Showbiz
Heritage Bank, Delta Explore Revenue Prospects of Akwa Ocha Fabric
By Dipo Olowookere
The Anioma eternal native attire of Delta State known as Akwa Ocha can be a dependable revenue base for the Delta State Government beyond oil if its opportunities can be fully explored, Heritage Bank Plc has submitted.
This is why the financial institution is partnering with the state government to provide support to the Akwa Ocha fabric industry through the creative sector, the Managing Director of Heritage Bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo, disclosed.
At the Delta Music, Comedy and Fashion Expo held at the Dome Event Centre, Asaba, the banker noted that the industry would be supported to also stimulate sustainable growth in the nation’s economy.
Mr Sekibo, who was represented by the Acting Group Head of South-South 2/ECM, Mr Charles Ojakovo, stated further that the music and entertainment industry has done so much for Nigeria in terms of employment and foreign exchange earnings and if more resources could be put into it, the country would be better for it.
“The Akwa Ocha fabric Industry, Entertainment and Creative Industry that Delta State is known for, may be the revenue base of the state government beyond oil.
“Heritage Bank is always available and ready to partner with the State and players in the industry to achieve Delta beyond oil.
“This industry over the years has had a huge impact on our GDP and engaging a very large number of our youths thereby reducing the level of unemployment.
“Akwa Ocha is an Anioma Heritage and our Heritage, and there is a need to take it to the next level and international standards, as a hub to orchestrate economic growth,” he noted.
He further explained that Heritage Bank’s various entrepreneurial schemes in support of business had always focused on dependable job-creating sectors, such as agricultural value chain (fish farming, poultry, snail farming), cottage industry, mining and solid minerals, creative industry (tourism, arts, and crafts), and Information and Communications Technology (ICT).
In his remarks, the Omu Anioma and Nneoha, Obi Martha Dunkwu, commended Heritage Bank for its partnership with the organizers of the event for factoring a concept that introduces the Akwa Ocha fabric into fashion shows.
She emphasized how impressed she was at the beautiful appearance of all the models who were gorgeously dressed in the attire in such a dignified and holy exhibition.
Omu Dunkwu said she couldn’t have been more excited having been chosen as the one to do the unveiling of the Akwa Ocha for which she had devoted over a decade to promoting in line with propagating the unique identity and values of the Anioma people of Delta State.
Dunkwu affirmed that there was no fabric like the Akwa Ocha all over the world, which is why different people of the world are coming to identify with the source of the captivating attire – Anioma land.
The cerebral Queen Mother of the Anioma nation advised that conscious effort be made to market the brand by the younger generation who are willing to go into the fashion business, maintaining that Akwa Ocha fabric could be a money-spinning venture if well packaged because of its unique and attractive features.
Meanwhile, during a contest for best dancers dressed in Akwa-Ocha, organized by 2Things Promotion and prize money guaranteed by Heritage Bank Ynspyre Account, the 1st Prize winner, Friday Nkechi received N250,000, whilst Opene-Terry Joseph and Usanga Joseph as the 2nd and 3rd winners carted away N150,000 and N100,000, respectively.
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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