The Nation Newspaper

Category: Entertainment

  • Mary Njoku reflects on ‘dark times’ in 2025

    Mary Njoku reflects on ‘dark times’ in 2025

    Actress and filmmaker Mary Njoku has reflected on the past year, describing 2025 as one of the most challenging years of her personal life and adulthood.

    In an Instagram post on Thursday, Njoku revealed that she had faced moments of intense struggle, saying, “There were moments I genuinely didn’t think I would make it through.”

    Despite the hardships, Njoku expressed gratitude for the lessons and trials that have shaped her, stating that she is emerging from the experience stronger and renewed.

    As she enters 2026, Njoku said she is shedding the weight of her burdens and stepping forward unburdened.

    She thanked her Maker for seeing her through 2025 and expressed appreciation to those who reached out to support her throughout the year.

    Read Also: Actress Mary Njoku warns against ingratitude

    She wrote: “2025 was one of the hardest years of my personal life. One of the most difficult years of my adulthood. There were moments I genuinely didn’t think I would make it through. Life takes you through seasons where you feel like you’re walking through a tunnel with no visible end, no light in sight. And yet, you keep moving.

    “I walked through very dark times this year, and I came out stronger. Like gold refined by fire, the process was painful, but it shaped me. As I leave 2025 behind, I choose gratitude. For every lesson, every trial, every burden that has now been lifted. I let go. I shed the weight. I step forward unburdened.

    “As I enter 2026, I do so as a renewed person. God, thank You for seeing me through 2025. And to everyone who reached out to me this year, whether online or offline, through calls, messages, or comments, may God meet you at your point of need. Your kindness mattered more than you know. God bless you, and welcome to 2026”.

  • Actor Mustapha Sholagbade thanks God for surviving near-death accident

    Actor Mustapha Sholagbade thanks God for surviving near-death accident

    Actor Mustapha Sholagbade has expressed profound gratitude to his Maker for surviving a near-death experience in an accident on October 14.

    In a social media post, Sholagbade shared photos of the fatal crash and recounted his ordeal, describing the day as one that nearly claimed his life.

    He thanked Almighty Allah for his mercy and protection, stating that he has prayed, performed Zikir, and given thanks, but still feels it is not enough.

    As he celebrates his birthday today, Thursday, Sholagbade is now seeking continued grace and protection.

    “Happy birthday to me. +1 -1. 14th of October, a day that nearly claimed my life. Long story, but today is not the day to tell the story. I need you, yes, you, to give thanks to Almighty Allah on my behalf.

    Read Also: Actor Jamiu Azeez expresses joy as Opeyemi Aiyeola grants him forgiveness

    “Thank you, Yah Allah. I don’t know how to thank you enough. I have secretly and openly given thanks to you, I have prayed secretly and openly, I have done zikir to give thanks to you, but why do I feel it is not enough? Yah Allah, please accept my Thanks given and continue your special grace in my life. Never leave me, never forsake me, Yah Allah.  Alihamdulillah Yah Robi”.

  • Over 10,000 gather for Movie in the Park 2025

    Over 10,000 gather for Movie in the Park 2025

    Movie in the Park ended 2025 on a high note as more than 10,000 movie enthusiasts attended its four events, culminating in a vibrant outdoor cinema experience in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The final event, held on December 13, 2025, featured a screening of a classic early-2000s Nollywood movie, delighting longtime fans and introducing younger audiences to a defining era of Nigerian storytelling. 

    Families, friends, couples, and film lovers filled the park, creating a communal atmosphere of laughter, nostalgia, and shared memories.

    The evening extended beyond the movie screening into a lively after-party, where music, conversations, and celebration continued late into the night, further enhancing the sense of community that defined the event.

    Speaking on the success of the Ibadan edition, Ihechi Opara, organiser of Movie in the Park, expressed excitement over the turnout and the emotional connection the event fostered. 

    “What we witnessed in Ibadan was beyond a movie night. It was a powerful gathering of people reconnecting—with Nollywood, with memories, and with one another,” he said.

    Opara added that the overwhelming response reinforced the vision behind the project. 

    “Our goal with Movie in the Park is to create experiences people never knew they were missing—spaces where friends and families can bond, relax, and enjoy quality entertainment together. The love we received in Ibadan tells us we are on the right path,” he noted.

    Building on this success, Opara announced plans to take Movie in the Park on a national tour in 2026, with outdoor movie festivals scheduled in at least ten states across Nigeria. 

    “Next year, we are expanding across the country, giving more Nigerians the opportunity to enjoy a superb outdoor movie experience that brings people together in a way that feels simple, warm, and unforgettable,” he said.

