The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Africa must reimagine learning to maximise gains of digital age – GetBundi founder

    Africa must reimagine learning to maximise gains of digital age – GetBundi founder

    The Founder and CEO of GetBundi Education Technology, Osita Oparaugo, has said that Africa is well positioned to maximise the benefits of the ongoing digital revolution but must first reimagine how learning is done in the continent. 

    He stressed the need for Africa to embrace STEM education and digital skill learning, mobile-first learning, partnerships and policy support, and youth innovation hubs, calling for focus on teachers and ecosystems rather than just learners.

    Oparaugo stated this during a panel session at the just-concluded Digital Nigeria International Conference and Exhibition held on 11th-13th November 2025 at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja.

    The three-day conference, organized by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), came under the theme “Innovation for a Sustainable Digital Future: Accelerating Growth, Inclusion, and Global Competitiveness”. 

    It brought together policymakers, technology leaders, and private-sector players to harmonise regulatory frameworks, promote public–private partnerships, and drive the effective implementation of Nigeria’s national digital strategies for sustainable growth.

    Speaking during the panel session on “Education and the Future of e-Learning”, Oparaugo said learning in Africa must move away from rote memorization to practical and critical-thinking, problem-solving-based learning. 

    “If Africa dares reimagine how we learn, we can rewrite how we live, work and lead tomorrow. This must start with embracing STEM and digital skills education.

    “Reimagining learning in Africa means grounding education in local culture, language, and experience. When students learn through stories that reflect their lives, they connect deeply with knowledge, and confidence grows,” he said.

    Urging Africa to leverage its demographic advantage, Oparaugo said, “By 2050, one out of every three young people will be African. That means the world’s future innovators, thinkers, and leaders are sitting in African classrooms today.”

    He highlighted how community-based innovation hubs are emerging as accelerators for hands-on learning – blending coding, design thinking, and entrepreneurship – and serving as the practical bridge between education and employability.

    On the need for Africa to tap into mobile-first learning ecosystems, Oparaugo said with over 500 million smartphone users expected in Africa by 2030, the continent is already mobile-first. 

    “Leveraging low-data apps, offline-compatible platforms, and WhatsApp-based micro-learning can dramatically expand access, especially in rural areas. This is where scalable, inclusive impact will happen fastest.

    “At GetBundi, digital learning is reaching millions of young Africans through mobile phones in their own languages. It’s a simple but powerful shift: turning the continent’s most common tool into its most important classroom,” he said.

    He cited Kenya’s Digital Master Plan and Nigeria’s 3MTT initiative to show how governments and private tech firms are increasingly aligning around national digital strategies. 

    Quoting a recent piece that pointed out how teachers in multiple African countries lack digital skills themselves and need training and support, Oparaugo stated that by connecting broadband expansion with teacher training and curriculum reform, countries can create self-sustaining ecosystems for digital literacy.

    “It’s not enough to roll out courses; the entire ecosystem (teachers, curricula, infrastructure) needs strengthening,” he said. “If we scale teacher professional development, embed digital-skills into curricula, and ensure infrastructure (electricity, connectivity) is in place, then scale becomes more sustainable.”

    The GetBundi CEO ended his presentation with a call to believe, saying Africa’s moment has arrived and the continent must believe in its power to shape the digital age.

    “Let’s invest not only in technology but in imagination. Not only in devices, but in dreams. Because what will truly transform Africa is not the tools in our hands, but the vision in our hearts,” Oparaugo said.

    “The next great innovators, teachers, and problem-solvers are already here, in our classrooms, our homes, our communities. They are waiting for us to believe in them,” he said.

    Director General of NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa, called on youths to take the lead in driving Africa’s digital transformation, stressing that the country’s young population holds the key to a prosperous and inclusive future.

    The 2025 conference was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who declared the event open, MD/CEO of UBEC, Dr Aisha Garba, who delivered the keynote on the topic “Education and the Future of e-Learning”, among other dignitaries. It attracted over 4,800 participants from 12 countries and 25 Nigerian states. It featured 12 keynote sessions, 23 panel discussions, five workshops, and two expert masterclasses across five thematic tracks: digital connectivity, digital public infrastructure and trust, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, digital trade and innovation, and digital skills and literacy.

