Showbiz
Toyin Abraham, Odunlade, Others Vie for 2020 BON Awards Glory
By Dipo Olowookere
Some stars in the Nigerian film industry have been nominated for the 2020 edition of the prestigious Best of Nollywood (BON) Awards.
The likes of Toyin Abraham, Odunlade Adekola, Alex Ekubo, Adesua Etomi, Kehinde Bankole, Nkechi Blessing, Funsho Adeolu were among the notable faces on the screens nominated for the event, which has 33 different categories.
The nominees were unveiled to the world at a virtual ceremony held recently with Joke Silva, Gbenga Adeyinka, Segun Arinze, Dele Momodu, Shina Peller, Wale Ojo-Lanre, Femi Akintunde Johnson and others in attendance.
Convener of BON Awards, Mr Seun Oloketuyi, while speaking at the ceremony, disclosed that Ekiti State will host this year’s edition, the 12th, of the programme on December 5, with Debo Macaroni and Tana Adelana as anchors.
A breakdown of the nominations showed that Elevator Baby, Sugar Rush, The Sessions, Wede, This Lady Called Life, and Living In Bondage (Breaking Free) have been nominated in the movie of the year category.
The full nomination is presented below;
Best Actor in a Leading Role (English)
Efa Iwara – The Sessions
Timini Egbuson – Elevator Baby
JKA Swanky – Living in Bondage (Breaking Free)
Eyinna Nwigwe – Dear Affy
Daniel K. Daniel – The Fugitive
Femi Jacobs – Colours of Deceit
Best Actress in a Leading Role (English)
Bisola Aiyeola – This Lady Called Life
Omowunmi Dada – The Sessions
Kehinde Bankole – Dear Affy
Toyin Abraham – Elevator Baby
Toni Tones – Killing Jade
Adesua Etomi – Sugar Rush
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (English)
Alex Ekubo – Bling Lagosians
Williams Uchemba/Tobi Bakre – Sugar Rush
Byran Emmanuel – Colours of Deceit
Tope Tedela – Country Hard
Blossom Chukwujekwu/Abayomi Alvin – Unroyal
Best Actress in a Supporting Role (English)
Banke Joye – Traffic
Ruth Kadiri – Too Old For This
Sharon Ooja – Bling Lagosians
Bimbo Ademoye/Bisola Aiyeola – Sugar Rush
Tina Mba – This Lady Called Life
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Yoruba)
Jide Awobona – You Are Me
Lateef Adedimeji – Etan
Akin Kolapo – Asarailu
Joseph Momodu – Torera
Ibrahim Yekini – Lucifer
Funso Adeolu- Digiola
Best Actress in a Leading Role (Yoruba)
Adebimpe Oyebade – Agbelebu Jade
Bukunmi Oluwashina – You Are Me
Nkechi Blessing – Torera
King Flakie – Digiola
Abisola Adebayo – Never Too Late
Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Yoruba)
Yomi Olorunlolaye/Olaide Almoruf – Brothers
Bimbo Sunday – Asarailu
Odunlade Adekola – Never Too Late
Dele Odule – Agbelebu Jade
Femi Adebayo/Kelvin Ikedua – Lucifer
Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Yoruba)
Khadija Ayoade – You Are Me
Abisola Adebayo – Agbelebu Jade
Regina Chukwu – Digiola
Ashabi Ademefun – Brothers
Ireti Osayemi – Never Too Late
Best Actor in a Leading Role (Igbo)
Francis Duru – Mboputa
Stan Eze – Ishi Anyaocha
JKA Swanky – Nne
Best Actress in a Leading Role (Igbo)
Chidiebere Aneke – Ishi Anyaocha
Frances Nsonwu Ikoroha – Nne
Happy Julian Uchendu – Mboputa
Best Child Actor
Daniel Adeshina – Basil
Divine Godwin Otun – Innocent
Molawa Onajobi – This Lady Called Life
King David Akpakwu – My Grandfather’s Wife
Chima David Ntongha – The Pain Your Storm
Best Child Actress
Amarachi Onwe – Secrets
Chimamanda Unigwe- Perfect Marriage
Movie with the Best Social Message
Not So Long a Letter
WEDE
Black Monday
Dan Kasa
Country Hard
The Session
Moses Olaiya Movie with the Best Comedy
Dear Affy
Elevator Baby
Bling Lagosians
Sugar Rush
Best Short Film
Dial 112
Pole Girl
The Honourable
Dan kasa
The Bean Hawker
Best Documentary
Journey to Gambia
