Showbiz
TAFTA Helping to Solve Unemployment Crisis in Nigeria—Lai Mohammed
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The Minister of Information and Culture, Mr Lai Mohammed, has praised the management of Terra Academy for The Arts (TAFTA) for its contribution to helping the government to solve the unemployment crisis in Nigeria.
Speaking last Friday at a ceremony in Lagos for the graduation of the first cohort of the organisation, he promised that the government would support TAFTA so as to lift more youths from poverty.
TAFTA is a provider of world-class creative education, career support, and entrepreneurial opportunities. It is an initiative of Terra Kulture, headed by Ms Bolanle Austen-Peters.
Its goal is to build and empower a community of young Nigerians who will impact the economy and society by transforming the creative industry.
TAFTA offers an innovative curriculum with specialised courses in sound design, stage lighting, animation, and scriptwriting, all of which were incorporated with entrepreneurship modules.
In his keynote address, Mr Mohammed said, “Nigeria’s creative industry is the new crude oil. Today, Nigeria has taken the world by storm and found itself in the global space, be it through music, movies, fashion, literature, or theatre.
“As Nigeria’s population comprises a 70 per cent youth demographic, many of whom are unemployed or underemployed, TAFTA could not come at a more auspicious time.
“I can say with conviction that TAFTA is contributing its quota to the efforts to solve the unemployment crisis in Nigeria.
“I also want to congratulate the graduates and admonish them to make the best use of this rare opportunity afforded to them.
“TAFTA continues to be a partner of progress, and its efforts are impressive and highly commendable. The Ministry looks forward to exploring greater means of partnerships with TAFTA to extend their invaluable training across the length and breadth of Nigeria,” the Minister said.
In her speech, Ms Austen-Peters explained that, “The dream of TAFTA is a story of possibilities. It was during the pandemic when industries were shutting down, and few were harder hit than the creative industry, that we realized how important it is for us to use our creativity to create wealth.
“As Terra Kulture, we trained hundreds of talents each year who have become superstars in their respective fields, an opportunity we wanted to extend to the greater public.”
Speaking further, she said, “TAFTA was established as a gateway to impacting the lives of young Nigerians. The training we provide allows our graduates to build their entrepreneurial skillsets, ensuring that they are capable of providing for themselves and their families.
“I am delighted that what was thought impossible has been made possible. My sincere congratulations to our graduates today who have taken the next steps to transform their lives.”
Terra Academy for the Arts was launched in 2021 with the mission to upskill 65,000 underserved Nigerian youths through innovative, creative education and practical training strategically designed by handpicked experts in the creative industry.
The initial program runs for six weeks, with an additional two-week practical workshop designed to ensure the hands-on application of the course materials.
Notable alumni from the academy include Moshood Fattah, best known for his role as ‘Michael’ in Netflix’s hit series “Far From Home”; Queen Celestine, Theatre performer and Miss Nigeria Universe 2014; and Bunmi Olunloyo, actor, dancer, and fitness instructor.
Present at the graduation ceremony hosted by Akah Nnani were Prof. Duro Oni, President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters; Rev Olasupo Ayokunle, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); Femi Odugbemi, award-winning Filmmaker; Omotola Jalade Ekeinde, actress; Deyemi Okanlawon, actor; and Mike Afolarin, actor; amongst other key players in the industry.
By Dipo Olowookere
Award-winning music star and Kukere singer, Iyanya, has been selected as one of the judges for the 2025 edition of the prestigious music talent show, Nigerian Idol.
He will the duo of Omawumi and Ric Hassani to groom and score budding artists expected to audition and contest for the grand prize of the programme.
Iyanya, born Iyanya Onoyom Mbuka, is a product of a reality music show, MTN Project Fame West Africa, which he won in 2008.
He will actively partake in 10th season of Nigerian Idol starting on April 20, 2025, with the theme Your Voice, Your Victory.
The organisers of the show have assured that it would be a showcase of exceptional talent, compelling performances, and intense competition as contestants vie for the ultimate prize.
