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Oga Bello, Other Filmmakers Get N200m Interest-Free Loans

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By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Veteran actor and filmmaker, Mr Adebayo Salami, otherwise known as Oga Bello, has been given interest-free loans worth N200 million alongside 38 other movie makers.

The funding support was given to them by the Lagos State government to support the creative industry and boost the economy.

The disbursement was coordinated by the Lagos State Creative Initiative (LACI) under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

Last year, the state government constituted a nine-man committee comprising veteran movie-makers and some senior government officials headed by the Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf.

The team was given the mandate to identify struggling filmmakers that could be empowered with grants and seed fund for film production purposes.

At the presentation of cheques to 39 beneficiaries at the Glover Memorial Hall, Lagos Island, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu explained that the aim of the initiative is to address financial challenges that inhibit quality film production in Lagos and Nigeria.

“This initiative and presentation of cheques being done today is a testament to our commitment to ensure the potentials of the entertainment industry are realised.

“I congratulate the beneficiaries who are receiving their cheques today. I am convinced that your proposals and plans must have been really compelling and convincing to earn the approval of the committee,” the Governor, who was represented by Mrs Akinbile-Yussuf, stated.

He admonished the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the loans and pay them back within the stipulated time to enable others access the fund.

In her remarks, Mrs Akinbile-Yussuf revealed that before the establishment of the revolving loan for filmmakers, the Governor had made various interventions to ameliorate the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on business owners in the hospitality, entertainment and tourism sectors.

“Mr Governor constituted a Palliative Review Committee headed by Nollywood veteran actress, Joke Silva, which proposed a N1 billion immediate intervention for the various stakeholders.

“Following Mr Governor’s approval, the Ministry subsequently presented cheques to some of the beneficiaries at the maiden edition of Lagos Tourism, Hospitality Arts and Culture Economic Summit, LATHACE held last year,” the Commissioner said.

Mrs Akinbile-Yussuf stated further that, “To complement this gesture, the Ministry sought and obtained Mr Governor’s approval for a 50 per cent rebate on Operating Licence Fees payable by all the practitioners in the entertainment and hospitality sector for the year 2020.”

She averred that N200 million worth of cheques would be presented to the 39 successful beneficiaries of the revolving loan under the first batch, while more recipients will still emerge as the collation for the second batch of applicants has started.

“The state government is interested in using the revolving funds to bring youths out of unemployment while also creating entrepreneurs who would use their creativity to enhance the market shares of the film industry,” she said.

In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Mrs Oyinade Nathan-Marsh, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s doggedness in transforming the Entertainment and Tourism sector by consistently keeping to his promises to boost its potential.

She challenged the beneficiaries on the appropriate usage of the fund so that the door of the good opportunity will not be shut against other beneficiaries.

Some of the successful applicants, who spoke at the event, commended Lagos State Government for fulfilling its promise made at an interactive session held with the Governor last year.

Giving his testimonial, Mr Tunji Ojetola, said the exercise was devoid of favouritism as the application process was seamless, just as the screening was thorough and professional.

“This is the first time a Government policy is well executed and the commendation should go to Mr Governor and the Ministry,” he said.

On his part, Mr Adebayo, who spoke on behalf of colleagues, also commended the state government and promised that they will utilise the funds judiciously and pay back without defaulting.

Adebayo Salami

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Veteran Nigerian Actor Kola Oyewo Dies at 80

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By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Veteran Nigerian actor, Mr Kola Oyewo, is reported to have breathed his last at the age of 80.

A popular Nollywood actor, Mr Kunle Afod, confirmed the news of the passing of the scholar, dramatist and filmmaker on Friday in a post on his Instagram page.

Before his passing, Mr Afod recently visited the university teacher at his residence, where he made monetary donations to him.

In his post on Friday, he announced the death of the thespian, saying “Tonight, we lost a true legend. Kola Oyewo has taken his final bow.”

“His remarkable talent, timeless performances, and immense contributions to the Nigerian theatre and film industry will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to inspire generations to come,” he further wrote.

Recall that in an interview with Mr Afod, the deceased disclosed how his battle with prostate enlargement affected his acting career, which spanned over six decades.

Mr Oyewo began his acting career in 1964 with the Oyin Adejobi Theatre Group after he was born on March 27, 1946, in Oba-Ile, Osun State.

During his lifetime, he acted in several movies, including Saworoide, Super Story, Sango, and Koseegbe, amongst others. He also played the role of Odewale in Ola Rotimi’s play, The Gods Are Not to Blame.

In 1996, he became a lecturer at Obafemi Awolowo University and retired in September 2011 as a senior lecturer. He later moved to Redeemer’s University as the Head of the Department of Dramatic Art. He later worked at Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, as a performing arts lecturer.

