The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Silver jubilee bliss as Obadimus mark 25th wedding anniversary

    Silver jubilee bliss as Obadimus mark 25th wedding anniversary

    The silver jubilee celebration of Dr. and Mrs. Clement Oluwasegun Obadimu’s marriage was nothing short of an unforgettable love story retold.

    Marking 25 years of commitment, resilience, and partnership, the couple returned to where their journey began- Assemblies of God Church, Ikot Ibiok, Eket, Akwa Ibom State for a thanksgiving service that set the tone for a day of elegance and heartfelt surprises.

    The service, which drew family, friends, and well-wishers, was filled with music, prayers, and unexpected gestures of love from the church units, who presented the couple with generous gifts they never anticipated.

    From there, the celebration moved to Villa Marina Hotel’s U.J. Esuene Hall, Eket, where a red-carpet reception recreated the couple’s wedding-day entrance 25 years earlier.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    Emotional tributes flowed freely, with their children presenting a special photo frame inscribed ‘THEN and NOW’ a touching reminder of the enduring beauty of their union.

    The most memorable highlight of the day came when Dr. Obadimu surprised his wife with lovely gifts and poured heartfelt encomiums on her. His words, filled with gratitude and admiration, resonated deeply with the guests, teaching once again that celebrating one’s spouse with love and honor is the secret to a lasting marriage.

    In the same vein Mrs. Obadimu pleasantly surprised her husband with a thoughtful 25-year service award gift, honoring his dedication, hard work, and commitment over the years  a gesture that added warmth and meaning to the joyous occasion.

    Dr. Obadimu, a respected pro bono lecturer at three Nigerian universities, life coach, and CEO of Mentor’s Tower, used the occasion not only to celebrate his family but also to inspire others, showing that marriage thrives when faith, love, and appreciation are placed at its center.

    The Obadimus’ 25th wedding anniversary was indeed an event of epochal significance one that combined faith, family, and flamboyance in a style befitting life and lifestyle pages anywhere.

  • Remembering late AFRIMA boss’s wife, Modupe Dada, one years after

    Remembering late AFRIMA boss’s wife, Modupe Dada, one years after

    It feels just like yesterday, yet 355 days have passed since the peaceful transition of Mrs. Modupe Temitope Dada, beloved wife of Mr Mike Dada, President and Executive Producer of All Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA).

    A one-year memorial service in her honour will be held on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at Grace Assembly Church, Yard 158, Kudirat Abiola Way, Oregun-Ikeja, Lagos, from 12:00 noon to 1:00 p.m.

    The event will be a day of reflection, worship, and gratitude, bringing together family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate the life and legacy of a woman fondly remembered as “kindness personified.” The memorial will capture the bittersweet emotions of loved ones still coming to terms with the loss of a remarkable woman whose warmth, kindness, grace, and quiet strength touched many lives.

    In an invitation shared with friends and associates, Mr Dada, who also serves as Managing Director of PRM Africa Marketing and Communications, expressed deep appreciation for the outpouring of love and support his family has received over the past year.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    It’s been a year since my beloved wife, Modupe, went to be with the Lord. You are warmly invited as we worship, remember, and give thanks for her inspiring life,” he wrote.

    For many, the memory of that sombre Saturday, October 19, 2024, remains vivid — the day news broke that Mrs Dada had passed on at a private hospital in Lagos after a brief illness. She was aged 48.

    Until her passing, Mrs Dada, a committed banking professional, served with distinction at various banks in Nigeria, where she had earned a well-deserved promotion and respect for super performance— a testament to her diligence, excellence, and unwavering commitment to her profession.

    The memorial service on Sunday, scheduled to be superintended by Reverend Femi Paul, will not only honour Modupe’s memory but also celebrate her enduring legacy of faith, compassion, friendship and genuine love — virtues that continue to inspire those she left behind.

  • African traditional religion: 9ice accuses Nollywood of misrepresentation

    African traditional religion: 9ice accuses Nollywood of misrepresentation

    Singer, Abolore Adegbola Akande aka 9ice, has called for renewed efforts to correct the misrepresentation of African traditional religion, saying years of colonisation have distorted the true essence of African spirituality and cultural identity.

    The ‘Gongo Aso’ singer made this known while reflecting on the erosion of African beliefs and the growing need to re-educate the younger generation on indigenous values and spiritual heritage.