    With its combination of nostalgia, community engagement, and accessible entertainment, Movie in the Park continues to position itself as one of Nigeria’s most anticipated outdoor cultural experiences, redefining how audiences connect with film beyond traditional cinema settings.

  • Asake visits President Mahama after show in Accra

    Asake visits President Mahama after show in Accra

    Award-winning singer Asake’s recent meeting with Ghana’s President John Mahama in Accra, sparked widespread online attention.

    This meeting followed his headline performance at the AfroFuture Ghana festival, held at El-Wak Stadium as part of the “December in GH” festivities.

    The encounter, captured on video, shows Asake warmly greeting President Mahama and other guests, including Ghanaian actor John Dumelo and businessman Ibrahima Mahama.

    Read Also: Asake mourns death of fan crushed in Nairobi concert stampede

    During their interaction, Mahama joked about a fan firing a gun during Asake’s concert, saying, “So he is the one the guy fired the gun for?”

    Asake expressed regret and appealed for leniency, but Mahama responded, “Don’t worry about it. The law is the law.”

    The suspect was apprehended for the unlawful possession and discharge of a firearm at a public event.

    Asake, a Grammy-nominated artist, has released three albums and recently relocated to Los Angeles.

  • Actor Jamiu Azeez expresses joy as Opeyemi Aiyeola grants him forgiveness

    Actor Jamiu Azeez expresses joy as Opeyemi Aiyeola grants him forgiveness

    Actor Jamiu Azeez has expressed gratitude as Opeyemi Aiyeola forgives him for past mistakes.

    Azeez had publicly apologised to Aiyeola earlier this month, acknowledging the pain he caused her.

    Sharing the news on Instagram, Azeez described Aiyeola’s forgiveness as his best gift of 2025.

    He thanked fans, friends, and colleagues who supported him, especially industry seniors who intervened on his behalf.

    Azeez showered praise on Aiyeola, calling her his sister, mother, boss, mentor, and number one fan.

    He wrote, “My sister has forgiven her boy ooooo. This is my best gift of 2025.

    “I want to say a very big thank you to all my fans, friends and colleagues who pleaded on my behalf and a special thank you to my industry fathers and mothers who reached out to plead on my behalf, ese gan modupe oooo ma/sir, oro gbogbo yin ko ni ba je oooo

    “To my dearest sister, mother, boss, mentor, number one fan, cheer leader and favourite of all time, thank you, ma, for forgiving me and also giving ur boy another chance, u are indeed Abiyamo.

    “Ese ti e fi owo otun ba mi wi, ti e tun fi ti osi fa mi mora. May God never leave nor forsake you ma, eo ni ri ohun gbe sonu bikose ibi omo. Thank you so much, Mommaa, ur alaigboran/alagidi boy has learnt his lessons in a very hard way.

    I am truly sorry and sincerely remorseful for my actions, ma.

    “Please fam, help me visit her page to say a word of prayer for her on my behalf. Y”all made this possible.”

  • Mo Abudu praises Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Ini Edo for box office success

    Mo Abudu praises Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, Ini Edo for box office success

    Media personality Mo Abudu has celebrated the success of Funke Akindele, Toyin Abraham, and Ini Edo, whose movies are dominating the Nigerian box office.

    Abudu, on Instagram, praised the actresses for their outstanding performances, highlighting their creativity and strength in the film industry.

    As reported, the movies, Behind The Scenes, Oversabi Aunty, and A Very Dirty Christmas, are breaking barriers and captivating audiences nationwide.

    Abudu commended them for leading and shaping the future of Nigerian cinema. 

    She wrote, “Good morning, beautiful people! Today, let’s celebrate the phenomenal queens of the box office lighting up December in Nigeria!

    “From @FunkeJenifaAkindele’s Behind the Scenes to @Toyin_Abraham’s Oversabi Aunty and @IniEdo’s A Very Dirty Christmas, these incredible women are creating magic, breaking barriers, and showing the unstoppable strength of women in film.

    “Their stories are captivating audiences everywhere, and you can catch all these films in cinemas nationwide, including @EbonyLifeCinemas. Here’s to women leading, inspiring, and shaping the future of the Nigerian film industry.”

  • ‘Don’t take your life, reach out for help’ – Oxlade urges netizens

    ‘Don’t take your life, reach out for help’ – Oxlade urges netizens

    Afrobeats singer Oxlade has addressed the stigma surrounding mental health and encouraged open conversations by urging fans to seek help if they’re struggling with overwhelming emotions.

    Oxlade, on X, emphasised the importance of reaching out for support, highlighting that survival is only possible if one is alive to tell their story.

