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).
By Adedapo Adesanya
Mr Peter Okoye, professionally known as Mr P, has alleged that a proposed multi-billion Naira sale of the defunct P-Square’s music catalogue collapsed after prospective buyers uncovered irregularities during the due diligence process.
This revelation offers a fresh financial dimension to the long-running dispute that has divided Nigeria’s most successful music duos.
The singer made the allegation in a video series posted on his social media pages, where he shared his account of the events surrounding the group’s 2021 reunion and the disagreements that followed with his twin brother, Mr Paul “Rudeboy” Okoye, and their elder brother and former manager, Mr Jude “Engees” Okoye.
According to Mr P, the failed catalogue transaction occurred after the brothers publicly reunited in 2021.
He alleged that interested buyers had made offers worth billions of Naira for the rights to P-Square’s music catalogue, but the proposed deal did not proceed after issues were allegedly discovered in backend records submitted as part of the due diligence process.
As of press time, neither Rudeboy nor Mr Jude Okoye has publicly responded to the latest allegation.
Mr P’s claims add another layer to the financial disagreements that have repeatedly overshadowed the affairs of the award-winning music duo, whose catalogue includes hit songs such as Bizzy Body, Do Me, Personally, No One Like You and Chop My Money.
Beyond the alleged failed sale, the singer claimed that shortly after the brothers reconciled in 2021, he was asked by his two other brothers to sign documents aimed at reviving P-Square under a new bank account.
The music maker said he declined because he wanted to preserve the renewed family relationship rather than return to a business arrangement he believed could recreate the conflicts that had led to the group’s earlier split.
Mr P also alleged that before the reunion, both Rudeboy and Jude had disagreed over a N90 million loan. According to him, Rudeboy assured him that he would be kept informed about discussions taking place behind his back.
The singer insisted that the widely celebrated reunion in November 2021 was never intended to revive P-Square as a commercial entity. Instead, he said the brothers had only agreed to reconcile as family members while continuing their respective solo music careers and supporting each other’s work.
P-Square, formed in 1999 by Peter and Paul Okoye with Jude serving as manager, became one of Africa’s biggest music acts before publicly splitting in 2017 following years of disagreements over management, finances and creative control. Although the brothers reunited in 2021 and returned to the stage, their relationship deteriorated again, with Rudeboy later confirming that P-Square no longer existed.
The latest revelations also come against the backdrop of an ongoing criminal case involving Mr Jude Okoye.
Last year, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the former manager before the Federal High Court in Lagos on allegations involving approximately N1.38 billion, $1 million and £34,537.59 in alleged money laundering. He has since pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
Mr P, who testified for the prosecution during the trial, said his video series is far from over and promised to continue sharing what he described as the true story behind the collapse of P-Square and the business decisions that ultimately strained the family’s relationship.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Popular musician, Mrs Iyun Janet Oluwatoyosi Ajilore, otherwise known as Saint Janet, has died.
The singer, known for her explicit lyrics, was said to have died in the early hours of Sunday, August 2, 2026, after a brief illness.
Her demise has thrown some of her admirers into shock. Some of her fans and colleagues have started to send their condolences.
The Highlife musician, who is also fondly called Mama Yabis, rose to fame after her controversial Faaji Plus featured lewd lyrics and was banned multiple times by regulatory bodies like PMAN and the Lagos State House of Assembly.
However, this did not stop her from performing at private events, as she was loved by some who were moved by her guts and electrifying live performances, energetic stage presence, and unique style of engaging audiences through satire, humour, and socially unfiltered commentaries.
The battle of the sexes continued in Big Brother Naija Season 11 as the gentlemen claimed victory in this week’s wager task presentation, while the ladies fell short in a debate centred on the age-old question: Nature or Nurture?
From the start of the season, Biggie split the House into two teams, with the ladies and gentlemen to compete against each other in key challenges, including wager task presentations and arena games. For this week’s wager, the teams were assigned opposing sides in a Nature versus Nurture debate, with the gentlemen arguing that inherited traits have the greatest influence on who people become, while the ladies defended the idea that people are largely shaped by their upbringing, environment and life experiences.
After both teams presented their arguments, Biggie declared the gentlemen the winners of the wager. While announcing the result, he admitted that neither team delivered an outstanding performance, noting that the House is still in its “honeymoon phase” and that he was selecting a winner based on the stronger overall presentation.
Despite his reservations, Biggie singled out Nomy, Neche, Chimsom Chuka, Cassi and Gerard for their standout contributions, praising their confidence, delivery and commitment during the task.
With one team victory secured, the rivalry between the ladies and the gentlemen continues to heat up, and the competition is only getting tougher.
But that’s not the only thing viewers have to look forward to this weekend. All eyes are now on the Saturday night party and Sunday’s live show, where the mystery surrounding The Gambit will finally be revealed. Tune in from 7:00 p.m on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 and GOtv channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 and GOtv channel 7) to find out who The Gambit is and what it could mean for the game as the twists in Big Brother Naija Season 11 continue to unfold.
Keep up with all the drama, twists and surprises on DStv and GOtv, or stream the show live on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream.
