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Heritage Bank, Rivers to Boost Nigeria’s GDP Via Arts, Culture

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By Dipo Olowookere

Efforts are being taken by Heritage Bank Plc and the River State government to make art and culture a unifying factor and major earner to the contribution of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the country.

Speaking at the 2018 National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) at Sharks Stadium, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, MD/CEO of Heritage Bank, Mr Ifie Sekibo, explained that the lender’s partnership with the state was informed with the understanding of the importance of arts and culture as consistent sources of economic growth, during both good and difficult economic times.

“The art and culture industry has become one of the major contributors to so many countries’ gross domestic products and Heritage Bank is committed to supporting it because it is part of Nigeria’s heritage,” the bank chief said at the event, which attracted 22 states across the country, and was themed Nigeria: Our Festivals, Our Heritage.

According to him, Heritage Bank has continued to make efforts in supporting ideologies like this, using arts as a tool to promote cultural awareness and to help younger Nigerians form a strong sense of National identity and peaceful co-existence. He assured that the bank would always be driven by cultural heritage, as the initiative aligns very much with the vision of the bank, which is to help partners create, preserve and transfer wealth across generations.

Specifically, Mr Sekibo stated that if government at all levels adopt the right arts and culture policies and programs it increase economic development in attracting businesses, creating new jobs, increasing tax revenues and promoting tourism.

However, the MD urged banks to support arts and culture through investments in programs that will promote economic development, jobs creation, and community revitalization at the three tiers of government.

Earlier declaring the festival officially open, Governor of Rivers State, Mr Nyesom Wike, who commended Heritage Bank and other sponsors said NAFEST provided a platform for the states to make the most of the nation’s culture, adding that culture empowers humanity by improving inter-personal relationships.

“Over the years, NAFEST has become the veritable platform for the 36 States and the Federal Capital Territory to meet, showcase and make the most of our cultures and diversity,” he said

He stated that the essence of the festival was to promote national peace, unity and cohesion.

“Whether we agree or not, our diversity is what defines and binds us as a nation under the glorious sun.”

“Although our tribes and tongues may differ, we are a nation bound by a common destiny and firmly glued together by the spirit of brotherhood, cultural harmony, and inter-ethnic solidarity instead of discord, tribalism, nepotism and sectionalism,” the governor explained.

According to him, NAFEST provides creative images and expressions to engage our leaders on the politics of nation-building, human rights, regional integration, inter-ethnic harmony, national peace and development.

In his remarks, the Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, commended Rivers government for uplifting arts and culture in the country, which has contributed immensely co-existing peace and economic growth.

Dipo Olowookere is a journalist based in Nigeria that has passion for reporting business news stories. At his leisure time, he watches football and supports 3SC of Ibadan. Mr Olowookere can be reached via [email protected]

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Nigerian Actor Adesina Okiki Janmole Dies in Fatal Auto Crash

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Adesina Okiki Janmole

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.

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Africa Magic to Air BBNaija Season 10 Reunion June 8

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BBNaija Season 10 Reunion

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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MasterChef Nigeria: Undercooked Steak Seals Preye’s Fate

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Masterchef Nigeria Preye Undercooked Steak

The heat in the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen never lets up, and this week the remaining home cooks were served a double helping of pressure with a Blind Taste Test followed by their very first Mystery Box Challenge.

Following Demilade’s dramatic exit the previous week, seven hopefuls returned to the kitchen knowing that any mistake could leave their MasterChef dreams overcooked.

The first challenge on the menu was a Blind Taste Test, where the contestants had to identify a variety of fruits and vegetables using only their palates. It was a particularly nerve-racking challenge for David, who admitted he doesn’t always trust his taste buds. However, he rose to the occasion, joining Loye and Favy in correctly identifying the ingredients and securing a coveted spot on the gantry.

That left Preye, Derry, Fads and Isabella fighting to keep their aprons in the competition.

The home cooks then had to face their first-ever Mystery Box Challenge, where creativity, execution and composure were all put to the test. When the judges tasted their way through the dishes, Isabella and Preye found themselves at the bottom of the pack.

Ultimately, it was Preye’s Roasted Sirloin with Butternut Squash that failed to hit the mark, bringing his MasterChef Nigeria journey to an end.

Derry proved once again why she has earned the nickname “Daring Derry.” Unfazed by the Mystery Box Challenge, she served up a dish that impressed the judges from presentation to palate. Her thoughtful plating, technical execution and well-balanced flavours earned her the coveted Dish of the Day title.

Meanwhile, Fads – affectionately known as the “Cat Woman” for her remarkable ability to land on her feet – continued her fight in the competition. Her Plantain Tacos showcased ingenuity and secured her safety from the bottom two. While the judges appreciated the effort, Chef Eros reminded her that the competition is entering a critical stage, saying: “This is the MasterChef kitchen and I expect MasterChef results.”

At first glance, Preye appeared to have delivered a winning plate. The judges praised the presentation, with the dish drawing comparisons to something one might find in a charming French bistro.

However, in the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen, appearances only get you so far.

The mood quickly shifted when Chef Eros cut into the sirloin steak. Sensing trouble, he quietly removed his glasses before revealing the verdict: the steak was undercooked.

It proved to be a costly mistake. In the MasterChef kitchen, there are few offences more serious than serving food that is raw or burnt. Despite the promise shown in the dish, the undercooked steak ultimately sealed Preye’s fate and brought his MasterChef Nigeria journey to an end.

With the stakes rising and the margins between success and elimination becoming ever smaller, the remaining home cooks know that every plate must now be worthy of the MasterChef title.

The show airs weekly on Sundays at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family, with rebroadcasts on Wednesdays at 6 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Thursdays at 12 pm on Africa Magic Family.

Next week, the MasterChef Nigeria kitchen welcomes special guest judge Chef Tosan for a challenge that is guaranteed to test the home cooks in a whole new way.

With baking on the menu, confidence quickly gives way to nerves as the remaining contestants face one of the most feared disciplines in the culinary world. Unlike cooking, where intuition can often save the day, baking demands precision, patience and flawless execution.

As temperatures rise and tensions simmer, the home cooks must prove they can handle the pressure and deliver bakes worthy of the MasterChef title. Who will rise to the occasion, and whose hopes will crumble under the weight of the challenge?

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