Showbiz
Osinbajo to Headline Creative Industry Financing Summit
**As FG Partners CNN, UNWTO
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Acting President, Mr Yemi Osinbajo, will declare open the Creative Industry Financing Conference slated for July 17 and 18, 2017, at the Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos.
Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, made this disclosure on Monday at a roundtable with practitioners in the creative sector in Nigeria.
At the meeting today, the Minister said the Federal Government has entered into a tripartite partnership with the CNN and the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) to boost the Creative Industry in Nigeria, using the film industry as a pivot.
He said the movie industry would be used “as a lens through which we will project various aspects of the Nigerian Culture, Tourism and similar areas.”
”We are kick-starting the project with a 13-episode production showcasing the various stages in a movie production.
“These include the choice of location, which will allow us to showcase the various beautiful sceneries available in Nigeria; the choice of wardrobe that will show the rich options in the country’s fashion industry; the choice of sound track that will highlight our rich music genres, the casting that will showcase our abundant talents and the technical part that will provide the platform to show that there is no camera and other gadgets that we don’t have here.
”As part of the project, we will also run a programme on CNN showcasing the 20 Nigerians to watch in the Industry. The Nigerians to be showcased will be selected by the industry players themselves to ensure authenticity,” the Minister said.
He said the tripartite partnership, as well as the MoUs with the Tony Elumelu Foundation, the Bank of Industry and the British Council, were part of the efforts by the Federal Government to transform the Creative Industry to a Creative Economy.
Mr Mohammed said that he organized the Creative Industry Roundtable, which was well attended by industry players, to show the Federal Government’s willingness to work with the private sector in the transformation of the Creative Industry to a Creative Economy.
“This administration has no doubt that the plan to transform the creative industry to a creative economy must be driven by the private sector.
“After all, it is self-evident that the modest growth that has been achieved in the Creative Industry so far, whether in films, music or fashion, has been achieved in spite of the government.
“It therefore stands to reason that with the government providing the necessary enabling environment and the private sector in the driver’s seat, the transformation can be realized within a short time,” he said.
The Minister said the roundtable was not intended as another talk shop, adding that, “The stakeholders who are here are already aware of the problems mitigating against the seamless growth of the industry, hence I don’t expect us to spend quality time here today rehashing those problems. Instead, we should devote our time to seeking practical solutions to the problems we have earlier identified at many fora.”
Mr Mohammed reiterated his earlier statement that the Creative Industry is Nigeria’s new oil, saying statistics from other countries, including the UK and the US, attest to this.
“The Creative industry contributed £84.1 billion to the British economy in 2014. According to figures released by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, that was an increase of £7 billion on the year before.
“The figures also show that the number of jobs in the industry grew by almost 9 percent between 2013 and 2014 – almost double the rest of the economy as a whole (4.6 percent).
“One of the areas of strongest growth was in film, TV, video, radio and photography, which rose almost 14 percent.
”In the United States, the Creative Industry, including Hollywood and broadcasting, contributes more to the U.S. economy than previously thought, the government said in its first official analysis of the arts and culture sector’s economic value.
“The 2015 report from the National Endowment for the Arts and US Bureau of Economic Analysis shows arts and culture contributed more than $698 billion to the economy, which is about 4.32 percent of US goods and services,” he said.
Mr Mohammed said the deliberations from the roundtable would feed into a larger event, the Creative Industry Financing Conference, slated for 17-18 July at the Eko Hotel in Lagos.
“To highlight the importance attached to this sector by the Federal Government, no less a personality than the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will declare that Conference open,” he said.
Africa’s biggest reality television show, Big Brother Naija, returns for its highly anticipated Season 11 on Sunday, 26 July 2026 on DStv and GOtv.
The launch show will air from 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family channels, with the 24-hour show on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49. BBNaija fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
This season’s winner will walk away with a record ₦160 million grand prize, which includes a cash sum of N100 million and a brand-new SUV. The prize is the highest in the show’s history, raising the stakes for what is expected to be another landmark season.
Speaking on the new season, Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said:
“Big Brother Naija has consistently redefined entertainment in Africa by bringing together authentic storytelling, compelling personalities and moments that resonate with millions of viewers. Season 11 builds on that legacy with even bigger stakes, fresh twists and an exciting mix of housemates that will keep audiences engaged from premiere night through to the finale”.
The new season also ushers in an exciting lineup of brand partners, with betPawa, the home of Africa’s biggest winners, joining the Big Brother Naija family as the Headline Sponsor.
Commenting on the partnership, Borah Omary Ndanyungu, Head of Local Marketing & CSR, betPawa, said: “At betPawa, we believe in creating unforgettable experiences that bring people together through the things they are passionate about. Big Brother Naija is one of Africa’s most celebrated entertainment properties, and we are proud to come on board as Headline Sponsor for Season 11. We look forward to rewarding fans, deepening engagement throughout the season and delivering exciting experiences that complement the energy and excitement of the show.”