    According to 9ice, colonisation didn’t just change Africa’s political and social landscape; it also reshaped people’s perception of faith, turning what was once sacred into superstition.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    “As Africans, we’ve passed through so many processes and changes because of colonisation,” 9ice said. “It changed us as a people, our religion, and our background. Ifa is now becoming a new thing to us, but it was our beginning before the white man came, so we need to preach more about it.”

    The award-winning singer further criticised the way Nollywood has portrayed African deities and spirituality over the years, blaming filmmakers for reinforcing stereotypes that demonise traditional religion.

    “For instance, they said Esu is Satan, which isn’t so. Esu is actually the one who has mercy in his hands,” he explained. “Nollywood also played a major role in the misinterpretation of our African religion because most of those making those movies know little or nothing about it.”

  • How Faithia Balogun helped me complete my biggest movie – Segun Ogungbe

    How Faithia Balogun helped me complete my biggest movie – Segun Ogungbe

    Nollywood filmmaker and actor Segun Ogungbe has opened up on the struggles he faced during his early years in the movie industry.

    The filmmaker also revealed how his colleague and star actress, Faithia Balogun came to his rescue when financial challenges almost ended his dream project.

    The award-winning filmmaker, known for his resilience and versatility in Yoruba cinema, recounted how lack of funds forced him to shoot his movie ‘Banke Desperado’ in bits until divine help and goodwill from colleagues helped him complete it.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    “Back then I wasn’t financially buoyant so I would shoot scenes bit by bit until I was able to complete the movie,” Ogungbe said. “If I was able to shoot one scene with Mr Latin, I would shoot it and keep it till the next actor was available.”

  • Kunle Omisore opens up on gatekeeping, unfair pay in Nollywood

    Kunle Omisore opens up on gatekeeping, unfair pay in Nollywood

    Nollywood actor Kunle Omisore has shared his experience navigating the politics and gatekeeping culture within Nigeria’s film industry.

    He described the experience as a learning curve that every actor must go through.

    Speaking on some of the realities many performers face behind the glamour, Omisore noted that while the industry has grown in size and visibility, the issue of gatekeeping, those who control opportunities and access remains a major challenge for upcoming and even established actors.

    “Everyone has different experiences, like I said earlier, it’s a learning curve,” Omisore said. “There are always gatekeepers in every industry. They either help you or cheat you.”

    Recalling one of his earliest experiences, the actor revealed how a marketer once underpaid him on a movie deal, paying only a little over half of the agreed amount.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    “A marketer once paid me ₦450,000 instead of ₦850,000 that we agreed on,” he said. “But he used my picture on the movie poster in a very visible manner. You can’t buy publicity; the marketers at that time were the ones who could give you publicity. So, to him, he gave me publicity and I became known.”

    Omisore said that rather than hold a grudge, he chose to see the experience as part of his journey of growth in an industry where recognition often comes at a price.

    “I still see the marketer till date and we joke about it all,” he added. “I can’t call him out because it wasn’t a fight between us. There’s always a cabal.”

  • How GTWA started with a girl who lost her TV job, Ariyiike Dimples

    How GTWA started with a girl who lost her TV job, Ariyiike Dimples

    After nine years of planning and waiting, top actress and AMVCA nominee, Ariyiike Dorcas Owolagba aka Ariyiike Dimples, has finally fulfilled her dream of organising the Girls Talk With Ariyiike (GTWA) 2025 conference through the Ariyiike Owolagba Foundation.

    The event which coincided with the International Day for the Girl Child had the First Lady of Ogun State, Bamidele Abiodun, in attendance to encourage Owolagba as well as encouraged the young women to be focused to achieve their dreams. She reiterated that the initiative is a movement to see women excel in their various fields of endeavours.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    Abiodun said: “I grew up in a university environment. Both parents were Muslims but they allowed us to pick our religion. I have five children. The First Lady is not who I am. I am glad that I decided to go back to school to do my Masters. I will be 60 next year. I engaged myself from a young age. Never give up on yourself. Life itself is the greatest teacher.  Learning never ends. Self-discovery is a life long journey. Take life one day at a time. Everybody has different journeys.  Don’t let anything or anyone make you not achieve your purpose. Keep yourself plugged to God.”

  • Broadway Movie Academy: Bimbo Akintola, Uzor Arukwe,Yvonne Jegede, Samuel Olatunji to impact next generation

    Broadway Movie Academy: Bimbo Akintola, Uzor Arukwe,Yvonne Jegede, Samuel Olatunji to impact next generation

    The Broadway Movie Academy has officially announced the commencement of its intensive creative training programme.

    In a recent statement, the movie academy is set to begin a month-long intensive training programme on January 8, 2026, in Lagos.

