The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

Mr Eazi declares intention to run for presidency in African country

Afrobeats singer and entrepreneur, Oluwatosin Ajibade, popularly known as Mr Eazi, has announced his intention to contest for the presidency in an African country.

The music star made the disclosure in a video, revealing that he had been reflecting on stepping into public service and now believes the time is right to share his ambition.

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Mr Eazi, in a lighthearted tone, said his decision was driven by a desire to serve, not for financial gain.

He said, “I have been thinking about it. I think it’s time to share it with you guys. Some of you might be from some countries, specifically in Africa, and you are looking for a president; a president who is not looking for money and power but forward-thinking, young, active and can move your country better. So, I’m officially putting myself forward for the presidency.”

October 5, 2025
Burna Boy, Wizkid, Ayra Starr submit entries for 2026 Grammy Awards

Nigerian music superstars Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Ayra Starr have officially submitted their albums and singles for consideration in the upcoming 2026 Grammy Awards.

Burna Boy entered his latest album, No Sign of Weakness, in both the Album of the Year and Best Global Album categories. His hit singles ‘Last Last’ and ‘For My Hand’ were submitted for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, while Love was entered in the Best African Music Performance category.

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Wizkid submitted his project Morayo for Album of the Year and Best Global Album. His track Piece of My Heart is up for Record of the Year and Song of the Year, while his collaboration with Ayra Starr, Gimme Dat, was entered for Best African Music Performance.

Ayra Starr, on her part, submitted her single Hot Body for both Record of the Year and Song of the Year. She also joins Wizkid in the Best African Music Performance category with their joint track Gimme Dat.

The submissions come ahead of the official announcement of nominees for the 2026 Grammy Awards, where all three stars are expected to be strong contenders representing Nigerian and African music on the global stage.

October 5, 2025
10 actresses in their 30s redefining success in Hollywood

Actresses in their 30s are at a pivotal point in their careers, where experience meets artistry. With years of training, diverse roles, and an evolving understanding of their craft, these women continue to shape Hollywood’s landscape, bringing authenticity, maturity, and depth to every performance.

1.       Saoirse Ronan

Irish-American actress Saoirse Ronan, born April 12, 1994, in The Bronx, New York, has earned a reputation for her emotional depth and range. At 31, she has starred in critically acclaimed films such as Atonement, Brooklyn, Lady Bird, and Little Women. Her work has garnered multiple Academy Award nominations and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress for Lady Bird.

2.       Margot Elise Robbie

Australian star Margot Robbie, born July 2, 1990, is 35 and one of Hollywood’s most bankable actresses. Known for The Wolf of Wall Street, I, Tonya, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, and Barbie, she has also made her mark as a producer through her company, LuckyChap Entertainment, which supports successful and diverse projects.

3.       Zoey Deutch

Zoey Francis Chaya Thompson Deutch, born November 10, 1994, in Los Angeles, is a talented American actress and producer. She rose to fame with Beautiful Creatures and Vampire Academy and has since featured in Before I Fall, Set It Up, Zombieland: Double Tap, and Buffaloed.

4.       Eiza González

Mexican actress and singer Eiza González, born January 30, 1990, in Mexico City, has made a strong crossover into Hollywood. Now 35, she is best known for her roles in Baby Driver, Alita: Battle Angel, Godzilla vs. Kong, Ambulance, and Ash.

5.       Zazie Beetz

German-American actress Zazie Olivia Beetz, born June 1, 1991, in Berlin, is 34 and celebrated for her breakthrough in the TV series Atlanta. Her film credits include *Deadpool 2, Joker, The Dutchman, and Black Mirror. She also voices characters in Invincible, Extinct, and Big Mouth.

6.       Alicia Vikander

Swedish actress and former dancer Alicia Amanda Vikander, born October 3, 1988, in Gothenburg, is an Academy Award winner recognized for her role in The Danish Girl. She has also starred in Ex Machina, Testament of Youth, and The Wizard of the Kremlin.

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7.       Kiki Layne

American actress Kiki Layne, born December 10, 1991, in Cincinnati, Ohio, is known for her captivating performances in If Beale Street Could Talk, The Old Guard, and Coming 2 America. At 33, she continues to be celebrated for her authenticity and emotional strength on screen.

8.       Haley Bennett

Born January 7, 1988, in Fort Myers, Florida, Haley Loraine Keeling, professionally known as Haley Bennett, made her debut in Music and Lyrics (2007). Now 37, she has appeared in The Girl on the Train, Swallow, The Equalizer, The Luckiest Man in America, and Hillbilly Elegy.