The programme will premiere on Sunday, April 20, at 7 pm on Africa Magic Showcase (DStv ch. 151, GOtv ch. 12) and Africa Magic Family (DStv ch. 154, GOtv ch. 2).
Immediately after the premiere, the Idol Extra channel (DStv ch. 198, GOtv ch. 49) goes live, with the audience having the opportunity to get 24/7 coverage with exclusive content, including auditions, backstage moments, and more.
Continuing its support for young talent, Bigi Drinks, remains the headline sponsor, joined by Nivea. Other sponsors include Camosunate, Arla Dano, and Daravit.
“Nigerian Idol is more than just a competition; it is a platform that transforms lives. Over the years, we have seen aspiring artists step onto that stage and emerge as stars.
“With the line-up of judges this season, fans can expect passion, commitment, and insightful feedback that will enrich the overall experience of the show,” the Executive Head of Content and Channels for West Africa at MultiChoice, Busola Tejumola, stated.
Business Post gathered that the organisers have not changed the host of Nigerian Idol, IK Osakioduwa, who returns to guide viewers through competition, bringing his signature charm and engaging presence to the stage.
Since its revival in 2021, Nigerian Idol has grown into one of the country’s most anticipated music shows, helping young Nigerians chase their dreams.
The world of faith, power, and secrets collides in the must-watch three-part drama, The Good Shepherd, premiering from March 21 to 23 on Africa Magic Showcase Channel 8. This beautiful story will keep you glued to your screen as it unfolds the shocking transformation of a pastor whose pursuit of expansion leads him down an unexpected and dangerous path.
Set in the heart of Lagos, Nigeria, the movie follows Ava, a young and ambitious pastor who dreams of growing his church while desperately trying to save his dying wife. His faith is tested in ways he never imagined when he crosses paths with Chief Ogundowo, a man who will stop at nothing to cover up his son’s crime. What starts as an innocent connection soon becomes a dark entanglement as Ava is introduced to the chilling world of human trafficking.
Amid this chaos stands Ruth, a dedicated church member and Ava’s accountant. She is a woman of faith, but she is also a woman of ambition. Her influence on Ava could either help him find his way back or push him deeper into the shadows.
Will Ava’s faith and morals hold strong against the weight of desperation and corruption? Will he sacrifice his values to save his wife, or will he lose everything in the process?
The Good Shepherd is not just another drama. It is a deep, emotional story that reflects real-life struggles with power, faith, and morality. If you enjoy intense and deep content, this is one you cannot afford to miss.
Another must-watch series is The Real Housewives of Lagos, where drama, luxury, and high-society chaos meet.
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, a new episode drops, bringing even more heat. This season has been packed with drama from the start, and if you haven’t been watching, now is the perfect time to catch up and see what you’ve been missing. 
After all the drama that came with Sophia joining the group, she is blending into the circle pretty well. She even took the ladies on a luxury trip to Ghana, but trust the Real Housewives of Lagos to turn any getaway into a battlefield. All the classiness and bougieness of these queens quickly went down the drain when Dabota and Carolyna went at it over an ex-husband and long-buried issues. Voices were raised, sides were taken, and things got messy real fast. The tension in the group is at an all-time high, and friendships are hanging by a thread.
You do not just want to hear about the drama. Experience it firsthand and catch them on Africa Magic Showcase, GOtv Channel 8, every Sunday at 7:00 PM.
The best part? You do not have to wait or settle for less when it comes to premium entertainment. With GOtv’s Step Up offer, you can upgrade your package and enjoy even more top-quality content, including movies like The Good Shepherd on Africa Magic Showcase.
Do not just hear about it. Experience it. Step up now to unlock a world of exciting and entertaining programs. 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.
Not everyone enjoys romantic movies. Some prefer mysteries, shocking scandals, and real-life crime stories that keep them on edge. If you’re looking for intense investigations, high-stakes deception, and compelling drama, these must-watch shows on Showmax deliver.
