Entertainment
‘Nigeria Realised $104m From Film, Music In 2019’
Nigeria’s creative industry has been described as the fastest growing sector of the economy with $ 53 Million and $ 51 Million accrued last year from film and music respectively.
The minister for information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed disclosed this said in terms of business opportunities, employment and earnings, the entertainment industry is an unexplored keg of potentialities.
The minister stated this during a working visit to the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation( NTDC) headquarters in Abuja last Tuesday. He said the film industry is the least untapped.
“Today we have 53 cinema houses with less than 200 screens,but for a population of 200 million people, we need a minimum of 1000 cinema houses and 6000 screens.You can i imagine Nigeria made, $53 million last year from the film industry under 200 screens, how much more when we have 6000 screens. Our music is growing, we are looking at $ 86 million next year”, he said.
“ We need to work harder so that we can actually actualize the potentials of this industry and make It not just the fastest growing sector in Nigeria, but also increase our Gross Domestic Product(GDP) from 1.24 percent, the industry accounts for 2.24 percent of our GDP. This can actually grow to 3 percent of the GDP”, he said.
He charged the Tourism Agency to harness the huge potentials of the industry to attract people to Nigeria, because there are many reasons people should come to Nigeria.
Nigeria is a country of colours with 250 ethnic groups, good culture and almost a year round of good weather.
“We are blessed with a good music industry that has become global and even Nollywood is the second best in the world, our fashion is celebrated globally, adding that the Visa on Arrival policy for African nationals which began operation this year is an added advantage to explore”, he said.
The minister said the tourism sector could generate more revenue into government coffers and increase the fortune in the industry.
Earlier in his address, the Director General of NDTC,Folorunsho Coker said the agency was working on a framework that would reposition It on it on a new path of growth.
“ NTDC has in the last two and a half years been focusing on the new framework, because It is important to have a framework for tourism exploration “,he said.
Given the agency’s progress report, he said the “ Tour Nigeria “and” Nigeria Flavour “twin program he created in 2017 are driving to their full potential to promote domestic tourism.
Highlighting the agency’s roadmap for tourism promotion and development,Mr.Coker said tourism would move very rapidly to grow the country’s economy. The roadmap was named CHIEF,C=corporate and regularity, H=Human capital development, I=Infrastructural development, E=Event and marketing and F=Financing and investment.
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.”