  • I won’t go broke even if I stop making music – Spyro

    I won’t go broke even if I stop making music – Spyro

    Afrobeats singer Spyro has stated that he won’t go bankrupt even if he stops making music, attributing his financial stability to income from corporate events. 

    The ‘Who Is Your Guy’ crooner explained that his music style, suitable for all audiences, secures him bookings from organisations and elites.

    Speaking on the Adesope Live show, Spyro stated that people underestimate his wealth due to his humility. 

    “If I stop making music today, I’m made. A lot of people don’t know that because I don’t brag,” he said.

    Spyro revealed he gets booked for events by banks and prominent figures like Tony Elumelu, adding that artists like Chike and Johnny Drille are among the few called for such events due to their clean music. 

    He said: “I really don’t do industry shows. I do cooperate shows. I have carved a niche for myself in the industry like that. I get book for events by banks and elites like Tony Elumelu every end of the year.

    “Because when they are looking for clean music maybe because children are going to be at the event, only few artists like myself, Chike and Johnny Drille can be called upon.”

  • Cuppy stuns dad Femi Otedola with £70 million birthday wish

    Cuppy stuns dad Femi Otedola with £70 million birthday wish

    Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola has proved her worth in the world of business and entertainment,not just as a silver spoon born, but as one with focus, direction and determination.

    Cuppy, as Ifeoluwa is fondly called, is one of the accomplished daughters of Nigerian billionaire, Femi Otedola, and doesn’t shy away from establishing the lovely bond that exists between herself and her father.

    Just like the hardworking Nigerian musician, Davido, who wears the Adeleke badge of wealth with pride and honour, Cuppy consistently wears the Otedola badge of wealth with pride despite consistent attacks.

    The relationship between Cuppy and her father is so strong that she sang about him in her debut album in the song, ‘Gelato.’

    Recently, the spinster stunned her billionaire father with a request that served as a birthday wish.

    Read Also: Femi Otedola recalls emotional moment he walked daughter down the aisle

    In her birthday wish, Cuppy did not ask for jewels or a jet, however, she asked for a mansion: her father’s seventy-million-pound estate situated in St. John’s Wood, London.

    According to those in the know, the request was no idle jest or playful indulgence. It was the elocution of privilege and ambition in response to her father, Femi Otedola, the billionaire industrialist’s lighthearted request about what she desired for her 33rd birthday.

    And Cuppy replied with disarming candour: “Daddy, I would like the St. John’s Wood house. I’ll only turn 33 once.”

    The conversation unfolded like an intergenerational parable of wealth and wonder, of affection and astonishment.

    The wish was so enormous that the billionaire only responded with a stunned look and has yet to respond to Cuppy, who is the first of his three daughters.

  • Frank Papas mourns mum’s passing with emotional farewell

    Frank Papas mourns mum’s passing with emotional farewell

    Franklin Emenike Okamigbo aka Frank Papas, the undisputed ‘King of Night Club Bizness,’ has announced the passing of his beloved mother, Lady Adaeze Asa Black Nnem, in a deeply emotional tribute that captured his gratitude, love, and admiration for her.

    In his moving message, Okamigbo described his late mother as his teacher, confidant, and true wingwoman, thanking her for the life, wisdom, and care she gave him and his sisters.

    “You are the strongest person I’ve ever met—extremely intelligent, cheerful, and an extraordinary grassroots organiser,” he wrote. “Thank you for the sacrifices, the support, the endless care, and the undying love. Daalu Ezinnem O—farewell thee, my sweet mother.”

    He fondly portrayed her as a religious and cultural leader of grace and poise, a bookkeeper, and a problem-solver for everyone regardless of background or status. Okamigbo signed off the tribute with love on behalf of the family, noting that burial details would be communicated soon.

    Frank Papas, a towering figure in Nigeria’s nightlife scene, earned fame in the mid-2000s through his innovative concept, Club Papas—a movable fun experience designed to operate within other entertainment establishments. His breakthrough came with Papas at K’s Place, an upscale nightlife spot in Victoria Island, Lagos, owned by Lebanese businessman Kamal Boustani.