9.       Lily James

British actress Lily Chloe Ninette Thomson, known professionally as Lily James, was born April 5, 1989, in Esher, United Kingdom. At 36, she’s recognized for her roles in Cinderella, Baby Driver, and Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, and Pam & Tommy, where she portrayed Pamela Anderson.

10.   Keke Palmer

Lauren Keyana “Keke” Palmer, born August 26, 1993, in Harvey, Illinois, is a powerhouse actress, producer, singer, and TV personality. Aged 32, she has earned two Primetime Emmy Awards and two NAACP Image Awards. Her notable works include Nope, Hustlers, Bosses, and Good Fortune.

October 5, 2025
BBNAIJA FINALE: Who will be crowned Season 10 winner?

As Big Brother Naija Season 10, tagged “10/10,” draws to its thrilling conclusion tonight, October 5, 2025, nine housemates — Imisi, Dede, Koyin, Isabella, Jason Jae, Kaybobo, Kola, Mensan, and Sultana — are set to compete for the coveted N150 million grand prize and a lasting place in BBNaija history.

Following 72 days of intense drama, alliances, and viral moments since the July 26–27 premiere, fan predictions point to Imisi, Dede, and Koyin as the leading contenders for the crown.

Imisi remains a fan favourite, known for her relatable personality, social media dominance, and ability to spark online trends.

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Dede follows closely, winning hearts with her lively spirit, strategic gameplay, and strong performance in house tasks.

Koyin has also garnered support for his calm, level-headed approach and consistent performance throughout the show.

Other finalists — Sultana, Kola, Isabella, Jason Jae, Mensan, and Kaybobo — each bring unique strengths.

Sultana’s composure and strategic thinking, Kola’s honesty and openness, Isabella’s humour, Jason Jae’s energetic performances, Mensan’s creativity, and Kaybobo’s wit have all earned them admiration from fans.

The highly anticipated grand finale, airing live from Lagos, promises thrilling evictions, surprise performances, and the announcement of the Season 10 champion, who will walk away with N150 million and a springboard to stardom.

October 5, 2025
DeeOne completes 52-hour stand-up comedy world record attempt

Controversial comedian and reality TV star DeeOne has completed a Guinness World Record (GWR) attempt for the longest stand-up comedy performance by an individual.

According to organisers, the comedian began the 52-hour marathon at midnight on October 2 and wrapped it up on Saturday, October 4, 2025.

The event, which held at Pallazzo, Ikeja, Lagos, drew a large turnout of supporters and industry colleagues.

Speaking after the record-breaking effort, DeeOne explained that his motivation was to inspire young Nigerians and dreamers everywhere.

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“No goal is too high to achieve,” he said.

several Nigerian celebrities, including Pamilerin, Acapella, FunnyBone, Uche Maduagwu, Husband Material, EmmaOhMaGod, K-Solo, Constance Owoyemi, Akinolu Jekins, and Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st attended the event.

The attempt has been submitted to Guinness World Records for official verification.

October 4, 2025
Shank opens up about his early struggles, journey to success

Skit maker and streamer Adesokan Adedeji Emmanuel better known as Shank has reflected on his humble beginnings, sharing how he kicked off his skit making journey in 2020.

In a recent post, he revealed that back then, he didn’t even have up to ₦1 million in his account.

He said he used to shoot music videos in a small room people jokingly called a “prison,” and the filming was often interrupted by the sounds of hens and goats around the place.

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Shank contrasted those modest beginnings with his current achievements, expressing gratitude for how far he has come in the entertainment industry.

He reflected on his journey, acknowledging that his growth and success could only be attributed to divine grace.

He said “I didn’t even have 1M in my account back in 2020, I was shooting videos in a small room people called a ‘prison,’ with hens and goats making noise in the background.

“Time changes a lot of things. I am a product of God’s grace. God is too good to me, Aje.”

He further expressed gratitude, noting that God has been truly faithful to him.

October 4, 2025
Tolani Otedola flaunts £150 Japanese crown melon

Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola’s eldest daughter, Tolani, has captured attention after flaunting a rare Japanese crown melon valued at £150 (about ₦300,000) converted to nigeria currency

The rare fruit, weighing approximately 150 pounds, is highly prized in Japan for its meticulous cultivation.

Farmers are known to nurture each melon with exceptional precision and care, often comparing the process to raising a child.

In a video shared online, Tolani referred to it as a “special melon,” expressing her admiration for unique and exotic fruits.

She praised its rich aroma and juiciness, noting her appreciation for its exceptional quality.

Playfully, Tolani joked that such luxurious treats could easily win her heart, admitting that she sometimes skips dates because “the way to her heart is through her stomach.”

