The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ earns N99.8 million in opening weekend

    Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ earns N99.8 million in opening weekend

    Actress and producer Toyin Abraham has achieved a remarkable milestone with her latest film, “Oversabi Aunty”, becoming Nollywood’s second-highest opening film in 2025 with box office earnings of N99.8 million in its opening weekend.

    The film, which marks Abraham’s directorial debut, tells the story of a well-meaning but overly involved aunty who tries to fix everyone’s problems, leading to hilarious misunderstandings and touching revelations.

    The film’s advanced screening on December 18 generated significant buzz among audiences, paving the way for its nationwide release on December 19.

    The film boasts an all-star cast, including Mike Ezuruonye, Efe Irele, and Enioluwa Adeoluwa, among others.

    Read Also: Toyin Abraham unveils trailer for ‘Oversabi Aunty’ film

    In a post on social media, Abraham expressed her gratitude to fans, saying, “Opening weekend for Oversabi Aunty, GOD DID! You all did this, and I’m beyond grateful.

    “Thank you to everyone who has seen and is still going to see Oversabi Aunty in cinemas. This is my first big-screen directorial debut, and I don’t take it for granted.”

  • Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ earns N512 million in one week

    Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ earns N512 million in one week

    Award-winning actress and producer Funke Akindele’s latest film, “Behind The Scenes,” has made history as the highest-grossing Nollywood movie of 2025, crossing the N500 million mark in one week.

    The feat further solidified Akindele’s position as a box office powerhouse.

    The film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, had earlier revealed that “Behind The Scenes” broke five opening-weekend records, becoming the first Nollywood film this year to achieve such an impressive feat.

    The caption reads: “And yet, another history has been made. Thank you, West Africa, for showing up, filling cinemas, and carrying this story with love. ₦512M at the box office. Highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2025. Fastest Nollywood movie to hit ₦500M. Number one film of the weekend. This is what belief looks like. Behind the scenes of a historic run.”

    The film’s advanced screening on December 10 and 11 generated significant buzz among audiences, paving the way for its nationwide release on December 12.

    Read Also: Funke Akindele celebrates 27 years in Nollywood

    The film boasts an all-star cast, including Scarlet Gomez, Iyabo Ojo, Destiny Etiko, Tobi Bakre, and Uche Montana, among others.

    Her previous film, “Everybody Loves Jenifa,” became Nollywood’s biggest opening weekend of all time, surpassing her earlier record set by “A Tribe Called Judah,” which opened with N113 million.

    “Everybody Loves Jenifa” went on to become the highest-grossing Nollywood film ever, earning over N1.8 billion in Nigeria and additional revenue from international markets.

  • FULL LIST: Ebuka, Bovi, Juliet Ibrahim, others, honoured at MIPAD 2025

    FULL LIST: Ebuka, Bovi, Juliet Ibrahim, others, honoured at MIPAD 2025

    The Most Influential People of African Descent (MIPAD) 2025 Awards and Dinner Night celebrated African excellence, recognising outstanding individuals and institutions across entertainment, media, business, governance, and culture.

    Held at The Library, Lagos, the event highlighted Lagos’ growing reputation as a global hub for African achievement and diaspora engagement.

    Some notable winners included Davido, who was named Artist of the Year, while comedian Bovi Ugboma received Comedian of the Year.

    Arise News anchor Ojy Okpe was celebrated as News Anchor of the Year, and music icon D’banj won Music Platform of the Year for C.R.E.A.M.

    Ebuka Obi-Uchendu was honoured as Media Personality of the Year, and actress Juliet Ibrahim was awarded Actor of the Year (Female).

    Other standout winners included Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, who was celebrated as Author of the Year, and Funke Akindele’s blockbuster Everybody Loves Jenifa, which won Blockbuster Movie of the Year.

    Omoni Oboli’s Love in Every Word 1 & 2 was named Movie of the Year, reflecting the growing global influence of African storytelling.

    The ceremony also honoured the MIPAD Class of 2025, as well as past Nigerian recipients who were unable to attend their recognition ceremonies in New York, rounding off a memorable evening dedicated to African excellence, global impact, and diaspora connection.

