News Agency of Nigeria
Five 2 Media returns with Remi X Nneoma movie
Entertainment

Five 2 Media returns with Remi X Nneoma movie

 

By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

Nigerian production powerhouse, Five 2 Media Entertainment, has returned to the global stage with Remi X Nneoma, a moving drama inspired by the Biblical story of Ruth and Naomi.

 

In a statement, on Thursday in Lagos, director of the movie, Lyndsey Efejuku, said it explores womanhood, grief, resilience, and intergenerational bonds.

 

“This film is about more than survival; it’s about reinvention. Remi X Nneoma offers rare emotional honesty—both intimate and grand in scope,” Efejuku said.

 

Remi X Nneoma follows Nneoma and her daughter-in-law, Remi, who after shared loss, choose to stay together in Ikwerre, navigating grief, societal expectations, widowhood, and the search for healing.

 

The cast features Bisola Aiyeola, Liz Benson-Ameye, Uche Montana, and Ifeanyi Kalu, with supporting performances from Eucharia Anunobi, Buchi Franklin, Martha Ehinome, Kunle Coker, Kelechi Udegbe, and Tina Mba.

 

Screenwriters Priye Diri and Adelarin Awotedu reimagine the ancient tale through a modern cultural lens, delivering a story that blends intimacy and grandeur with emotional honesty and social resonance.

 

At the heart is Remi, portrayed by Aiyeola, a young widow confronting devastating loss. Her relationship with mother-in-law Nneoma, played by Benson-Ameye, anchors their transformative journey.

 

Aiyeola said: “Remi is every woman rebuilding herself from scratch. Her quiet persistence carries strength. Playing her was unforgettable and deeply personal for me.”

 

Also, the producer, Bikiya Graham-Douglas, said the story celebrates women’s legacy and intergenerational love.

 

“It challenges norms while honouring courage and transformation at the heart of female resilience.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Nollywood: AGN inaugurates panel for asset recovery
Entertainment

Nollywood: AGN inaugurates panel for asset recovery

By Joshua Olomu

The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), the umbrella body for professional screen actors in the Nigerian film industry known as Nollywood, has set up the AGN Asset Recovery Panel.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dr Emeka Rollas, AGN National President, presented the 3-man panel to the guild’s Board of Trustees (BOT) during an interactive session in Abuja.

The stakeholders’ interactive session was held by the guild to formally present its new national secretariat to the BOT.

The Asset Recovery Panel has Onwurah Ifeanyi as Chairman, Garba Muazu  as Secretary and Sydney Diala as member.

According to the national president, the panel’s terms of reference include the recovery and safeguard of the guild’s assets in ‘wrong hands’, as well as to forestall future occurrence.

“Over the past two decades, the guild has lost several valued assets, including cars, buses, furnished offices, landed property, equipment, and other material resources through mismanagement or wrongful appropriation by past leaders.

“To safeguard our future and set a clear deterrent against such practices, we have set up the AGN Asset Recovery Panel.

“This panel is empowered to trace, identify, and recover these assets, whether financial, material, or infrastructural, working with allied government agencies like the Police, EFCC and ICPC.

“This step will not only restore what is rightfully ours but also strengthen accountability and integrity in our institution,” he said.

The AGN helmsman, who is serving his last tenure, said in line with the guild’s constitution, a National Electoral Committee (AGNEC) duly set up by the BOT has been inaugurated to conduct the next national election.

He, therefore, expressed gratitude to the BOT for their support and understanding which provided a conducive environment for him and his leadership team to deliver effectively on their mandate.

“It is with profound honour and gratitude that I stand before you today on this historic occasion of presenting our guild’s office to the Registered Board of Trustees.

“I sincerely appreciate the Board of Trustees for the confidence consistently reposed in me and for granting me the rare privilege to serve as president of this noble guild over the past seven years.

“Your guidance, encouragement, and steadfast support have been instrumental in the strides we have collectively achieved.

“When I assumed this position, I pledged to give my all to reposition the guild, and in the past seven years, together we have fostered unity across all strata of our guild.

“We have healed divisions, restored a sense of family among members, and made the guild visible and respected, both within Nigeria and internationally.

“We have introduced a retail health management plan, ensuring that members have access to affordable healthcare,” he said.

Among other initiatives, Rollas said the guild, under his watch, has launched the AGN Super App, an innovation that offers members rewards, opportunities, and access to vital information at their fingertips.

In his remark, the BOT Secretary, Sonny McDon, commended the national president and his team for their passionate commitment to the betterment of the guild.

“I want to let you know that as a Board of Trustees we are proud of you, and we acknowledge your efforts and your achievements so far.

