Entertainment
Entertainment Industry Can Boost Economy- DG
The Director General, Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), Mr Emeka Mba said in Lagos that the entertainment industry could boost the nation’s economy if well managed.
Mba stated this at the premiere of a film: “Red Hot Nigerian Creativity’’ held on Wednesday night by Communicating for Change (CFC). It was to honour creative artistes.
He said that in spite of the financial problems and piracy challenges in the Nigerian film industry, artistes and stakeholders had been able to bring out blockbuster movies.
“We want people to know that they can make more money in Nigeria through the entertainment sector. This is one of the ways the country’s economy can be enhanced.
“Entertainment is not just for fun but a way of life, of history and culture, documented for reminisce,’’ he said.
According to him, Nigeria’s culture should be projected in film, dance, theatre and music to tell our own story to the outside world.
Mba added that entertainment could also be used as a tool to correct the ills of the society and send out messages for change.
He commended CFC for being in the forefront of filming the ills of the society and proffering ways to curb them, especially among youths.
“We at the NFVCB are looking for ways to partner with the entertainment industry, not to sponsor but to use it to project the country to the world,” Mba said.
On the problem of piracy, he said: “artistes go through a lot to put their creative ingenuity together without reaping much’’.
He said, however, that the board was looking for ways to curb piracy and ensure that artistes reap the fruit of their labour.
He said more stakeholders should produce films such as “Red Hot Nigerian Creativity” to honour people that had contributed to the art and entertainment industry.
CFC Managing Director, Mrs Sandra Mbanefo-Obiago said CFC decided to use the film to bring out important social messages that address human and national challenges and how to solve them.
She noted that the media, government, civil society, academia and private organisations could help tell these stories truthfully.
She explained that “Red Hot Nigerian Creativity” is about the life of heroes who were not acknowledged because of the complex and difficult realities of Nigeria’s road to development.
“The documentary series is CFC’s attempt at building a bridge of understanding, appreciation and support for our under-served artistic community and the entertainment industry,’’ she said.
Mr Alex Oti, Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Bank Plc, one of the sponsors of the documentary, promised to assist the industry to develop.
He said what the artistic world needed was sponsorship which the bank was ready to give.
Our correspondent reports that some of those featured in the documentary are Bruce Onobrakpeya, a visual artist; TY Bello, a musician and photographer.
Others were Cobhams Asuquo, a musical producer; Omotshola Isueli a.k.a. Tee Mac, a musician; Nigeria’s first female drummer, Ara; Julius Agwu, a comedian; Stephanie Okereke, a producer and actress; and Tunde Kelani, a movie producer.
The actress reacted after Yul appeared on The Honest Bunch Podcast, where he made comments that many listeners linked to his former marriage.
During the interview, Yul hinted that certain things happened while he and May were still married and suggested those moments contributed to the decisions he later made.
The Tide Entertainment reports that Yul hints that certain things happened while he and May were still married and suggests those moments contributed to the decisions he later made.
In the interview, the controversial actor said he had accepted being seen as the villain in the story.
He also stated that, despite everything, he genuinely wished May well and wanted her to prosper because she remains the mother of his children.
Yul Edochie finally shares last moments with late son three years after his tragic death
But while saying that, Yul also hinted that there were incidents in their marriage he had chosen not to discuss publicly.
According to him, he was “too much of a man” to come online and break down over personal matters.
Reacting to the interview, Sarah, in a post on her Instagram story, pointed out what she described as irony in Yul’s words—saying he wished May well while also making statements that could create doubt in people’s minds.
According to her, if he truly meant well for his former wife, there was no reason to hint at hidden issues and leave people guessing.
“You wish her well, but you granted Podcast the power to sow doubt in people’s minds by saying she did something that led you to do what you did, but you won’t say it,” she said.
“Oga, you’re just pained that she’s doing well!”
Sarah also questioned the purpose of the interview, asking if jealousy may have played a role.