    Below is the full list of winners:

    ● Activist of the Year: Opeyemi Adamolekun

    ● Actor of the Year (Female): Juliet Ibrahim

    ● Actor of the Year (Male) Deyemi OKANLAWON

    ● Advertising & Marketing Agency of the Year: DKK

    ● Afrobeat Artist of the Year: Mádé Kuti

    ● AI Advocate (Female): Nkemdilim Uwaje Begho

    ● AI Advocate (Male): Obinna Okerekeocha

    ● Airline of the Year (Africa): Air Peace

    ● Animation Studio of the Year: Ferdy (“Ladi) Adimefe

    ● Art Festival of the Year: ART X Lagos by Tokini Peterside-Schwebig

    ● Artist of the Year: Davido

    ● Author of the Year: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

    ● Auto Company of the Year: NORD Automobiles

    ● Bank Executive OF THE YEAR: Bolaji Lawal

    ● Bankable Media Brand of the Year: The Accelerate Media Group by Colette Osibo

    ● Blockbuster Movie of the Year: Everybody Loves Jenifa (Funke Akindele)

    ● Brand Ambassador of the Year (Female): Beauty Tukura

    ● Brand Ambassador of the Year (Male): Farooq Oreagba

    ● Brand of the Year (Africa): Martell

    ● Business Man of the Year: Ahonsi Unuigbe

    ● Business Woman of the Year: Owen Omogiafo OON

    ● CEO of the Year: Karl Toriola

    ● Chef of the Year: Chef Tolu Eros

    ● Children’s Book of The Year: Zaqonomics; Financial Literacy for Kids by Zaq Isa

    ● Comedian of the Year: Bovi Ugboma

    ● Comedy OG of the Year: Ali Baba

    ● Commercial Director of the Year: Ikechukwu Agu

    ● Commissioner of the Year (Female): Hon. Toke Benson-Awoyinka

    ● Commissioner of the Year (Male): Hon. Dapo Okubadejo

    ● Content Creator of the Year: Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori, Kie Kie

    ● COO of the Year: “Yewande Adewusi, Alitheia Capital

    ● Creative Director of the Year: Osaru Alile

    ● Crypto Executive of the Year: Jeremiah Mayowa (Jeroid)

    ● Design Festival of the Year: Titi Ogufere

    ● Director General of The year-Female: Aisha Augie

    ● Director General of The year-Male: Obi Asika

    ● Director of the Year (Film): Wale Ojo

    ● DJ of the Year : DJ Obi (Obinna Ajuonuma)

    ● Doctor of the Year (Male): Dr. Julius Kunle Oni, M.D. FAOA

    ● Emerging Leader (Under 40): Nduka Nduka-Eze and Nnamdi Nduka-Eze – Motherland Hub

    ● Energy Executive of the Year (Female): Rolake Akinkugbe -Filani

    ● Energy Executive of the Year (Male): Ainojie Alex Irune (PhD)

    ● Entertainment Executive of the Year: Fela Oke

    ● ESG & Climate Personality Of The Year: “Titilayo Oshodi, Special Adviser to the Governor of Lagos on Climate Change and Circular Economy

    ● Event Planner of the Year: Oaken Events by Ayiri Oladunmoye

    ● Exhibition of the Year: Fela Exhibition

    ● Film Festival Of The Year: Chioma Ude, Africa International Film Festival, AFRIFF

    ● Fintech Company of the Year: Moniepoint by Tosin Eniolorunda, Group CEO

    ● FMCG Executive of the Year: Seleem Adegunwa

    ● Foreign Diplomat of the Year: Jonny Baxter

    ● Foundation of the Year: Lady Mary Dinah

    ● Future Leader of the Year: Toni Fola-Alade

    ● Global Africa Man of the Year: Prof. Benedict Oramah

    ● Global Africa Woman of the Year: Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE

    ● Government Agency of the Year – Federal: SMEDAN Charles Odii, Director General

    ● Government Agency of the Year -State: Adetoun Popoola (Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency)

    ● Governor of the Year: Executive Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu

    ● Guinness Record Holder of the Year (Female): Hilda Baci

    ● Guinness Record Holder of the Year (Male): Tunde Onakoya

    ● Hospitality Brand of the Year: Paul Onwuanibe, CEO at Landmark Africa

    ● Influencer of the Year: Chinyere Adogu

    ● Intel Executive of the Year: Tanwa Ashiru (Bulwark Intelligence)

    ● Investor of the Year: Iyinoluwa Aboyeji

    ● Law Firm of the Year: Aluko & Oyebode (ALN)

