Showbiz
Coronation Celebrates Art Patronage, Cultural Stewardship
By Adedapo Adesanya
Top financial service institution, Coronation Group, hosted a landmark art exhibition to celebrate art patronage and cultural stewardship.
The event held on May 29 brought together an elegant gathering of Nigeria’s leading business minds, creatives, diplomats, and cultural custodians for an evening that reaffirmed the transformative power of art to connect, elevate, and preserve.
Coronation Art Gallery’s first showcase of the year was curated under the theme Custodians of Legacy: Collecting with Purpose.
The exhibition featured the private collections of Mr Hakeem Adedeji and Ms Ngozi Edozien — two visionary collectors whose patronage of African art spans decades. Their works, thoughtfully selected and presented by curator Ms Ugoma Ebilah, invited guests into a moving journey through identity, memory, and meaning.
The programme drew high-profile figures, including Ms JoEllen Gorg, Acting Consul General at the US Consulate General, Lagos; Mr Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Coronation Group; and a mix of CEOs, diplomats, clients, art patrons, and collectors.
Among them were Mrs Nimi Akinkugbe, Mr Femi Akinsanya, Mr Nduka Obaigbena, Dr Godwin Ehigiamusoe, among others.
Held at the Coronation Art Gallery in Victoria Island, Lagos, the exhibition further reinforced Coronation’s commitment to platforms that elevate culture while deepening client engagement.
Since its founding in May 2022 under the vision of Mr Aig-Imoukhuede, the gallery has showcased rare private collections, including last year’s landmark exhibition headlined by the Honourable Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun, which celebrated prominent female collectors and cultural leaders.
Commenting on the May exhibition, Mrs Ngozi Akinyele, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Coronation, noted: “This exhibition is special because it reflects the full arc of the art ecosystem — spanning creation, curation, collecting, conservation, and commerce.
“Coronation is proud to be at its heart, using our own programming and partnerships to democratise access to art and support the growth of the creative economy in a way that’s both inclusive and enduring.”
On his part, Mr Jibola Odedina, CEO Coronation Securities, said, “The Coronation Art Gallery reflects who we are and what we value. Our quarterly exhibitions remind our clients and community that legacy isn’t just what you build financially; it’s what you preserve culturally, and pass on thoughtfully.”
Sharing his personal journey as a collector and patron of the arts, Mr Hakeem Adedeji said, “I have been collecting Samuel Ajobiewe’s works for over 25 years. We set up Kobomoje, a residency in Ibadan, and we run programmes that support artists. We support people who do various activities within the ecosystem — not because we want anything in return — but because it gives me satisfaction that I’m supporting the whole art ecosystem.”
At the event, guests were encouraged not only to engage with the art, but to reflect on the deeper narrative behind the collections — one rooted in the timeless African values of care, memory, and the pursuit of impact.
Coronation Art Gallery reiterated its commitment to position itself as a platform that transcends aesthetics, serving as a meeting point for art, capital, and culture.
Winner Achimugu, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Best Graduating Student 2024, has embarked on a six-week scholarship at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). This achievement not only celebrates her exceptional talent and dedication but also reinforces MTF’s commitment to nurturing world-class African filmmakers ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Since its inception, MTF has been more than just a training ground; it’s a launchpad for African storytellers. Alumni from the academy have consistently demonstrated excellence, with films and projects winning awards, receiving grants, and gaining international recognition. Notable projects include 2070, which clinched Best Short Film at the African SDGs Film Festival, and Isekonu, a Zee World short film, officially selected for the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 and nominated for Best Student Film at the Bayelsa International Film Festival.
These achievements reflect MTF’s ethos of equipping young filmmakers with both the technical skills and creative vision necessary to succeed, both locally and internationally.
The 2024 Best Graduating Student, Winner Achimugu, distinguished herself among her peers with a combination of talent, dedication, and storytelling finesse. Her selection for the NYFA scholarship is a testament to her hard work and to the quality of mentorship and training at MTF.
Through this program, she will engage in intensive workshops, hands-on training, and industry exposure that promise to elevate her craft. The scholarship is not just an award, it is a bridge connecting African storytelling to global cinematic opportunities, embodying MTF’s brand promise of fostering talent that transcends borders.
This scholarship opens new avenues for growth, offering exposure to international techniques, networks, and collaborative experiences that could define the trajectory of her career. For MTF, it’s a validation of its mission: cultivating a generation of filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and impact will resonate far beyond Africa.
As this journey unfolds, it reinforces the message that African cinema is on the rise, powered by storytellers who are ready to take their place on the world stage. With MTF alumni leading the way, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long will take place in Lagos from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025.
This programme known as InsomniaQ, is being put together by one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms, Quickteller.
Quickteller is a brand powered by the Interswitch Group, and InsomniaQ was created to celebrate African creativity.
The all-night music and entertainment experience will hold at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
It is designed to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December. InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.
The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.
More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.
“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are.
“Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension.
“As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season,” the Divisional Head of Growth Marketing for Quickteller Ecosystem at Interswitch, Mr Olawale Akanbi, noted.
Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.
InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The quartet of Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music) emerged the category winners of the Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0.
They received N10 million each for their efforts, along with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative journeys.
The four were chosen from the 12 finalists at an event aired on Sunday, December 14, 2025, on AIT (DStv Channel 253) at 7:00 pm, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 5:00 pm, and streamed live on the official Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel, connecting millions of viewers to the excitement and energy of the show.
The 2025 edition drew over 6,000 entries nationwide and continued to inspire a new wave of innovation among young Nigerians in fashion, technology, dance, and music. The participants fought for a share of the N90 million in prizes put up by the organisers.
This year, the FUZE Talent Show also introduced an exciting new twist: The Fan Favourite Feature, which allowed viewers across the country to vote for the contestant who most inspired them. This addition deepened audience participation and further strengthened FUZE’s mission to connect creativity with community support.
“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as The Ultimate Show, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation.
“Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the made-in-Nigeria initiative,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, said.
As excitement builds for FUZE Festival coming up on Saturday, December 20, 2025, attendees can anticipate experiencing this year’s edition theme The Ultimate Show in full, with circus-style attractions, from magicians and parade performers to flash mobs and art displays.
An expanded marketplace, freebies from participating partners and on-site Stanbic IBTC services will enhance convenience, while performances by Wande Coal, Pheelz, Chike, and Ms DSF will add a nostalgic, high-energy finish. Interested attendees can register to attend via the Stanbic IBTC Events App or visit www.events.stanbicibtc.com to secure their spot.
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