By Adedapo Adesanya

The board of Warner Bros. Discover (WBD) on Wednesday once again rejected a hostile takeover offer from Paramount Skydance, affirming its sale to Netflix.

The board said it continued to believe the Paramount bid is inferior to a previously announced deal with Netflix to buy WBD’s studio and streaming business for $72 billion.

“We have a signed merger agreement with Netflix, it’s a compelling value, a clear path to closing and protections for our shareholders if something stops the close, whatever that might be,” said Mr Samuel Di Piazza, who chairs the WBD board said, as per CNBC on Wednesday.

Business Post reported last year that WBD entered into an agreement to sell its streaming and studio business to Netflix. However, Paramount has been vying to acquire the entirety of WBD, including its pay TV networks.

In the days following the announcement of that deal, Paramount launched its hostile bid, taking directly to shareholders an offer of $30 per share, all cash for the entirety of Warner Bros. Discovery, including its TV networks.

WBD’s board made an initial recommendation to reject the offer, and Paramount subsequently made another push for the coveted assets. In late December Paramount guaranteed the backing of billionaire Larry Ellison, the father of Paramount Skydance CEO David Ellison, as a clear response to questions raised by WBD’s board.

Paramount first showed interest in acquiring all of Warner Bros. Discovery’s assets in September.

The company made three takeover offers before Warner Bros. Discovery kicked off a formal sale process, inviting other bidders into the fold. It would eventually settle for Netflix.

Netflix issued its own statement welcoming the WBD board’s recommendation and noting it has been engaging with the US Department of Justice and European Commission on antitrust concerns surrounding the merger.

“The WBD Board remains fully supportive of and continues to recommend Netflix’s merger agreement, recognizing it as the superior proposal that will deliver the greatest value to its stockholders, as well as consumers, creators and the broader entertainment industry,” Netflix co-CEOs Mr Ted Sarandos and Mr Greg Peters said in the statement.

Reality TV is about to get even more exciting! Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa brings together some of Africa’s most unforgettable housewives him, each with her own personality, history, and style. From heated arguments and real conversations to laughs, friendships, and stunning outfits, this trip to Brazil has it all, beautiful beaches, sunsets, and plenty of drama to keep you glued to the screen.

The cast this season features:

Princess Jecoco (Abuja, Nigeria)

From The Real Housewives of Abuja, Princess is known for her bubbly personality and carefree confidence. She arrives on the trip ready to enjoy every moment, laugh loudly and live freely. But as fans know, her playful nature can sometimes spark reactions. Her jokes, comments, and reactions quickly become talking points, pulling her into group discussions and side-eye moments.

Mariam Timmer (Lagos, Nigeria)

Anyone who watched The Real Housewives of Lagos already knows Mariam as one of the most outspoken and polarising figures on the show. She was never afraid to challenge people, speak her mind, or stir uncomfortable conversations  and that same boldness follows her into this girls’ trip. On this trip, Mariam questions attitudes, calls out behaviour she doesn’t like, and sparks debates that quickly turn tense. Her presence keeps everyone alert, because with Mariam, silence is never an option.

Annie Mthembu (Durban, South Africa)

Annie became a fan favourite on The Real Housewives of Durban for her humour and emotional honesty. On this trip, she brings the same warmth, often bonding easily with others and lightening the mood. Still, when lines are crossed, Annie speaks up, leading to real conversations that balance fun with sincerity.

Angel Ndlela (Durban, South Africa)

Angel’s journey on RHOD was filled with scrutiny, growth, and resilience. That story continues here. She opens up about her experiences, defends herself when questioned, and handles tense moments with calm strength. Her scenes feel relatable and emotional, especially when opinions clash.

Jojo Robinson (Durban, South Africa)

Jojo comes into the trip with quiet confidence. Fans of RHOD know her as someone who observes first and speaks with intention. On this trip, she’s present during key moments, stepping in when necessary and offering clear perspectives when conversations get uncomfortable.

Madam Evodia Mogase (Johannesburg, South Africa)

As one of the original Real Housewives of Johannesburg, Madam Evodia brings undeniable OG energy. Known for her glamour and blunt honesty, she doesn’t soften her words on this trip. Her comments spark reactions, laughter, and sometimes tension, making her presence impossible to ignore.

Christall Kay (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Christall is no stranger to the Ultimate Girls Trip format. After making a strong impression on RHUGT: South Africa, she returns with the same emotional honesty and bold reactions. Whether she’s opening up, defending herself, or reacting strongly to situations, her moments are intense and unforgettable.

Dr. Catherine Masitsa (Nairobi, Kenya)

From The Real Housewives of Nairobi, Dr C is known for her confidence and sharp opinions. On the trip, she doesn’t shy away from debates and holds her own during confrontations. Her presence keeps group conversations lively and unpredictable.

Zena Nyambu (Nairobi, Kenya)

Zena first caught attention on RHON for her charisma and stylish presence. On this trip, she starts off reserved but gradually steps into the mix. As relationships evolve and tensions rise, Zena’s reactions and growing confidence make her one of the personalities to watch.

This is the show that brings global travel vibes, real‑life personalities and nonstop entertainment into one space, making it perfect for weekend viewing with family and friends.  Catch Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip Africa every Sunday by 8pm on GOtv Ch 8.

To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, simply download the MyGOtv app or dial *288#. To catch up and for on-the-go viewing, don’t forget to download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.

Lagos fashion witnessed a defining creative moment as The Runway Heist on Broadway, a fashion-theatre production curated by BareFashionEvening, concluded to wide acclaim, positioning itself as one of the most conceptually ambitious runway experiences in the city’s recent fashion history. Far beyond a conventional fashion show, the production fused high fashion, live music, theatrical performance, and storytelling, reimagining the runway as a stage where garments, bodies, and narratives converged in a single immersive experience.