Tame The Serial Killer
Learners
Movie with the Best Special Effect
Lucifer
Unroyal
Sugar Rush
Living in Bondage (Breaking Free)
Movie with the Best Screenplay
This Lady Called Life
Bling Lagosians
Elevator Baby
The Sessions
Living in Bondage (Breaking Free)
Dear Affy
Best Use of Nigerian Food in a Movie
This Lady Called Life
Traffic
The Sessions
My Grandfather’s Wife
WEDE
Best use of Costume in a Movie
Unroyal
Broken Water
WEDE
Living in Bondage (Breaking in Bondage)
Isodehi
Best Use of Make-up in a Movie
Living in Bondage (Breaking Free)
The Sessions
WEDE
Broken Water
Isodehi
Movie with the Best Sound
Unroyal
Living in Bondage
Kambili
Movie with the Best Sound Track
Traffic
Colours of Deceit
Living in Bondage (Breaking Free)
Lucifer
The Sessions
Country Hard
Movie with the Best Editing
Living in Bondage (Breaking Free)
This Lady Called Life
Sugar Rush
Elevator Baby
The Sessions
Movie with the Best Production Design
This Lady Called Life
Unroyal
Living in Bondage (Breaking Free)
WEDE
Isodehi
Broken Water
Movie with the Best Cinematography
Living in Bondage (Breaking Free)
Unroyal
Sugar Rush
Bling Lagosians
Dear Affy
Best Kiss in a Movie
Alex Ekubo/Sharon Ooja – Bling Lagosians
JKA Swanky/Munachi Abii – Living in Bondage (Breaking Free)
Laura Fidel/Kunle Remi- Pole Girl
Omowunmi Dada/Efa Iwara – The Sessions
IK Ogbonna/Matilda Lambert-Unroyal
Most Promising Actor of the Year
Tobi Bakare – Sugar Rush
Denola Grey – Bling Lagosians
Obinna Montero – Too Old for This
Most Promising Actress of the Year
Banke Joye – Traffic
Motilola Adekunle – To Have and To Hold
Aisha Mohammed – Colours of Deceit
Chinelo Enemchukwu – Perfect Marriage
Mary John – Perfect Marriage
Revelation of the Year (Male)
Tunde Aderinoye
Fuad Ferdinand
Swanky JKA
Mike Afolarin
Moshood Fattah
Heavens Obule
Revelation of the Year (Female)
Muniachi Abi
Bolaji Ogunmola
Dami Awokoya
Mimi Daniels
Temi Otedola
Director of the Year
Kayode Kasum – This Lady Called Life
Ramsey Nouah – Living in Bondage (Breaking Free)
Lancelot Imasuen – WEDE
Akay Mason – Elevator Baby
Judith Audu- The Sessions
Kayode Kasum – Sugar Rush
Movie of the Year
Living in Bondage (Breaking Free)
This Lady Called Life
The Sessions
WEDE
Sugar Rush
Elevator Baby
Showbiz
TikTok Removes 4.8 million Violative Videos in Nigeria in Q1 2026
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
More than 4.8 million violative videos were removed by TikTok on its platform in Nigeria in the first quarter of 2026, the company’s Q1 2026 Community Guidelines Enforcement Report revealed.
It was disclosed that this number only represents 0.6 per cent of the total number of videos uploaded by the Nigerian TikTok community between January and March 2026.
Analysis showed that 99.8 per cent of the violating content was detected and removed before it was reported by users, while 92.8 per cent of violating content was removed within 24 hours of being posted.
Globally, TikTok yanked off over 184 million videos in the period under review, representing only 0.5 per cent of the total number of videos uploaded on TikTok.
Also, TikTok said it strengthened its anti-spam policy by removing about 118,000 pieces of content in Nigeria under the policy for edited media and AI-generated content (AIGC), while more than 86 million fake accounts were deleted globally.
Further, more than three billion videos have now been labelled as AI-generated content using TikTok’s combination of Content Credentials, creator disclosure tools and invisible watermarking technology, marking a significant milestone in helping people better understand when content has been created or significantly edited using AI.