“Against all odds you have proven that to whom much is given, much is expected, and you have not fallen short of what we expected.

“Once again, we are saying bravo for all you have read out today, and we want to confirm that we are aware and we are in support of your administration,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Mazariyya Books Ltd., foundation sign agreement to publish late Ekwensi’s autobiography
Entertainment

Mazariyya Books Ltd., foundation sign agreement to publish late Ekwensi’s autobiography

By Priscilla Osaje
The Mazariyya Books Ltd., a publishing outfit based in Abuja and Cyprian Ekwensi Foundation have signed a contract agreement for the posthumous publication titled “In My Time” an autobiography of the late Nigerian iconic writer, Chief Cyprian Ekwensi.
The Mazariyya Books Ltd., chaired by Mr Ahmed Maiwada and the Chairman of Cyprian Ekwensi Foundation, Chiedu Ekwensi signed the publishing agreement in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the partnership aims to reissue the book for the benefit of readers who loved Ekwensi’s works but never read his first novella.
The partnership is also aimed at publishing the writer’s posthumous book ‘In My Time’ edited by Prof. Ernest Emenyonu, Nigerian academic, who is an African literature critic and professor.
The Mazariyya Books Ltd., Abuja, chaired by its chairman, Ahmed Maiwada, a lawyer and publisher writer will publish the book in February 2026.
The two organisations said they also agreed to publish late Ekwensi’s first published fiction ‘When Love Whispers’ posthumously which was published in 1948.
‘When Love Whispers’ was Ekwensi’s first published work of fiction and had been out of print for decades.
‘When Love Whispers’ a romantic novella, delved into the complexities of love, betrayal, and societal expectations.
The story is set against the backdrop of Nigerian society and highlights the challenges of maintaining relationships amidst external pressures.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Maiwada said partnering with the giant Nigerian writer through his first living son Mr Chiedu Ekwensi was a great pleasure in signing the two agreements.
Maiwada assured that the two books ‘When Love Whispers’ and ‘In My Time’ would be published by Mazariyya books.
According to him, it is a very big honour to publish the work of an icon that was born in Minna, Niger State, adding that such histories are going to grow together to something unique.
“We are not going to joke about it, rather we will do our very best to see that these works actually get to any interested reader and we will fight tooth and nail to ensure these works are void of piracy.
“We understand that late Ekwensi’s works are out there, there may not even be any track record of how they got into the printed versions of what we are seeing in the bookshops.
“But the assurance we are giving is that possibly, after seeing what we might have done with these two titles, we might give some more consideration to see that a bit of sanity is actually brought into other works that are not within our own consideration.
“You know writers in Nigeria in particular will begin to have the confidence that even after their death their works will still remain and make meaning,” he said.
The chairman, who said that Ekwensi’s work was recognised for the benefits to humanity, said, “it was not all commerce today, but we are certain that when we start these two works, we believe it would be a memorable journey.
 “I always like to remind the government of the day that producing books in Nigeria is expensive because it takes a lot of money.
“We want the government to take all the necessary policy steps to ensure that printing and printing materials are affordable and less expensive, so that these books that we are taking out can be affordable.
“Nigerians are good readers, for that reason we are going to take out books that are affordable because they want to read.
“The motto that we have, we as a publishing company in Nigeria, is telling the Nigerian story. I believe that if you want people to love you, they have to know who you are.
“By the time we tell our own story and people get to know and understand us, we will be more accommodated in the world all over especially among the Nigerian diaspora,” he added.
Maiwada appreciated the late literary icon’s son for his trust, as well as Prof. Emenyonu for his position in the Nigerian diaspora literary circle and for his huge input, particularly concerning Ekwensi’s autobiography.
Also speaking, the Ekwensi Foundation’s chairman said witnessing the two contracts executed with Mazariyya Books Ltd. was a good development as one of the books remained an autobiography of an African writer, Ekwensi.
According to him, autobiography is actually a journey of a young man, his early life, early education, and so on. So, when people read this book, they will come to understand that a man is made.
 “It is not just writing, but we know and understand what really transpired and how this whole thing came about.
He thanked the publisher for such opportunity and prayed that the aim of these contracts should be achieved.
Mr Patrick Oguejiofor, former Chairman, Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), said, “living to see the contract of Ekwensi’s autobiography, a great icon, to be published posthumously, shows that the spirit of the Prince is here.
“I have been following his childhood from ‘An African Night’s Entertainment’ to ‘Juju Rock’, ‘The Rainmaker and Other Stories, ‘Samankwe and the highway robbers’, ‘The Drummer Boy’, ‘Iska’ among others.
“So, today is special because I strongly believe that writers do not die, because great writers never died and their works lived years after them,” Oguejiofor, who is also a poet and writer, said.
The former ANA chairman described Nigerians as good readers, stressing the need to make the books accessible to them. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Deji Abdulwahab
Victory Wilson Season 2 to address mental health issues-Organiser
Entertainment

Victory Wilson Season 2 to address mental health issues-Organiser

 

 

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By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

A renowned media personality, Victory Wilson, has launched the second edition of “The Victory Wilson Show”, a transformative space for viewers to address life’s challenges and mental health issues, promoting healing and vital conversations.