    ● Leading Woman of The year: Abosede George-Ogan

    ● Lifestyle Festival of The Year: ISIMI Lagos Festival by Olawale Ayilara

    ● Lifestyle Personality of The Year: Uche Pedro, Bella Naija

    ● Literary Festival of The Year: AKE Art & Book Festival by Lola Shoneyin

    ● Luxury Personality of the Year (Female): Jennifer Obayuwana,Executive Director, Polo Limited

    ● Luxury Personality of the Year (Male): Alexander Amosu

    ● Man of the Year: Adewale Tinubu

    ● Managing Director of the Year: Alex Okosi

    ● Media Executive of the Year: Stephanie Busari

    ● Media House of the Year: RED Media

    ● Media Personality of the Year: Ebuka Obi-Uchendu

    ● Mental Health Advocate Of The Year: Dr. Maymunah Yusuf Kadiri (Dr. May)

    ● Minister of The Year: Honorable Minister, Hannatu Musawa

    ● Movie of the Year: Omoni Oboli, Love in Every Word 1&2

    ● Movie of the Year (blockbuster): Everybody Loves Jenifa

    ● Music Executive of the Year: Samuel “Samo” Onyemelukwe

    ● Music Platform of the Year: Dbanj (C.R.E.A.M.)

    ● News Anchor of the Year: Ojy Okpe

    ● Payment Executive of the Year: Mike Ogbalu iii FCIB

    ● Peak Performer of the Year: Dr. Abiola Salami

    ● Photographer of the Year: Kelechi Amadi Obi

    ● Podcast of the Year: MENtality, Ebuka & Banky W

    ● Policy Advocate of the year: Oswald Osaretin Guobadia

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Business): Mr Mark & Mrs Phillipa Okoye

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Change Makers): Mr Tokunbo & Mrs Omoyemi Akerele

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Entertainment): Mr Dare & Mrs Deola Art Alade

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Faith): Banky Wellington & Adesua Etomi-Wellington

    ● Power Couple of the Year (Politics): Mr Seyi & Mrs Layal Tinubu

    ● PR Executive of the Year: Dr. Bukky George-Taylor

    ● Pressman of the Year: Kayode Okikiolu

    ● Public Servant of the Year: Dr. Jumoke Oduwole

    ● Real Estate Developer of the Year: Rendeavour’s Alaro City & Managing Director Yomi Ademola

    ● Resort of the Year: Koko Beach

    ● SA of the Year (State): Idris Aregbe

    ● Solid Mineral Personality of The Year (Female): Nere Emiko

    ● Solid Mineral Personality of The Year (Male): Segun Lawson, Chief Executive Officer at Thor Explorations Ltd

    ● SSA of the Year (Federal): O’tega Ogra

    ● Tech Executive of the Year (Female): Olatomiwa Williams

    ● Theatre Festival of the Year: Bolanle Austen Peters

    ● Therapist of the Year: Murielle Jean-Michel

    ● Travel Executive of the Year: Adenike Macaulay

    ● TV Executive of the Year: Dr. Busola Tejumola

    ● Unicorn of the Year: Gbenga Agboola

    ● VC of The Year: Danladi Verheijen, Verod

    ● Venture Fund of The Year: Ventures Platform Fund, by Dr. Dotun Olowoporoku & Kola Aina

    ● Venue of the Year: The Library

    ● Waterways Champion of the Year: Oluwadamilola Emmanuel

    ● Wellness Executive of the Year: Joycee Awosika, Oriki Group

    ● Woman of the Year: Olori Atuwatse III

  • Why I put my music career on hold – Naeto C

    Why I put my music career on hold – Naeto C

    Singer Naetochukwu Chikwe popularly known as Naeto C has spoken about his decision to put his music career on hold, citing a desire for a different kind of life.

    In a recent interview on BEAT FM, Naeto C said he got married in 2012 and had his first child in 2013, which made him realise that continuing to focus on music wouldn’t align with the life he wanted for himself and his family.

    Naeto C stated, “For different reasons you know, I think I wanted something different when I thought about my future and the kind of life I wanted.

    “I got married in 2012 and I had my first child in 2013, so looking at it back then, I do not really think I would get the kind of life I wanted if I continued to focus on music”.

    He also shared that his journey into music was driven by passion rather than a desire for fame, and he’s been getting mixed signals about returning to the studio.

    “I was one of those kinds of people that got into music not because I wanted to be a musician, it’s just because I liked music so much and I was able to make songs that people liked.