Guinness returns as the Gold Sponsor, while Minimie comes on board as an Associate Sponsor, reinforcing continued confidence from leading brands in one of Africa’s most influential entertainment platforms.
On the season’s partnerships, Babatunde commented: “We are delighted to welcome betPawa as our Headline Sponsor alongside Guinness and Minimie, whose partnership reflects the enduring value and impact of the Big Brother Naija platform.”
Since its return in 2017, Big Brother Naija has evolved beyond a reality TV show into a cultural phenomenon, creating household names, creating jobs across the creative economy, and shaping popular culture.
With Ebuka Obi-Uchendu returning as the show’s host, viewers can expect a season filled with unexpected twists, dynamic tasks, strategic gameplay, entertaining challenges and the authentic interactions that have made Big Brother Naija one of Africa’s most-watched reality TV show franchises.
Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with viewers able to follow every moment of the action throughout the season on DStv, GOtv, DStv Stream and GOtv Stream. Eligible subscribers can vote through the MyDStv and MyGOtv self-service apps, upgrade their packages for additional voting benefits, and enjoy uninterrupted access throughout the season by subscribing or renewing for multiple months.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The first dedicated talent management training institution in Nigeria, TGM Academy, is set to commence operations in September 2026.
This institution is the brainchild of one of Nigeria’s leading public relations and strategic communications agencies, That Good Media (TGM).
The firm has expertise in talent management, influencer sourcing, personal branding, media relations and reputation management.
According to a statement from the company, TGM Academy will equip aspiring and practising talent managers with the knowledge, skills and industry exposure required to support the growth of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding creative economy.
The academy was established to professionalise talent management as a viable career path while developing a new generation of globally competitive managers capable of strengthening Nigeria’s creative ecosystem.
While talent management has become increasingly important in helping creatives access international opportunities, build sustainable careers and create long-term
commercial value, the profession has lacked structured education, recognised standards and dedicated capacity-building platforms.
Ahead of the launch in about two months, TGM is organising a Talent Management Leadership Roundtable on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, at the Abora Suites of Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, in partnership with the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the French Consulate, and Megowa, a digital platform connecting Nollywood talent with industry opportunities, training and resources across the African creative landscape.
Expected at the event are senior talent managers, entertainment executives, brand leaders, diplomats, cultural institutions, media executives, creatives and key decision makers whose work is shaping the future of Nigeria’s creative economy.
The roundtable themed Talent Management as Critical Infrastructure for Cultural Exchange and the Creative Economy will examine the evolving role of
talent management as a strategic enabler of commercial growth, international collaboration and cultural exchange.
It will create a platform for honest conversations around the future of talent management and its role in driving the creative economy, as participants will explore how professional management contributes to the long-term success of creatives, what brands expect before entering partnerships, how managers can build trusted relationships with corporate organisations, and how diplomatic missions and international cultural institutions engage with the creative sector through cultural exchange programmes, festivals and international collaborations.
The discussions will also examine the structures, competencies and ethical standards required for Nigerian talent managers to compete successfully within global markets, with insights generated during the roundtable to directly inform the curriculum, partnerships and learning framework of TGM Academy ahead of its official launch.
The wait is almost over. On July 26, Big Brother Naija returns for its eleventh season, bringing with it a brand-new theme, fresh housemates and another chapter of the reality show that continues to dominate conversations across Africa.
While fans are still guessing who will make it into Biggie’s House, one thing is already clear: this season is raising the stakes.
Everything Is For The Taking
This year’s theme, Everything Is For The Taking, sets the tone for what promises to be one of the most competitive seasons yet. It suggests a game where every task, every alliance and every decision could make the difference between staying in the House and walking away with the grand prize.
For the new housemates, nothing will come easy. They’ll have to earn every opportunity, win over viewers and navigate the twists that have become a hallmark of the BBNaija experience.
A New Set of Housemates, Endless Possibilities
As always, the identities of the new housemates remain under wraps, but that has only added to the excitement.
Every BBNaija season introduces a unique mix of personalities. Some become fan favourites almost overnight, others surprise everyone with their strategy, while a few create unforgettable moments that keep social media buzzing throughout the season.
Who will become this year’s breakout star? Fans will soon find out.
Big Brands Return for Season 11
Season 11 will once again feature some of Nigeria’s biggest brands, with betPawa as the headline sponsor, House of Guinness as the gold sponsor and Minimie as the associate sponsor.
Their continued partnership reflects the cultural impact and wide audience the show continues to attract year after year.
The Countdown Begins
With the premiere just around the corner, anticipation is building for another season of drama, competition, unexpected twists and unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re tuning in for the games, the relationships, the strategy or the entertainment, BBNaija Season 11 promises another exciting ride.
The countdown has officially begun, and if the theme is anything to go by, this season will remind everyone that in Biggie’s House, everything truly is for the taking.
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