling overexposed.

    She criticised the way reality shows portray contestants, saying it often creates misleading impressions about their true personalities.

    She noted that Nigeria’s highly judgmental environment worsened the experience, making her reluctant to return to any local reality TV platform.

    Read Also: Commendation as Enenche speaks on behalf of ordinary Nigerians

    However, she hinted at being open to appearing on a reality show outside the country under different circumstances.

    She said, “When you go on a reality TV show. They portray you how they want to portray you. Not everything is how you really are, but they’ve given everybody an impression of you, and some of those impressions are not true. There’s a lot that people think about me and think I am, in terms of my personality, that is really not who I am at all. Being on a reality TV show, my experience was very challenging mentally, very exposing. I wouldn’t do it again for any amount of money. Except it’s a reality TV show outside the country, then I’ll probably take it. But Nigerians are too judgmental, so no, I’m not blessing them with my presence ever again”.

  • Falz sparks backlash after claiming ‘Fornication is not a sin’

    Falz sparks backlash after claiming ‘Fornication is not a sin’

    Nigerian rapper Falz has stirred controversy online following his bold claim that “fornication is not a sin,” a statement that challenges widely accepted Christian teachings.

    The remark, posted on social media, quickly ignited a flurry of reactions, particularly from religious users who cited several biblical passages to refute the artist’s assertion. Verses such as 1 Corinthians 6:18, 1 Corinthians 5:9-11, and Galatians 5 were commonly referenced as clear condemnations of fornication.

    One user, Olivia, described Falz as one of the “end-time celebrities” spreading misleading doctrines. She wrote, “1 Cor. 6:18 tells us to flee from it, as it is even a sin against one’s own body. The Bible also warns in 1 Cor. 5:9-11 to avoid fornicators. Galatians 5 makes it clear that God despises fornication.”

    While some agreed with Falz’s perspective, arguing for a more progressive interpretation of morality, the majority of responses strongly disagreed, accusing the rapper of promoting values contrary to Christian faith.

    The debate continues to fuel discussions on the intersection of faith, personal belief, and celebrity influence.

    “God instructed us to resist all sin, but when it comes to fornication — a sin of the flesh — He asked us to flee. I guess you guys are part of the end-time celebrities paid to spread false teachings. Painful… I liked you.”

    While another user, Fash Daddy, repeatedly stated, “Fornication is a sin, FLEE. Fornication is a sin, FLEE. Fornication is a sin, FLEE. Fornication is a sin, FLEE.”

    Read Also: Why I’ve never been heartbroken – Falz

    On the other hand, some users defended Falz’s right to express his opinion, arguing that fornication is not considered a sin in legal or cultural contexts.

    One user, DataCraftman, noted that, “Sin is for religious people, and fornication to them is a sin. Fornication is a legal act in our country. Leave sin for people wey know about am jare.”

    Another user, Seunidowusings, referenced Jewish tradition and Exodus 22:16, arguing that consensual sex between two people doesn’t necessarily require marriage or societal approval.

    The user wrote: “Exodus 22:16 says: ‘If a man seduces a virgin who is not pledged to be married and sleeps with her, he must pay the bride-price, and she shall be his wife. If her father refuses to give her to him, he must still pay the bride price for virgins.’

    “Two young people don’t need to marry before they have sex. Also, intending couples don’t need approval from parents, pastors, churches, or society through a wedding ceremony to have sex”.

  • Why I broke down in tears after my AMVCA win, by Femi Adebayo

    Why I broke down in tears after my AMVCA win, by Femi Adebayo

    Actor and filmmaker Femi Adebayo has revealed why he broke down in tears after winning the Best Lead Actor award at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) for his role in “Seven Doors.”

    He attributed his emotional reaction to personal reasons known only to him and Allah while expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to his success. The actor described the award as “truly deserved” and appreciated the recognition.

    Read Also: Ooni urges Nigerians in Diaspora to invest at home

    He wrote on Instagram, “A truly deserved award, and I’m deeply grateful for this moment with every fibre of my being. The real reason for my breakdown is known only to me and Allah.

    “Big thank you to everyone who contributed to this unforgettable moment”.