    “So you go out and people are like, Naeto C, your music and I’m like, which one is it?

    “Every day I meet people who remind me of the music and why the music was so special to them and every time I want to start a project, then something crazy will happen,” he added.

    According to him, every time he plans to go back, something happens, and people keep telling him they miss his music.

    “You know the funny thing, every time I say I’m going back to the studio, something crazy will happen in my life, it’s crazy. So I’m just like, God, do you really want me to do this, maybe you don’t want me to do this”.

  • Why I have never been in love – Speed Darlington

    Why I have never been in love – Speed Darlington

    Social media personality Speed Darlington has revealed that he has never experienced true love, despite currently maintaining relationships with multiple women.

    Darlington, in an interview on Honest Bunch podcast, revealed his approach to relationships, stating he is currently talking to six different women.

    He further disclosed that a previous marriage plan collapsed when he was honest about his desire for multiple partners.

    “I’ve never fallen in love, I’m talking to 6 different girls now, you can’t be the only one. I almost got married to one but she left me because I told her I’m polygamous in nature”, he said.

    Following that experience, Darlington shared controversial advice he received from his brother regarding how to manage future partners.

    “He said I should just bring them in, get them pregnant and then I can tell them afterwards”, he added.

  • Why I spoke out for Nigerian Christians – Nicki Minaj

    Why I spoke out for Nigerian Christians – Nicki Minaj

    American rapper Nicki Minaj has explained why she publicly addressed the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria, citing personal ties to the country and reports of violence against worshippers.

    Minaj, who has a Nigerian pastor and a large fan base in the country, described the reports of alleged kidnappings and killings of Christians during church activities as “outrageous” and emphasised that silence only emboldens oppression.

    Minaj spoke on the issue during a surprise appearance at AmericaFest, stating, “Nigeria is a place I’ve always loved. Someone very dear to me, my pastor, is Nigerian, and I have lots of Nigerian barbs.

    “So hearing that people are being kidnapped while they’re in church, people are being killed, brutalised, all because of their religion that should spark outrage.

    Read Also: Nicki Minaj urges global action to protect Christians at UN Panel

    “We’re not backing down anymore. We are not going to be silenced by the bullies anymore. We will speak up for Christians wherever they are in this world.

    “We take for granted that there, right now in this world, are people who cannot worship God as they please, where they please.

    “Every time we pray in fellowship, we have to remember the people that are right now in this world hiding to pray in fellowship, and we have to pray for them,” she said.

    Minaj’s remarks come after she reacted to a social media post by US President Donald Trump, who claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria”.

    She expressed gratitude for the freedom to worship in the US and condemned religious persecution.

    She wrote, “Reading this made me feel a deep sense of gratitude. We live in a country where we can freely worship God. No group should ever be persecuted for practising their religion.

    “Christians have been persecuted right here in our country in different ways. So when we talk about Nigeria and other countries, know that prior administrations saw nothing wrong with that, and that’s what was wrong with them,” she concluded.

    The Nigerian government has consistently rejected claims of a coordinated or systematic genocide against Christians, describing such narratives as false and misleading.

    Authorities attributed the security challenges to terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.

  • ‘Unsolicited kisses’ my most ridiculous fan experience – Mike Folarin

    ‘Unsolicited kisses’ my most ridiculous fan experience – Mike Folarin

    Actor Mike Folarin has opened up about the challenges he faced with overzealous female fans, revealing that some have gone as far as kissing him without his consent.

    In a recent interview with VJ Adams, Folarin described the experience as the most ridiculous he has encountered in the entertainment industry, recounting an incident in a Lagos club where he was kissed without his permission.

    “Getting unsolicited kisses is the most ridiculous fan experience I have had. Yeah, getting kissed without my consent. It happened in Lagos, in a club. So, I guess everybody was intoxicated,” he said.

    The actor emphasised the importance of consent, urging fans to always seek permission before interacting with celebrities.

     “Consent is paramount,” Folarin stressed, highlighting the need for respect and boundaries between fans and celebrities.

  • IK Ogbonna questions CAN’s timing in Ini Edo’s movie controversy

    IK Ogbonna questions CAN’s timing in Ini Edo’s movie controversy

    Actor IK Ogbonna has expressed strong support for his colleague Ini Edo, who is facing backlash from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) over the title of her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas.

