Entertainment
Nollywood Actress Allwell Ademola Dies at 43
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.
Members of Nigeria’s entertainment industry turned out in large numbers on Wednesday for the service of songs of late actor Alex Ekubo.
Ekubo died on May 11, 2026, after a battle with kidney cancer.
Colleagues, friends, and dignitaries filled The Monarch Event Centre for the ceremony, dressed strictly in white as requested by the Ekubo family.
Attendees included Funke Akindele, Kate Henshaw, Chioma Akpotha, Ebele Okaro, Nancy Isime, Ruth Kadiri, Nkechi Blessing, Stan Nze, Blessing Obasi, Ik Ogbonna, Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, singer Chike, and socialite Cubana Chief Priest.
The evening featured worship led by gospel ministers Peterson Okopi and Ebuka Songs, with Pastor Jerry Eze, Nathaniel Bassey, and Kaestrings also ministering.
The Ekubo family had earlier released an obituary on the late actor’s Instagram page, asking the public to keep them in prayer.
Wednesday’s service of songs officially opened Alex Ekubo’s burial rites.
The funeral moves to Arochukwu, Abia State, for a wake-keep on June 17, with burial scheduled for June 18.
Tamunosoye Karibi-George has been crowned Miss World Nigeria 2026 after emerging winner at the pageant’s grand finale held at Balmoral Hall, Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, on Saturday, June 6, 2026.
The 26-year-old beauty queen, who represented Bayelsa State and hails from Port Harcourt, Rivers State, beat 19 other contestants in the competition themed “Pride, Power and Purpose.”
She succeeds Joy Mojisola Raimi, Miss World Nigeria 2025, and will represent Nigeria at the 73rd Miss World Festival scheduled to hold in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from August 9 to September 5, 2026.
Miss Karibi-George is the founder of Beyond Labels, an initiative that supports children with special needs and promotes inclusion and equal opportunities.
Joining Karibi-George in the top five were Dionne Chisom Nwagbo of Anambra State, who finished as first runner-up; Shuntell Ezomo of Edo State, who emerged second runner-up; Irene Irene of Abuja; and Gold of Rivers State.
Miss World Nigeria, organized by the Silverbird Group, is one of Nigeria’s leading beauty pageants and selects the country’s representative for the international Miss World competition.
Award-winning artiste – Davido – is scheduled to perform at FIFA’s World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert in Los Angeles, adding another major global platform to his career.
Davido will perform alongside Major Lazer, the music project led by producer Diplo.
FIFA announced the lineup on Instagram, noting that more special guests will be unveiled in the coming days.
The concert is part of FIFA’s first synchronised live entertainment series across the tournament’s three host nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“Featuring Diplo’s Major Lazer and Davido, and more special guests to be announced soon,” FIFA wrote.
The Los Angeles show will open doors at 5:00pm PT, with the live broadcast beginning at 6:00pm PT.
The series is designed to link audiences across the host countries, with simultaneous live performances streamed from Mexico City and Toronto.
FIFA said the event will stream globally across its digital platforms, including an exclusive livestream on TikTok.
Full concert and behind-the-scenes footage will be available on VuMe Live the following day.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup begins June 11, 2026.
