Showbiz
Heritage Bank Reaffirms Support for Nigeria’s Entertainment Sector
By Dipo Olowookere
The importance of the showbiz industry to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) cannot be pushed aside and as a result, Heritage Bank Plc has reiterated its commitment to the growth and development of the country’s creative industry.
In an assessment of the industry’s performance done recently, Nollywood defied recession and had grossed an amazing N1 billion from a record 50 indigenous movies in 2016- its best box office returns ever.
Group Head, Corporate Communications at Heritage Bank, Mr Fela Ibidapo, in a chat with journalists after the viewing of part one of a movie titled: A Soldier’s story return from the dead at Genesis Cinemas in Shoprite, Lekki, Lagos recently as part of activities to herald part two of the movie, noted that the bank prided itself in its ability to hand hold different sectors of the economy in order to nurture them and help them to grow, remarking that the bank’s participation in the recent Nigeria’s creative summit has further given it a boost as it is now more committed to supporting the entertainment industry.
Mr Ibidapo noted that the creative industry is one of the major contributors to the country’s GDP and Heritage Bank is committed to supporting it because it is part of the country’s heritage.
According to him the bank is proud of the entertainment industry and will continue to stand by operators in it by supporting them and watch them grow.
“We had worked with Mekloss Production & Frankie Ogar Film to produce the first edition of the movie -A soldier’s story return from the dead- and we are also committed to work with them in the production of the second edition of the movie,” he said.
He remarked that the Nigerian entertainment industry has come of age as there were now more exposures with many of them now showing in cinemas.
Producer of the movie, Mr Martin Gbados said they got support from Heritage Bank to make the first edition and they also felt they should still involve the bank in the production of the second edition which would involve a leading American movie star, Eric Roberts and other international and local stars such Akin Lewis and Segun Arinze among others.
Roberts is a Golden Globe Award three times nominee as well as two times nominee of Academy Award for his supporting role inRunway Train (1985) as well as a prolific film producer in the US.
Mr Gbados said the entertainment industry needed support from the Federal Government and investors to be able to produce films in the country so that much of the money that goes into film production could retained in the country.
The central theme of the A soldier’s story return from the dead is about the sacrifices that soldiers and other security agents make in the cause of carrying out their duties.
The film producer noted that, “We often limit the sacrifices to them but what about their wives, kids and families that they need to take care of in the home front otherwise they won’t be able to concentrate on their core assignments.”
So the overriding objective of the film is to bring the sacrifices of the people in those institutions to the fore so that people can appreciate and respect them.
It will be recalled that the Federal Government had commended Heritage Bank Limited for its commitment to the development and growth of the creative industry at the recently concluded two-day creative Nigeria summit with the theme: Financing the Film, Television and Music Industries; which was co-sponsored by the bank.
After ten weeks of twists, shifting alliances, emotional confrontations and unforgettable moments, the BBNaija Season 10 house may have closed its doors, but many of the conversations it sparked never truly ended.
Now, months after Imisi emerged victorious and walked away with the ₦150 million grand prize, all 29 housemates are set to return for the Season 10 Reunion, hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu. As anticipation builds for BBNaija Season 11, the reunion offers fans one final opportunity to revisit the stories that kept the 10/10 season at the centre of conversation.
And if there’s one thing viewers know about BBNaija reunions, it’s that they have a way of bringing unfinished business back to the surface.
For starters, fans will be eager to hear from Dede and Kola, whose complicated dynamic generated countless conversations throughout the season. What exactly was happening between them? Was it friendship, attraction, strategy, or a little bit of everything? Months later, many viewers are still searching for answers.
Then there is Victory and Gigi Jasmine, whose rollercoaster relationship became one of the season’s most talked-about storylines. From mixed signals and emotional conversations to unexpected decisions that left viewers divided, theirs was a relationship that rarely lacked drama. The reunion could finally reveal where things stand between them today.
