The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Tokunbo Wahab, Toke Benson to grace Seun Oloketuyi’s book unveiling

    Tokunbo Wahab, Toke Benson to grace Seun Oloketuyi’s book unveiling

    Lagos Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab and his couterpart Ministry of Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka will be leading dignitaries to the unveiling of ‘Making Movies the Nollywood Way,’ the latest work by filmmaker and Best of Nollywood Awards founder, Seun Oloketuyi.

    Set to attract several Lagos’ most respected figures on September 7, 2025, at the University of Lagos, the event will see the dignitaries signaling support for Oloketuyi’s literary effort and endorsement of Nollywood’s cultural and economic importance.

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    Among the dignitaries confirmed for the event are Muiz Banire, SAN, Hon Moji Ojora Meranda, Abisoye Fagade, and Rt Hon Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

    ‘Making Movies the Nollywood Way,’ according to Oloketuyi, is a coffee-table style book that offers a deep dive into the workings of Nigeria’s film industry.

    The book, in the words of Oloketuyi, combines his reflections with the voices of 21 leading Nollywood figures, including pa Williams, Wale Adenuga, and Emem Isong, who share their professional experiences, triumphs, and challenges.

    Speaking on the forthcoming unveiling, Oloketuyi described the project as a labour of love aimed at educating, inspiring, and preserving the unique Nollywood filmmaking process. “This book is not just about film; it’s about telling our stories, our struggles, and our successes in a way that resonates with both practitioners and lovers of cinema,” he said.

  • My mum warned me about betrayal from friends, says Zeribe Wanodi

    My mum warned me about betrayal from friends, says Zeribe Wanodi

    Nollywood film producer, Zeribe Chigozie Wanodi has opened up on how his mum warned him about betrayal from friends.

    In a recent chat with the Nigerian film producer after winning an award, he said, “The bitter betrayal I would never forget was something my mother had warned me about many years back. My mother told me that my worst undoing would be with people I call friends. I did not know  what it was until I was badly betrayed. I now keep only business relationships.”

    On his recognition as one of the fast rising Nollywood producers, Zegon as he’s fondly called said, “I am happy to receive this award as one of the best Nollywood producers. Success is being able to give back to society while having empathy for others. I have empathy for the people on the street. The people you call area boys, I don’t see them as such. I just see them as stranded individuals. The youths are losing depth. We were now operating on a fake platform. It is when you are able to change lives, not when you have so much money. If you can give back to society, you are successful.”

    In his opinion about the industry, Zegon believes the Nigerian government’s intervention in the film industry isn’t well placed.

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    In his words, “I think the government’s intervention was negative. They didn’t do enough research before intervening. Another thing they did wrong was giving people a license to showcase our movie on Africa Magic. You don’t need to buy movies when you can watch it on Africa Magic. If you have an alternative to buying, people will choose the alternative. 90% of those who could buy movies are licensed to mass-produce your works without recourse to you. I started thinking of the effect of business to have a basic life.”

    The film producer also reiterated that he’s done living a frivolous lifestyle as he has turned a new leaf and has become a role model for females and males in the film industry.

  • Mr. Beast offers to acquire Nigerian artist’s piece

    Mr. Beast offers to acquire Nigerian artist’s piece

    American YouTuber and media personality James Stephen Donaldson popularly known as Mr. Beast has offered to acquire a Nigerian artwork’s sketch of him.

    Mr. Beast announced this on X.

    He had earlier posted an AI generated picture on X sent to him by his partner hinting that she wanted something in exchange.

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    “My fiancé sent me this AI generated image of us with two kids. I can’t quite pit my finger on it, but something tells me she wants something,” he wrote.

    The Nigerian artist Ifure Usen, then took the picture and sketched a drawing on it, posted it on X, and tagged Mr. Beast, “I did it guys!!! @MrBeast.”

    In response, Mr. Beast wrote: “Love it, I’ll shoot you a dm. Would love to put this on my wall!”

  • I’m ready to raise kids with Jarvis – TikToker Peller

    I’m ready to raise kids with Jarvis – TikToker Peller

    TikTok influencer Hamzat Habeeb Adelaja popularly known as Peller has declared the intention of having children with partner, Jarvis.

    He revealed this in a YouTube video shortly after purchasing a house.

    The TikTok star said he was no longer afraid to journey into parenthood.

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    He further hinted on marriage as he wanted to have a child with Jarvis as part of building their home together.

    “Now wey I don buy house, wetin remain na make I give my baby better opueh make we go born pikin make we dey live successfully and I will marry her. Amen.

    “I am not afraid of anything. If pregnancy comes now now, I’ll be the happiest father in the world,” he said.

  • Joke Silva mourns brother

    Joke Silva mourns brother

    Veteran actress Joke Silva has expressed grief over the passing of her brother, John Olabiyi Silva.

    Joke confirmed his demise on Instagram on Thursday sharing his picture.

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    “With acceptance of God’s Sovereign will …we announce the call to Glory of my dear brother John Olabiyi Silva …long John Silva…Bros B…Uncle B…. my easy go lucky brother. Rest in peace. January 22nd 1953-August 29th, 2025,” she wrote.

    John was 72 before he passed on.

