The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Eko Drive IV ignites Lagos with spectacular show

    Eko Drive IV ignites Lagos with spectacular show

    Amid music, dance and fun, the fourth edition of the Eko Drive Exhibition tagged, ‘Eko Drive IV‘ delivered another memorable chapter in Lagos’ fast-growing automobile culture.

     Held at the Alliance Française de Lagos, Ikoyi, the highly anticipated event attracted a vibrant mix of car lovers, premium automobile owners, bikers, creatives and lifestyle enthusiasts, reinforcing Eko Drive’s position as a defining platform within the automotive lifestyle space.

     This year’s edition showcased a carefully curated collection of classic automobiles, custom built, electric vehicles, modern luxury and high-performance vehicles, all displayed within a creative environment that encouraged interaction, storytelling and appreciation of automotive design.

     Guests were not only drawn to the engineering behind the vehicles, but also to the culture, history and individuality they represent, a philosophy that has become central to the Eko Drive experience.

     Speaking on the vision behind the event, Founder and Project Manager, Ademide Osunsina, described the growing community as the heartbeat of Eko Drive.

     “Having a community of automobile enthusiasts, premium luxury car owners and power bike riders gather to explore cars and engage each other continues to drive our passion. The joy comes from seeing owners trust us with their prized rides year after year, and the excitement when they passionately share their stories shows that this community is truly thriving,” Osunsina said.

    Also speaking, Co-Founder and Event Coordinator, Sanjo Morgan, noted that Eko Drive has evolved beyond an exhibition into a respected automotive-culture movement.

     “What we set out to do was to unite car lovers, promote safety and shine a spotlight on Nigeria’s automotive potential. This fourth edition affirms the acceptance of our vision and shows that Eko Drive’s influence on the growing car culture is now undeniable,” Morgan stated.

     One of the major highlights of the event was a thrilling demonstration by an Electric Mercedes-Benz G-Class (G 580 with EQ Technology), which performed a dramatic 360-degree ‘G-Turn’ (Tank Turn), drawing loud applause and excitement from the crowd.

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     According to Co-Founder and Creative Director, Imran Claud-Ennin, Eko Drive remains committed to expanding the boundaries of automotive storytelling.

     “Eko Drive will continue its mission of uniting car lovers and lifestyle enthusiasts, creating a platform where automotive culture intersects with community, creativity and visual lifestyle expression,” he said.

     Since its inception, Eko Drive has continued to gain recognition for seamlessly blending automobile exhibitions with art, lifestyle and community engagement, carving out a unique identity within Lagos’ creative ecosystem.

     The strong turnout at this year’s event, alongside the presence of cultural icon Charles ‘Charley Boy’ Oputa, popularly known as the Area Father, further underscored Eko Drive’s rising status as a key fixture on Lagos’ lifestyle and culture calendar.

  • Ministry Of Education Upgrades Pefti

    Ministry Of Education Upgrades Pefti

    The Federal Ministry of Education, through the National Board for Technical Education (N.B.T.E.), has upgraded PEFTI with five new National Diploma (ND) programs, shortly after the institute was recently crowned “Best Innovation Enterprise Institution in Nigeria”, for both the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic sessions, at the prestigious National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit Awards (NATAP-M).

    PEFTI has been accredited to offer National Diplomas in Business Administration and Management, Fashion Design & Clothing Technology, Mass Communication, Multimedia Technology, and Music Technology.

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    According to PEFTI Registrar, Abiola Adenuga, “PEFTI has for 21 years, remained committed to educating and empowering youths across Nigeria and beyond. This upgrade is a testimony to PEFTI’s dedication to quality education, industry-relevant training, and global-standard facilities. It opens even bigger doors for young people to build careers, create opportunities, and shape the future of entrepreneurial and creative industries.”

  • WOMA 2025 Round table interrogates media power as awards ceremony beckons

    WOMA 2025 Round table interrogates media power as awards ceremony beckons

    The 2025 edition of the Wale Olomu Memorial Awards and Roundtable (WOMA-R) opened its two-weekend programme on Saturday, 13 December, with a candid and reflective discussion on “The Impact of Entertainment Reporting on Musical Careers: Our View.” Broadcast live on TopRadio 90.9 FM, the Roundtable convened artistes, journalists and media executives to examine how reporting, perception and narrative-building continue to shape careers within Nigeria’s entertainment industry.