It no doubt that AI is opening up exciting new opportunities for creativity and storytelling, but as technology evolves, it can also be misused to mass-produce spam that crowds out original creators and undermines trust.
To stay ahead of these evolving challenges, TikTok is testing enhanced detection systems designed to identify accounts dedicated to posting AI-generated spam.
To sanitise its platform, especially as regards TikTok LIVE, efforts have been made to collaborate with local government organisations, such as the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), as well as civil society organisations, ensuring a coordinated and robust response to any potential challenges.
In three months, TikTok suspended 120,000 LIVE sessions in Nigeria for violating Community Guidelines, 40,000 more than in the previous reporting period, proving that the platform has bolstered safety measures.
Globally, more than 58 million LIVE enforcement actions were taken, including the suspension of 50,791,858 LIVE sessions and warnings or demonetisation for 21,966,667 LIVE creators for violating policies.
Warnings serve as an opportunity to educate creators when their content may breach LIVE monetisation policies, allowing them to make necessary changes.
TikTok also emphasises its commitment to keeping the TikTok LIVE experience safe. These efforts include a continuous focus on interrupting violating streams and executing monetisation enforcement actions (both demonetisation and warnings).
TikTok says it remains committed to providing greater visibility into its enforcement efforts through its Community Guidelines Enforcement Reports. As part of this commitment, it has refreshed the design and usability of its reports, making them easier for users to navigate and understand.
Showbiz
Former BBNaija Housemates Reflect on Life, Growth, Success Beyond the Show at Season 11 Media Launch
Big Brother Naija’s evolution from a reality show into a platform for creativity, entrepreneurship and career growth took centre stage at the Media Launch for season 11 on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. Former housemates Uriel, Doyin, Kola and DJ Flo reflected on how the show helped shape their careers while sharing the lessons they have learnt navigating life after reality television.
During the conversation, the former housemates agreed that while Big Brother Naija gave them visibility and opened doors, building successful careers after the show has required intentionality, consistency and a willingness to evolve beyond their reality television personas.
Doyin David from Season 7 Level Up and Season 8 All Stars shared one of the day’s most personal reflections, revealing that her biggest lesson began while she was still in the house.
“One of my biggest lessons actually started in the House. Watching myself back made me realise I did not know myself as much as I thought I did.”
She explained that finding a balance between her personal life and her public brand was a gradual process.
“As for balancing my personal life and my brand, it did not happen immediately after the show. I had to learn along the way, make mistakes, grow from them and eventually find that balance.”
Uriel Oputa from Season 2 See Gobbe and Season 8 All Stars spoke about building a career around wellness, explaining that her passion for healthy living did not begin after the show but became more visible because of the platform Big Brother Naija provided.
“I did not have to find a balance because healthy living is already my lifestyle. It is what I do every day. It is not something I switch on or off because of the entertainment industry; it is simply who I am.”
Flora Chiedo, popularly known as DJ Flo from Season 9 No Loose Guard, emphasised that while Big Brother Naija creates opportunities, success ultimately depends on what housemates do after leaving the House.
“Vision without execution is just hallucination. The show gives you an opportunity, but it does not do the work for you. You have to come out here and put in extra work every day.”
Kola Omotosho, Season 10 10/10 housemate, echoed the sentiment, describing Big Brother Naija as a valuable platform that gave him visibility while stressing that passion, drive and consistency are essential for staying relevant.
“Big Brother Naija gave me visibility, and I am grateful for that. But staying relevant requires passion, drive and consistency.”
The discussion reinforced one of the defining impacts of Big Brother Naija over the years. Beyond entertainment, the show has continued to serve as a launching pad for creatives, entrepreneurs and entertainers, providing contestants with the visibility to pursue careers across different industries. As the former housemates’ experiences have shown, the platform opens the door, but sustained success depends on what each individual chooses to build from the opportunity.
Big Brother Naija Season 11 premieres on Sunday, 26 July 2026, with the live launch show airing from 7:00 p.m. on Africa Magic Showcase and Africa Magic Family. The season marks betPawa’s debut as the Headline Sponsor, while House of Guinness joins as the Gold Sponsor and Minimie returns as the Associate Sponsor. Hosted by Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, the 24-hour live show will air on DStv Channel 198 and GOtv Channel 49. Fans can also watch the show live via DStv and GOtv Stream.
Showbiz
Niniola Reflects on Grief Two Months After Husband’s Passing
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.


