Showbiz
When Powerful Nigerians Stormed Oyo for Tomori Williams
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Sunday, February 28, will be etched in the history of Oyo Town for a very long time and this was because that day, the Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, conferred the title of Aare Onikoyi of Yorubaland on Otunba Tomori Williams.
Indeed, on that day, endless blessings flowed, as the town was agog with activities.
The three days event was incomparable to anything that had been seen in the state, as mouths were left agape by the display of wealth, opulence and taste.
Kicking off with a DJ night on Friday, February 26, guests were treated to a night of dance music.
If the first day was for the young at heart, the second day which saw guests hosted to a Sabaka Night was something else, as a blend of adults and youths enjoyed themselves to traditional old school music.
The climax of the event was on Sunday, February 28. Guests witnessed a show stopper event with people from all works of life in attendance.
Kicking off at 10am, the palatial marquee, the venue of the event stood tall at the Aganju Forecourt of Alaafin’s palace. Indeed, it was a sight to behold as it was tastefully designed with drapes of delicate fabrics, chill air conditions, metal detectors, and what have you.
Indeed, such a marquee had never been spotted in the history of the town, as a lot of people confessed.
While the massive marquee served as the venue of the event, a smaller one was made available for the comfort of food vendors. It was indeed mind-blowing.
As expected, inside the marquee was a gathering of who-is-who, as almost all the important personalities in the southwest were in attendance.
Present at the event were notables such as Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party Chairman, Alao Akala; House of Representative member, Shina Peller; Elegushi of Ikate Kingdom, Oba Saheed Elegushi; Akinsiku of Lagos, Olalekan Dosunmu; and Olofa of Offa, Oba Mufutau Oloyede Gbadamosi.
Also present were Oloyan of Oyankingdom, Oba Kelani and his Olori; Alara of Ilara Epe, Oba Folarin Ogunsanwo; the Lagos/mainland council of white cap chiefs; Osolo of Isolo, Oba Kabiru Agbabiaka; Onibogun of Ibogun, Oba Ifakayode Ajigbotifa; Chief Executive Officer of Sodium Brand Solutions Limited, Bisoye Fagade; Chief Olawale Andus, the Aro of Oto, representative of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Mogaji Nureni Akanbi; the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Iba Gani Adams and Onishagisha of Magodo.
Others at the event were Ambassador Ayanlakin, Oloye Akin Fijabi, Chief Wale Saranda, Chief (Mrs) Kadijat Bakare, Bashiru Fakorede, Mustapha Dodo among others.
Music was supplied by the king of Fuji music, Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, who doubles as the Mayegun of Yorubaland. He ensured that guests dance into the evening, as he dished out both old and new songs to the amazement of guests present.
Presenting a certificate of office to the newly installed Aare Onikoyi of Yorubaland, Oba Adeyemi described Aare Tomori Williams as a brave successful businessman whose philanthropic gestures can’t be overemphasized.
Aare Tomori Williams is the MD/CEO of T. Williams Construction Nig. Limited, the Managing Director of Olaleye Property and Investment Limited, MD Maintek Property, and MD Olaleye New Town Developments Ltd. His various working expertise includes real estate developments, construction, and consultancy.
Indeed, history will remember Aare Tomori Williams for a long time to come.
Winner Achimugu, the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Best Graduating Student 2024, has embarked on a six-week scholarship at the prestigious New York Film Academy (NYFA). This achievement not only celebrates her exceptional talent and dedication but also reinforces MTF’s commitment to nurturing world-class African filmmakers ready to make their mark on the global stage.
Since its inception, MTF has been more than just a training ground; it’s a launchpad for African storytellers. Alumni from the academy have consistently demonstrated excellence, with films and projects winning awards, receiving grants, and gaining international recognition. Notable projects include 2070, which clinched Best Short Film at the African SDGs Film Festival, and Isekonu, a Zee World short film, officially selected for the Lagos Fringe Festival 2025 and nominated for Best Student Film at the Bayelsa International Film Festival.
These achievements reflect MTF’s ethos of equipping young filmmakers with both the technical skills and creative vision necessary to succeed, both locally and internationally.
The 2024 Best Graduating Student, Winner Achimugu, distinguished herself among her peers with a combination of talent, dedication, and storytelling finesse. Her selection for the NYFA scholarship is a testament to her hard work and to the quality of mentorship and training at MTF.
Through this program, she will engage in intensive workshops, hands-on training, and industry exposure that promise to elevate her craft. The scholarship is not just an award, it is a bridge connecting African storytelling to global cinematic opportunities, embodying MTF’s brand promise of fostering talent that transcends borders.