    Moderated by media veterans and WOMA Steering Committee members, Tokunbo Ojekunle and Femi Akintunde-Johnson, the conversation revealed rare alignment across the media- artiste divide. Multi-award-winning singer and media executive Wunmi Obe drew on her experience on both sides of the fence, observing that “he that controls the media, controls the mind,” while stressing that entertainers often play a role in granting that power. “The media can make or mar an entertainer, but the entertainer can also give the media the right to do so.

    Collaboration is key,” she said.

    Afro-soul singer Kayefi Osha echoed the sentiment, warning that credibility once lost is difficult to recover. “The media can make or mar one’s career for life,” she noted, adding that silence can be costly: “If you do not tell your story, others will tell it for you – and it may not be accurate.”

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    Speaking from the perspective of a globally recognised performer, Aralola Olamuyiwa (Ara) highlighted the heightened vulnerability of creatives in the digital age. “It is so easy for one’s career to go down in this digital era. How you are reported determines how your career goes,” she said, dismissing gender bias as secondary to artistic substance. “Gender does not impact perception; artistry does.”

    Broadcaster and digital media specialist Jimi Akinniyi pointed to the tension between reportage and reputation, noting that “artistes want to control the narratives about themselves,” even as journalists grapple with public expectations and industry pressures. Cultural writer and strategist Jide Taiwo, and media owner, Olumide Iyanda reaffirmed the journalist’s obligation to fairness, regardless of personal relationships or industry pressures. Taiwo stated: “As journalists, it is our duty to cover fairly – not based on friendship, but on responsibility.”

    The discussion also touched on interview preparedness, media literacy and lifestyle choices, with the consensus that misinformation, sensationalism and poorly managed narratives remain among the biggest threats to artistic longevity. Together, the exchanges reinforced the enduring relevance of entertainment journalism as both a career catalyst and a cultural custodian.

    The Round Table set an introspective tone for WOMA 2025, themed “Unsung Legends Who Shaped Today’s Glory.” Attention now turns to Saturday, 20 December, when the Wale Olomu Memorial Awards ceremony will honour three Lifetime Achievement recipients and five Special Recognition awardees for their lasting contributions to Nigeria’s entertainment industry. The ceremony will also air live on TopRadio 90.9 FM, continuing WOMA’s mission of preserving legacy, recognising excellence, and amplifying the often-uncelebrated architects of Nigeria’s cultural evolution.

  • Beautiful Nubia raises the alarm over deforestation

    Beautiful Nubia raises the alarm over deforestation

    Veteran folk-lore musician, Beautiful Nubia, has spoken out against the growing destruction of trees and green spaces in Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to human survival.

    The singer made the remarks during a recent performance, where he expressed concern over what he described as a national hostility towards nature, citing his experience on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    “I drove on the Lagos Ibadan expressway today, they are cutting down the trees. When a Nigerian buys, they cut, they hate trees. Nigerians have a war against trees, we have a war against nature. I don’t know why,” he said.

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    Beautiful Nubia questioned the logic behind widespread deforestation, especially the practice of clearing land completely before development, replacing natural vegetation with concrete.

    “Something is really wrong with our brains that we hate green, we have trees, we hate seeing grass. When Nigerians buy land they cut the trees and cement the whole floor. What is wrong with you and the tree?” he asked.

    The musician warned that the consequences of such actions could be dire, stressing the importance of trees to human existence and environmental balance.

    “And without the trees we would all be dead and we are getting there,” he added.

  • Day Salawa Abeni, Shaggy, others light up Ofada Rice Day

    Day Salawa Abeni, Shaggy, others light up Ofada Rice Day

    This year’s edition of the just concluded Ofada Rice Day, to say the least, was fun-filled and whose fond memory linger still.

    One feature of the funfest was the fact that it was headlined by musical legends and other acts to mark the 7th edition of the largest indigenous food festival, tagged ‘Eko Dun Joor.’

    Salawa Abeni, Segun Johnson, Broda Shaggy and a host of other leading Nigerian artistes really enliven the event.

    The event, which was held at the Muri Okunola park, Victoria island Lagos had over 8,000 attendees.

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    The festival, which showcased the richness of Nigerian culture, food, and entertainment, was a convergence of leading brands, including Pocketmoni which was the headline sponsor, Goldberg, Maltina, Fatgbems Group, Betnaija, Action Bitters and other partners such as Golden Penny, MTN, Pepsi, Arthill Studio and others created back-to-back engagement with the various strata of audience.

    Dignitaries from the Canadian Deputy High Commission, Federal and Lagos State Government top officials, leading kings in Southwest graced the event. Ofada Rice Day  also featured electrifying performances by top Nigerian artistes, including Haruna Ishola, Reminisce, Dotun, Mide, Awesome band, Elijah, SquardOne, Alex Osho, Lolo, Hyenana, Gbenga Adeyinka, among others.