    The singer stressed that taking one’s life would be selfish and would hurt loved ones.

    Oxlade assured fans that difficult times are temporary and that support is available.

    “Hey there, I know Things Can Be Overwhelmingly Tough … Some of you might have been bottling it in … For so long … Survival can only happen if you’re alive to tell the tale … Please Talk To someone … So You Can Reflect if this is worth dying for.Dont take your life please that’d be so selfish of you…

    “Dont hurt the ones you love by depriving em of your existence…Im here to let you know this too shall pass … I got a news that sent shock waves through my spine and to my brothers please dont die on me …. i dont have the strength to heal from any lose again…”, he wrote.

  • Fans crown Kennyblaq ‘Greatest Showman’ after second Onikan sell-out

    Fans crown Kennyblaq ‘Greatest Showman’ after second Onikan sell-out

    Lagos again stood still last weekend as comedian and entertainer, Kennyblaq, sold out the Mobolaji Johnson Arena (formerly Onikan Stadium) for the second consecutive time with his widely celebrated Reckless Musicomedy Festival, drawing over 20,000 fans to the iconic venue.

    The back-to-back sell-out underlined Kennyblaq’s growing influence as one of Nigeria’s most formidable live performers.

    From his first appearance on stage, the atmosphere was electric as he delivered a high-energy performance that combined comedy, music, sound effects, and audience interaction, holding the massive crowd spellbound.

    The festival attracted strong support from the comedy industry, with performances from Destalker, Josh2Funny, Remote, Ajele, Larry J, SLK, Phronesis, MC Bob, Shortcut, and other comedians who kept the audience laughing throughout the night.

    Read Also: Kennyblaq, Chuks D General, Mr. Paul, Shortcut, others to perform at “Act of Mr. Steve” Concert

    Music performances added to the spectacle as veteran DJ Jimmy Jatt thrilled the crowd, alongside DJs from the Maze x Mxtreme crew, DJ Smallz, and DJ Wayward. Artistes including Nasboi, Akpororo, Segun Johnson, Bidemi Olaoba, African China, and Terry G also took turns to entertain the audience.

    Hype men such as Toby Shang, Do2dtun, Emmyblaq, Voltage of Hype, Whiteman Poco, and Slimcase further lifted the energy at the arena.

    The event was sponsored by FirstBank Nigeria, MiniMie, Nestlé Water, and Smirnoff Ice, with support from the Lagos State Signage and Advertising Agency (LASAA), while production was handled by Unicmade Entertainment in partnership with Mashbox.

    With two consecutive sold-out shows at Onikan, Kennyblaq has once again raised the bar for live entertainment, reinforcing his status as a crowd-puller and leaving fans eagerly anticipating his next outing.

  • Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ earns £16,205 in UK opening weekend

    Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ earns £16,205 in UK opening weekend

    Actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham’s film, ‘Oversabi Aunty’, has received an impressive response in the UK, earning £16,205 in its opening weekend.

    The actress and filmmaker expressed her gratitude to her UK fans on social media, acknowledging their overwhelming support.

    She wrote on Instagram, “I honestly don’t know how to thank my UK family, this love is beyond huge! Just 3 days of opening weekend in the UK, and you all showed up massively. My voice is of the Lord, and you all keep covering my body with your love and support.

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

    “Eshey Modupe. Oversabi Aunty is still showing in selected Odeon Cinemas across the UK. If you haven’t seen it yet, now is the time.”

    The movie, which was released on December 19, has been making rounds with positive reviews from fans.

  • Stop referring to me as Davido’s wife – Sophia Momodu urges fans

    Stop referring to me as Davido’s wife – Sophia Momodu urges fans

    Sophia Momodu, entrepreneur and mother of singer Davido’s first child, has publicly told fans to stop referring to her as the musician’s wife.

    In a recent video on Snapchat, Momodu expressed her frustration, stating that despite her breakup with Davido, who has since married, many fans continue to address her as his wife.

    Momodu emphasised the importance of respecting people’s choices and marriages, urging fans to move on and allow her to do the same.

    The mother of one expressed her desire for privacy and respect, stating that she has moved on from her past relationship with Davido and is focusing on her life.

    “I once met a content creator who started hailing me as ‘mama Imade, OBO [Davido’s] wife’ upon seeing me. I was shocked because I am not his wife.

    “Stop referring to me as Davido’s wife. Let’s respect people’s marriages and rules. If people have moved on, allow them to move on in peace. Allow me to move on in peace. Everyone is happy and doing what they are supposed to do,” Momodu said.