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Ecobank Nigeria to Host Photography, Art, Design Exhibition

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Design Exhibition

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

As part of activities to commemorate this year’s World Photography Day slated for Friday, August 19, Ecobank Nigeria will host a Photography, Arts and Design Exhibition (PADE).

The 3-day event themed A Canvas for Africa’s Creatives will hold at the state-of-the-art head office complex of the bank, Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), on Ozumba Mbadiwe, Victoria Island from Friday, August 19 to Sunday, August 21, 2022.

The Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications of Ecobank Nigeria, Mr Jide Sipe, explained in a statement that the exhibition was conceived by the financial institution to help showcase the brilliance of Nigerian creatives to the world.

He further stated that the exhibition is part of the bank’s current strategy as a pan-African bank to sustain its legacy as a foremost supporter of the creative industry in the country, noting that it provides a platform for harnessing and powering the creativity of the African continent.

The event, which he said is open for members of the public to attend for free, will witness an assemblage of creative influencers in photography, visual arts, vocal and dramatic arts, and designs, adding that there will also be digital engagement ideas for creatives, photography contest and draws on social media, amongst others.

“At the event, we expect portrait photographers, event photographers, landscape photo artists and basically everyone with lenses to capture moments and frame memories in time.

“We also expect creative influencers in visual arts such as painters, calligraphers, cartoonists, make-up artists and basically everyone good with a brush or pen. In attendance too will be spoken word poets, influencers, videographers and basically everyone who can compose a distinct audio-visual reality.

“We are in contact with architects, interior designers, graphic designers and basically everyone who enjoys bringing abstractions to life. There will also be side attractions, including games, photo booths, performances, VR station for kids, and 3D virtual art displays,” he said.

Mr Sipe further called on all creatives and influencers to do short videos introducing and showcasing themselves on social media.

“We will have a contest where people would take pictures or paint a notable Nigerian landmark and share their inspiration with us.

“Participants must hashtag their photos or paintings with #Padebyecobank to participate. There will also be a raffle draw on social media to determine who wins the free family photoshoot during the exhibition. This is open to people who attend the exhibition. It is a total package,”

Modupe Gbadeyanka is a fast-rising journalist with Business Post Nigeria. Her passion for journalism is amazing. She is willing to learn more with a view to becoming one of the best pen-pushers in Nigeria. Her role models are the duo of CNN's Richard Quest and Christiane Amanpour.

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Dividends: A Must-Watch Series on Africa Magic

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Dividends africa magic

A new kind of story is unfolding on Africa Magic Showcase, and it’s one that feels all too familiar.

Dividends, a gripping Nigerian dramedy, dives into the emotional and financial fallout of a failed Ponzi scheme, placing everyday realities at the centre of its storytelling.

Premiered on March 30, 2026, Dividends airs Mondays to Wednesdays at 8:30 PM WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (GOtv Channel 8), and is also available for streaming on DStv and GOtv Stream, making it easily accessible for viewers to follow every twist as it unfolds.

At the heart of the series is “The Golden Bars,” a too-good-to-be-true investment scheme that ultimately collapses, leaving devastation in its wake. What follows is a layered narrative that tracks the lives of three strangers brought together by shared loss of money, stability, and, in many ways, identity.

Through its characters, Dividends explores themes that resonate deeply within the Nigerian context: the lure of quick wealth, the pressure to succeed, and the quiet resilience required to rebuild when everything falls apart. It’s a story that doesn’t just entertain, it reflects.

Leading the story is Riyo David as Isa, alongside a dynamic cast including Ronnie Dikko, Omattuteejames, Cassiee_jae, Floydigbo, and Koko_ashley, each bringing depth to a narrative shaped by ambition, desperation, and consequence.

Blending drama, suspense, and social commentary, Dividends sparks conversation. As the series unfolds, viewers can expect to be drawn into a world where choices carry weight, and every decision has a ripple effect.

For audiences looking for something both engaging and thought-provoking, Dividends fast becoming one to watch.