    Read Also: Frank Okamigbo can’t wait to return

    That partnership cemented Okamigbo’s reputation as a creative force in the entertainment industry. He later expanded his legacy through Papas at The Place, in collaboration with the popular restaurant and lounge chain, securing his position as one of the masters of his craft and a living legend of Nigeria’s nightlife.

    A gentleman of refined taste and etiquette, Okamigbo redefined the business of nightlife, giving it respectability and structure.

    His name, Papas, became more than a brand—it symbolised elegance, discipline, and a touch of class in an industry often associated with chaos.

    With his mother’s passing, Okamigbo’s message offered a glimpse into his private world—one rooted in gratitude, culture, and the values she instilled in him. Behind the lights and music, it revealed a son’s heartfelt farewell to the woman who shaped his strength, faith, and humanity.

  • Are Adebisi Lawal and Ganiyu Adeleke Dada Ogun’s wildcards?

    Are Adebisi Lawal and Ganiyu Adeleke Dada Ogun’s wildcards?

    The politics in Ogun State has, over the years, become front burner, when discussing the politics of Southwest Nigeria.

    As the election year comes nearer, many names have been popping up as the next in line to take over the seat of leadership from the incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun.

    The names have literally become a list that many politicians in the state have memorised and can tell you by heart.

    From the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the ruling All Progressives Congress ( APC), many names have popped up, and ambitions in the state continue to swell like a rising tide.

    However, two names have been conspicuously omitted in a lot of public discourse and those in the know claim these two names might be the wildcards that will disrupt many people’s expectations as regards who emerges as the flag bearers of the major political parties.

    In the Ogun State PDP, one man is alleged to be standing between the most prominent aspirant, Ladi Adebutu and his gubernatorial ambition and his name was given as Jimi Adebisi Lawal. Jimi Lawal, it was gathered, has become the rallying point of all those against Adebutu – particularly the hardcore loyalists of late Kashamu Buruji. The former special adviser to ex-Governor Nasir El-Rufai and ex-Managing Director of the defunct Alpha Merchant Bank, is believed to have strong ties with Governor Seyi Makinde and the Minister of FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike.

    In the same vein, Chief Ganiyu Adeleke Dada, a very grounded member of the Olota-In-Council, has also been tipped to be one of the possible wildcards of Ogun State politics come 2027.

    Read Also: Ogun SSA hails Abiodun for commissioning Alagbole–Ajuwon, Akute–Ajuwon roads

    Chief Dada is said to be a member of the inner caucus team of the Awori king, Olota of Ota Oba, AbdulKabir Adeyemi Obalanlege.

    While Jimi is 65, Dada is 63 and hails from a prominent and influential family in the Ota Awori kingdom.

    The very influential Oluwo Itoki of Ota Awori Kingdom is the son of the immensely popular Wahidi Ishola Dada, aka Obanibasiri.

    Information available revealed that Chief Dada is a holder of Bachelor of Science degree – combined (Hons) in Economics and Politics – from the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth and has played a huge role in the elections of Senator Ibikunle Amosun as Governor of Ogun state – 2011 to 2019 – as well as the winnings of past Ogun West senators Akin Odunsi and Gbolahan Dada.

    Dada, who is the chairman of Aldrem Ventures Limited also possesses a Master’s in Business Administration from the Cardiff Business School.

  • When Azuh Arinze was conferred with CIPA Fellowship

    When Azuh Arinze was conferred with CIPA Fellowship

    The publisher and Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine, Sir Azuh Arinze, KSM, has been conferred with the prestigious Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria (CIPA).

    Established in 1996 and chartered by Act of Parliament No. 1 of 2017, CIPA recognises outstanding individuals who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, administration, and public service.

    Azuh, a renowned journalist and prolific author, has written several influential works including The CEO’s Bible (Volumes 1 & 2), Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Anything and Everything Journalism, My Story of Many Colours, and Conversations with Showbiz Stars.