    In a statement on Instagram, Ogbonna said he is deeply disappointed with CAN, saying they had seen the promotions for the movie title for months and chose to remain silent.

    He questioned the timing of CAN’s reaction, pointing out that the movie title had been officially approved by the Censors Board and the film was now showing nationwide and doing well.

    Ogbonna emphasised that the issue was not about conflict, but about fairness, consistency, and integrity.

    He asked how Christian it is to stay silent all along, then speak only when progress has been made, adding that this isn’t about conflict, it’s about fairness, consistency, and integrity.

    “TBH! I am deeply disappointed with CAN. You saw the promotions for this title for months and said nothing. The movie title was officially approved by the Censors Board, and we moved forward in good faith.

    “Now that the film is out, showing nationwide and doing well, suddenly there’s an issue with the title. How Christian is it to stay silent all along, then speak only when progress has been made? This isn’t about conflict – it’s about fairness, consistency, and integrity”, he wrote.

  • Don’t pull down ‘A very dirty Christmas’ from cinemas, Ini Edo begs NFVCB

    Don’t pull down ‘A very dirty Christmas’ from cinemas, Ini Edo begs NFVCB

    Actress and filmmaker Ini Edo has made an emotional appeal to regulators and the public not to pull her new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, from cinemas, insisting that the film does not ridicule Christianity.

    In a video shared on her Instagram page, Edo begged critics to watch the film before judging, saying she would pull it down if it was found to be offensive.

    “Just don’t pull my film, please. Just allow people to watch. Watch the film and come back and say that this film degrades Christians or degrades Christianity. Then I will pull it.

    “If it dishonours God or Christians in any way, I will pull it and bear the consequences. I will not be part of something like that,” she said.

    The controversy surrounding the film’s title has sparked concerns from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), which described it as offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

    Edo explained that the title was never meant to demean the Christian faith, saying the film highlights family conflicts and secrets unfolding, without ridiculing Christians.

    “We chose ‘A Very Dirty Christmas.’ It was never to demean Christians or disrespect Christendom or dishonour God.

    “This film has no dirt in it. It highlights family conflicts, secrets unfolding. It does not ridicule Christians.

    “I did take money from investors to do this film. We have over about 70 cinemas nationwide. We’ve done print, media and digital. I don’t know how we are going to do it,” she said”, she added.

    The actress, a devout Christian, apologised to anyone offended by the title, insisting there was no malicious intent.

    The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has requested the producer to modify the title.

    “However, the Board recognises that public perception and reception are critical elements of effective regulation.

    “In light of the concerns raised by CAN, and in the spirit of responsiveness and dialogue, we have requested the producer to modify the title,” the NFVCB said.

    Edo has offered to change it, saying Christians are not the people she wants a problem with.

    “They’ve asked us to change the title, or they’re going to pull the films from the cinemas. How do I change the name, the title? Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I will try to change the title. Just give us some time. Don’t pull the film.

    “I am a Christian. Christians are not the people I want a problem with because I’m one. I would never sit in a gathering where Christians are ridiculed,” she said.

    She appealed for understanding, asking that her film be given a fair chance and not be pulled from cinemas.

    “All I’m asking is, don’t pull my film. Give me a fair fighting ground. Let people watch it.”

  • Session with Kannywood masquerades: Why reputation, digitalisation now matter

    Session with Kannywood masquerades: Why reputation, digitalisation now matter

    • By Yushau A. Shuaib

    Many movie lovers celebrate actors and actresses whose faces dominate the screen, yet rarely pause to acknowledge the unseen hands that actually give life to a film. Behind every successful production are the masquerades of the industry—the faceless men and women who shape the scripts, mould the characters, secure locations, organise production, manage marketing, and ensure distribution. Without them, even the most talented actors would be shadows without substance.

    I am not a fanatical follower of Nigerian movies—whether Nollywood or Kannywood—but I have watched countless productions over the years, some with admiration, others with disappointment. Still, one truth is undeniable: Nigeria’s film industry has carved a visible space on the global cultural map. Conversations with non-Nigerians often drift toward our films, actors, food, customs, and storytelling traditions. While Nollywood enjoys widespread acclaim in the West, Kannywood—powered by the Hausa language—reigns supreme across much of the Sahel and parts of the Middle East.

