Showbiz
Creative Industry Unites as MultiChoice Nigeria Leads Walk Against Piracy
The fight against content theft intensified on Thursday as MultiChoice Nigeria led stakeholders in a Walk Against Piracy from Ikeja City Mall, Lagos, drawing a powerful mix of Nollywood actors, filmmakers, directors, writers, media personalities, regulators, students, and members of the public.
The walk was part of a broader national advocacy campaign aimed at protecting Nigeria’s creative economy from the escalating damage of piracy. Participants marched through the Ikeja axis, distributing flyers, engaging passers-by, and educating the public on the dangers of piracy and its impact on livelihoods.
Veteran actor, Saidi Balogun, one of the leading voices at the walk, described piracy as “a silent killer draining the lifeblood of the creative industry.”
“People see the glamour but forget the sweat, months of work, and the hundreds of jobs behind a single film,” he said. “When you pirate a movie, you are killing someone’s dream, someone’s job, and the future of an entire industry. It must stop.”
Screenwriter and producer, Obi Emelonye, warned that piracy poses an existential threat to the next generation of creatives.
“Piracy is a menace eating deeply into the industry. If we do nothing, young creatives coming behind us will inherit an economy with no structure, no revenue, and no incentive to create,” he stated. “We cannot allow that future.”
The regulatory perspective came from Charles Amudipe, Deputy Director of Operations at the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), who emphasised both the legal and personal risks tied to piracy.
“Piracy is a criminal offence under Nigerian law, punishable by fines and imprisonment,” he said. “Beyond the legal consequences, consumers who download illegal content expose their devices to malware, identity theft, and financial fraud. It is not worth the risk.”
During the outreach, members of the public raised questions about affordability and alternatives to pirated content. The team responded by highlighting accessible, cost-friendly, and legal platforms available to consumers, underscoring that entertainment can be enjoyed responsibly without breaking the law.
Caroline Oghuma, Executive Head, Corporate Affairs at MultiChoice Nigeria, explained that the walk was a continuation of MultiChoice’s long-standing commitments to consumer education. Last month, the company led a school sensitisation programme at Kuramo Senior College in Victoria Island, teaching students how piracy harms creators and how they can unknowingly participate in it.
“We want to catch them young, take this message into communities, and meet Nigerians where they are,” Oghuma said. “Today’s walk is a reminder that protecting intellectual property is everyone’s responsibility. What we are fighting for is the survival of Nigeria’s creative future.”
Other notable participants included members of the Intellectual Property Law Advocacy Network (IPLAN), lawyers, media executives, content creators, and fans of Nigerian entertainment.
MultiChoice Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to working with regulators, industry bodies, and stakeholders to champion policies, education, and enforcement mechanisms that safeguard creative work and ensure creators receive fair reward for their labour.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP) has debunked viral news reports that that the chairman of its board of trustees, Mr Olalere Osunpaimo, well known as Lere Paimo, was dead.
In a public notice from the national Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the organisation, Mr Adejonwo Oluwafemi Femson, it was disclosed that the veteran action is “alive and well.”
Members of the public were advised to disregard the death rumour.
“We would like to inform the public that reports circulating on Facebook about the passing of Chief Olalere OsunPaimo (MFR) are FALSE.
“We have confirmed with Baba Eda Onile Ola’s wife that he is alive and in good health.
“Please disregard these false reports and be aware that they are being spread by unscrupulous individuals.
“Chief Olalere OsunPaimo (MFR), Chairman Board of Trustee Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP), is alive and well.
“We urge everyone to verify information before sharing to avoid spreading misinformation,” the notice disclosed.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The duo of Nivea and inDrive has been announced as the title sponsors of TikTok’s 2025 Sub-Saharan Africa Awards, while Coca-Cola, Dis-Chem and PEP Stores are the category sponsors.
As title sponsors, inDrive and NIVEA (Beiersdorf) will play key roles in amplifying creator recognition, supporting event experiences, and on-the ground activations.
NIVEA (Beiersdorf) will sponsor the Creator of the Year award, while inDrive will present the Storyteller of the Year award, both reflecting a shared passion for innovation, inclusivity and celebrating African voices making a global impact.
In addition, Coca-Cola is sponsoring Food Creator of the Year award, Dis-Chem is for the Social Impact Creator of the Year award, and PEP Stores is for the Entertainment Creator of the Year award.