Inspired by the tradition of Broadway productions, the show unfolded as a cinematic performance rather than a linear runway. Carefully choreographed walks, dramatic lighting, expressive movement, live vocals, and dance sequences transformed the space into a living story. Each designer’s collection was intentionally staged to unfold as a narrative, allowing garments to communicate emotion, memory, and meaning rather than exist as isolated looks. The result was a multi-layered presentation that reflected the evolving identity of African fashion as expressive, collaborative, and culturally grounded.

Speaking on the creative direction behind the production, Jonarry Agraka, the convener of the event, described The Runway Heist on Broadway as a deliberate rethinking of how fashion should be experienced on the continent. According to him, the platform was created to move fashion beyond aesthetics and return it to its core as a medium of expression and storytelling. He noted that the intention was to create a space where designers, models, and creatives could tell honest stories through movement, sound, and performance, rather than being confined to the traditional runway format. Agraka further explained that the vision behind the show was to provide visibility and opportunity for emerging talent, encouraging collaboration, discovery, and creative freedom within the fashion ecosystem.

At the heart of the showcase was a carefully curated lineup of emerging and forward-thinking designers whose collections explored themes of memory, celebration, sustainability, structure, and contemporary African expression. One of the most emotionally resonant moments of the evening came from Ethnic Stitches, whose collection was inspired by her late brother, a painter whose artistic influence shaped her bold use of colour blocks. Remarkably put together in just ten days, the presentation stood as a tribute to love, loss, and creative inheritance. The moment her son presented her with flowers after the showcase became one of the night’s most touching scenes, capturing fashion’s ability to hold personal memory and emotion.

Creative Director of Sassy by Etty presented a collection titled “Essentials for Christmas,” built around a refined palette of blue, red, and black. Drawing inspiration from the festive season, she described the collection as a significant improvement on her previous work, citing stronger structure, clearer styling, and better overall execution. Her presentation reflected the confidence of a designer growing into her creative identity and refining her voice within the industry.

Sustainability features prominently through KODIELZZ, whose designs are created entirely from recycled waste. Rooted in faith and environmental responsibility, her collection reinforced the increasing relevance of eco-conscious fashion within Nigeria’s creative landscape. By transforming discarded materials into wearable art, her work highlighted the possibility of aligning fashion with purpose and accountability.

Architect and fashion designer Adebayo Oyenuga, who returned as both a guest and sponsor, described the event as a vital discovery platform for emerging designers. Having been impressed by previous editions, he returned to support the initiative, encouraging young creatives to remain original, committed to their craft, and open to continuous improvement. He noted that platforms such as The Runway Heist on Broadway are critical for uncovering new talent and sustaining the growth of the fashion industry.

Distinctively, the production challenged conventional modelling norms by positioning models as performers and storytellers rather than passive participants. The runway demanded emotional engagement, vulnerability, and expression. Model Enoch Adeoluwa described the experience as intense yet rewarding, highlighting the strong bonds formed during rehearsals and training sessions. He openly shared that he experienced a panic attack during rehearsals but was able to pull through with the support of a close friend, underscoring the emotional demands behind live performance.

Similarly, Ayomide Ayoola described feeling anxious, scared, and physically shaken before stepping onto the runway, but ended the show with a deep sense of fulfilment after overcoming her fears. For Umole Arnold, the experience stood apart from traditional fashion shows. He described it as a full Broadway-style performance filled with music, acting, and dance, admitting that while he was nervous at the beginning, he eventually found his rhythm and confidence. Dominance described the experience as marvellous, praising the outfits, makeup, and overall production quality.

International representation came through Lein, a Congolese-born model with Nigerian roots, who reflected on adapting to Lagos’ fashion scene despite early language barriers. Having relied on translation tools when she first arrived in the city, her participation highlighted the inclusive and global nature of the platform.

Music played a central role in shaping the emotional rhythm of the show. Singer Keleya, from Imo State, delivered live performances of three original songs that were seamlessly integrated into the runway narrative. She revealed that she performed without collecting a fee, choosing instead to use the platform to promote her music and connect with new audiences. Her contribution reinforced the collaborative spirit of the production, where creative expression took precedence over commercial considerations.

The event drew a diverse audience of industry professionals, creatives, sponsors, and fashion enthusiasts. Industry figures Demirah, Jeremiah, and Victor Bayo noted that such platforms provide valuable exposure, placing creatives before influential audiences and opening doors to future collaborations. Fashion enthusiast Oluwatosin praised the attention to detail in the event’s planning, from the smooth red-carpet experience to the quality of the audience, describing the show as defined by excellence, poise, and luxury. Former models Hannah and Rosemary attended to reconnect with the creative energy of the runway and observe emerging talent, while emerging designer Maryjane of Black by MJ, accompanied by Deborah, attended with the intention of learning and preparing for future participation. Fashion model and designer Ochanya, from Benue State, described fashion as her happy place, expressing excitement about drawing inspiration from the showcase.

More than a fashion event, The Runway Heist on Broadway emerged as a cultural statement, affirming that African fashion is evolving beyond presentation into performance, narrative, and emotional engagement. It demonstrated that when fashion collaborates with theatre, music, and movement, it becomes a powerful medium for storytelling and cultural expression. As Lagos continues to position itself as a global creative capital, The Runway Heist on Broadway stands as a compelling example of how African fashion can innovate boldly, speak authentically, and command lasting attention.