    That is why the “Kannywood Roundtable on Reputation Management and Digital Advancement,” hosted in Kano by Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), the publishers of PRNigeria, in collaboration with the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), felt both timely and symbolic. It was not a parade of red carpets or celebrity poses. Instead, it was a rare convergence of the industry’s true masquerades—the thinkers, writers, directors, producers, and strategists who quietly keep Kannywood alive.

    For the first time, I encountered in one room people whose influence far outweighs their screen time: Zuwairiyyah Adamu Girei, the celebrated Hausa novelist and lead writer of Kwana Casa’in on Arewa 24; Prince Daniel (popularly known as ABOKI), director of Mai Martaba, Nigeria’s official entry for the 2025 Oscars; Hassan Bin Isah, producer of Wata Shida; Nasiru B. Muhammad, President of the Professional Film Directors Association (PROFDA), and Hafizu Bello (an Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award recipient).

    There were also Aminu M. Awwal of Battle of the Northern Kitchen; Aliyu Sabo Bakin Zuwo of Abnur Entertainment, producers of Manyan Mata and Kundin Kannywood; Abdullahi Yunusa Yusuf, Documentarian of the Bandits Warlords of Zamfara; Umar Gombe, a renowned actor/producer; Mansur Umar Kurugu, an industry communication expert, and Mikhail Gidigo, a cinematographer, among other veterans. What unfolded was not nostalgia, but honest introspection.

    Associate professor of strategic communication, Dr Sule Yau Sule, chaired the roundtable. Engr Mohammed Kabir Salihu, who represented NITDA Director-General Kashifu Inuwa, delivered the keynote address, which provided a platform for Kannywood stakeholders—actors, producers, directors, regulators, scholars, technology partners, and media professionals—to interrogate where the industry truly stands. Against the backdrop of rapid technological change, audience expectations, regulatory pressures, and reputational challenges, participants spoke about Kannywood’s strengths and weaknesses.

    A recurring concern was the industry’s slow embrace of digital transformation. While global cinema is already experimenting with artificial intelligence, data-driven distribution, and advanced post-production workflows, Kannywood still underutilises these tools. This digital lag limits its competitiveness beyond traditional markets. Closely linked to this is a glaring skills deficit, particularly in animation, sound engineering, and AI-assisted editing. Even storytelling came under scrutiny, with participants admitting that repetitive, romance-heavy narratives often dominate due to a shortage of skilled writers.

    Beyond creativity, structural issues surfaced. Regulatory friction, weak collaboration with government agencies, internal guild fragmentation, and unresolved disputes continue to slow reform. Poor welfare, low remuneration, and rampant piracy discourage investment, while gender imbalance keeps women largely excluded from technical and leadership roles. These are not cosmetic flaws; they strike at the industry’s sustainability.

    Read Also: Fubara: Why we’re moving housing development outside city centre

    Yet the tone was not defeatist. Participants proposed a practical roadmap for renewal. Central to this was a deeper partnership with technology institutions like NITDA to integrate AI and digital workflows, alongside the establishment of specialised film schools and mentorship schemes for writers and post-production professionals. They called for structured engagement with regulators, alignment with national digital economy policies, and stronger marketing and public relations strategies rooted in responsible digital citizenship.

    They further proposed an inter-agency communication framework that brings NEMA, NOA, VON, and key media and civil society actors into a coordinated system for risk communication and national orientation, ensuring clearer messaging, shared narratives, and timely public engagement. They noted that this is another area where the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris Malagi, and the Minister of Creative Economy, Ms. Hannatu Musawa, could play strategic roles.

    Equally important were recommendations to reform business models—transitioning from passion-driven productions to business-oriented frameworks, introducing insurance schemes, strengthening intellectual property protection, reviving cinema culture, and expanding streaming partnerships to boost revenue.

    What struck me most was the shared understanding that Kannywood is more than entertainment. It is a cultural asset, a source of youth employment, a tool of social cohesion, and a soft-power instrument for Nigeria. Its reputation, therefore, is not a private affair; it is a public responsibility.

    The masquerades of Kannywood have spoken. Their message is clear: creativity alone is no longer enough. In an age of algorithms and global platforms, reputation and digitalisation are no longer optional—they are existential. If Kannywood must continue to dominate its space and earn respect beyond it, the industry must look beyond the camera, listen to its unseen architects, and finally embrace the future they are already imagining.

    • Yushau A. Shuaib is the author of “Award-Winning Crisis Communication Strategies” and “Encounter with the Spymaster.”