To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.

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5 Best AI UGC Video Generators Tested

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Pollo AI

User-generated content (UGC) continues to shape how brands connect with audiences across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. However, producing consistent and authentic content at scale often requires significant time, budget, and coordination with creators. This is where an AI UGC video generator becomes a practical solution.

These tools allow marketers and creators to generate UGC-style videos using AI avatars, prompts, or templates—reducing reliance on traditional production workflows. Below are five of the best AI UGC video generator platforms in 2026, with Pollo AI leading the list for its ad-focused capabilities.

1. Pollo AI

Pollo AI is a specialized AI UGC video generator built for creating high-volume, user-generated style ads with minimal effort. It allows users to generate videos by adding a product link, uploading images, or simply describing the ad. There is also an option to upload a reference ad, making it easier to recreate successful formats or adapt viral video styles for new campaigns.

The platform supports a wide range of formats, including UGC ads, explainer videos, story videos, news-style clips, and music videos. It also enables users to clone video ads or replicate viral content patterns, which is useful for rapid creative testing. This flexibility helps teams produce multiple variations quickly without rebuilding content from scratch.

A key strength of Pollo AI is its lifelike AI avatars with accurate lip-syncing. These avatars simulate real creators, offering diverse demographics and natural delivery styles that make videos feel more authentic. Combined with built-in voiceovers and background music, users can easily produce polished UGC-style ads without hiring actors or influencers.

The workflow is straightforward: upload a presenter image, input a script, adjust video settings, and generate the final output in minutes. Many teams adopt solutions like AI UGC video generator with Pollo AI tools to scale campaigns efficiently while maintaining control over messaging and creative direction.

Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator

  • Generate ads from product links, images, or prompts
  • Clone viral videos and replicate ad formats
  • Lifelike avatars with realistic lip-sync
  • Multiple formats including UGC ads and story videos
  • Built-in voiceovers and music customization

Best Use Cases

Pollo AI is well-suited for performance marketing, especially for brands running paid campaigns on TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts. It works well for rapid A/B testing, influencer-style ads, personalized campaign creatives, and even as a YouTube outro maker to create engaging endings for video content.

2. Pika AI

Pika AI is a creative-focused AI UGC video generator that emphasizes visual storytelling and stylization. It allows users to turn simple prompts into short, engaging video clips, often with dynamic motion and artistic effects that resemble user-generated edits seen on social platforms.

The platform is designed for speed and experimentation. Users can quickly generate multiple variations of a concept, making it easier to test different creative directions. While the output may lean more toward stylized visuals than hyper-realistic UGC, it can still capture attention effectively in crowded feeds.

Pika AI also offers intuitive controls for adjusting motion, transitions, and overall tone. This makes it accessible for beginners while still providing enough flexibility for creators who want to explore unique visual styles.

Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator

  • Prompt-based video creation
  • Strong visual stylization and effects
  • Fast rendering for short clips
  • Simple and accessible interface

Best Use Cases

Pika AI is suitable for meme videos, creative experiments, and short-form content designed to stand out visually on TikTok and Instagram.

3. Runway

Runway is a more advanced AI UGC video generator that combines AI-powered generation with professional editing tools. It supports text-to-video and image-to-video workflows, along with features like background removal and motion tracking.

The platform is particularly useful for users who want greater control over the final output. Instead of relying solely on automation, creators can refine details and adjust elements throughout the editing process. This balance between AI assistance and manual control makes Runway versatile across different skill levels.

While it may have a steeper learning curve compared to simpler tools, Runway delivers high-quality results suitable for more polished UGC-style content.

Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator

  • Text-to-video and image-to-video generation
  • Advanced editing tools and controls
  • High-quality output
  • Flexible workflow for creators

Best Use Cases

Runway is ideal for branded campaigns, product videos, and UGC-style content that requires additional editing and refinement.

4. HeyGen

HeyGen is an avatar-driven AI UGC video generator focused on creating talking-head style videos. It allows users to input scripts and generate videos featuring realistic AI presenters with natural lip-sync and expressions.