Yul Edochie recounts final moments with late son.
The actor recalled that his son came into his room early in the morning before leaving for school.
According to him, they spent time talking, laughing, and joking in what felt like a typical father-son interaction.
Yul Edochie reacts to crashed marriage
The Tide Entertainment had reported that Yul Edochie had continued to speak about his ex-wife as he appeared on the Honest Bunch Podcast.
He shared part of what happened between them and all the things he wished for her while speaking about his new wife.
The actor noted that he and his ex-wife know what happened that led to the dissolution of their union.
Nigerian entrepreneur and socialite, Pascal Chibuike Okechukwu, also known as Cubana Chief Priest, has opened up on his fallout with singer Burna Boy, alleging that the music star publicly attacked him because of his close relationship with Davido.
Speaking during an interview on The Beat 99.9 FM on Wednesday, Cubana Chief Priest said his journey to success began from apprenticeship and years of hard work, adding that fame and financial growth often attract envy and criticism.
“Success comes with a lot of hate. I started my journey from apprenticeship and service and I learnt so much about growth and perseverance. When you start becoming successful, you understand how people treat you.
“I was on my own and Burna Boy came for me, went on his big platform and started tweeting things that are not genuine, things that are not possible, things that have not existed and the attack was straight to my wealth.
“So he wanted to make people look at my wealth, disrespect my wealth, I felt bad and that happened because of my relationship with Davido,” he said.
He further stated that Davido has consistently supported his businesses and personal projects.
“David is always there for me. He opened all my nightclubs, restaurants, everything. He always shows up to support me.
“He’s investing in clubs in Lagos, and I’m making music to prove a point that I can,” he added.
Nollywood Actor, Alexx Ekubo’s family has officially announced the funeral arrangements for the late actor, describing him as a man whose life was filled with love, faith, generosity and compassion.
The Tide Entertainment had earlier reported that the Nollywood actor passed away after suffering from kidney cancer.
The Ekubo-Okwaraeke family announced the funeral arrangements in a statement released via the actor’s social media handle.
The statement read: “Forever in Our Hearts.
“With profound sorrow, yet gratitude to God for a life so beautifully lived and deeply impactful, we officially announce the funeral arrangements of our beloved husband, son, brother, friend, and colleague, Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke
“The overwhelming outpouring of love, prayers, messages, visits, calls, support, and strength shown to the family during this painful period has been truly humbling. Words cannot fully express our gratitude.
“Alexx was deeply loved, and your kindness continues to remind us that his light, compassion, faith, and impact on so many lives will never be forgotten.
“Though his passing came far too soon, Alexx lived a life marked by love, warmth, generosity, laughter, and an unwavering devotion to God and the people he cherished. His presence filled rooms, lifted hearts, and created memories that will remain with us forever.
“We warmly invite family, friends, colleagues, fans, and well wishers to join us as we honor and celebrate his beautiful life, enduring legacy, and the precious memories he gave us all.
“SERVICE OF SONGS
Date: Wednesday, 10th June 2026
Venue: The Monarch Event Center, Lekki, Lagos Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Dress Code: White
“WAKE KEEP
Date: Wednesday, 17th June 2026
Venue: 7 Ekubo-Okwaraeke Avenue, Aziukwukwa, Ujari Village, Arochukwu, Abia State
“FUNERAL SERVICE
Date: Thursday, 18th June 2026
Venue: Mary Slessor School, Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu, Abia State
“INTERMENT
Date: Thursday, 18th June 2026
Venue: 7 Ekubo-Okwaraeke Avenue, Aziukwukwa, Ujari Village, Arochukwu, Abia State
“RECEPTION
Reception to follow immediately after the interment at Mary Slessor School, Amanagwu Village, Arochukwu, Abia State.
Dress Code: White
“Please continue to keep Alexx, his wife, and the entire family in your prayers during this difficult time.”