  • Mercy Aigbe appreciates fans, family following 2025 AMVCA win

    Mercy Aigbe appreciates fans, family following 2025 AMVCA win

    Actress and filmmaker Mercy Aigbe has expressed her gratitude after winning Best Supporting Actress at the AMVCA for her role in “Farmer’s Bride.”

    She credited her win to perseverance, consistency, and hard work, thanking her family, fans, and the film’s team.

    Aigbe dedicated the award to those who believed in her, even when she doubted herself, and acknowledged the collective effort that contributed to the project’s success.

    She wrote, “This achievement isn’t just mine, it’s a testament to the power of perseverance, consistency, hard work & the incredible people surrounding me!!! To God be the glory.

    Read Also: Visit Nigeria, Ghana before judging Africa -Tems

    “Big thanks to everyone you that have supported me even when I doubted myself! This WIN is for you!!!

    “My heart is so filled with gratitude! To the other nominees in my category, this is a win for all of us! My Family! My Fans, thank you!

    Thank you to the AMVCA awards!

    “A special shout out to @filmonestudios @filmoneng for having me on this project! The cast and crew of the beautiful film FARMER’S BRIDE—this is for all of you! For our love of labour, sleepless nights, and hard work! Thank you, everyone.”

  • Visit Nigeria, Ghana before judging Africa -Tems

    Visit Nigeria, Ghana before judging Africa -Tems

    Grammy-winning singer Tems has encouraged people to look beyond stereotypes and explore the rich cultures of Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Ghana. During a brief interview at the Met Gala, Tems urged critics to visit these countries to truly understand the African experience. Tems highlights the continent’s beauty through its creativity, traditions, music, and daily life.

    She said, “I always encouraged people to go to Lagos and Ghana for vacation. Just go and see for yourself before you make an opinion [about Africa]. See it for yourself and see how you feel.

    “I think it [the beauty of Africa] is in the creativity, the daily efforts, the looks, the songs, the traditions, and the cultures.”

    Read Also: Nigerian Pastor rearrested in South Africa weeks after acquittal

    She’s also passionate about showcasing the diversity of African music, which goes beyond Afrobeats to include genres like Amapiano, Afrosoul, R&B, and Afro Jazz.

    “We [Africans] can go further in every single aspect of sound. We are not just Afrobeats. There is Amapiano, Afrosoul, R&B, and Afro Jazz. There are so many genres in African music that people are not all the way tapped into yet,” the singer said.

  • Chioma Chukwuka breaks down in tears after winning Best Lead Actress at AMVCA 2025

    Chioma Chukwuka breaks down in tears after winning Best Lead Actress at AMVCA 2025

    Actress Chioma Chukwuka broke down in tears on Saturday after winning the Best Lead Actress award at the 11th Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards for her role in “Seven Doors.”

    Sharing a heartfelt video on Instagram, the actress was visibly overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.

    While sharing the video, she wrote, “Thank you, Jesus!!! Words really fail me! AMVCA Best Actress 2025.”

    Read Also: Tax Reform Bill passage: New tax laws, better Nigeria

    Despite being absent from the ceremony, Femi Adebayo received the award on her behalf.

    Chukwuka’s win stood out in a fiercely competitive category that included Gbubemi Ejeye (Farmer’s Bride), Uzoamaka Onuoha (Agemo), Uche Montana (Thin Line), Uzoamaka Aniunoh (Phoenix Fury), Hilda Dokubo (Wives on Strike 3), and Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre).

  • FULL LIST: Femi Adebayo, Mercy Aigbe, others wins at 2025 AMVCA

    FULL LIST: Femi Adebayo, Mercy Aigbe, others wins at 2025 AMVCA

    The 2025 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) which took place at the Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos, aims to recognise and celebrate outstanding achievements in the African film and television industry.

    Some notable winners include Lateef Adedimeji’s “Lisabi: The Uprising,” which won Best Indigenous Language (West Africa).

    Femi Adebayo and Chioma Chukwuka have also been recognised for their outstanding performances in “Seven Doors,” taking home the Best Lead Actor and Best Lead Actress awards, respectively. The event promises to be a spectacular celebration of African cinematic excellence.

