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.
The Big Brother Naija Season 11 House has recorded its first evictions on Sunday night, with Martins and Mercedes leaving the competition after polling the fewest votes from viewers.
Speaking with host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu after his eviction, Martins remained positive about what comes next, saying he plans to surprise the world with his next steps outside the House.
For Mercedes, the eviction was not something she considered a loss. She said she gave the experience everything she had and was proud of how she spent her time in the House. On what comes next, she revealed plans to perform globally while continuing to build her massage and concierge businesses. She also shared that one of her priorities is paying for her father’s surgery.
Chimsom Chuka Takes the First Most Influential Player of the Week (MIPOW) Title
While two housemates said goodbye to Biggie’s House, the evening also brought a new advantage for Chimsom Chuka, who emerged as the first Most Influential Player of the Week (MIPOW). The title earned him the betPawa Elite Award and immunity from next week’s eviction.
This adds another layer to the competition as the remaining housemates settle into the reality of the game, with strategies, alliances, and individual influence already beginning to take shape.
Nomy Receives Strike and Final Warning
Moments before the live eviction show, Big Brother summoned the housemates for a meeting following repeated violations of his instructions by Nomy. After addressing the importance of following the House rules, Big Brother issued Nomy a strike and final warning, making it clear that housemates cannot choose which of his instructions to follow.
With two housemates already out of the competition and Chimsom Chuka holding immunity for the coming week, the race for the N160 million grand prize is fast heating up.
Keep up with all the drama, suspense and gameplay in Big Brother Naija Season 11 on DStv channel 198 and GOtv channel 49, or watch it live on DStv Stream. Download the DStv Stream app and sign up – no dish, no decoder needed.
Every great movie starts with a decision; sometimes it’s the decision to do the right thing. Sometimes it’s the decision to fight back. Other times, it’s a split-second choice that turns an ordinary day into complete chaos.
This August, GOtv’s movie lineup is built around characters whose lives change because of one decision. Some are chasing redemption. Some are fighting for survival. Others are simply trying to make it through the madness they’ve found themselves in. Whatever your movie preference, these are stories that will keep you invested from beginning to end.
When bad decisions become great comedy
Let’s be honest, some of the funniest movies are built around people making one terrible decision after another. That’s exactly the kind of fun Bad Behaviour (Stunt) brings. Airing every Friday on TNT, the comedy is packed with chaotic moments, outrageous situations and plenty of laughs, making it the perfect way to leave the stress of the week behind and ease into the weekend.
Catch Bad Behaviour (Stunt) every Friday from 7 August at 2:55 pm on TNT, available on GOtv Max and higher packages.
One act of courage changes everything
There are action movies, and then there are movies that leave you wondering how the characters survived at all.
In Mad Max: Fury Road, Imperator Furiosa risks everything when she decides to help a group of women escape from the ruthless Immortan Joe. Along the way, she crosses paths with Max Rockatansky, and together they embark on a relentless fight for freedom across a brutal wasteland. With breathtaking action, unforgettable chase scenes and Charlize Theron’s commanding performance, it’s easy to see why the film remains one of the most celebrated action movies of its generation.
Watch Mad Max: Fury Road on Saturday, 8 August at 8:00 pm on Studio Universal, available on GOtv Supa+.
Starting over isn’t always simple
Everyone deserves a second chance. Unfortunately for Tom Dolan, getting one isn’t as easy as confessing the truth.
In Honest Thief, Tom decides to come clean about the money he stole years earlier so he can build an honest future with the woman he loves. But instead of finding justice, he discovers that two FBI agents have plans of their own. What follows is a gripping game of cat and mouse where trust is scarce, danger is everywhere, and survival becomes the only option.
Catch Honest Thief on Friday, 14 August at 8:00 pm on MovieRoom, available on GOtv Max and higher packages.
When giving up isn’t an option
Losing his sight could have marked the end of his story. Instead, it becomes the reason he writes a new one.
Blind War follows a former SWAT officer whose quiet life is shattered when the enemy from his past resurfaces and threatens his daughter. Forced back into action, he must rely on his instincts, determination and years of training to protect the person who matters most. It’s an emotional action thriller that proves courage isn’t measured by what you can see, but by what you’re willing to fight for.
Catch Blind War on Saturday, 29 August at 7:00 pm on KIX, available on GOtv Supa and higher packages.
Four movies. Four unforgettable stories.
Whether you’re looking for something to make you laugh after a busy week, an action film that keeps your heart racing or a thriller packed with twists you won’t see coming, GOtv’s August movie lineup has something for every mood.
So the next time you’re wondering what to watch, you won’t have to spend half the evening searching. Just pick a movie, settle in and let the story take over.
To upgrade, subscribe or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A Nigerian actress, Temitope Osoba, fondly called Tope Osoba by her fans, has reportedly passed away.
She died barely a year after she survived a battle with breast cancer, reports say.
The 41-year-old entertainer left the acting world to cater to her health, but returned shortly after she had a successful treatment in 2025.
The movie producer, however, has not been very active in the past months, ostensibly due to her health.
Her demise has come as a shock to some of her colleagues and admirers, as she was very lively during her lifetime.
Details about the unfortunate incident, which became known to her fans on Wednesday morning, have not been given by her family.
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