    Read Also: NIPSS participants secure 21 inmates’ release from Plateau correctional centres

    Academically, he holds an HND in Mass Communication, a B.Sc. in Public Administration, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration. He is also currently pursuing his doctorate in the same field.

    Before founding YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine, the proud Rotarian and Knight served as Editor of Encomium Weekly. The conferment ceremony was held recently.

    In the official letter of admission, Dr Uche Okereke, FCPA, FCEA, JP, Registrar/Chief Executive and Secretary to the Council, wrote: “The President and the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria, at the last Council meeting, unanimously agreed to bestow on you the Fellowship of the Institute. The decision, no doubt, was informed by the fact that you have exhibited a high degree of exemplary leadership style, not just as a seasoned administrator but also as a man of great integrity whose virtues are worthy of emulation.”

  • Temitope Adewale makes wave to secure third-term endorsement

    Temitope Adewale makes wave to secure third-term endorsement

    Lagos lawmaker, Adewale Temitope Adedeji, aka Temitope Jah, has been making waves in his Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I since his last re-election into office as a member of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

    Recently, Adewale secured the endorsement of traditional rulers, chieftains of the All Progressives Congress and residents of Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I for another term in office.

    They made their collective decisions known at an empowerment programme for 500 widows organised by the lawmaker in his constituency office in Lagos.

    Stressing that it was the first time they would experience real representation at that state legislature, the constituents said the lawmaker had made life easier for them.

    Deacon Banjo Omole, chairman of the APC in Ifako-Ijaiye Local Government, thanked his party for not making a mistake in its decision to field Adewale in previous elections.

    Read Also: 39 lawmakers-elect backing Obasa for speaker, says Temitope

    In his remarks, the chairman of the Community Development Committee (CDC) of Ifako-Ijaiye, Pastor Samuel Opajobi, described the lawmaker as an achiever and lover of mankind.

    Thanking his constituents for their constant support, Adewale said his vision is to see Ifako-Ijaiye become the most educated local government and its people the happiest in Nigeria.

    He also promised free registration of health insurance for residents who do not have or whose registration has expired, just as he announced that his free adult literacy classes, which would commence soon, already have over 100 applicants.

  • DOYIN KUKOYI: How F9 in Biology practical changed my career plan

    DOYIN KUKOYI: How F9 in Biology practical changed my career plan

    Adedoyin Kukoyi is a woman who wears many hats, and this includes being a master of ceremonies, an entrepreneur with a successful restaurant business, an actress, a filmmaker, and a founder of an advocacy group, the Pregnant Care Foundation.
    Kukoyi, a trained broadcaster, who said she would have been a lawyer if she hadn’t studied mass communication, became famous for her role as the host of the Gbajumo Osere TV show, which has aired on Africa Magic for over a decade.
    In this interview, she tells The NATION’s ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR, GBENGA BADA, how she came into Nollywood over two decades ago, and why her new movie, ‘Flip’ is a testament of her abilities as a filmmaker.

    WHAT is it like being interviewed?                      

    I’m used to asking questions and putting people on the hot seat, but tables have turned, so let’s see how it goes.

    At what point did you think beyond honouring Nollywood stars, and you wanted to become one yourself?

    It’s always been in the pipeline, I’ve been in the industry for over three decades and like I always say, not everyone would be a producer. Some of us are better at acting than producing, and some are blessed to have both together. It’s always been a dream to produce a movie someday, and it became a reality last year. ‘Flip’ happened to be my major production apart from the stage play we do. But for YouTube, it’s less of my major production.

    You said you’ve been in the industry for three decades, why did it take you so long to produce your first movie?

    Like I said, not everyone would be a producer. Sometimes, when you are not convinced enough that you want to do something, why the rush? God’s time is the best.

    You started acting before you went into production, what was your first film appearance?

    That would be ‘Magnet’  in 1994 by Taiwo Odukoya.

    Walk us through your career.

    My career started with DAAR Communications, the owners of AIT and RayPower. The likes of Dokpesi, Segun Odegbami,  I did my internship with him, after I finished with school, I went into 9-5, and I worked with MultiChoice for 7 years, then I went to Virgin, I was with them for 6 years, and I started Gbajumo Osere in 2010.