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Watching BBN and the World Cup Is No Longer a Location Thing

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Big Brother Naija Reunion is on, the World Cup tournament is kicking off, or that new DStv/GOtv series everyone has been talking about just dropped, and somehow, you’re not at home. Maybe you’re in traffic, at work, or just not near a TV. In moments like these, the real question is no longer “what’s showing?” but “how do I not miss it?”

That shift is precisely why the DStv and GOtv Stream have become more than just viewing platforms. They are now part of how people actually experience television on the move, at home, on phones, and in real time.”

Whether it’s someone trying to catch a live show while commuting, watching highlights during a break at work, or simply preferring to stream directly from their device instead of using a decoder, these apps have quietly changed how entertainment is consumed.

But beyond streaming and access, many users still don’t fully understand how to navigate them properly. Here’s a simple guide.

1. Getting Started

Download the DStv Stream or GOtv Stream app from your device’s app store and sign in using your DStv or GOtv account details.

Once you’re logged in, you’ll land on the home page, where you’ll find a mix of live TV, recommended content, trending titles, and recently added shows.

2. Watching Live TV

One of the easiest ways to use the platform is through the Live TV section.

Simply:

  • Tap on Live TV

  • Browse available channels

  • Select the channel you want

  • Start watching instantly

This is especially useful for:

  • Big Brother Naija live broadcasts

  • Football matches and tournaments

  • News coverage

  • Reality shows

  • Live events

You can move between channels just as you would on a decoder.

3. Finding Shows and Movies

For viewers who already know what they want to watch, the search feature offers a quick way to find specific shows, movies, channels, or sporting events without scrolling through categories.

The platform also organizes content into categories, making it easier to discover something new.

4. Catch Up on Missed Episodes

If you missed an episode because you were busy, the catch-up feature allows you to watch selected programs after they have aired. Instead of waiting for reruns, you can simply search for the show and pick up right where you left off. This feature is especially useful during busy periods when it can be difficult to keep up with daily shows.

5. Explore Recommended and Trending Content

The home page regularly highlights:

  • Trending shows

  • Newly added content

  • Popular movies

  • Recommended titles based on viewing habits

If you’re not sure what to watch next, this section can help you discover content you may have otherwise missed.

6. Accessing Showmax Content

One of the biggest additions to the streaming experience is the integration of Showmax content.

Viewers can now access a wide range of Showmax movies, series, and entertainment content directly through the streaming platform, making it easier to move between live TV and on-demand viewing without constantly switching services.

From international blockbusters to local favorites, there’s significantly more content available to explore.

7. Creating a Personal Viewing Experience

The platform allows users to:

  • Continue watching from where they stopped

  • Save favorite content

  • Browse viewing history

  • Discover personalized recommendations

This makes it easier to keep track of ongoing series and find content that matches your interests.

With the DStv Stream and GOtv Stream, live channels, catch-up viewing, on-demand entertainment, and Showmax content are all available in one place, making it easier than ever to watch what you want, when you want, and wherever you are.

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Drama, Tears, and Showdowns: BBNaija Reunion Starts on Heated Note

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The Big Brother Naija Season 10 reunion kicked off yesterday, and honestly, nobody was prepared for how quickly things went from zero to heated. From unresolved tensions to emotional confessions, it looks like the housemates came ready to finally say everything they’ve been holding back.

If episode one is anything to go by, the rest of the reunion is set to be explosive.

Here are some of the highlights from Episode 1 of the reunion:

Sabrina opened up about her early exit, saying that if she had stayed longer, viewers would have seen more of her personality, and that a love interest storyline likely wouldn’t have happened.

Tracy reflected on her time in the house, admitting she didn’t feel emotionally prepared for the experience. She also expressed that while she wanted a deeper connection with Kuture, things felt too physical for her.

Zita revisited her time in the house as well, insisting her fight with Mide was not performative and that she often felt cornered by how things played out. Mide, however, pushed back, saying Zita misunderstood her intentions and that she is not condescending.

Zita and Danboskid also addressed their failed “ship,” finally laying the relationship drama to rest.

Thelma had an emotional moment while defending herself in the Isabella and Kayinkumi situation, with tensions rising further when Big Soso jumped into the conversation, escalating things between her and Thelma.

We also saw more tension unfold between Tega and Thelma, with revelations that added even more weight to their already strained dynamic.

And just when we thought it couldn’t get any hotter, the episode ended on a cliffhanger, with Kola and Doris going head-to-head, leaving viewers waiting for what comes next.

If this is just episode one, the rest of the reunion promises nothing short of chaos, clarity, and confrontations.

Big Brother Naija S10 reunion is clearly not holding back this year. You can catch all the drama at 10 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and 10:30 pm on Africa Magic Family on DStv and GOtv.

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