Showbiz
COVID-19: Nigeria May Lose N3trn from Entertainment Sector—FG
By Adedapo Adesanya
The federal government has said the present coronavirus pandemic was stifling the entertainment sector’s ability to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, on Thursday, raised this alarm when he gave an insight into the report recently submitted to the government by a Post-COVID-19 Initiative Committee on the Creative Industry led by ace comedian, Mr Atunyota ‘Ali Baba’ Akpobome.
The Minister, appearing as a guest on a forum by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, said the recommendations by the committee set up to advise the government on how to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 on the creative industry, were revealing.
He disclosed that an implementation committee will be set up next Tuesday to determine which of the recommendations will be sent to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for policy decisions and the National Assembly for legislation.
“Before now, we did not know that the fashion industry accounts for almost N2 trillion revenue and that the hospitality and tourism industry accounts for about N1.2 trillion.
“The publishing and printing industry accounts for almost N1 trillion, and about N720 billion worth of books and paper enter the country annually.
“The film industry accounts for about N140 billion, the music industry revenue is over N300 billion while the comedy industry accounts for about N17 billion,” he said.
The minister said that besides the revenues generated, the report revealed how many people were employed by each sector.
“You will be amazed that though the film industry accounts for only N140 billion, it employs almost half a million people.
“The broadcast and advertising industry which I think accounts for another N500 billion also employs almost 500,000 people.
“The beauty and hair care industry does not only account for about 30,000 practitioners but also about 15,000 pieces of hair and beauty care products are sold every month in Nigeria.
“We are also able to find out through that report that under hospitality industry, about 20,000 events take place every month only in Lagos while in the year 2016, about 1.9 million events were held,” he said.
The minister said the report detailed how the COVID-19 pandemic had negatively impacted on the various industries and suggested what could be done to kick-start and sustain their growth.
Specifically, he said the distancing rules have affected the ability to go out to shoot, produce and distribute films while the lockdown affected musical concerts and invitation of musicians to social functions.
“The same goes for the fashion industry because there is nothing to trigger the demand for hair and beauty care. Of course, when there are no parties and with the face masks the people are putting on, the demand for the products has gone down,” he said.
The minister said the report equally x-rayed the gaps in some of the industries, such as the lack of enforcement especially in the area of protection of intellectual property.
He commended the committee members for selfless and detailed work in mapping and giving value to the industries and assured that the report would be implemented.
By Adedapo Adesanya
The UK-Nigeria Technology Hub has launched its Creative Fund, a first‑phase grants initiative designed to address critical technical capacity gaps across Nigeria’s film, fashion, and music industries.
According to a statement on Tuesday, the fund will support the development of local digital production capacity, encourage the adoption of modern creative technologies, and promote the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to strengthen Nigeria’s creative value chain.
The initiative directly supports the priorities of the UK‑Nigeria Economic Transformation and Investment Partnership (ETIP) Creatives Working Group, launched in March 2025 and delivers on commitments made during President Tinubu’s State visit to the UK in March 2026.
It is designed to ensure that high-potential creative projects can access the technical talent, tools, and resources required to produce, scale and complete their work locally.
Funded by the UK-Nigeria Tech Hub, under the UK Government’s Digital Access Programme and implemented by Tech4Dev, the Creative Fund responds directly evidence gathered through the State of the Creative Innovation Ecosystem in Nigeria, study in 2024. Drawing on over 1,700 survey responses, and fieldwork across seven states, the research showed that Nigeria’s creative economy employs approximately 4.2 million people and contributes around US$3 billion to GDP annually.
Despite this scale, the sector continues to face structural constraints – over 80 per cent of practitioners are self-taught, fewer than 10 per cent have access to formal financing, and high-value technical work is routinely outsourced outside the country. The Creative Fund is a direct response to these gaps and is central to the work of the ETIP Creative Working Group.
Speaking on this, Mrs Oyinkansola Akintola‑Bello, Director of the UK‑Nigeria Tech Hub, said, “Nigeria’s creative sector already delivers real economic value, and both governments have committed under the UK‑Nigeria Economic Transformation and Investment Partnership to supporting its growth. Through the ETIP Creatives Working Group, we are moving from ambition to action.
”The Creative Fund is a practical first‑phase intervention that addresses critical gaps in skills, infrastructure, and access to advanced tools, enabling Nigerian creatives to produce and scale high‑quality work locally.”
The fund will support high-potential creative projects covering three industries: Film, Fashion, and Music and will focus on initiatives that demonstrate strong potential for impact, scalability, and job creation.