    How did the idea of Gbajumo Osere come about?

    The producer happened to be a friend. One of those days I went to her office and she had a concept of a programme. We were sharing different beautiful ideas. And after all of these beautiful ideas, she asked who was going to host the programme. I volunteered but she underestimated me because it was going to be a strict 30 minutes of speaking Yoruba and not English. I saw it as a challenge because I am a Yoruba person born and brought up in Ikorodu. So I did it because she believed in me and that was how we started.

    Read Also: 70 Oyo, Ogun schools to benefit from group’s initiative on biology

    What do you think about the misconception that when you see certain people speaking Yoruba on screen they cannot speak English?

    It happens a lot to me, especially, when I am amongst those who are dressed corporately and I start speaking English. They are always very surprised at my command of English. Come on, I’m an MSc graduate in mass communication. Don’t judge a book by its cover. Some of us are in this because of the passion and I am proud of what I do.

    What’s your take on the entry point into the industry? Some people believe that Nollywood is too porous and that anyone from anywhere can just jump into the industry. What do you think?

    It shows in their character, prowess and behaviour. You would always know a professional when you see one.

    Have you seen any news about yourself that you were surprised by how people came up with it?

    What I have realised is that people talk about things you bring to social media. You don’t have the power to control people’s judgment about you; if you don’t bring your story, no one will talk about you.

    The first one, I was on set with Ogogo, and we played a role in giving out our daughter in marriage, and we took a picture, and I tagged it on Instagram and wrote ‘my heartthrob’. They took it out of context and till tomorrow, people feel I’m married to him. I did that to sell that movie because it was not even my movie and to make the producer happy. People still think that’s my husband. My social media actually boosted because of that and I liked it. 

    Why did you like it?

    Like I said earlier, if you don’t want your story out, don’t put it out. People have the right to judge. I had a reason for doing that and it’s my story. At the end of the day, I made them look stupid because they don’t verify the news. That’s bad journalism. You find the right news before you put it out. The best you could have done is put a call through.

    What inspired the movie ‘Flip’?

    The movie was born out of the necessity to appreciate family more. A lot is going on out there, we are busy and neglecting what we should be passionate about. Regardless of what we do, family comes for us. If you get the money you are running about for today and the family is not together anymore, then the money is useless. Contentment also plays a vital role in a family. It’s a story about two different families who had no business coming together but fate brought them together. A man who was passionate about family, who worked hard for money, but to his wife, it wasn’t about money. There’s more to you being a man than money. Don’t let go of necessary things. Also, a man who had a good wife and child but wasn’t content, and at the end of the day, one gained and the other lost. It wasn’t a twist and flip of what life can give out. 

    Did you do skits to promote the film because it looks like that’s the new thing in Nollywood?

    Everyone who knows me knows I love to dance, that’s who I am. So I felt dancing would be a regular thing.  Everyone has their unique way of selling.

    What are the changes you’ve noticed in your 30 years of being in the industry, both positive and negative?

    The only constant thing in life is change, it depends on where you’re looking at it from. For people like us who started way back, the growth has been tremendous and impressive. For example, you do not need to be taught how to be respectful. When you see people who have been in the industry long before you, you give them the respect they deserve, but it doesn’t really happen like that anymore. Respect comes in different ways, it depends on the family and upbringing you have. It’s not something I have to tell you. Nollywood is in the face of everyone now so they get to see the hard work that we put into it.

    What do you think about YouTube?

    YouTube has been on for many years, it’s just now people are catching the bug. It’s also an avenue for people in the diaspora to see what you do. Gone are the days we used to use the DVD but now you can just have your YouTube channel. Why won’t we want to be part of it?

    Beyond FLIP, why should we go to your YouTube channel?

    You want to learn about our culture, you find it there…even celebrities too. You get facts as a viewer watching my YouTube channel.

    If you were to meet your younger self, what would you say to her?

    I’d give her a knock on the head first. All the things I’m doing before now had been in my head long before now. I was raised by a family that supports whatever it is you want to do. My father was in full support of my craft and a lot of things I would have done back then I should have done because there’s no time. If you think it, do it, if you don’t get it, your consistency will make you get better.