The platform supports multiple languages and voice options, making it suitable for global marketing campaigns. Its structured workflow ensures consistent results, which is useful for businesses that need uniform messaging across multiple videos.

Although it is less flexible in terms of creative formats compared to other tools, HeyGen excels in producing clear, human-like communication in video form.

video generator tools

Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator

  • Realistic AI avatars with lip-sync
  • Script-based video generation
  • Multi-language support
  • Consistent output quality

Best Use Cases

HeyGen works well for explainer videos, product introductions, and localized marketing content that requires a human presence.

5. CapCut AI

CapCut AI is a widely used AI UGC video generator that combines AI features with traditional video editing tools. It offers capabilities such as auto-captioning, background removal, and template-based editing tailored for social media content.

The platform is especially accessible, making it a popular choice for beginners and casual creators. Its templates are often aligned with trending formats, helping users quickly produce videos that match current content styles.

CapCut AI also integrates smoothly with social media workflows, allowing users to edit and publish content efficiently without switching tools.

Key Features of This AI UGC Video Generator

  • Easy-to-use interface
  • AI-powered editing tools
  • Pre-built templates for trends
  • Social media integration

Best Use Cases

CapCut AI is best for quick content creation, including TikTok videos, Instagram Reels, and short-form clips that follow trending formats.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right AI UGC video generator depends on the user’s goals. Pollo AI is particularly strong for scalable ad production and campaign testing, while Pika AI focuses on creativity and visual experimentation. Runway offers advanced control, HeyGen specializes in avatar-based communication, and CapCut AI provides accessibility for everyday content creation.

As demand for UGC-style videos continues to grow, these tools offer practical ways to produce engaging content efficiently while adapting to different creative and marketing needs.

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How to Vote in AMVCA 12: Step-by-Step Guide for Fans Across Africa

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How to Vote in AMVCA 12

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards 12 is here, and beyond the glitz and glamour, fans across Africa have a powerful role to play, deciding who takes home some of the biggest awards of the night.

With 11 out of 32 categories open to public voting, this is your chance to support your favourite actors, filmmakers, and content creators.

Voting officially opened on March 29, 2026, and runs until April 26, 2026, ahead of the awards ceremony on May 9, 2026.

Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to help you cast your votes.

Step 1: Visit the Official Voting Platforms

Go to the official Africa Magic voting platform via: The Africa Magic website: www.africamagic.tv/amvca and the MyDStv or MyGOtv mobile app.

Once there, click on the “Vote” section to begin.

Step 2: Register an Account

If you’re a first-time user, create an account by providing:

  • Full name

  • Year of birth

  • Gender

  • Country/location

  • Mobile number (in international format)

  • Password

You’ll receive a verification code (OTP) via SMS or WhatsApp. Enter it to activate your account.

And if you’re already registered? Simply log in.

Step 3: Log In

Use your:

Registered mobile number

Password

Step 4: Choose Your Favourite Nominees

Browse through the voting categories and select your preferred nominees.

Public voting categories include:

  • Best Digital Content Creator

  • Best Short Film

  • Best Scripted M-Net Original

  • Best Unscripted M-Net Original

  • Best Indigenous M-Net Original

  • Best Indigenous Language Film (West, East, South, North & Central Africa)

  • Best Movie

Step 5: Allocate Your Votes

You can cast up to 100 votes per platform.

Distribute your votes across multiple nominees or go all-in on your top favourites, it’s your call.

Step 6: Submit Your Vote

Click “Vote” to submit, and your votes will be counted immediately.

Important Things to Remember

  • Voting is free (data charges may apply)

  • Only selected categories are open to public voting

  • Voting closes on April 26, 2026

  • Late votes will not be counted

The Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards is more than just an awards show; it’s a celebration of African storytelling shaped by both industry experts and fans like you.

So don’t just watch, vote, support your favourites, and be part of the moment.

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