    Below is the full list of winners: 

    Best Costume Design

    Adedamola Adeyemi – Christmas In Lagos — WINNER

    Toyin Ogundeji – Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
    Bolanle Austen- Peters, Yolanda Okereke, Juliana Dede, Gloria Oyu – House Of Ga’a
    Oluwatoyin Balogun, Oyebade Adeimpe Adedimeji – Lisabi: The Uprising
    Opeyemi Sogeke – Phoenix Fury
    Adedamola Adeyemi – Christmas In Lagos

    Best Makeup

    Lisabi: The Uprising — Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect) — WINNER

    Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre — Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect)
    Seven Doors — Hakeem Onilogbo (Hakeem Effect)
    Clarence Peters’ Inside Life — Kpoudosu Winifred
    Suspicion — Tracy Izogie and Adeleke Toluwulashe Maigari
    Farmer’s Bride — Abejide Oluwatosin Mercy

    Best Art Direction

    Lisabi: The Uprising — WINNER

    Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre
    Christmas In Lagos
    Farmer’s Bride
    Seven Doors
    The Man Died

    Best Sound/Sound Design

    Read Also: Top five smart phone brands Nigerians bought in Q1 2025

    Suspicion — WINNER

    Inkabi
    Seven Doors
    Freedom Way
    Lisabi: The Uprising
    Ajakaju: Beast Of Two Worlds

    Best Editing

    Inkabi — Tongai Furusa — WINNER

    Christmas in Lagos — Martini Akande
    Skeleton Coast — Jordan Koen
    Soft Love — Holmes Awa and Paballo Modingoane
    Lisabi: The Uprising — Anthill Studios
    Princess on A Hill — Laughter Ephraim and Peter Ugbede

    Best Writing TV Series

    Untying Kantai — Abel Mutua Musyoka — WINNER

    Tuki? — Louise Kamwangi
    Roses and Ivy — Biodun Stephen and Abimbola Akinrinbola
    Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre — Shola Dada
    Princess on A Hill — Bibi Ukpo, Niyi Adeniji, and Sonia Nwosu
    Cheta’M — Ifeanyi Chidi Barbara
    Seven Doors — Adebayo Tijani, Yinka Laoye, and Soyombo-Oluyombo Oluwagbemiga

    Best Writing in a Movie

    Freedom Way — Blessing Uzzi — WINNER

    The Weekend — Egbemawei Dimiyei Sammy, and Vanessa Kanu, and Frederick O. Anyaebunam Jnr
    Skeleton Coast — Omolola Lamikanra
    Phoenix Fury — Ifeoma N. Chukwuogo
    A Ghetto Love Story — Victoria Eze
    House of Ga’a — Tunde Babalola
    Christmas In Lagos — Jadesola Osiberu

    Best Indigenous Language Film (South Africa)

    Mwizukanji — WINNER

    Walvis Tale
    The Vow
    Man of Gold
    Lukas

    Best Indigenous Language Film (East Africa)

    Makosa Di Tangu — WINNER

    The Caller
    Sabotage
    Wa Milele? (Forever)

    BEST INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE (West Africa)

    Lisabi: The Uprising – Adedimeji Lateef (WINNER)

    Seven Doors – Femi Adebayo
    Kaka
    Anikulapo: The Rise of the Spectre – Kunle Afolayan
    Mai Martaba

    Best Cinematography

    The Legend of the Vagabond Queen of Lagos — Leo Purman — WINNER

    Yen Ara Asaase Ni (This Is Our Land) — Onasis Gaisie, Michael Sefa, and Apagnawen Annankra
    Inkabi — Chuanne Blofield
    Skeleton Coast — Wesley Johnston
    Soft Love — Ebrahim Hajee
    Lisabi: The Uprising — Barnabas Emordi and Nora Awolowo
    Agemo — Papama Tangela

    Best Digital Content Creator
    Iyo Prosper — WINNER

    Jide ‘Pounds’ Ibitoye (Jide Pounds)
    Dorcas Ariyiike Owolagba (Ariyiike Dimples)
    Elozonam
    Maryam Apaokagi (Taaooma)

    BEST DOCUMENTARY

    Mai DùnDún – Ifeoluwa Fatogun & Ebi Atawodi (WINNER)
    I Will Remember You
    On Your Own
    Walvis Tale

    BEST SHORT FILM

    Brukaci (WINNER)
    Sukari
    The Incredible Sensational Fiancée of Seyi Ajayi
    What Are You Truly Afraid Of?

