Entertainment
LASG Approves Special Funds For Film Makers
The Lagos State Government has approved a special fund for film makers in the state.
The Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf, made the disclosure on Monday in Lagos at an event to mark 2021 World Tourism Day.
The event, which was organised by the state and the Federation of Tourism Association of Nigeria(FTAN), also adopted the day’s global theme: “Tourism and Inclusive Growth”.
The commissioner said that the approval of the special funds for film makers was done with the inauguration of a committee to oversee the disbursement of the funds to qualified individuals.
According to her, individuals can access up to N40 million as loan for film production.
“I will not forget to remind this gathering that the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu , in demonstration of his love for the film industry, has approved a special fund for film makers.
“This was with the inauguration of a committee to oversee the disbursement of this fund to qualified individuals who can access up to N40 million from the fund as a loan for the purpose of film production,” she said.
The commissioner urged Lagos residents and Nigerians to visit the state’s website designed to enlighten viewers on the state’s tourism potential.
“ The ministry’s website and promotional videos of tourism attractions and tourism potentials in Lagos State is up and running.
“I urge all our stakeholders to get acquainted with our activities, programmes, plans and policies on the website through: lagostourism.lagosstate.gov.ng and also take advantage of our various social media platforms,” she said.
Akinbile-Yusuf said that the ministry had inaugurated Community-Based Tourism(CBT) initiative, with a pilot phases in Epe, Badagry, Ikorodu, Oshodi-Isolo, Eti-Osa and Surulere.
“The establishment of the Community-Based Tourism Unit in the ministry, is in line with the state’s tourism masterplan and policy.
“We have made adequate support in terms of the provision of all necessary logistics that would enhance the delivery of this responsibilities by our officials.
“It is our belief that the idea of this CBT, at this period, will enable the ministry explore, access and develop tourism potential such as unique cultural practices, tradition and heritage within the local community.
“ Also, the feedback we have been receiving so far from our training programmes of enhancing capacity development of filmmakers under the Lagos State Creative Industry Initiative, LACI has been overwhelming,” she said.
Akinbile-Yusuf said that the initiatives had started changing the narratives in the film industry, adding that the state was committed to investing more in the industry.
Solomon Bonu, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Tourism, Arts and Culture, urged tourism stakeholders to look beyond tourism statistics and knowledge,
Bonu urged tourism practitioners to celebrate tourism’s unique potential and ensure that nobody was left behind as the world begins to open up.
He said that if the sector was well harnessed, tangible contributions would be made toward reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) .
Also, Dr Adun Okupe of Redclay Tourism Advisory and Faculty Strategy, Lagos Business School, called on Lagos State to improve access to tourism sites by building formidable infrastructure.
She said that the state government need to build partnership with investors to move the industry forward.
Mr Folarin Coker, Director-General of the Nigeria Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC), said that the organisation had taken steps to ensure proper marketing of the nation’s tourism sites.
Coker was represented by Mrs Angela Upomi, Assistant Director, Hospitality and Travel Trade of NTDC.
He said that NTDC had been leveraging on the power of technology to create awareness and inclusiveness for the nation’s destinations and stakeholders across the tourism value chain.
“ We have been at the frontline of marketing the wonders of Nigerian to the world as a particular destination, through vital collaborations with technology giants like facebook, goggle and wikipedia.
“his is done to leverage on their reach to unlock opportunities for all across the tourism value chain,” he said.
The Tide Entertainment reports that International stars Busta Rhymes and Gunna topped the bill, while the festival showcased a powerhouse roster of African talent including Wizkid, Tiwa Savage, Shenseea, Phyno, Fave, Juma Jux, Qing Madi, and Diamond Platnumz, among others.
The festival launched December 7 with an eye-catching opening ceremony featuring aerial ballet performers, establishing an elevated artistic vision for the weeks ahead. That first night brought Nigerian heavyweights Wande Coal, Young Jonn, Ice Prince, Darey, Fola, Shoday, and Jerry Shaffer to the stage.
The Federal Ministry of Art and Culture partnered with the festival, with Minister Hannatu Musa Musawa acknowledging Detty December Fest as a vital force in Nigeria’s cultural landscape. She emphasized its impact on amplifying the country’s creative presence internationally and driving holiday tourism.
The 2025 edition raised the bar for live entertainment in Lagos, building on Detty December’s established reputation as a catalyst for tourism, entertainment, and economic growth during the year-end season.
The milestone was confirmed on Monday by FilmOne, the movie’s distributor, who announced that the film is now the fastest title in West Africa to cross ?1 billion. The achievement further cements Akindele’s dominance in the Nigerian film industry.
Since its release, Behind the Scenes has shattered multiple records. It posted the highest single-day box office gross ever on Boxing Day, earning an impressive ?129.5 million. It is also the highest-grossing film of 2025 so far, and remarkably, it marks Akindele’s third movie to cross the ?1 billion mark, a feat no other director has achieved.
The Tide Entertainment reports that with this latest success, Akindele has strengthened her position as Nollywood’s highest-grossing producer of all time, becoming the first filmmaker to deliver three billion-naira blockbusters within a single calendar year.
Reacting to the achievement, the actress and filmmaker expressed heartfelt gratitude to her supporters, collaborators, and distributors, while also revealing the film’s growing international reach.
“Over the years, I’ve always valued my fans, because without God and you, I am nobody,” she wrote.“Thank you all for coming out to watch this movie and for supporting my brand through the years.Thank you to the distributors, my colleagues—especially those not in the movie who still came out to meet and greet my fans.Big love to the cast and crew. This is only the beginning; let’s take Behind the Scenes even further.”
She also disclosed that the film is currently screening in cinemas across two European countries and the United States, signaling its expanding global appeal.
Akindele’s box office dominance has been nothing short of historic. In 2023, Battle on Buka Street became Nollywood’s highest-grossing film with ?640 million. She raised the bar again in January 2024 when A Tribe Called Judah became the first Nigerian movie to hit ?1 billion. Later that year, Everybody Loves Jenifa broke another record, grossing ?1.6 billion to become the highest-earning film in West African history.
Nigerian singer Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Face, has revealed his former bandmate Faze’s position in the long-running rift between him and their other ex-bandmate, Blackface.
The Tide Entertainment recalls that Blackface and 2Face have been involved in an on-and-off feud over the years, with the former repeatedly accusing the latter of intellectual property theft, allegations 2Face has consistently denied.
Addressing fans midway through his performance at the Made in Benue Festival in Makurdi recently, 2Face said Faze has maintained a neutral stance in the dispute between him and Blackface.
He stressed that the rift does not involve Faze in any way.
“You all know that Plantashun Boiz consisted of Blackface, 2Face and Faze. But due to some unforeseen circumstances, Blackface is not with us right now.
“However, no matter the beef wey me and Blackface get, nothing concern Faze inside. So, Faze is right here with me and we will represent Plantashun Boiz,” he said.
The rift between Blackface and 2Face began after Plantashun Boiz disbanded in the 2000s.
Following their split, Blackface blamed 2Face for the breakup and accused him of song theft.
The relationship between the duo has remained strained over the years despite several attempts at reconciliation, with peace efforts often short-lived.
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