Showbiz
Heritage Bank Provides N5bn Funding Package for Entertainers, Others
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A funding package worth N5 billion has been set aside for players in the showbiz industry in Nigeria by Heritage Bank, one of the lenders in the country.
The funding support is to take the creative sector to a greater height and eventually stimulate sustainable growth to the nation’s economy, especially now that it is battling to exit recession.
The entertainment industry is one of the major avenues for boosting economic activities and creating massive jobs. However, the coronavirus disease pandemic has dealt a huge blow on the sector in 2020.
But Heritage Bank is coming to inject a new life into the ecosystem through various initiatives, including an online giveaway competition for the launch of the bank’s new product, the Ynspyre Account, which was set aside for talented young Nigerians in the different spectrum of the creative and entertainment industry.
At the unveiling of Ynspyre Account, the winner of the online contest, Mr Damilola Adeyemi, was presented with N1 million cheque by the brand ambassador, Mr Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo, better known by his stage name D’Banj.
The MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo, emphasised that the development and growth of the entertainment industry will get as many people as possible involved as manufacturing, banking and other sectors cannot do it alone.
“The entertainment is going to take a new lease of life [and] with the Ynspyre platform, we are hoping to start with this and obviously it will grow to another level. You will see greater things in a couple of months,” he was quoted as saying in a statement from the lender.
Mr Sekibo said the music industry has done 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.
Besides supporting individual artistes in the industry, the bank has also partnered with some organisers to perform and produce some entertainment shows.
In his remarks, D’Banj commended Heritage Bank for assisting the entertainment sector, especially with the N5 billion, noting that, “The reason for setting up this fund is for creative people like me, you (Adeyemi) and the other upcoming artists to have access to it.
“I want to commend Heritage Bank for believing not just in me but in the creative industry. Over the years, Heritage Bank has worked behind the scene to sponsor and invest in lots of creative projects.”
Speaking on the modalities of the product, he disclosed that the Ynspyre Account is the perfect account, specifically created to accommodate and support creative ideas in the industry, which do not need collateral.
“Just open your Ynspyre account, get your proposal ready on what you intend doing in the creative industry; be it music, fashion, lifestyle, IT and others because they have created categories for each and every one of us to enable us to assess funds, supports, loans and grants at single-digit interest rates,” he explained.
On his part, Mr Adeyemi, who disclosed the creative industry had never got such spotlight before, said that he was inspired by the cash reward, as the Ynspyre Account product serves as a boost to the creative industry.
“Prior to now, artistes struggle to get to the level they find themselves either through their personal funds, manager or parents’ funds. Finally, it is actually time for us to shine and the spotlight is on us.
“Big thank you to Heritage Bank for creating this platform, for creating this opportunity, I am so excited. It couldn’t have come at a perfect timing; N1 million during COVID-19, it only can be better. I want to thank Heritage Bank for believing in D’Banj and the creative industry, for counting us worthy to invest in us,” he stated.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
More than 4.8 million violative videos were removed by TikTok on its platform in Nigeria in the first quarter of 2026, the company’s Q1 2026 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report revealed.
It was disclosed that this number only represents 0.6 per cent of the total number of videos uploaded by the Nigerian TikTok community between January and March 2026.
Analysis showed that 99.8 per cent of the violating content was detected and removed before it was reported by users, while 92.8 per cent of violating content was removed within 24 hours of being posted.
Globally, TikTok yanked off over 184 million videos in the period under review, representing only 0.5 per cent of the total number of videos uploaded on TikTok.
Also, TikTok said it strengthened its anti-spam policy by removing about 118,000 pieces of content in Nigeria under the policy for edited media and AI-generated content (AIGC), while more than 86 million fake accounts were deleted globally.
Further, more than three billion videos have now been labelled as AI-generated content using TikTok’s combination of Content Credentials, creator disclosure tools and invisible watermarking technology, marking a significant milestone in helping people better understand when content has been created or significantly edited using AI.
It no doubt that AI is opening up exciting new opportunities for creativity and storytelling, but as technology evolves, it can also be misused to mass-produce spam that crowds out original creators and undermines trust.
To stay ahead of these evolving challenges, TikTok is testing enhanced detection systems designed to identify accounts dedicated to posting AI-generated spam.
To sanitise its platform, especially as regards TikTok LIVE, efforts have been made to collaborate with local government organisations, such as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), as well as civil society organisations, ensuring a coordinated and robust response to any potential challenges.
In three months, TikTok suspended 120,000 LIVE sessions in Nigeria for violating Community Guidelines, 40,000 more than in the previous reporting period, proving that the platform has bolstered safety measures.
Globally, more than 58 million LIVE enforcement actions were taken, including the suspension of 50,791,858 LIVE sessions and warnings or demonetisation for 21,966,667 LIVE creators for violating policies.