It will subsidise projects that need to close technical gaps, including critical specialists like VFX artists, sound engineers, post-production editors, and design professionals, or the digital tools and resources that make professional-quality work possible locally, for example, digital asset management systems, content delivery tools, Digital Rights Management solutions, and AI-driven production technologies. The aim is straightforward: Nigeria’s best creative work should be made in Nigeria.
On his part, Mr Abraham Akpan, Tech4Dev’s Country Manager for Nigeria and Sub-Saharan Africa, said the Creative industries are a core part of the digital economy, bringing together technology, culture and entrepreneurship.
“This Fund is about ensuring that Nigeria’s creative success is underpinned by sustainable local talent and capacity, while deliberately expanding access to tools, skills and finance for those who have been historically excluded. By prioritising women-led enterprises, youth-led ventures, and underrepresented groups, the fund embeds inclusion into every stage of delivery.”
The Fund is open to creative companies, studios, production houses, fashion enterprises, and music labels leading projects with clear technical needs. Applications will be assessed on project quality, their potential for local and international impact, and the applicant’s level of commitment to co-investment. The initiative also encourages the responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, with selected projects expected to explore its application in production, storytelling, and innovation.
Applications are open now and will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the programme period.
The world’s most prestigious culinary competition has finally landed in Nigeria, bringing with it global standards, high-stakes drama, and a powerful celebration of local flavours.
MasterChef Nigeria premiered on Africa Magic Showcase (Channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (Channel 7), introducing viewers to a new era of culinary excellence.
At stake is a life-changing grand prize of ₦73 million and the coveted title of Nigeria’s first-ever MasterChef.
Ten exceptional home cooks from across the country have stepped into the MasterChef kitchen, not as professionals, but as passionate individuals driven by ambition and talent.
From a content creator in Magboro to a lawyer in Abuja, a domestic staff member in Lagos, and a cloud kitchen manager in Lekki, each contestant brings a unique story, but shares the same hunger to win.
Leading the competition are two of Nigeria’s most respected culinary figures: Chef Stone and Chef Eros.
Known for their influence and expertise, they bring both discipline and personality to the kitchen.
“I have trained over 7,000 students. Nigeria is one of the most diverse countries in the world, and our food reflects that. We just need to tell that story on a plate,” said Chef Stone.
Chef Eros adds: “MasterChef Nigeria is set to be incredibly competitive. From demanding tasks to defining moments under pressure, viewers will witness the true depth of culinary talent in this country. As we like to say, Naija no dey carry last.”
Contestants will face a series of intense, high-pressure challenges designed to test their creativity, technical skill, and resilience.
And for some, it’s strictly business.
“I am here for business. I am here to cook. I am not here to play or make friends,” said contestant Derry.
Across 13 episodes, viewers can expect a compelling mix of tension, discovery, and unforgettable moments as the competition unfolds.
MasterChef Nigeria airs every Sunday at 7:00 PM on Africa Magic Showcase (Channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (Channel 7), with repeat broadcasts on Thursdays at 12:00 PM on Africa Magic Family.
There was a time in our lives when life was simple. Not perfect, not fancy, but simple in a way that just felt complete.
We weren’t thinking about bills, deadlines, or what the future would look like. Our biggest concern? Whether NEPA would take light before our favourite show came on or if someone would change the channel at the wrong time.
Back then, happiness didn’t need planning. You’d rush through homework, eat quickly, and settle in front of the TV like it was the most important part of your day. And honestly, it was.
Those shows weren’t just shows, they were moments.
Then we grew up. Life got busier, louder, and a lot more demanding. But somehow, those memories stayed.
Sometimes it hits you out of nowhere, like a theme song or seeing your niece or nephew watching something familiar. And just like that, you’re taken back.
Back to when watching SpongeBob SquarePants felt like the highlight of your day. Back to singing along to Mickey Mouse Clubhouse like you were part of the cast. Even those “I’m too grown for cartoons” days still had room for The Thundermans and Henry Danger.
It’s funny how those shows did more than just entertain us. They gave us something to look forward to. Something that made the day feel lighter, no matter what.
But every now and then, there’s something comforting about knowing that those moments still exist somewhere. The things that once made us laugh, relax, and forget everything for a while are still there, unchanged.
Channels like Disney Junior and Nickelodeon are still running those same shows, holding onto that same kind of joy we didn’t even realise we’d miss. And platforms like GOtv quietly keep that connection alive. Because after a long day of trying to figure life out, sometimes what you need isn’t something new.
Sometimes, you just want something that reminds you of who you used to be, something that lets you sit back, laugh a little, and for a moment forget all the noise. And maybe, without even realising it, you smile, because for a few minutes, life feels simple again.
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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