Showbiz
We Need Entrepreneur-friendly Policies—Daniel Adewoye Olamide
Former Mr Universe 2018, Daniel Adewoye Olamide, is a filmmaker, creative designer, content developer, journalist and among other entertainment engagements, He is also the global head of media for Gtext Homes, a leading real estate firm in Nigeria. In this interview, he talks about his career in the industry. Among other issues, he talks of his plans for the future, and more.
How did you start filmmaking as a journalist?
Well, I didn’t start filmmaking or journalism at first, although I had started building the skills. I joined the creative industry as a model and won Mr Universe Africa and then transitioned full time into filmmaking. It started with always wanting to put ideas and scenarios in my head into motion, bringing it to life and being behind the camera.
What inspired you to go into filmmaking and how did it all begin?
It’s only in the film industry you can be God and create your scenarios and outcomes. Basically, being the author and finisher of the actor’s fate. I like to create my worlds and scenarios that likely won’t be something you see in real life at the same it lets you create awareness about important matters and topics.
Did you actually learn it somewhere or how did you start?
No, I didn’t intern under anyone as a filmmaker. I am a self-taught filmmaker. Most of my learning resources were from the internet and also I did one or two courses in and outside Nigeria to back up my knowledge and craft.
What is your goal in the film industry?
I want a name crested in the hall of fame, but above all, I want to make an impact with my work, influence and change lives positively.
Apart from being the global head of media at GText Homes yourself, you are also a filmmaker, content developer and graphic designer. How do you handle all of these at the same time?
It all flows together, that’s what makes you a manager or supervisor; having an idea of all these things and how they blend into one and work together.
You have continued to remain relevant in GText Homes. What does it take to accomplish that?
Honestly, value plus dedication equals relevancy; so, I think that answers it.
On what platform are you selling yourself?
By selling, I guess you mean promoting. My Instagram page has some of my works. My website is coming up soon with all of my work on there.
What are your hobbies?
I don’t have many friends that really hang around me physically. Most of them are creatives and content creators so they are mostly working as well. I watch movies a lot, then music too. I have a very nice set of playlists for different moods. So, yeah, I don’t do much, to be honest.
Since you started filmmaking, will you say it has given you some financial independence?
Well yes, it has, but in Nigeria, you don’t get rewarded as much as the skill you have.
Like in a month when the business is good, how much do you make?
It depends on your clientele really and the kind of project you do, it’s relative.
Where do you hope to take this filmmaking venture to?
The plan is to pass on what I know to the coming creatives. I didn’t have it all starting up. I didn’t have access to major information starting up. So, I intend to make this easier for those starting up and trying to self learn filmmaking.
What is your plan for growing the brand?
Well, I hope to work with more major brands and create my own piece of ideas and thoughts.
Like how many people do you have working for you?
I have quite a team of skilled photographers and cinematographers, they are partners really because we mostly collaborate to create. There’s no boss or employee in the creative field, in my opinion.
How many films have you produced so far?
Technically none, but I have been part of major TV shows and commercials. One of them is The Investment chat in a Rolls Royce, I worked on it as a co-producer and senior editor, and others are coming out soon as well.
What project are you working on currently?
I have a story or should I say a short film I wrote I’m working on with my team. The production is set to start soon, ceteris paribus.
What would you describe as the best aspect of your career?
The fact that you get to put your own imaginations into writing then onto the screen and people can see and feel your work, sometimes even have a different view and spinoff from what you created.
Would you say you have attained some level of perfection now?
To be honest, I am better than I was yesterday. With filmmaking, you can’t always be perfect but you can be the best at what you do, there are new things to learn every day.
Who is/are your role model(s) in the film and entertainment industry and why?
I don’t have a role model, I have pacesetters; people that set the pace in terms of their creative prowess and thinking capability, and delivery as well.
What brands have you worked on?
I’ve worked with BBnaija Housemates, Koko by Khloe, Whitemoney, Tega, Jackie B just to mention a few. I handled some of their brand ambassadorial commercials. I did Kennyblaq’s UK tour video campaign, Destalker UK tour as well as Seyi Law’s recently I got in a fight in UK Tour, Telesoftas, a Lithuania tech company. I have done something for Cantu as well and Dunnie.
I’ve also worked with Kanayo O Kanayo, Korede Bello, Cosmas Maduka, MD of Coscharis, Aare Dele Momodu, Dr Stephen Akintayo, and Taylor Live magazines, Sanni Danja and Mr Macaroni. My work has really put me in places with a lot of known personalities. These are the few I can remember really.
You directed the ‘Sacrifice’ commercial that trended, what was it like working with Kanayo O Kanayo?
Well, it was one of those projects that really tested how far I can stretch and deliver under a short timeline. It wasn’t till after the shoot I realised what I had just done. I just directed a commercial and it was a veteran I had on set. He was sceptical when he found out I was the director, but in the end, he wasn’t disappointed, I guess.
You have been a filmmaker for years now. How far would you say Nigeria’s film industry has gone?
There has been a major improvement even though Nollywood has shitty movies and films that will make you puke, lol but the most important is we are getting better and we have directors that are changing the narrative.
To what extent do you think the film industry has contributed to the economic growth of Nigeria?
I would say it has contributed more to Nigeria socially than it has financially, considering piracy is still at large in Nigeria.