    BEST UNSCRIPTED M-Net ORIGINAL

    Nigerian Idol – Season 9 (WINNER)
    Husband Material
    Overall Best
    Pastor Wants a Wife

    BEST SCRIPTED M-Net ORIGINAL

    My Fairytale Wedding (WINNER)
    Uriri
    All Mine
    Italo
    The Caller
    Kam U Stay

    BEST SCORE/MUSIC

    Seven Doors (WINNER)
    Freedom Way
    Inkabi
    Skeleton Coast
    Soft Love

    BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS

    Mercy Aigbe (Farmer’s Bride) – WINNER
    Meg Otanwa (Inside Life)
    Tina Mba (Suspicion)
    Ireti Doyle (All’s Fair in Love)
    Ini Dima-Okojie (Skeleton Coast)
    Omoni Oboli (Wives on Strike 3)
    Darasimi Nadi (Aburo)

    BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR

    Gabriel Afolayan (Inside Life) – WINNER
    Adedayo Adebowale (Lisabi)
    Aliu Gafar (Seven Doors)
    Femi Jacobs (Freedom Way)
    RMD (Christmas in Lagos)
    Uzor Arukwe (Suspicion)
    Mike Afolarin (House of Gaa)

    THE TRAILBLAZER AWARD

    Kayode Kasunmu – WINNER

    INDUSTRY MERIT AWARD

    Sani Ma’zu and Nkem Owoh (RECIPIENTS)

    BEST LEAD ACTOR

    Femi Adebayo (Seven Doors) – WINNER
    Gideon Okeke (Tokunbo)
    Bucci Franklin (The Weekend)
    Femi Branch (House of Gaa)
    Thapelo Makoena (Skeleton Coast)
    Bimbo Manuel (Princess on a Hill)
    Stan Nze (Suspicion)
    Adedimeji Lateef (Lisabi: The Uprising)

    BEST LEAD ACTRESS

    Chioma Chukwuka (Seven Doors) – WINNER
    Gbubemi Ejeye (Farmer’s Bride)
    Uzoamaka Onuoha (Agemo)
    Uche Montana (Thin Line)
    Uzoamaka Aniunoh (Phoenix Fury)
    Hilda Dokubo (Wives on Strike 3)
    Bimbo Ademoye (Anikulapo: Rise of the Spectre)

    BEST MULTICHOICE TALENT FACTORY

    Everything Light Touches (WINNER)
    Gone
    The Immersive Alarm
    Deadbeat
    Nwananga
    Rivals in Time

    BEST SERIES UNSCRIPTED

    Wa Milele – WINNER
    Ebuka Turns Up Africa
    Skillers: The Building Reality Show
    Style Magnate
    Take Me Home

    BEST SERIES SCRIPTED

    Inside Life – Clarence Peters (WINNER)
    Roses & Ivy – Biodun Stephen
    Seven Doors – Femi Adebayo
    Cheta M
    Princess on a Hill

    BEST DIRECTOR

    The Man Died (WINNER)
    House of Gaa
    Inkabi
    Seven Doors
    Skeleton Coast
    The Weekend

    BEST MOVIE

    Freedom Way – WINNER
    Christmas in Lagos
    Farmer’s Bride
    House of Gaa
    Inkabi
    Lisabi
    Skeleton Coast
    Suspicion

  • ‘Freedom Way’ wins ‘Best Movie’ at 11th AMVCA

    ‘Freedom Way’ wins ‘Best Movie’ at 11th AMVCA

    The movie “Freedom Way” has emerged victorious, taking home the prestigious Best Movie award at the 2025 AMVCA ceremony.

    The competition was fierce with notable films like “Christmas in Lagos,” “Farmer’s Bride,” “House of Gaa,” “Inkabi,” “Lisabi,” “Skeleton Coast,” and “Suspicion” vying for the top spot.

    Read Also: 2025 Hajj: 1,622 Nigerian pilgrims leave for Madinah

    “Freedom Way” stood out among its peers, impressing the judges with its exceptional storytelling, outstanding direction, and impeccable production quality.