Showbiz
Sanwo-Olu Allots 100 Hectares in Epe for Lagos Film City
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
As part of efforts to boost the creative and entertainment industry, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has been 100 hectares in Ejirin community in Epe for the establishment of the proposed Lagos Film City.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yussuf, confirmed this development at the inter-ministerial press briefing held at Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre, Alausa, to mark the second-year anniversary of the Mr Sanwo-Olu administration.
She explained that the project is being developed through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and will serve as a catalyst to accelerate the development of tourism in Lagos.
She further said the film city will offer a one-stop business platform for filmmakers, entertainers and originators of creative ideas to carry out their trades without interference by agencies of government and the public.
“We have acquired 100 hectares of land in Ejirin area of the State for development of the proposed film city. There are ongoing preliminary discussions with the private sector under PPP arrangement and we believe that the initiative would be a boost to the movie and entertainment industry’s revenue.
“The idea behind the film city is to provide a place where film production and creative ideas can be carried out without public interferences.
“When it is finally established, Lagos Film City would be a huge impetus for the development of the entertainment industry, because it will reduce the cost of film production, generate employment and bring about a huge relief to the practitioners. We urge stakeholders and private investors to come on board and support this idea,” she said.
Mrs Akinbile-Yussuf, speaking further, stated that the state government had set aside a N1 billion intervention fund to support ideas, innovations and entertainment programmes in the creative industry, through Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative (LACI).
The Commissioner also said new tourist sites were recently discovered in Badagry, Epe and Alimosho areas, hinting that the state government would take over the management of new heritage sites in Ikorodu. She assured that the new sites would be developed and harnessed to become international tourism centres.
The Commissioner explained that the State had developed a Tourism Master Plan, which would serve as a policy document for the implementation of tourist activities in Lagos.
“The document would change the narrative in the state’s tourism sector and ensure uniformity of government’s programmes, plans and policies in the development of tourism,” Mrs Akinbile-Yussuf said.
She explained that attention would be given to the development of Lagos waterfront for tourism purposes, adding that the master plan would also explore the potential of medical tourism, focusing Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibition (MICE).
“With the Tourism Master Plan in place, the era of haphazard development of tourism activities in the state is over. There is a structured guideline for short, medium and long-term tourism activities and projects.
“Some areas in tourism, which were not given attention, have now been captured in the master plan. This will engender all-round development of every aspect of tourism in the coming years,” the Commissioner said.
“We will leverage on this to boost the State’s revenue. We believe in creating an enduring atmosphere for tourism activities to thrive, being a major private-sector driven sector.
“It is our belief that when businesses operate under the right atmosphere, the economic activities of the state would increase and the resources at the disposal of Government would also be impacted greatly,” she added.
Speaking on the activities of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in the last two years, Mrs Akinbile-Yussuf said the present administration had repositioned the State’s heritage with the delivery of cultural projects, including the modernisation of Glover Memorial Hall, known for hosting stage drama, cultural concerts and other traditional events.
She said renovation work on major cultural sites across the State were inching towards completion, noting the State Government would be delivering J. K Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History in the coming weeks to change the aesthetics of the cultural hub of Lagos Island.
By Adedapo Adesanya
Popular Nigerian singer, Niniola Apata, professionally known as Niniola, has revealed that becoming a young widow has been one of the most difficult experiences of her life, reflecting on the demise of her heartthrob, Mr Michael Ndika.
In an emotional message on X on Sunday, marking two months since his sudden and unexpected death, the music star disclosed that she initially intended to record a video message but found herself unable to get through it because of the overwhelming emotions.
“Today makes it two months since my husband, business manager and best friend, Michael, was very suddenly and unexpectedly taken from me and truly, from us,” she wrote.
Niniola admitted that although she lost her father at a young age, nothing had prepared her for the reality of widowhood. She described the grieving process as “hard” and “exceedingly difficult,” saying some days are manageable while others are “painfully indescribable.”
The singer spoke candidly about the unanswered questions and unfinished conversations left behind, adding that she has struggled to find the words to express the depth of her emotions.
Despite her grief, Niniola said her faith has remained her anchor, noting that God continues to reassure her of His presence even during moments of doubt.
She also expressed profound appreciation to family, friends, fans, colleagues, media organisations and well-wishers for their prayers, messages and unwavering support since Michael’s passing.
“I want to express my deepest gratitude to you all for your outpouring of love, your kind words, prayers, thoughtful messages and posts. I do not know how I will ever repay each and every one of you, but please know that I am truly and sincerely grateful,” she wrote.
Before his death, Mr Ndika was the chief executive of a multimedia platform focused on Afro-house and contemporary African music known as NaijaReview.
Niniola is the older sibling of another famous entertainer, Teni.
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.
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