By Modupe Gbadeyanka

For the fourth consecutive year, Ecobank Nigeria will hold the now-prestigious Adire Lagos Exhibition from Thursday, June 5 to Sunday, June 8, 2025.

The event attracts fashion and cultural enthusiasts as well as creatives, and shoppers from across the country to the Ecobank Pan African Centre (EPAC), Lagos.

A statement from the bank disclosed that this year, over 120 vendors are expected to showcase their latest products at the four-day programme.

Ecobank said attendees can look forward to an immersive cultural experience, including authentic hand-dyed Adire textiles, indigenous cuisine, live performances, interactive masterclasses, and valuable networking opportunities for artisans and entrepreneurs in the creative sector.

“The remarkable success of previous editions has inspired us to go even further this year. Adire Lagos has become a platform that promotes tourism, celebrates local artistry, and strengthens the creative economy.

“We’re expecting high-profile exhibitors, international vendors, influencers, and members of the diplomatic and expatriate communities. This is truly an open invitation to everyone to experience Nigerian culture at its finest.

“It’s more than an exhibition—it’s a celebration of our identity, innovation, and craftsmanship.

“We welcome everyone to join us for four vibrant days of culture, commerce, and connection,” the Head of SME Banking at Ecobank Nigeria, Ms Omoboye Odu, said.

The Adire Lagos Exhibition celebrates Nigeria’s vibrant heritage through the timeless artistry of Adire fabric. This year’s edition will feature over 120 vendors, drawing in fashion lovers, cultural enthusiasts, creatives, and shoppers for a dynamic fusion of tradition, style, and enterprise.

The initiative is part of Ecobank Nigeria’s broader commitment to supporting Nigeria’s creative and cultural industries.

Earlier this year, the lender hosted the acclaimed +234Art Fair, spotlighting emerging visual artists across the country.

It also introduced Oja-Ògè, a fashion pop-up market showcasing contemporary Nigerian design beyond Adire, further reinforcing Lagos’ status as a fashion and creative hub.

Ecobank continues to position itself as Nigeria’s leading SME bank, with a special focus on empowering creative entrepreneurs. Through innovative banking solutions and strategic platforms like Adire Lagos, the bank offers creatives greater visibility, access, and growth opportunities.

Quickteller, leading digital payments platform powered by Interswitch, and Verve, Africa’s foremost payment cards and digital tokens brand, have been unveiled as official sponsors of the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), scheduled to hold on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos.

As the AMVCA continues to celebrate excellence and innovation in African film, television, and digital content, Quickteller and Verve are proud to partner with this flagship event, further reaffirming their commitment to supporting creativity, storytelling, and talent development across the continent.

In line with the sponsorship, Verve will sponsor the Best Lead Actor award category, celebrating excellence in performance, while Quickteller will sponsor the Best Score/Music award, recognising the outstanding contributions of music creators to African storytelling.

This year’s AMVCA will feature 27 award categories, spanning audience-voted and jury-decided sections. Among the standout nominees are productions such as Seven Doors, Lisabi: The Uprising, and Skeleton Coast, alongside celebrated actors and actresses including Adedimeji Lateef, Femi Adebayo, Chioma Chukwuka, and Bimbo Ademoye.

The ceremony will also see the presentation of two special recognition awards — the Lifetime Achievement Award and the Trailblazer Award, honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to Africa’s entertainment industry.

Speaking on the sponsorship, Cherry Eromosele, Executive Vice President, Group Marketing and Communications, Interswitch Group, said, “At Interswitch, we are passionate about enabling growth and celebrating excellence across different spheres of life, including the creative industry. Through our brands Quickteller and Verve, we are proud to support the AMVCA in spotlighting the incredible talent and innovation shaping Africa’s entertainment landscape.

“We believe that stories have the power to unite, uplift, and inspire. We are honoured to stand with the creators who are telling Africa’s stories with authenticity, passion, and brilliance. We look forward to an inspiring celebration of African storytelling at its finest.”

Organised by Africa Magic in association with MultiChoice, the AMVCA continues to serve as a platform for recognising and rewarding exceptional talents that are shaping Africa’s creative future. As proud champions of African creativity, Quickteller and Verve are delighted to celebrate the individuals and productions that have captivated audiences across the continent and beyond.

The 11th AMVCA promises to be an unforgettable evening of glamour, celebration and recognition, showcasing the best of Africa’s film and television industry.

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Auditions for the season 10 of the biggest and most-watched reality television show in Africa, Big Brother Naija, will begin from Friday, May 16, 2025.

A statement from the organisers disclosed that intending contestants of the programme would be screened for three days across audition venues in Lagos, Abuja, and Enugu.

The screening exercise will take place on Friday, May 16, Saturday, May 17, and Sunday, May 18, 2025.

It would be the first time in recent years that hopeful contestants will audition in person, allowing aspiring housemates to showcase their charisma and charm at the audition venues.

This in-person audition format aims to recapture the energy and excitement that defined earlier seasons and deepen the connection with fans and talent across the country. As anticipation builds, the show’s producers promise even more surprises leading up to the launch of what is poised to be Big Brother Naija’s most electrifying season yet.

The audition process kicks off with online registration beginning Saturday, May 3, and closing Wednesday, May 7, via the official portal: www.africamagic.tv/bbaudition.

Applicants must be Nigerian citizens aged 21 or older and possess a valid government-issued ID.

To audition, participants must complete the registration form online, choose a preferred audition date and city, check their email for a confirmation message, and appear in person at the selected venue on the scheduled date, ready to impress.

Auditions are completely free, but only pre-registered and confirmed applicants will be admitted. With limited slots available per location and a first-come, first-served policy in place, early registration is crucial.