Questions also remain around Faith, one of the season’s most controversial and talked-about housemates. His journey from strong contender to disqualification sparked intense debate among fans and fellow housemates alike. With Sultana and Imisi both playing significant roles in some of the season’s biggest conversations involving him, the reunion may provide long-awaited clarity on one of the defining storylines of the season.
Of course, no look back at the 10/10 season would be complete without revisiting the relationships that captured viewers’ attention. Fans will be curious to know whether connections such as Koyin and Isabella’s survived beyond the house, evolved into something more, or simply became part of the BBNaija experience.
There are also questions surrounding Jason Jae, whose interactions with Joanna, Sultana and Dede kept fans speculating throughout the season. Was he simply playing the game, following genuine connections, or navigating a complicated mix of both? The reunion may finally offer some answers.
Meanwhile, Bright Morgan and Mide’s relationship remained one of the season’s most debated situationships. With emotions, misunderstandings and unanswered questions lingering after the show, viewers will undoubtedly be looking forward to hearing their perspectives now that months have passed.
Beyond the individual stories, the reunion is also an opportunity for housemates to reflect on the alliances, rivalries and decisions that shaped one of the most unpredictable seasons in BBNaija history. Friendships were tested, loyalties shifted, and housemates often found themselves on opposite sides of conversations that dominated social media week after week.
Whether it’s old rivalries, unresolved tensions, surprising reconciliations or long-awaited explanations, fans can expect the conversations they have been waiting months to hear.
The BBNaija Season 10 Reunion premieres on June 8 at 10:00 PM WAT on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family. Episodes will be available on DStv Stream and GOtv Stream, ensuring viewers never miss a moment of the revelations, resolutions and memorable conversations that await.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A fatal auto crash has claimed the life of a Nigerian actor, Mr Adesina Okiki, otherwise known as Janmole.
The death of the thespian was confirmed on Tuesday by the president of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), Mr Abolaji Amusan, popularly known as Mr Latin.
In a post on his Facebook page today, the comic actor said, “May the soul of our departed colleague, Adesina Okiki Janmole, who tragically lost his life in an accident, rest in perfect peace.
“May God grant his family, friends, and colleagues the strength and comfort to bear this irreparable loss. He will be greatly missed. Amen.”
The demise of this comedian and filmmaker comes a few weeks after the Nigerian film industry lost Alexx Ekubo to cancer.
During his lifetime, Janmole, who died in a road accident on Monday, acted in several movies. He was known for his humour, screen presence and contributions to the Yoruba movie industry.
About four years ago, he survived a fire incident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, an experience many believed he had narrowly escaped.
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Lovers of the popular Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) reality television show will have the opportunity to watch the BBNaija Season 10 Reunion Show.
The programme, to be hosted by media personality, Mr Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, will premiere on Monday, 8 June 2026, at 10 pm WAT on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151 | GOtv Channel 8) and Africa Magic Family (DStv Channel 154 | GOtv Channel 7), with each episode available on the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream apps the following day.
The reunion show will feature all 29 housemates. Fans can follow all reunion updates using the hashtag #BBNaijaReunion across social media platforms and Africa Magic for exclusive clips and behind-the-scenes content.
On October 5, 2025, the BBNaija Season 10 came to an end, with Opeyemi Ayanwale, popularly known as Imisi, emerging champion with 42.84 per cent of the public votes.
The 23-year-old fashion designer and actress from Oyo State walked away with a grand prize of N150 million, including N80 million in cash and a brand-new Innoson SUV.
The reunion is expected to address several unresolved storylines from the season, including the disqualification of housemate Faith in the final week following a physical altercation with Sultana. The season also produced some of its most viral moments in years, including a spoon-related standoff that dominated X for days and a series of romantic entanglements that split fan bases across the continent.
Season 10 was considered one of the most exciting editions of the show to date, introducing the Bag of Big Twists, a red telephone delivering random instructions from Biggie, a restructured Head of House challenge and an Influential Player of the Week feature.
With plans for a new season already in motion, the BBNaija 10 over 10 reunion show is set to officially close conflicts, encourage clarifications and allow the housemates to lay it all bare to the viewers and themselves one last time.
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