Although she humorously questioned whether the hefty price truly matched the taste, she seemed delighted by the experience, calling it a unique culinary indulgence.

Read Also: How NIMC is building Nigeria’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

This is not the first time the billionaire heiress has attracted attention online.

She previously went viral after showcasing an exotic luxury mango she purchased.

She said “This melon was 150 pounds. This was a present that I received. If you know me, you know that the way to this girl’s stomach, no, the way to this girl’s heart is through her stomach, especially fruit, strange and crazy fruit.

She continued “So this is a crown melon. It’s one of those special melons that, you know, in Japan, they have these like people who tend to these melons like they’re their babies. That’s one of these.”

She expressed amazement at its juiciness and aroma, describing it as one of the most flavorful fruits she had ever tasted.

“The melon is extremely expensive it costs about 150 pounds,” she said,
adding that its rich taste and freshness made it a memorable experience. Tolani humorously noted that her enthusiastic way of eating was one reason she avoids dining out, before ending the clip by saying she needed to take the fruit inside to enjoy it properly.

October 4, 2025
Actress Queeneth Agbor to feed 1,000 inmates

Social media is agog with the promise of actress, Queeneth Agbor, to feed 1,000 inmates at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

The event is scheduled for 9, October, 2025

Agbor, who has featured in over 40 movies and collaborated with prominent Nollywood figures, said she decided to celebrate her birthday in a purposeful way by giving hope to the 1,000 inmates.

She said: ” Through one meal at a time at the Medium Security Custodial Centre, with the theme; ‘Strength Beyond Walls.’ This theme resonates with resilience and inner fortitude, perfect for marking a special day in a unique setting.”

Expected at the event are top Nollywood stars, family members, associates and well-wishers.

October 4, 2025
Owoeye seeks strategic collaboration between private, public varsities

Pro-Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council, Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State, Prof. Jide Owoeye, has called for proactive strategic collaboration between private and public universities, industry, donors, and international academic institutions for the development of the continent.

He wants governments, private sectors, and regional bodies to continue to implement and refine frameworks (such as those under the Addis Convention and HAQAA) that ensure comparability, accountability, and transparency in higher education.

Owoeye, in a convocation lecture titled: “Quality of Education in Developing Countries: Collaboration in Africa and the Role of Private Universities” delivered at the 13th Convocation of Protestant University, Rwanda, said Africa’s journey towards transformation, through quality education is not just a goal, but one that is dependent on the mechanism by which development becomes sustainable, inclusive and dynamic.

On policies and frameworks, he said: “Today universities have come to play a pivotal role in the development of nations.

“Africa already possesses robust policy frameworks that underscore quality education as central to development.

“Under Agenda 2063, the African Union defines one of its key goals as ‘Well-Educated Citizens and Skills Revolution underpinned by Science, Technology and Innovation’.

“This goal envisions universal access to quality early childhood, basic, secondary, and tertiary education, alongside a substantial increase in qualified teachers and technical, vocational, and entrepreneurship skills. The Continental Education Strategy for Africa (CESA 2016-2025), aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4), has likewise made clear that equity, inclusion, and quality must go hand in hand.”

He also encouraged private universities to invest beyond enrollment growth, because growth in numbers matched by investments in faculty development, infrastructure, learning technologies, research capacity, and curricular relevance is very critical.

Owoeye identified the strengthening of regulatory oversight in the education sector, quality assurance and collaboration between private and public universities as parameters for the transformation of Africa.

He wants an alignment of funding with quality imperatives because both private and public higher education will require more funding—”not just for access, but to deliver quality: for research, for infrastructure, for teacher training, for quality assurance systems. Innovative financing (grants, endowments, industry-sponsored programmes) should be explored.”

In the area of monitoring of outcomes and ensuring accountability, he said robust metrics of graduate employability, research output, student satisfaction, learning gains should be tracked and published, while feedback loops must exist so institutions can adjust policies and practices in light of what works and what does not.

Stressing the powers of collaboration, he said private universities have demonstrated their potentials to supplement public institutions, to innovate, and to meet growing demand, but their full promise will be realised only when they do not act alone.

Underscoring the importance of inclusion and equity, he advised private universities to be mindful of access for less privileged or rural students; scholarships or financial assistance programmes can counterbalance high tuition fees and reduce inequality.

As a way of kicking off the suggested partnerships, Lead City University is offering full tuition scholarships to graduates of Protestant University of Rwanda who might wish to undertake their Post Graduate programmes in Nigeria.

In his response, the Chancellor of the University and President of the Presbyterian Church of Rwanda Revd (Dr) Pascal Bataringaya, appreciated Prof Owoeye for the convocation lecture and the promised scholarship.

