Showbiz
Alex Eyengho, 51 Others Get Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
A prolific Nigerian filmmaker, Mr Alex Eyengho, has been selected as one of the 52 beneficiaries of the Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund (CESF) for movie producers in the West and Central African regions.
The fund will provide financial support to its beneficiaries, including access to quality tertiary education in film and TV-focused disciplines.
The scholarship fund for Sub-Saharan students is part of Netflix’s global Creative Equity Fund, launched in 2021, which is a dedicated effort to help build new opportunities for underrepresented communities within entertainment.
Through the initiative, Netflix supports external organisations committed to creating equitable opportunities in the TV and film industries, as well as bespoke Netflix programs that help us to identify, train and provide job placement for up-and-coming talent globally.
Speaking at the unveiling of the beneficiaries at a stakeholder event hosted by the National Film and Video Censor Board (NFVCB) in Lagos, the Director of Public Policy for sub-Saharan Africa at Netflix, Shola Sanni, said, “Netflix is on the cusp of taking Nigeria to the global stage.
“Beyond this, our goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem to assist talents, tell their stories. This is why we remain committed to the continent and Nigeria.
“We care for the growth of talents and are passionate about the future of the industry and want to enable Nigerian creators to access the global market.
“This is why today is all about celebrating the scholars who will be responsible for telling African stories, whether in front or behind the camera, it’s about putting Africa on the global map.”
Also, an executive director at NFVCB, Mr Adedayo Thomas, said the agency was “impressed that this initiative awarded 52 beneficiaries from the region with 27 from Nigeria alone.”
“We’ll continue to call upon companies like Netflix to work with us to position the country as a skilled manpower force.
“It is my strong belief that this initiative is proof that Nigeria has the talent and the ability to rise up to the global community, offering best-in-class quality content. It has also demonstrated the commitment of our partners to strengthening the pipeline of talent.
“Offering opportunities for job creation with creative youths willing to add value to their community and the overall creative economy,” he added.
Business Post gathered that all the beneficiaries would receive a full scholarship which includes – tuition, accommodation, a living stipend and education supplies.
The programme is currently being administered by Dalberg in partnership with the five institutions of higher learning in the region that will support the formal qualification and training of aspiring creatives from the region.
The trio of Alex Eyengho, Donatus Ekwuazi, and Nicole Emechebe will attend their training at the PAN-Atlantic University (Nigeria); 24 beneficiaries will be at the National film institute Jos (Nigeria), and they are Nanmet Dakup, Grace Lasisi, Nkemakonam Onejeme, Timchang Miri, George-Isaac Dadzie, Joseph Ogbe, Anothony Nnaji, Aduragbemi Ogundiran, Oluyomi Taiwo, Evelyn Inyang, Emeka Ikpechukwu, Collins Okorocha, McRoberts Metseyinor, Fatgan Agati, Aisa Zerubabel, Blessing Izang, Stephen Okoh, Nifuk Mafuyai, Lois Bewarang, Samson Alaba, Ezichi Okeke, Rukayat Zubair, Mary Orjiakor, and Divine-gift Ibewuike.
Also, the duo of Thephor Koumou-Mba and Adriana Ndemby will be at the Institut Philippe Maury de l’Audiovisuel et du Cinéma (IPMAC) du groupe EM-Gabon Université (EMGU); while Samuel Laryea, Seth Aydin, Linda Amemordzi, Gilbert Carrey, Kakra Opare-Asiedu, Lydia Flika, Payin Opare-Asiedu, Magdaline Masopeh would be at the National Film and Television Institute (Ghana).
Furthermore, Sekinatou Bio, Belvina Djossou, Kate Djiwan, Mirabellel Tossa, Melvina Afanou, Lazarine Damando, Imelda Batamoussi, Zigan Jean-Pierre Medegoun, Elfrid Benon, Franck Anikakpo, Irésan Bassaley, Milka Degan, Chrétia Vodounon, Nouriyath Moussibayi and Claudia -Manuela Tanoh would be at the Institut Supérieur des Métiers de l’Audiovisuel (ISMA) (Benin).
After days of anticipation, Flora and Aikou have been confirmed as this season’s Gambits after receiving the highest number of votes from viewers. This was revealed during Sunday’s live show, where host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu announced the pair as the viewers’ choices.
Introduced as a brand-new twist for Season 11, The Gambit guarantees two selected housemates a place in the House until the final day. Although they will participate in tasks and House activities throughout the season, they will not be eligible to compete for the grand prize.
Sunday’s live show also marked the end of the Ladies-versus-Gentlemen format that defined the opening weeks of the competition. With the teams officially dissolved, the housemates will now compete as individuals.
Biggie also unveiled this week’s wager task, Game On, challenging the housemates to define the identity of Season 11. Through a creative presentation incorporating elements such as a logo, slogan, song, artwork and props, the housemates have been tasked with capturing what they believe this edition of Big Brother Naija should stand for and how they want it to be remembered.
The excitement continues today with the second Head of House Challenge at 2:00 p.m., where housemates will once again battle for power in the House. This will be followed by this week’s nomination show at 7:00 p.m., when viewers will find out who will become the first set of housemates to face possible eviction.
With Flora and Aikou’s fate in the House secured till the last day and the housemates now playing as individuals, the stakes have never been higher as the battle for the grand prize gathers momentum.
Viewers can enjoy the 24/7 BBNaija Season 11 experience on DStv and GOtv, or stream every episode live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.
For more updates, visit Africa Magic’s Big Brother Naija page and follow #BBNaija on X (@bbnaija), Instagram (@bigbronaija) and Facebook (Big Brother Naija).