Mr. Robot S1-4 | Now Streaming
The battle isn’t always fought in the streets; sometimes, it’s online. Winner of two Golden Globes and three Emmys, Mr. Robot follows Elliot Alderson (Rami Malek), a cybersecurity expert with crippling anxiety who gets pulled into an underground hacker collective led by the enigmatic Mr. Robot (Christian Slater). But the deeper he goes, the blurrier the lines between reality and illusion become.
Hailed as one of the best TV series of the decade, Mr. Robot keeps you questioning everything you think you know.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The Ringleader The Case of the Bling Ring | First on Showmax | Stream from Wednesday, 19 March
The Case of the Bling Ring. They weren’t just fans; they wanted to live like their idols. This real-life documentary tells the shocking story of the Hollywood teenagers who robbed A-list celebrities, including Paris Hilton, Orlando Bloom, and Lindsay Lohan, stealing millions in designer goods. Featuring exclusive interviews and never-before-seen footage, this deep dive into the infamous Bling Ring scandal explores how obsession with fame led to one of the most bizarre crime sprees in Hollywood history.
Directed by Emmy-nominated filmmaker Erin Lee Carr (Britney vs Spears), this HBO documentary has an 83% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The Famous Five | Binge from Friday, 21 March
For decades, The Famous Five has been the ultimate adventure series for young detectives in the making. Now, the classic Enid Blyton stories get a fresh, modern twist, following Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog as they stumble into dangerous secrets, hidden treasures, and criminal plots.
Packed with nostalgia, action, and smart storytelling, this new adaptation captures the heart of the beloved series while introducing it to a new generation.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Brilliant Minds | Binge from Monday, 24 March
Not all doctors heal with medicine. In Brilliant Minds, we step inside the world of a neurologist unlike any other, one who can literally feel his patients’ emotions. Starring Hedda Stiernstedt and Charlie Gustafsson, this gripping medical drama combines groundbreaking science with intense personal battles, showing that sometimes, the mind holds more mysteries than we realise.
The critically acclaimed series holds a 94% overall critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and has been recognised for its fresh take on medical drama. Vox included it in its roundup of “21 TV Shows That Explained the 2010s,” calling it “one of the most prescient shows to emerge.”
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
The Righteous Gemstones S4 | First on Showmax | Mondays from 24 March
Faith, family, and fraud, it’s all part of the business when you’re running a megachurch. Created by Danny McBride, The Righteous Gemstones follows a family of televangelists whose extravagant lifestyles are funded by their devoted congregation. But as scandals unfold, secrets spill, and their empire teeters on collapse, the Gemstones must fight to keep their kingdom intact.
With multiple Emmy nominations and a cast that includes John Goodman, Adam Devine, and Edi Patterson, this dark comedy delivers both laughs and shocking revelations.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Gangs of London S3 | First on Showmax | Binge from Tuesday, 25 March
The Emmy-nominated and BAFTA-winning series Gangs of London returns for its third season as chaos erupts in London after a spiked shipment of cocaine kills hundreds.
Returning cast includes Critics Choice Super nominee Sopẹ́ Dìrísù, BAFTA nominees Joe Cole and Lucian Msamati, and Michelle Fairley (Game of Thrones’ Catelyn Stark). Joining them this season are Irish Film and Television Award winner Richard Dormer (Blue Lights, Game of Thrones) and Critics Choice Super nominees Andrew Koji (Warrior) and T’Nia Miller (The Fall of the House of Usher).
Holding an 86% critics’ rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8/10 score on IMDb, Gangs of London has been praised for its gripping storytelling and intense action sequences. NME describes it as “Game of Thrones but without the dragons.
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Whether it’s daring adventures, digital warfare, or medical breakthroughs, Showmax has something for every mystery and true crime fan.
Now is the perfect time to start streaming with the Shikini Offer—get Showmax Mobile for just ₦1,000 instead of ₦1,600 or the multiple-device plan for ₦2,000 instead of ₦3,500. Visit www.showmax.com/deals to sign up and start watching today.
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