    The immersive programme, according to the statement, will provide participants with hands-on training across five core departments – Acting, Directing, Screenwriting, Cinematography, and Production.

    The academy, it was also said, will also host exclusive Masterclasses featuring some of Nollywood’s finest and most respected professionals, including Bimbo Akintola, Yvonne Jegede, Daniel Oriahi, Uzor Arukwe, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bayo “Lion” Adedeji, Moses Babatope, Ruth Kadiri, Itele D’Icon, Dele Momodu, Fathia Williams, Rogers Ofime, Chineze Anyaene, and James Omokwe.

    The academy, which is a NGO initiative by The Hype Agency, spearheaded by Samuel Olatuji (Bigsam) is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of filmmakers by bridging the gap between raw talent and professional mastery. Participants will receive practical instruction, mentorship, and exposure designed to prepare them for the realities of today’s fast-evolving film industry. Each trainee will also collaborate on a short film project, serving as part of their professional showreel.

    The Academy boasts an impressive faculty roster with seasoned industry professionals leading various departments. The faculty lecturers include Yvonne Jegede (Acting), Darlington Abula (Production), Samuel Olatunji “Bigsam” (Directing), Bolarinwa Okeowo (Cinematography), and Adeniji Damola (Producing – Art of Assistant Directing). The heads of faculty are Bimbo Akintola (Acting), Daniel Oriahi (Directing), Okpe Andy (Cinematography), Osagie Wale Muriana (Producing), and Kehinde Joseph (Screenwriting).

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    In addition, the academy’s stellar lineup of Masterclass speakers including Uzor Arukwe, Deyemi Okanlawon, Bayo “Lion” Adedeji, Moses Babatope, Ruth Kadiri, Itele D’Icon, Dele Momodu, Fathia Williams, Rogers Ofime, Chineze Anyaene, and James Omokwe — will be sharing valuable insights on key industry topics. These sessions will cover how to deliver unforgettable performances as an actor, personal branding, cracking the code of television and YouTube monetization, getting corporates to buy into your vision and brand, the business of filmmaking, and how to stand out as an actor, director, or crew member in today’s competitive Nollywood landscape.

    Through its mix of expert mentorship, hands-on learning, and real-world exposure, the Broadway Movie Academy aims to redefine creative education and empower a new wave of filmmakers ready to transform Nollywood’s storytelling landscape.

  • AMAA announces nominees for 2025 edition

    AMAA announces nominees for 2025 edition

    The nominations for the 21st Africa Movies Academy Awards (AMAA) have been announced ahead of the 2025 edition.

    The nominations were announced by African actors of Nigerian descent including Lilian Aluko, Emeka Ossai, Charles Inojie, and Adaora Anyanwu. Other dignitaries that announced the nominees include Nigerian media personality, Chris Kehinde Nwandu; Executive Director of the National Film and Videos Censors Board,  Dr Shaibu Husseini; and former Lagos commissioner, Steve Ayorinde. Both Husseini and Ayorinde represented the AMAA jury at the event.

    The award nomination was announced to the media and the general public at the BON Hotel Ikeja Residence situated in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

    The nominations streamed live worldwide on AMAA online platforms, as well as the film academy’s digital platforms (Instagram, YouTube, Facebook and X).

    Also gathered at the nominees unveil, which was anchored by veteran Nollywood actor cum singer, Segun Arinze, include the AMAA board led by Dr Raymond Anyiam-Osigwe; Mr George Anyiam-Osigwe, COO AMAA; Tony Anih, Teco Benson, Lancelot Imasuen and several others.

    Burkina Faso’s ‘Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions’ dominated with 10 nominations while Nigeria’s ‘Lisabi’ earned seven (7) nominations.

    For the highly anticipated AMAA for Best Actress in a leading role, Nigeria’s Linda Ejiofor-Suleiman, Osas Ighodaro, and Shaffy Bello will slug it out with Rwandan actress Analisa Munyana, South African actress Danica De La Ray Jones, Ethiopian actress Getahun Hailu,  Florence Mariserena, and Algiers actress Meriem Medjkane.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    The AMAA 2025 award for best actor in a leading role also features some of the best in Africa including Keenan Arrison for ‘The Heart is a Muscle,’ Debebe Eshetu for ‘For Love, for Land, for Power,’ Adjetey Anang for ‘Last Stop,’ Lateef Adedimeji for ‘Lisabi:       The Uprising,’ Ayden Croy for ‘Old Righteous Blues,’ Bizimana Hussain for ‘Small Gods,’ Mahamadi Nana for ‘Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions and Nabil Asli for ‘Algiers.’