Do you agree that the government doesn’t patronize the film industry?
Well, they don’t because the people in government don’t care about your film, it takes creative and innovative leaders to know the importance of the film industry, our leaders are not informed even the minister of information is not as well, according to news.
What do you think the government can do to promote entrepreneurship?
They need to give the space and create more schemes that allow entrepreneurs to have access to platforms that support what they do and collaborate with industries outside Nigeria that can help entrepreneurs and their establishment and at the same time make entrepreneur-friendly policies, so you don’t get frustrated as well.
What is your advice to upcoming filmmakers as well as those with acting potential or intentions?
Don’t be about the money first, be about how much knowledge you can acquire. Filmmaking is a straightforward craft, you bill what you can deliver because you can’t cut corners; it will always show in your delivery. If you’re an actor as well, you need to work on your delivery and be better at it, especially with the expression of emotions. You also have to be versatile. The internet has made it easy to be detectable, you just have to be smart and don’t be desperate.
In simpler words, acquire knowledge, build relationships and don’t pursue money
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.
The wait is almost over. On July 26, Big Brother Naija returns for its eleventh season, bringing with it a brand-new theme, fresh housemates and another chapter of the reality show that continues to dominate conversations across Africa.
While fans are still guessing who will make it into Biggie’s House, one thing is already clear: this season is raising the stakes.
Everything Is For The Taking
This year’s theme, Everything Is For The Taking, sets the tone for what promises to be one of the most competitive seasons yet. It suggests a game where every task, every alliance and every decision could make the difference between staying in the House and walking away with the grand prize.
For the new housemates, nothing will come easy. They’ll have to earn every opportunity, win over viewers and navigate the twists that have become a hallmark of the BBNaija experience.
A New Set of Housemates, Endless Possibilities
As always, the identities of the new housemates remain under wraps, but that has only added to the excitement.
Every BBNaija season introduces a unique mix of personalities. Some become fan favourites almost overnight, others surprise everyone with their strategy, while a few create unforgettable moments that keep social media buzzing throughout the season.
Who will become this year’s breakout star? Fans will soon find out.
Big Brands Return for Season 11
Season 11 will once again feature some of Nigeria’s biggest brands, with betPawa as the headline sponsor, House of Guinness as the gold sponsor and Minimie as the associate sponsor.
Their continued partnership reflects the cultural impact and wide audience the show continues to attract year after year.
The Countdown Begins
With the premiere just around the corner, anticipation is building for another season of drama, competition, unexpected twists and unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re tuning in for the games, the relationships, the strategy or the entertainment, BBNaija Season 11 promises another exciting ride.
The countdown has officially begun, and if the theme is anything to go by, this season will remind everyone that in Biggie’s House, everything truly is for the taking.
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.
When Pragya and Abhi’s complicated love story kept viewers glued to their screens in Kumkum Bhagya, many Nigerian homes were already familiar with the emotional rollercoaster that ZeeWorld dramas bring. From hidden identities and unexpected betrayals to family members standing in the way of love, the show became one of the many dramas that turned ordinary evenings into moments of suspense and heated conversations.
The same happened with This is Fate, where viewers followed the journey of characters like Prachi and Ranbir through love, misunderstandings and family conflicts. Every revelation, heartbreak and reunion became something audiences discussed long after the episode ended.
This is the magic ZeeWorld has created over the years. The channel has mastered a style of storytelling built around emotions Nigerians connect with.
For many Nigerian women, ZeeWorld is not just another entertainment channel. It has become part of everyday routines, family conversations and shared viewing experiences.
Here is why it continues to hold their attention.
Love Stories That Keep Viewers Invested
ZeeWorld understands the power of romance, especially when love is tested. Love is never simple in ZeeWorld’s dramas. Characters have to deal with family expectations, misunderstandings, betrayal and difficult choices before finding happiness. This emotional journey keeps viewers invested because they are not just watching a love story unfold; they are hoping for the characters to overcome every obstacle.
Family Drama That Feels Familiar
Beyond romance, ZeeWorld’s biggest strength is its focus on family. Many of its storylines explore themes Nigerians understand deeply, parental expectations, family loyalty, marriage pressures and the desire to protect loved ones. While the settings may be different, the emotions feel familiar. The mother trying to protect her child, the family fighting to preserve its name or the woman trying to find acceptance are experiences that resonate with many viewers.
Characters Who Become Part of the Conversation
A major reason ZeeWorld has built such a loyal audience is the connection viewers have with its characters. Fans celebrate their favourite characters, criticise their decisions and debate their choices like they are discussing people they know. A storyline from a ZeeWorld drama can easily become the main topic of conversation among friends, sisters or family members.
The Joy of Watching Together
In a world where streaming has made entertainment more individual, ZeeWorld still represents the traditional television experience where people gather around the same screen and share reactions together. It is the channel playing while dinner is being prepared, the show discussed during visits and the reason viewers make sure they do not miss an important episode.
Television trends may change and new streaming platforms may emerge, but stories built on love, family and human emotion rarely go out of style. As long as ZeeWorld continues to tell those stories, it will keep giving Nigerian women a reason to tune in, laugh, cry and ask the same question at the end of every episode.
Don’t miss your favorite Zee World shows on GOtv Ch 30.
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.