 

In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos, Wilson said the show is driven by a deep desire to reach individuals quietly hurting.

 

“Every episode is designed to be a safe, transformative space where viewers feel seen, heard, and equipped with practical tools to navigate life’s toughest seasons.

 

“It fosters a ripple effect that inspires communities and encourages open dialogue about mental health in homes, workplaces, and faith spaces.

 

“This is not just television, this is real life.

 

“If I can help one person find their strength again, help another find their path, or open the eyes of another to a new path, heaven is glad,” she said.

 

Wilson said the show would expand conversation around mental health, diving deeper into critical topics such as anxiety and burnout.

 

“We are offering practical strategies to cope in a fast-paced world, trauma recovery, guiding viewers on the journey from pain to wholeness, relationship challenges.

 

“We are providing tools for conflict resolution and setting healthy boundaries, and mindset and resilience, focusing on shifting limiting beliefs and cultivating inner strength.

 

“Unlike its debut season, Season 2 emphasises actionable empowerment.”

 

According to her, it will feature leading psychologists, counselors, and therapists who break down complex mental health issues in accessible ways. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Stakeholders plan Nollywood Cultural Festival in Europe
Entertainment

Stakeholders plan Nollywood Cultural Festival in Europe

By Joshua Olomu

Organisers of the annual Nollywood Cultural Heritage Festival say plans are underway to stage the cultural fiesta in Belgium and other cities in Europe.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Chief Agility Onwurah, founder of the prestigious festival, stated this when he led his team on a courtesy visit to Belgian Embassy on Monday in Abuja.

According to him, the Nollywood Cultural Heritage Festival stakeholders are working to strengthen ties with international partners to showcase Nigerian cultural heritage globally.

He said the festival, scheduled to hold from Oct 2 to 12, aims to position Nigeria as a culture, tourism and film destination, leveraging Nollywood’s potential for global recognition.

Onwurah said the festival will feature a tour of major cities in Europe, including Brussels, with the aim of promoting cultural exchange, artistic exposure, and international goodwill.

“Our team will attend cultural performances, visit historical landmarks, interact with local communities, and experience the rich heritage and traditions of each destination.

“The festival seeks to bridge cultures and inspire future storytelling and key stakeholders, including those from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other industry leaders, are participating in this initiative. 

“It will offer stakeholders connections with international filmmakers and industry professionals, fostering collaboration and opportunities for growth,” he said.

Onwurah said the Europe trip will be led by the National President of AGN, Dr Emeka Rollas, among other stakeholders.

In his remarks, Pieter Leenknegt, Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, who warmly welcomed the initiative, reiterated his county’s commitment to deepening cultural diplomacy with Nigeria through film and culture.

He lauded the initiative and reiterated his commitment to work with the organisers in actualising their plans.

Other members of the delegation on the visit to the to the embassy included Abubakar Yakubu, National Secretary of AGN and Linda Ekezie, Project Manager for the Europe Tour.

Others included Ifeoma Okeke-Ozude, Chief of Staff to President of AGN and Grace Amah, veteran Nollywood actor. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Legendary American band ‘Shalamar’ storms Abuja in concert
Entertainment

Legendary American band ‘Shalamar’ storms Abuja in concert

By Joshua Olomu

Shalamar, Grammy-winners/American R&B vocal group, is set to thrill fans, especially old-school music lovers, at a historic concert in the FCT on Oct. 4.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the gig scheduled to hold at the International Conference Centre is to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day weekend.

The show is promoted by Abuja-based event organiser, iCreate Africa in collaboration with First Culture Ltd.

The group is armed with an extensive repertoire of hit songs such as ‘A Night To Remember’, ‘I Can Make You Feel Good’, among other classics.

While highlighting the significance of the concert, Bright Jaja, iCreate Africa Chief Executive Officer, said:  “Get ready, Abuja — the wait is over.

“The music that raised a generation is coming home for what will be a nostalgic, music-filled trip down memory lane, as Shalamar will perform all their classic hit songs, backed by a 7-piece live band.”