  • Odera Mbadiwe found after going missing

    Odera Mbadiwe found after going missing

    Odera Mbadiwe, the brother of former Big Brother Naija housemates Ocee and Ozee Mbadiwe, has been found safe after going missing on Monday, September 1.

    According to Ocee, he was last seen around Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island.

    The family confirmed his safe return in a statement on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the public for their assistance and support during the search.

    In the statement, Ocee thanked friends, family, and the general public for sharing information, making calls, and offering suggestions that aided in Odera’s safe return.

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    They praised God for Odera’s safety and asked for blessings for everyone who supported them during the ordeal.

    Ocee wrote: “ANNOUNCEMENT!!! It is with a heart full of gratitude to God, we are overjoyed to announce that Our Brother Odera has been found safely.

    “We sincerely thank our dear friends, family, and the general public and the Police and other Government agencies for the swift sharing of information, your calls, suggestions, and the outpouring of love and kind assistance that made this possible. May God richly bless you all. OZUMBA MBADIWE FAMILY”.

  • British-Nigerian actor Salokun set for Nollywood

    British-Nigerian actor Salokun set for Nollywood

    British-Nigerian actor Junior Afolabi Salokun is set to star in Nollywood, with ambitions of taking on lead roles that break boundaries and amplify African stories on the global stage.

    In an interview with newsmen, Salokun said his aspiration is to use film as a bridge across cultures.

    “With a deep love for storytelling, I’m drawn to roles that explore the complexities of the human experience. I want to be part of projects that resonate globally, reflect Nigerian culture authentically, and celebrate our rich heritage,” he said.

    The actor expressed excitement about Nollywood’s growing international recognition, noting that he is eager to contribute to its momentum.

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    “Today, Nollywood has gained international recognition and I am excited to be a part of the growing industry. My acting career has already brought me roles on Netflix, Blue Story, BBC/Paramount, stage productions, and short films. I am now focused on expanding my reach into Nollywood, where I hope to collaborate with industry professionals and showcase my talent,” Salokun said.

    He stressed that his goal is to be part of films that not only entertain but also inspire and educate audiences.

    Born and raised in London, Salokun has already made his mark with appearances in Blue Story (2019), My Brudda (2023), and the upcoming Netflix sci-fi series Supacell (2024).

  • Real Warri Pikin holds sold-out comedy show in America

    Real Warri Pikin holds sold-out comedy show in America

    Nigerian comedian and entertainer, Anita Alaire Afoke Asuoha, popularly known as Real Warri Pikin, recorded another international milestone on Saturday, August 30, 2025, with a sold-out edition of her comedy show “Unapologetically Me” in Maryland, United States.

    The event, held at the Grand Occasions Laurel, drew a diverse audience of Africans in the diaspora and American fans, who were treated to an evening of laughter, storytelling, and music.

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    The Maryland edition follows earlier successful outings of the show in the United Kingdom, Ghana, Warri, and Abuja. The U.S. stop was supported by brands including Finserve, Jollof Etcetera, AfroJamz Network, Buchymix, 1Luv Foods, and Axiom Consults.

    In July 2024, Real Warri Pikin staged the fifth edition of the show in Abuja, attracting over 3,000 people at This Day Dome. That event featured Nigerian musicians Peruzzi and Reekado Banks, alongside performances from comedians Funny Timo, MC Royal, Zigabella, Freemouth, and MC Yanis.

    Organised by RWP Entertainment, “Unapologetically Me” is set to continue its international tour with more shows planned in the U.K., U.S and Canada.

  • Actress Peju Ogunmola loses only son

    Actress Peju Ogunmola loses only son

    The movie industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of Shina, the only son of veteran actress, Peju Ogunmola Omobolanle, and husband, renowned comic actor, Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as Papi Luwe.

    The tragic incident occurred while Ogunmola, 56, was on a movie set.

    Shina, who recently completed his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme, was said to be the pride of his mother, who often expressed joy over his milestone achievements.

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    The heartbreaking news was first broken by popular actor, Odunlade Adekola, whose social media post triggered an outpouring of condolences from colleagues, fans, and well-wishers.

    Messages of sympathy have since flooded Ogunmola’s social media pages, with many Nollywood stars expressing grief over the loss.

    The death of Shina has left the Omobolanle family and the wider Nollywood community devastated.

  • Toke Makinwa reflects on past marriage, opens up on survival, strength

    Toke Makinwa reflects on past marriage, opens up on survival, strength

    Media personality Toke Makinwa has reflected on her past marriage, opening up about her survival, strength, and misconceptions people had.

    Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Toke addressed the criticisms she faced for the resilience about her past marriage, noting that no one had the right to ‘comment’ without experiencing the same.

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    “People almost find a way to say it must not have been that bad. Because you didn’t die. And people love those sorts of stories… But if (Chude- an instance) bounces back ten times harder than he used to be, people almost envy your strength. Instead of accepting the fact that, oh, I can learn a thing or two from this, it threatens their peace of mind. … Until you survive what I’ve walked in, don’t comment on it.” she said.

    She admitted that she might have stayed in the marriage if it hadn’t been so public.

    “Could I have stayed if it wasn’t so public? Maybe, maybe. But the way I loved this person, he was going to kill me if I stayed. How I felt was going to become my entire life,” she added.