This scholarship opens new avenues for growth, offering exposure to international techniques, networks, and collaborative experiences that could define the trajectory of her career. For MTF, it’s a validation of its mission: cultivating a generation of filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and impact will resonate far beyond Africa.
As this journey unfolds, it reinforces the message that African cinema is on the rise, powered by storytellers who are ready to take their place on the world stage. With MTF alumni leading the way, the future of African filmmaking looks brighter than ever.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
A 12-hour non-stop entertainment event offering various performances and activities all night long will take place in Lagos from the evening of December 21 into the early hours of December 22, 2025.
This programme known as InsomniaQ, is being put together by one of Africa’s leading digital payments platforms, Quickteller.
Quickteller is a brand powered by the Interswitch Group, and InsomniaQ was created to celebrate African creativity.
The all-night music and entertainment experience will hold at the Ballroom of the Lagos Continental Hotel, Victoria Island.
It is designed to capture the vibrancy and cultural energy that define Lagos in December. InsomniaQ is positioned to become Africa’s newest must-attend December destination.
The concert blends diverse African soundscapes, creative expression, and immersive lifestyle experiences, offering a night curated for music lovers, diaspora returnees, cultural enthusiasts, and everyone drawn to the city’s festive season.
More than a concert, InsomniaQ represents a new cultural moment, one that celebrates the richness, depth, and diversity of African talent. With a lineup cutting across contemporary and alternative genres, the festival aims to introduce a bold, fresh, and unforgettable experience within Lagos’ already vibrant entertainment landscape.
“InsomniaQ is an invitation to celebrate African creativity in a way that feels bold, fresh, and true to who we are.
“Quickteller has always been an essential part of the experiences people value, and this festival brings that connection to life in an entirely new dimension.
“As Lagos welcomes friends, family, and visitors from around the world each December, we are proud to introduce a platform that showcases our music, our culture, and the vibrant energy that defines this season,” the Divisional Head of Growth Marketing for Quickteller Ecosystem at Interswitch, Mr Olawale Akanbi, noted.
Through Quickteller, Interswitch continues to champion initiatives that go beyond digital transactions to enrich the everyday life of millions of Nigerians.
InsomniaQ extends this mission by empowering cultural expression, unlocking creative opportunities, and supporting the continent’s growing entertainment ecosystem.
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The quartet of Oyindamola Timothy (Fashion), Steve Adeyemo (Tech), Uche Kalu (Dance), and Emmanuel Elijah (Music) emerged the category winners of the Stanbic IBTC FUZE Talent Show 4.0.
They received N10 million each for their efforts, along with mentorship opportunities, industry exposure, and support to advance their creative journeys.
The four were chosen from the 12 finalists at an event aired on Sunday, December 14, 2025, on AIT (DStv Channel 253) at 7:00 pm, Africa Magic Showcase (DStv Channel 151) at 5:00 pm, and streamed live on the official Stanbic IBTC YouTube channel, connecting millions of viewers to the excitement and energy of the show.
The 2025 edition drew over 6,000 entries nationwide and continued to inspire a new wave of innovation among young Nigerians in fashion, technology, dance, and music. The participants fought for a share of the N90 million in prizes put up by the organisers.
This year, the FUZE Talent Show also introduced an exciting new twist: The Fan Favourite Feature, which allowed viewers across the country to vote for the contestant who most inspired them. This addition deepened audience participation and further strengthened FUZE’s mission to connect creativity with community support.
“FUZE 4.0 truly lived up to its promise as The Ultimate Show, a platform that celebrates courage, creativity, and innovation.
“Every contestant who graced that stage reminded us of the extraordinary potential of Nigerian youths.
“At Stanbic IBTC, we are proud to continue creating opportunities that help young people dream bigger, think bolder, and achieve more. It is all about home-grown talent for us as we power the made-in-Nigeria initiative,” the chief executive of Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc, Mr Chuma Nwokocha, said.
As excitement builds for FUZE Festival coming up on Saturday, December 20, 2025, attendees can anticipate experiencing this year’s edition theme The Ultimate Show in full, with circus-style attractions, from magicians and parade performers to flash mobs and art displays.
An expanded marketplace, freebies from participating partners and on-site Stanbic IBTC services will enhance convenience, while performances by Wande Coal, Pheelz, Chike, and Ms DSF will add a nostalgic, high-energy finish. Interested attendees can register to attend via the Stanbic IBTC Events App or visit www.events.stanbicibtc.com to secure their spot.
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