October 4, 2025
BBNAIJA: 15 influential fanbases that transformed the show

Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) has evolved into a cultural juggernaut, driven not just by its contestants but by the fervent fanbases that propel them to stardom.

These dedicated supporters go beyond passive viewership, orchestrating voting campaigns, generating viral content, igniting trends, and shaping public discourse both online and offline.

Some fanbases have also turned housemates into enduring cultural figures, extending their influence long after the show ends.

Here’s a look at 15 key fanbases from 2017 to 2025 that have left an indelible mark on BBNaija’s legacy.

1. Efe – Efenation
Season 2’s Efe, the charismatic Warri native, won hearts with his “Based on Logistics” catchphrase. Efenation, coined in Week 1, became the dominant fanbase, overshadowing the smaller Efemily group. They organized street rallies in Abuja, dominated finale trends, and secured Efe’s 57.61% victory. Their support also kickstarted his brief music career, setting a standard for grassroots fan mobilization.

2. Miracle – Miracle Fans
Miracle’s pilot charm and versatility fueled his fanbase, #MiracleLegends. Their strategic hashtag campaigns, like #MiracleThePilot, drove his 38.17% win and amplified his post-show success, including aviation endorsements and media opportunities.

3. Cee-C – Spartans
The fiery Spartans kept Cee-C in the spotlight, clashing with rival Alexians. Their loyalty endured beyond the show, reportedly gifting her a house in 2023, proving fanbases can sustain a contestant’s brand for years.

4. Tacha – Titans
Titans tirelessly voted for Tacha during her embattled Pepper Dem season. After her eviction, they raised millions through GoFundMe and fiercely defended her online, cementing her influencer career and showcasing long-term fan devotion.

5. Mercy Eke – Mercenaries
Mercenaries powered Mercy Eke to victory in Pepper Dem (2019) and a runner-up spot in All Stars (2023). They fueled the #Merike ship, reportedly gifting her an SUV and funding trips, establishing a gold standard for fan loyalty and strategy.

6. Laycon – Icons
Icons transformed Laycon’s underdog story in Lockdown into a cultural wave. They set up physical voting stations with free Wi-Fi, securing a record-breaking 60% of final votes. Their efforts turned songs like Fierce into hits, showing how fans can drive lasting industry success.

7. Erica – Elites
Despite Erica’s disqualification, Elites sustained her relevance through campaigns and memes, fueling rivalries and bolstering her acting and social media career, highlighting fan resilience amid controversy.

8. White Money – Whitemoney Gang
Whitemoney Gang rallied behind White Money’s culinary flair and humor in Shine Ya Eye, ensuring his safety from eviction and boosting his online presence. They continue to promote his music and appearances.

9. Liquorose – Lions/LiquoLions
Initially drawn to her dance skills, Lions elevated Liquorose to diva status, maintaining her public profile long after the show.

10. Phyna – Phynation
Phynation’s support for Phyna’s raw energy and authenticity led to her Level Up win. Their backing continues to fuel her endorsements, reflecting the power of street-savvy fanbases.

11. Wanni x Handi – EnergySquad
EnergySquad rallied behind the energetic twin DJs Wanni and Handi in the No Loose Guard season, drawn to their high-energy performances, DJ skills, and vibrant personalities. They dominated social media trends with hashtags like #WannixHandi and #EnergySquad, mobilising votes and creating memes that kept the duo in the spotlight, helping Wanni reach runner-up.

12. Kellyrae and Kassia – DoubleKay
DoubleKay fans championed the married couple Kellyrae and Kassia in No Loose Guard, celebrating their strategic gameplay, love story, and resilience. Through coordinated voting and management-directed campaigns prioritising Kellyrae’s win, they ensured high poll performances and propelled him to victory with 35.95% of votes.

13. Imisi – Imistars (Ijoba 606)
Imistars are ruling Season 10 with their love for Imisi’s wit and unique style. Active across X, Facebook, and TikTok, they’ve boosted her Instagram following to hundreds of thousands, driving real-time voting and engagement.

14. Koyin – Koyinator
Koyinator’s humor, memes, and relentless engagement keep Koyin trending, elevating his fashion and modeling career while proving fanbases remain pivotal in shaping BBNaija narratives.

15. Dede – Devass
Devass, the dedicated supporters of Dede (Precious Ashiogwu) in Season 10, have rallied with intense energy, dominating trends and polls.

These fanbases are more than just supporters, they are cultural forces, mobilising votes, creating viral moments, and driving conversations.

As BBNaija captivates Nigeria and its diaspora, these groups continue to shape its enduring legacy.

October 4, 2025