    What’s your thought on premature entry into the industry?

    You get better in the industry by being consistent and persistent. You’d definitely fall but it’s not the number of times you fall that matters but how you’re able to stand and move on. I had different challenges but it didn’t make me stop. It was all consistency and being focused that helped me.

    If you had to pick a career outside of Nollywood and the industry as a whole, what would you pick?

    I was lucky to be raised by parents who always asked what I wanted to do. I used to have an aunt back then who was working with UBA and I told her I wanted to be a banker. I was told to do banking and finance, I needed to have math, and I knew it wasn’t possible, so I shoved it. Then I thought again, maybe I could go into sciences, but I still couldn’t because I had an F9 in the biological practical.  If not for broadcasting or acting, I probably would be a lawyer.

    What’s your take on investing in Nollywood?

    Look at people like Kunle Afolayan, Kemi Adetiba and Funke Akindele, they have investors and people who believe in their craft and they’re supporting. If they are not seeing investors, they’d not make blockbusters like they are doing. Money even comes before passion. If you’re putting your money into something, you want to be sure you’ll get a profit back, and so we are asking more people to invest in the industry.

    Does Nollywood pay the bills for you, is it enough to live on?

    Experience and time will tell. When you’re in the industry, your experience will teach you. Consistency and persistence would take you a long way. I like people to experience things because I can’t share your experience, I can only learn from them.

    Are you at any point going to dabble in the big screen like cinema?

    That’s the projection, God willing. Next month, I’m moving into another location for another movie. We’d still do what we can. Acceptance is what’s important.

    What are the projects you’ve worked on that are coming out soon?

    A lot, just know that whatever movie I am in is definitely a good film.

    What’s the most memorable script you’ve had to turn down and what was the reason?

    I don’t really remember, but it’s a make-believe world, so when there are scenes I am made to do and it doesn’t look right, why am I doing it?


  • Sola Kosoko: It’s difficult to combine acting with business

    Sola Kosoko: It’s difficult to combine acting with business

    Nollywood actress Sola Kosoko Abina has revealed that juggling an acting career alongside other business ventures can be extremely challenging.

    Speaking in a recent interview, Abina explained that acting is a demanding and time-consuming profession, which can make it difficult to manage additional businesses successfully.

    Read Also: Sola Kosoko: I won’t advise polygamy, but it was fun growing up

    “Acting doesn’t leave much room for other ventures,” she said. “At one point, I had a boutique where I sold clothes, bags, and jewellery, but it didn’t last. The job demands so much time, and the only way to make it work is to have a competent and trustworthy person to manage the business while you are on set.”

    On balancing family life with work, Abina added, “If you have an understanding husband who appreciates your profession, it becomes much easier. I met my husband even before I became very popular, so he understands my job very well.”

  • Lack of education affected me, says Ojoge

    Lack of education affected me, says Ojoge

    Veteran actor Sesan Adio, also known as Ojoge, has stated that his lack of education has caused him a setback in life. The comic actor, while on a recent YouTube podcast, noted that although he studied up to Primary 5 in his early years, circumstances beyond his control led him to drop out of school.

    He disclosed how he allegedly started having spiritual attacks after being recognised as a brilliant student by a teacher.

    “I was in Primary 2 when one teacher in Primary 3 saw me in the school and asked me how many feet make one foot, and I said 3. He was impressed and took me to his class asking me to flog all my seniors in Primary 3 because they didn’t know it,” Ojoge explained.

    Read Also: Veteran actor Pa Ojoge opens up on financial struggles, accuses TAMPAN of neglect

    “Among these students, there were two of my neighbours at home who went home and told everyone what happened, and the elders started coming to our house to congratulate my mother that she had a brilliant son, unaware that it was fake love.

    “After that period, each time I was to resume school, I would fall sick, my parents tried all they could and even sent me to Ibadan to live with my mother’s sibling, but unfortunately, all I could do was study till Primary 5 before I dropped out of school.

    “I believe that lack of education is what has affected me this much.”