Entertainment
How We’ll Turn Around Entertainment Industry – Sanwo-Olu
The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has said his administration would be investing “heavily” in creative industry to give talented young people an opportunity to realize their potential. Entertainment and tourism industry, Sanwo-Olu said, is one of key areas his government would focus on for job creation and economic growth.
The APC candidate said he would deploy innovation and modern technology to unlock the potential of entertainment and tourism, adding an investment in creative industry would have direct impact on the economy and discourage restiveness among the youth.
Sanwo-Olu spoke when he hosted the 2018 housemates of Big Brother Naija paid him a courtesy visit in his campaign office in Ikoyi. Big Brother Naija, aired by Africa Magic, is one of the most watched television reality shows in Nigeria and Africa.
The APC candidate said his government would build entertainment hubs across the state where young people can hone their skills and promote their talents. Sanwo-Olu also pointed out that his administration would introduce a funding opportunity that would mitigate the risk and marketing challenges for innovative solutions generated by tech start-ups, stressing that young people would be engaged to drive the tourism programmes of his administration.
He said: “We have started a conversation with experienced practitioners in entertainment industry, with an objective to jointly come up with a general entertainment hub where talented young people can hone their skills in theatre, music, dancing and acting. We are looking at how the private sector can partner with us to build an entertainment destination where every Lagosian would be proud of.
“We are doing this to help the practitioners improve their creativity in film production, acting and entertainment generally. We hope this investment and effort would give our young people a new lease of life in terms of upgrading their skill and turning their skills to something valuable.”
The governorship candidate advised young people to embrace hard work and prepare themselves for opportunities that will help them realize their dreams.
He said: “Young people need to have the audacity to pursue your dreams, but they must have something that is driving them towards reaching their goals. What the government can do is to provide an enabling environment for their skills to thrive. This is what we are setting out to do if elected.”
Nigerian Grammy Award-winning artiste, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, has declared that he is bigger than Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, the father of Afrobeats musician, Seun Kuti.
Wizkid made the claim on Tuesday amid ongoing feud with Seun Kuti.
In a series of Instagram posts on Tuesday, Wizkid mocked Seun Kuti, claiming he has surpassed Fela in status.
He wrote: “Pussy boy Ebigbirdkuti ok I big pass your papa!! Wetin u one do? Fool at 40!”
In another story he wrote, “I’m big wiz everyday bigger than your papa! Wetin you wan do?”
Wizkid also took the feud to X, where he accused Seun Kuti of being a bastard who is fighting with his fan base, unlike his father, who fought for freedom while alive.
He tweeted: “Fela fight for freedom this fool Dey fight fc! Oloshi Omo ale!”
The outburst followed Seun Kuti’s recent rejection of comparisons between Wizkid and his late father, which he described as disrespectful and rooted in ignorance.
Speaking during an Instagram livestream, Seun warned Wizkid’s fanbase, popularly known as Wizkid FC, to stop portraying the singer as a modern-day Fela.
“Wizkid FC, keep Fela’s name out of your mouths. You try to claim that your fake artiste is the new Fela. When you saw that the shoes were too big to fill and people like me didn’t allow you to get away with those insults, you became uncomfortable. It is actually an insult to compare Wizkid to Fela,” Kuti said.
He accused the fanbase of lacking respect and acting out of ignorance rather than defiance.
“You people have no respect. If your lack of respect came from a place of defiance, I would respect it. But your lack of respect comes from a place of ignorance,” he added.
Seun further criticised what he described as the overzealous behaviour of some fans, saying online rivalries were harming the Nigerian music industry.
“Wizkid fans are online disrespecting Fela again. Why must you always involve Fela in your petty discussions? The overzealousness of some fans has significantly affected the music industry. Some artistes can’t even collaborate because of fan rivalries,” he said.
He went on to label Wizkid FC “the most ignorant fanbase in the world,” urging them to focus on enjoying their preferred artiste’s music without constant comparisons.
“Concentrate on your artiste. Can’t you enjoy the music without comparing it to something else? Do you know why you can’t enjoy your artiste’s music without comparisons? It’s because the music does not fill your spirit. You can pretend to enjoy it, but spiritually, you are not satisfied,” Kuti stated.
Globacom has raised the bar in mobile entertainment with the launch of Travel Saga, a premium, high-octane gaming experience now live and available exclusively to Glo subscribers.
Travel Saga is a richly woven, story-driven role-playing adventure crafted to deliver the rush, depth and competitive intensity associated with some of the world’s most celebrated action titles. Meticulously optimized for mobile devices, the game translates a console-grade experience onto data-enabled handsets, redefining mobile gaming as a fully-fledged digital battlefield.
At its core, Travel Saga propels players through fast-paced virtual odysseys set against iconic global backdrops. Gamers are plunged into relentless missions, pitched battles and ever-expanding storylines, where skill, strategy and stamina determine who ascends the ranks to emerge as a true war hero within a vibrant, constantly evolving gaming universe.
Beyond the thrill of combat, subscribers are invited to explore diverse destinations, engage in adrenaline-charged challenges and compete fiercely for in-app rewards, including victory badges and points. Each level deepens the immersion, sustaining momentum and excitement with every encounter and achievement.
The service is offered on flexible subscription plans, priced at ₦100 per day and ₦250 per week, with the convenience of one-time or auto-renewal options. Customers can subscribe instantly by dialing *70021#, unlocking immediate access to the action.
With Travel Saga, Glo once again affirms its commitment to innovation and premium digital experiences, placing world-class gaming within effortless reach of its subscribers delivering unbroken action, adventure and competition, powered seamlessly by the Glo network.
The Nigerian film industry, Nollywood, has been thrown into mourning following the sudden and tragic passing of actress and producer Allwell Ademola.
The 43-year-old actress reportedly died on Saturday, sending shockwaves through the entertainment community and her legion of fans.
According to multiple reports from within the film industry, the tragic event unfolded at Ademola’s residence, where she is said to have suffered a sudden heart attack.
She was swiftly rushed to a nearby hospital, but medical efforts were unable to save her life. The unexpected nature of her death, at such a relatively young age, has been a primary source of the widespread shock and disbelief.
News of her passing ignited an immediate and emotional outpouring of tributes on social media from heartbroken colleagues, highlighting the deep bonds within the Nollywood community and the high esteem in which she was held.
Fellow actress Faithia Williams expressed her raw grief on Instagram, writing: “Haaaa. This hit me so bad. Eniobanke. Allahu Akbar..Allwell.” Her post encapsulated the stunned reaction of many.
Actress Mide Martins marked the day as a “BLACK SATURDAY……” on Facebook, accompanying a photo of Ademola with the anguished plea, “This is not fair. May God forgive your shortcomings Allwell.”
Actor Damola Olatunji shared a somber, philosophical note with a candlelight image, captioning it simply, “Life is a mirage.”
The disbelief was palpable in the reaction of actress Bidemi Kosoko, who fervently rejected the initial reports: “No way. No, no,, no. Ko possible ooo. This isn’t true. God forbid, in Jesus’ name… I refuse to accept this one Lai Lai God forbid… Just reply to my message, abeg Oremi/ aunty mi. I will wait patiently for your reply.”
Allwell Ademola was a prominent figure in the Yoruba-language sector of Nollywood, known for her compelling performances and her work behind the camera as a producer.
Her sudden departure has left a significant void in the industry, prompting a period of collective mourning and reflection on her contributions to Nigerian cinema. Details regarding funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.