Warnings serve as an opportunity to educate creators when their content may breach LIVE monetisation policies, allowing them to make necessary changes.
TikTok also emphasises its commitment to keeping the TikTok LIVE experience safe. These efforts include a continuous focus on interrupting violating streams and executing monetisation enforcement actions (both demonetisation and warnings).
TikTok says it remains committed to providing greater visibility into its enforcement efforts through its Community Guidelines Enforcement Reports. As part of this commitment, it has refreshed the design and usability of its reports, making them easier for users to navigate and understand.
Showbiz
Former BBNaija Housemates Reflect on Life, Growth, Success Beyond the Show at Season 11 Media Launch
Big Brother Naija’s evolution from a reality show into a platform for creativity, entrepreneurship and career growth took centre stage at the Media Launch for season 11 on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. Former housemates Uriel, Doyin, Kola and DJ Flo reflected on how the show helped shape their careers while sharing the lessons they have learnt navigating life after reality television.
During the conversation, the former housemates agreed that while Big Brother Naija gave them visibility and opened doors, building successful careers after the show has required intentionality, consistency and a willingness to evolve beyond their reality television personas.
Doyin David from Season 7 Level Up and Season 8 All Stars shared one of the day’s most personal reflections, revealing that her biggest lesson began while she was still in the house.
“One of my biggest lessons actually started in the House. Watching myself back made me realise I did not know myself as much as I thought I did.”
She explained that finding a balance between her personal life and her public brand was a gradual process.
“As for balancing my personal life and my brand, it did not happen immediately after the show. I had to learn along the way, make mistakes, grow from them and eventually find that balance.”
Uriel Oputa from Season 2 See Gobbe and Season 8 All Stars spoke about building a career around wellness, explaining that her passion for healthy living did not begin after the show but became more visible because of the platform Big Brother Naija provided.
“I did not have to find a balance because healthy living is already my lifestyle. It is what I do every day. It is not something I switch on or off because of the entertainment industry; it is simply who I am.”
Flora Chiedo, popularly known as DJ Flo from Season 9 No Loose Guard, emphasised that while Big Brother Naija creates opportunities, success ultimately depends on what housemates do after leaving the House.
“Vision without execution is just hallucination. The show gives you an opportunity, but it does not do the work for you. You have to come out here and put in extra work every day.”
Kola Omotosho, Season 10 10/10 housemate, echoed the sentiment, describing Big Brother Naija as a valuable platform that gave him visibility while stressing that passion, drive and consistency are essential for staying relevant.
“Big Brother Naija gave me visibility, and I am grateful for that. But staying relevant requires passion, drive and consistency.”
The discussion reinforced one of the defining impacts of Big Brother Naija over the years. Beyond entertainment, the show has continued to serve as a launching pad for creatives, entrepreneurs and entertainers, providing contestants with the visibility to pursue careers across different industries. As the former housemates’ experiences have shown, the platform opens the door, but sustained success depends on what each individual chooses to build from the opportunity.
Big Brother Naija Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with the live launch show airing from 7:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family. The season marks betPawa’s debut as the Headline Sponsor, while House of Guinness joins as the Gold Sponsor and Minimie returns as the Associate Sponsor. Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the 24-hour live show will air on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 49. Fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Popular Nigerian singer, Niniola Apata, professionally known as Niniola, has revealed that becoming a young widow has been one of the most difficult experiences of her life, reflecting on the demise of her heartthrob, Mr Michael Ndika.
In an emotional message on X on Sunday, marking two months since his sudden and unexpected death, the music star disclosed that she initially intended to record a video message but found herself unable to get through it because of the overwhelming emotions.
“Today makes it two months since my husband, business manager and best friend, Michael, was very suddenly and unexpectedly taken from me and truly, from us,” she wrote.
Niniola admitted that although she lost her father at a young age, nothing had prepared her for the reality of widowhood. She described the grieving process as “hard” and “exceedingly difficult,” saying some days are manageable while others are “painfully indescribable.”
The singer spoke candidly about the unanswered questions and unfinished conversations left behind, adding that she has struggled to find the words to express the depth of her emotions.
Despite her grief, Niniola said her faith has remained her anchor, noting that God continues to reassure her of His presence even during moments of doubt.
She also expressed profound appreciation to family, friends, fans, colleagues, media organisations and well-wishers for their prayers, messages and unwavering support since Michael’s passing.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all for your outpouring of love, your kind words, prayers, thoughtful messages and posts. I do not know how I will ever repay each and every one of you, but please know that I am truly and sincerely grateful,” she wrote.
Before his death, Mr Ndika was the chief executive of a multimedia platform focused on Afro-house and contemporary African music known as NaijaReview.
Niniola is the older sibling of another famous entertainer, Teni.