This year’s event is slated for Saturday, December 6. It would be used to celebrate the continent’s most inspiring and innovative creators who are using the platform to educate, entertain, and empower their communities.
“We are delighted to partner with TikTok, as we share a long-standing relationship across the globe, including in the Sub-Saharan region. TikTok is a unique platform that enables us to engage with young audiences in a language and format that truly resonates with them.
“We extend our gratitude to the company for organizing The 2025 TikTok Awards Sub-Saharan Africa and congratulate all guests and participants on this remarkable event,” the Marketing Lead of inDrive Africa, Mikita Ponarin, stated.
“TikTok is proud to partner with great local and regional brands that support Africa’s creative economy. What excites us about these partnerships is the shared vision.
“These brands are making a conscious choice to invest in African creativity at a pivotal moment. They see what we see: that when we uplift creators, we strengthen entire communities and economies across the continent,” the Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa,” Boniswa Sidwaba, said.
Showbiz
The Holiday Pop-Up Show is Back: Must-Watch Shows & Festive Events Available on GOtv This December
The festive season is officially in full swing, and whether you’re stepping out to soak in the magic of Nigeria’s biggest December events or staying cosy indoors with premium entertainment, GOtv has something special lined up for you. From award-winning concerts to cultural parades, fashion fiestas, and holiday specials on TV, there’s no better time to find your happy place.
Here’s everything to keep on your radar this December:
The Experience 20 – Jesus United
The world-famous all-night gospel concert returns for its 20th edition, and it promises to be unforgettable. Convened annually by Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock, The Experience brings together extraordinary psalmists from Nigeria and around the world for one night of powerful worship under the stars.
This milestone 20th edition, themed “Jesus United,” is set to be one of the most spiritually charged yet, with international guest artists like Travis Greene, Naomi Raine, Chandler Moore, Frank Edwards and our homegrown artists like Moses Bliss, Dunsin Oyekan, Gaise Baba, Mercy Chinwo, just to name a few. It promises to be a night to remember. Watch it live on the 5th of December 2025 on the GOtv Holiday Pop Up channel, GOtv Channel 49.
Akwa Ibom Christmas Carols Festival 2025:
Get ready for one of the biggest choral gatherings in the world, AKCAROLSFEST.
This annual festival fills Uyo with music, dance, worship, and pure joy as thousands of voices ring out in harmony. Recognised globally and attended by top gospel artistes, ministers, and worshippers, the festival blends culture, faith, and celebration in the most magical way. Expect soul-lifting performances, vibrant choreography, and the kind of energy that reminds you why December is so special. Shows 19th December 2025 on the GOtv Holiday Pop Up channel, GOtv Channel 49.
Carnival Calabar & Festival 2025 – Traces of Time:
Who says you have to travel all the way to Calabar to experience one of Africa’s biggest street parties when you can just watch it from the comfort of your home on the GOtv Holiday Pop Up channel, GOtv channel 49.
This year, the Calabar festival is celebrating its 20th anniversary, and it’s going bigger, brighter, and bolder with the theme, “Traces of Time,” which revisits the carnival’s journey while ushering in a new era of spectacle. From breathtaking costumes and extravagant floats to acrobatics, pyrotechnics, magic, music, and colourful processions, Calabar becomes a theatre without walls.
The 20th anniversary promises a masterclass in cultural expression and creative storytelling, an immersive blend of dance, drama, fashion, and rhythm that pulls in spectators from across the world.
And it’s not just the parade, December in Calabar is a full month of world-class festivities from:
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African Fashion Fiesta – 23rd Dec
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Festival of Carols & Nine Lessons – 24th Dec
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Calabar Fiesta Christmas Concert – 25th Dec
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Night of Kings & Queens of the Carnival Bands – 26th Dec
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Junior Carnival (Future Assured) – 27th Dec
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Queen of Humanity Cross River – 28th Dec
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Carnival Calabar Parade of the Bands & Feather Concert – 29th Dec
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Insomnia Night – 30th Dec
There’s truly something for everyone, culture lovers, fashionistas, families, and nighttime explorers alike. Whether you’re tuning in from your living room or joining the festivities live, December is already giving everything it needs to. And with GOtv keeping you plugged in to the best shows, movies, and specials all season long, your happy place is always just a click away.
Simply download the MyGOtv app or dial *288# to upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect. To catch up and for on-the-go viewing, don’t forget to download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
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