    Speaking at the festival, Tobi Fletcher, Creative Director of Ofadaboy, and Oyinda Fletcher, Chief Operating Officer, expressed their gratitude to attendees and partners.

    “This milestone is a testament to our passion for promoting Nigerian cuisine and culture. We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing this journey,” said Tobi Fletcher.

  • How dancing, skit creation shape my vision, by Ugochukwu

    How dancing, skit creation shape my vision, by Ugochukwu

    Fast-rising content creator, Ugochukwu Emmanuel, commonly known as Nueldrick, believes dancing and creating skits have helped him uncover a deeper purpose in life: serving humanity.

    This multifaceted creator, who hails from Imo State, began his journey by filming dance videos and comedy skits in the Ojo area of Lagos, collaborating with his colleague, Skinycomics.

    In a recent interview in Lagos, Nueldrick expressed that giving has become an integral part of his life.

    “Giving has always been a part of my lifestyle; it’s something I’ve embraced since childhood. Creating content has also given me the courage to give more and positively impact people’s lives. Humanitarian work brings me true happiness.”Nueldrick defines success as the ability to achieve meaningful goals.

    “Success means accomplishing meaningful objectives, growing as a person, and staying true to one’s values. It’s about making a positive impact on yourself and others, and finding joy in the journey—not just in the final result.”

    He further emphasised: “Content creation is both my platform and my responsibility. It allows me to spread joy, provide assistance where needed, and use my visibility for the public good. When creativity is connected to community, creators can do more than entertain—they can inspire real change.”

  • Detty December: Noble Igwe encourages Nigerians to prioritise family

    Detty December: Noble Igwe encourages Nigerians to prioritise family

    Media personality and fashion entrepreneur Noble Igwe has urged Nigerians to shift their focus from the usual Detty December parties and luxury to reconnecting with family during the Christmas season.

    In a message, Igwe emphasised the importance of spending quality time with loved ones, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

    He encouraged people to return home to spend time with their aged parents, siblings, and loved ones, stressing that memories matter more than money.

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    Igwe said, “Go home, see your aged parents, see your siblings, and spend time with loved ones during Christmas. It does not matter how much you earn; do it when you can and do it for the memories. Nothing is promised.”

    His words have resonated with many Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora and major cities, who often struggle to balance work, travel, and festive excitement with the need to reconnect with home during the holidays.

  • ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: REMA

    ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR: REMA

    For the second year in a row, Divine Ikubor, also known as Rema, again registered his imprint as the biggest news in pop culture. His musical feats, laurels, and exploits, for 2025 cemented his potential as the poster boy of Afrobeats. Born into the home of slain chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Edo State and former General Manager of Ethiope Publishing Company, Mr. Justice Ikubor, on May 1, 2000, Rema had an impactful second year in a row in 2025 and stands tall as Entertainer of the Year with historical feats.

    Now 25-year-old, the pop star’s sophomore album, “HEIS,” has continued to garner not only attention but global accolades. According to Angelique Kidjo, Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats and thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture.

    His 2023 monster hit, ‘Calm Down,’ off his 2022 album ‘Raves & Roses’ has continued to amass millions of views in 2025. In fact, the song has joined the billion streams club twice over.

    Rema began his year by copping two major awards, Album of the Year for his hit album ‘HEIS’ and Best Male Artist at the 2025 Trace Awards in February 2025.

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    In April 2025 at the 17th Headies awards, Rema won two awards, Afrobeats Album of the Year for his album ‘HEIS’ and Producer of the Year for his song ‘Ozeba.’

    In the third quarter of the year, Rema’s hit single in 2025, ‘Baby,’ claimed the number one spot as the most exported Nigerian song of 2025. The list showcases the incredible range and global appeal of Nigerian music as well as Rema’s dominance on international audiences.

    By September 2025, he had emerged one of the world’s most influential rising stars as he was featured in the 2025 TIME100 Next list.

    The list which celebrates the world’s most influential rising stars across music, film, sports, politics, science, and philanthropy also featured football prodigy Lamine Yamal.

    The feat by Rema as the only Nigerian artiste featured on the list was further reinforced with his increased streaming numbers. His music accumulates an average of about 3.7 million streams per day on Spotify. In 2025 alone, the young Nigerian music star surpassed 800 million streams on Spotify, a leading music streaming platform.