    The AMAA 2025 award for best film has eight African countries competing for the award. The nominees as announced include ‘Algiers’ from Algeria, ‘3 Cold Dishes’ from Nigeria, ‘The Heart is a Muscle,’ from South Africa, ‘Small Gods,’ from Uganda, ‘For Love, For Land, For Power’ from Ethiopia, ‘Katanga: Dance of The Scorpions’ from Burkina Faso, ‘Last Stop’ from Ghana, and ‘Lisabi: The Uprising,’ representing Nigeria.

    Speaking at the event, popular Nigerian actor and filmmaker, Charles Inojie and Teco Benson took turns to express confidence in the jury and award organisers as well as delight with the nominations.

    Teco Benson, a multiple AMAA winner, noted that the 21st edition of AMAA would further raise the bar in not only the Nigerian film industry but the African film industry as a whole, after proving itself as one of the most laudable reward platforms for African film practitioners.

    The 21st Africa Movie Academy Awards will be presented on November 9 at the Balmoral Convention Centre Ikeja – Sheraton in Ikeja GRA, Lagos, Nigeria.

  • Kasala becomes MIC fashion brand ambassador

    Kasala becomes MIC fashion brand ambassador

    Popular actor Adeoye Isiah Ojewumi aka Kasala has been unveiled as the new brand ambassador and model for MIC Fashion Collections, a fast-growing fashion boutique in Ibadan.

    The appointment marks another milestone in Kasala’s expanding career beyond comedy and film. The partnership will see the entertainer feature in MIC Fashion’s campaigns, modeling their latest collections and promoting the brand’s image across social and digital media platforms.

    Speaking on his appointment, Kasala expressed delight at joining the MIC Fashion family, describing the deal as a “perfect blend of style and creativity.”

    READ ALSO: Nigeria to add about 130 million people by 2050, says World Bank

    “Fashion has always been a part of my identity,” he said. “Whether I’m on set, on stage, or off camera, I love to look good and represent quality. MIC Fashion aligns with that vision, and I’m proud to be the face of a brand that understands how to blend class with affordability.”

    He added that the partnership will go beyond endorsements, hinting at plans for future collaborations with the brand on youth-focused style campaigns.

  • Expect top-drawer content, more laughter in 2026, Hamzzy assures fans

    Expect top-drawer content, more laughter in 2026, Hamzzy assures fans

    Content creator Hammed Ibrahim, better known as Hamzzy, has told fans to look forward to more laughter in 2026. 

    Since beginning his content creation journey in 2023, Ibrahim, also called Hamzzythecreator has captivated millions with his thought-provoking, visually expressive, and deeply relatable skits. 

    “My fans should expect bigger projects, more creative content, and new collaborations. I’m planning to take things to another level in the new year, with more laughter, more inspiration, and a lot of surprises,” he stated in an interview.

    Hamzzyr’s rise is the embodiment of a grass-to-grace story. He began creating content using his father’s old Blackberry, teaching himself how to tell stories through visuals, expression, and raw emotion. That humble start, coupled with relentless creativity, has led him to become one of the most recognizable faces on Nigerian social media.

    Read Also: Femi Adebayo humbled as OAU student honours ‘Seven Doors’ in research project

    Now boasting 1.2 million followers on TikTok and over 200,000 on Instagram and YouTube,  Hammed Ibrahim has carved a niche for himself,using powerful visuals rather than dialogue to communicate strong messages.

     “I’ve always believed that actions speak louder than words. I wanted my content to connect with people everywhere, no matter the language. That’s why I focus more on expression, creativity, and visuals instead of talking. It’s my way of telling powerful stories that anyone can enjoy and relate to,” Hammed Ibrahim stated.

    What sets Hamzzy apart is not just his creativity but his intentionality. His videos don’t just entertain, they resonate. Tackling themes such as self-worth, growth, hardship, and human connection, he blends humor with depth in a way that leaves a lasting impact.

    Each skit is more than just content, it’s a mirror held up to society, challenging perspectives while also offering moments of laughter and relief. It is not a surprise then that major brands have taken notice. Tech giant Samsung Mobile tapped Hammed Ibrahim as one of its brand influencers, recognizing his reach and cultural relevance.

     “I’m still a brand influencer for Samsung Mobile. I became one because I genuinely love their products and have always promoted their phones through my content that consistency caught their attention,” stated Ibrahim.