He said tickets for the highly anticipated bash  are  currently available at Jabi Boat Club, and Dunes Supermarket, Abuja.

Also, Tunde Babalola, First Culture’s Creative Director and spokesperson, said: “This isn’t just a concert, it’s a gift to all generations.

“A musical bridge between the past and present; don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience a breathtaking Shalamar performance that has been curated to evoke thrills, nostalgia and goose bumps.”

Earlier in a video message, Shalamar members Howard Hewett, Carolyn Griffey and Jeffrey Daniel, expressed how much they look forward to returning to Nigeria for the grand event.

Jeffrey Daniel, acclaimed to be the pioneer of the iconic dance move, ‘backslide’ (Moonwalk), said the  show  would be ‘a night to remember’ indeed  for all Shalamar fans and music lovers alike.

NAN reports that Shalamar is a legendary American R&B and funk group celebrated for their energetic performances and contributions to dance music, including popularising “body-popping” in the UK.

The group, acknowledged as one of the best funk and soul groups of their generation, sold over 25 million records until the classic line up split in the mid- 80s.

Reformed in 2001, Shalamar’s trio of Howard, Jeffrey and Carolyn have been performing live with a seven piece backing band that has brought energy and a major injection of funk to audiences worldwide.

Some of their classics include A Night to Remember, I Can Make You Feel Good, Friends, Make That Move, Sweeter As The Days Go By, There It Is and I Owe You One.

The Abuja concert is coming after over four decades Shalamar performed four sold-out shows across two days in South-West Nigeria.

It was in January 1982 when the acclaimed band performed at the main bowl of the cultural edifice of the National Arts Theatre in Lagos.

It was followed by packed-out shows at the University of Lagos, University of Ibadan and the then University of Ife (now called Obafemi Awolowo University).

As Nigerians celebrate the county’s 65th independence anniversary, Shalamar is returning to thrill fans with their chart-topping classics and pulsating live performances, and for  old-school music fans, it would be  nostalgic experience. (NAN)

Edited by Ekemini Ladejobi

Music lawyer, Ayinoluwa, advocates producers’ rights to catalogue ownership
Entertainment

Music lawyer, Ayinoluwa, advocates producers’ rights to catalogue ownership

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

Prominent Nigerian music lawyer, Akinyemi Ayinoluwa, has called on African producers and songwriters to prioritise ownership of their music catalogues.

 

Ayinoluwa, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, said, “rights must come before streams” if the continent’s creatives are to build sustainable wealth.

 

According to him, many back-end creators, producers and songwriters still lose long-term value because they sign away their rights too early.

 

“In 2019, a young producer I represent was offered 50,000 dollars for the outright purchase of his publishing interest in a record.

 

“It seemed like a no-brainer at the time, but that contract would have handed away every possible future publishing income stream—no royalties, no publishing share, no say in how the work was used.

 

“Today, that same composition has generated over £500,000 in royalties. That’s the difference ownership makes,” he said.

 

He said owning a catalogue goes beyond creative pride.

 

“It is about controlling the master rights, the sound recording and the publishing rights, which cover lyrics and composition.

 

“These rights are the music industry’s real currency.

 

“They generate royalties, sync fees, and licensing income. Whoever owns them decides how, where, and for how long the music lives,” he explained.

 

Industry tradition, he said, is largely to blame.

 

“Record labels typically provide funding, marketing, studio time, and access structures designed around performers.

 

“In exchange, they demand ownership of the catalogue.

 

“The problem is that this system rarely considers the producer or songwriter as equally entitled to long-term rewards.

 

“Too often, they walk away with a one-time fee, even if their work turns into a global hit.”Ayinoluwa said.

 

He cited the case of beatmakers and songwriters whose contributions fuel viral hits, yet who struggle to pay rent after accepting flat fees in place of royalties.

 

“They exchanged ownership for visibility, but visibility doesn’t pay the bills.”

 

Ayinoluwa likened catalogues to real estate.

 

“Music is property. Just like land, it can appreciate, it can be sold, leased, licensed, or inherited.

 

“When you give up ownership, you’re giving up future rent, potentially for life.

 

“A $2,000 beat fee might look attractive today, but that same beat could bring in half a million dollars over the years through sync deals, streaming, and partnerships,” he said.

 

He emphasised that understanding the music value chain is now a necessity for African creatives.

 

“Anyone making music must know how publishing works, the difference between licensing and assigning rights, how to register with PROs and CMOs, and how streaming revenue is actually split.