    Research showed that as of 2025, Rema has surpassed 12 billion total career streams globally and 5.5 billion total Spotify streams as of late 2025. His Spotify numbers include over 5.45 billion total streams for all his tracks. He possesses 4.24 billion streams as the lead artist across 71 tracks, and approximately 1.21 billion streams from 55 tracks, which he featured on.

    In 2025, Rema decided to spoil himself and lavish funds on the acquisition of luxury automobiles valued at N1 billion, in total. The music star made headlines after acquiring two luxury vehicles – a Mercedes Benz G63, valued at N600 million, and a Lamborghini Urus, estimated at N400 million.

    Rema first rose to fame with his 2019 hit single Dumebi, released under D’Prince’s Jonzing World label.

    He is signed to Jonzing World, a subsidiary of Mavin Records owned by music executive Don Jazzy. His self-titled debut EP, ‘Rema,’ was released in 2019 and topped Apple Music’s Nigerian charts. The music video for “Dumebi” has over 81 million views on YouTube.

  • Victony to ignite Lagos with The Bonfire Experience

    Victony to ignite Lagos with The Bonfire Experience

    Afrobeats star, Anthony Ebuka Victor aka Victony is gearing up to thrill fans at a special year-end concert tagged ‘The Bonfire Experience’.

    The highly anticipated is scheduled to take place on December 21 at the Glitz Event Centre, Lekki, Lagos.

    The show will bring Victony face-to-face with the loyal supporters who have fueled his rise in the music industry.

    According to the artist, the concert will serve as a powerful moment of connection to celebrate his journey with friends and fans  who have been instrumental to his success.

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    Victony began his career in 2016 as a SoundCloud rapper, sharing freestyles and mixes that quickly earned attention. His debut studio album, ‘Saturn’ arrived in August 2020, followed by the breakthrough single ‘Ina Benz’, which marked his official entry into mainstream music.

    His star rose even higher in 2022 with the viral hit ‘Soweto’, featuring Tempoe. The track dominated TikTok and spawned a successful remix with Rema and Don Toliver, charting across the UK, Netherlands, Switzerland and Canada.

    In June 2024, Victony solidified his artistry with his sophomore album, ‘Stubborn’. The project, praised for its lyrical depth and sonic maturity, delves into themes of love, resilience, and self-identity.

  • Chris Ihidero’s feature film Aloma gets Pinpoint Productions’ nod

    Chris Ihidero’s feature film Aloma gets Pinpoint Productions’ nod

    Chris Ihidero’s highly anticipated Nigerian thriller, ‘Aloma,’ is slated for a 2026 premiere.

    This was made known to the public after PinPoint Productions officially confirmed the production of ‘Aloma’ as backed by MBO Capital.

    Ihidero, an acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker, writer, and director also confirmed that the film is currently in post-production and is scheduled for a major international premiere in 2026.

    ‘Aloma’ is an original story written and directed by Ihidero, drawing on his deep-rooted commitment to authentic, impactful African storytelling. The film has been heralded by Ihidero himself as the “most important Nigerian film of 2026” in Nigeria.

    “Shooting has wrapped, post-production is ongoing, and everything is now set to bring fans up to speed on what has been going on behind the scenes. We believe ‘Aloma’ is a film that transcends regional boundaries, telling a deeply human story with universal themes of love, struggle, and resilience in the modern African context,” Wole Ajetomobi, Head of Productions, PinPoint Media said.

    “Chris Ihidero’s vision, the dedication of the cast and crew, and the strategic financial backing from MBO Capital has allowed us to create a work of exceptional quality that we anticipate will set a new benchmark for cinematic ambition on the continent,” Ajetomobi added.

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    ‘Aloma,’ draws heavily on Ihidero’s early life experiences in urban ghettos like Oshodi and Shomolu, Lagos.

    He described the film as a “love story in a time of war – a war between those who have and those who don’t.”

    The production boasts a stellar ensemble cast, including Shawn Faqua, Folu Storms, Asa’ah Samuel, Ayo Maff, Kalu Ikeagwu, Segun Arinze, Tina Mba, Olakunle ‘Abounce’ Fawole, Princess Obuseh, Abolaji Ajibade, Keppy Ekpeyong, Juliet Ibrahim, Elvina Ibru, Jessica Blessing Obasi, Kamo State, Simi Hassan, Toyin Oshinaike, Samson Imanah, Kayode ’Aderupoko’ Olaiya, Jide Ibitoye, Ropo Ewenla, Jaiye Kuti, Aina Gold, Rotimi Falegan amidst others.