By Adedapo Adesanya
Former P-Square manager, Mr Jude Okoye, has dismissed fresh allegations by his younger brother, Peter Okoye, professionally known as Mr P, insisting he never diverted the group’s earnings.
His response comes after Mr P claimed that the proposed sale of the defunct group’s multi-billion Naira music catalogue collapsed due to financial irregularities, including disputes over royalty payments, backend records and access to the group’s digital assets.
The music executive described the allegations as “blatant lies” and “manipulative tactics,” arguing that the issues raised by Mr P had already been investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and are currently before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
“So, what is he doing, coming out again now, if not to spill emotional blackmail, manipulate, and make me look like a bad person by dragging Paul into this?” he said.
Responding to allegations that he diverted royalty payments, Mr Okoye said the disputed funds were distributed based on instructions contained in a June 1, 2016, email from Arrow Kings and IROKO.
According to him, the correspondence directed that Mr P receive $12,891, while $25,782 meant for Jude and Paul be paid into the Nosa Entertainment account.
He argued that Mr P presented only part of the transaction publicly, creating the impression that he and Paul had appropriated funds belonging to the entire group.
Jude also rejected claims that his younger brother was excluded from the group’s bank accounts.
Displaying what he said were account mandate documents from FCMB, he maintained that Peter, Paul and himself were all authorised signatories to P-Square’s accounts, disputing claims made by Peter.
He further claimed the matter was addressed during court proceedings, where Peter allegedly acknowledged being a signatory after documentary evidence was presented.
Addressing the controversy surrounding the proposed catalogue sale, Jude denied withholding backend records or streaming data from potential investors.
He said Peter requested royalty statements and catalogue documents on October 16, 2022, after which he immediately contacted Lex Records.
According to him, the financial statements were forwarded the same day, while the backend logs were received six days later and sent to Peter without delay.
He therefore dismissed claims that it took more than three months to provide the documents, describing the allegation as false.
Jude maintained that the disputed royalty payments, email correspondence and supporting documents had already been reviewed during the EFCC investigation.
He claimed Peter and his legal representatives were shown the records during the probe and raised no objections at the time.
Accusing his younger brother of attempting to retry the matter on social media while the case remains before the court, Jude said the videos were intended to manipulate public opinion and drag Paul Okoye into the dispute.
Jude said he would leave the issues to be determined by the court, adding that Peter had failed to attend some recent court sittings, resulting in the matter being adjourned until September. He also claimed his bank accounts, passport and travel documents remain restricted because of the ongoing proceedings.
“If I’m found guilty, if they prove I took even one Kobo that wasn’t mine, let them send me to jail. I’m ready for that,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, Peter had not publicly responded to Jude’s latest claims. The criminal proceedings remain pending before the Federal High Court in Lagos, where Jude has pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.
There aren’t many TV shows that can make you remember characters more than a decade after you first met them.
Mention Sheila Gardia or Freddy Ade-Williams and anyone who has followed Tinsel instantly remembers the boardroom battles, unexpected betrayals, complicated romances and family feuds that made it impossible to stop at just one episode. Through every season, viewers have watched alliances shift, businesses rise and fall, and relationships survive or crumble under pressure.
Now, the story continues.
Season 19 of Tinsel premieres on Monday, August 3, taking viewers back into the world of the Ade-Williams family, where the drama is far from over. This season, the Reel Group is looking to grow bigger than ever, but that growth comes with new enemies determined to bring the company down. As business rivalries heat up and people begin plotting against each other, familiar faces will also have to deal with personal challenges and unexpected investigations that could change everything. If there’s one thing Tinsel has always proven, it’s that just when you think things are finally settling down, another twist is around the corner.
The new season welcomes back familiar faces including Ireti Doyle as Sheila Gardia, Dozie Onyiriuka as Freddy Ade-Williams, Linda Ejiofor as Bimpe, Ibrahim Suleiman as Damini, Iyke Okechukwu as Chuks and Florence Uwaleke Okechukwu as Ene, alongside the gripping storytelling that has kept audiences invested for nearly two decades.
Catch new episodes of Tinsel every weekday from Monday, August 3, at 7:30 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv Channel 8).
And just when you think the drama is over…
Africa Magic is also introducing a brand-new story that asks one simple question: What happens when the truth you’ve been protected from is finally revealed? Premiering on the same day is Secret Lives, a brand-new drama that explores what happens when hidden truths finally come to light.
The series follows Zee, whose life takes an unexpected turn after a shocking discovery puts her relationship and future in doubt. As she begins to uncover secrets that have been hidden from her for years, she is forced to deal with heartbreak, betrayal and difficult choices while trying to protect the people she loves.
Blending romance, family drama and suspense, Secret Lives stars Oluchi Amajuoyi, Keppy Ekpeyong, Nonso Odogwu, Eyiyemi Olivia Rogbinyin, Ejiro Badare, Floyd Igbo and Favour Etim in a story where every episode promises fresh twists and emotional turns.
The series, produced by FEEMO and helmed by AMVCA-nominated showrunner James Omokwe, explores themes of love, identity and generational secrets, making it the perfect follow-up for viewers who enjoy emotionally layered dramas.
Secret Lives premieres on Monday, August 3, with new episodes airing weekdays at 8:30 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv Channel 8), with episodes also available on DStv Stream.
Whether you’re returning to the familiar world of Tinsel or diving into the mysteries of Secret Lives, one thing is certain: August is bringing the kind of stories that will keep you counting down to the next episode.
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.