 

“The artistes who will thrive are the ones who understand both their art and its economics,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Media personality, Toke Makinwa, announces first pregnancy
Entertainment

Media personality, Toke Makinwa, announces first pregnancy

By Oluwaseun Nubi

Media personality, Toke Makinwa, on Wednesday revealed that she is expecting her first child.

Makinwa, who disclosed this in an Instagram post with a display of a baby bump, said she opted for surrogacy because motherhood has been her desire.

Makinwa wrote: “The biggest project of my life, the highest calling ever! 2025… What a difference a year can make.

“Dear God, you did this one, you have completely changed my life. You opened this door that nobody can shut.

“I hope I never get over what you’ve done for me, you stirred the waters and put me in yourself.

“This testimony, the timing. You make all things beautiful in your time and this is just perfect.”

Reflecting on her years of waiting, Makinwa said, “I was convinced that God had forgotten me”.

“You are the God that will put his own reputation at risk just to save me, all that time I was convinced you had forgotten me, I didn’t understand why it took so long but now I see it.

“You worked on my heart posture to get me ready for the biggest blessing and the highest calling. You truly are the God of time and chance,” she said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

Ex-TUC president expresses disappointment over K1 De Ultimate’s airport behaviour
Entertainment

Ex-TUC president expresses disappointment over K1 De Ultimate’s airport behaviour

By Deborah Coker

Mr Peter Esele, a former President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria, has expressed his disappointment over Fuji maestro, Wasiu Ayinde also known as K1 De Ultimate’s alleged refusal to comply with airport regulations.

Reacting to the incident, Esele said K1’s actions are unbecoming of a respected musician and celebrity.

According to him, the consequences of lawlessness go beyond insults.

“It is a metaphor for a nation where power exempts one from consequence,” he said.

A viral video showed the Fuji musician standing in front of an aircraft, attempting to block the plane from taxiing.

According to ValueJet Airlines, K1 was barred from boarding flight VK 201 (Abuja-Lagos) because he insisted on carrying a flask containing a liquid substance exceeding the permitted 100ml.

In spite of repeated requests, it was alleged that he refused to comply with security regulations.

The flight captain, Oluranti Ogoyi, alleged that the musician opened the bottle and poured its contents on her and others nearby.

Esele said: “Aviation laws are clear; liquids over 100ml are prohibited unless medically necessary and declared.

“Yet enforcement bends to influence. We live in a country where ‘Do you know who I am?’ is not a question, but a threat.

“From government officials using sirens to bully their way through traffic, to reckless drivers ignoring zebra crossings, the culture of impunity is top-down.

“These daily infractions and the silence of those tasked with enforcement erode our values and unravel the fabric that binds us.

“Is this the legacy we want to leave? Should apologies replace justice? What happens when laws only apply to the powerless?

“We must demand better. We must rebuild civic education, empower institutions to act without fear or favour, and insist that the law protect everyone equally,” he said.

Esele noted that Nigerians could still build a society where zebra crossings are respected, flights safe, and fame does not override accountability.

“It starts with refusing to excuse the inexcusable,” he added.

He also noted that in a functioning society, the behaviour displayed by K1 de Ultimate would trigger swift legal consequences.

“In ours, it prompted a tepid apology likely because cameras were rolling. Had there been no footage, he would have probably locked up the pilot and airline owner,” he further said.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said the travel ban placed on KWAM 1, will remain in place indefinitely until ongoing investigations into the flight incident are concluded.

On Aug. 7, Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, directed the NCAA to place the musician on a no-fly list for six months, pending the outcome of a full investigation. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Sabrina exits BBNaija house due to medical reasons
Entertainment

Sabrina exits BBNaija house due to medical reasons

 

By Babajide Awoyinfa

 

In a shocking turn of events, Big Brother Naija (BBN) Season 10 housemate, Sabrina, on Monday announced her departure from the show, citing medical reasons as the cause.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the announcement came as a surprise to her fellow housemates, particularly her close friend, Kola.

 

She revealed her intentions to other housemates after returning from the diary room.

 

While details of her medical condition remain scarce, Faith, a fellow housemate, shed some light on the situation, suggesting that Sabrina’s struggles with water retention in her leg and slow healing of her feet may be contributing factors.

 

NAN reports that Sabrina’s struggles with her physical health were evident in recent challenges, where she underperformed in the Head of House challenge in the previous week and on Sunday.

 

Her condition worsened to the point where she had to exempt herself from the games.

 

The housemates wished Sabrina a speedy recovery, though there is uncertainty about her potential return to the show.

 

“I doubt she will,” one housemate said, speculating about Sabrina’s chances of coming back. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

 

Edited by Folasade Adeniran

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