Entertainment
RSG Upgrades PH Zoo To Cultural Village …As NAZAP Hails PH Zoo On Standards
The Rivers State Government says it has commenced the process of upgrading the Port Harcourt Zoo into a cultural village.
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Tonye Briggs Oniyide, disclosed this while handing over the rehabilitation and upgrading of facilities at the zoo to a contracting firm, D 19th Architect Limited.
Oniyide said the ceremony was in line with government’s desire to turn the zoo into a cultural village.
She said all dilapidated structures would be rehabilitated and upgraded, while more animals will be purchased for the zoo.
The commissioner also warned against further encroachment on the zoo by residents, stressing that effort will be made to secure the perimeter fencing of the zoo.
She directed the contractors to commence work immediately, adding that the contract must not last more than four months.
Earlier, while inspecting facilities at the zoo, Oniyide urged the zoo manager to ensure that illegal occupants no longer continue to use facilities belonging to the government.
Also speaking, a representative of D 19th Architect Limited, Nwabushi Azubike, said the firm will deliver the job within the four-month time frame given by the government.
He said the firm had been given the mandate to renovate the administrative block, the Museum staff quarters kitchen used in preparation of food for animals and the fence.
Meanwhile, the National Association of Zoos and Parks (NAZAP) has commended the Port Harcourt Zoo located at Trans Amadi for its high care and diligence in the maintenance of its animals, especially the wild.
This was disclosed by the Port Harcourt Zoo Manager, Mrs Victoria Ovundah, in a chat with The Tide recently in Port Harcourt.
Speaking on the categories of animals available for entertainment of members of the public, Mrs Ovundah said that the zoo has quite some animals to entertain the public during the Christmas. She outlined some species of animal like the monkeys, the African tortoise, water turtle, two Nile and dwarf crocodiles and birds like the parots.
The manager further hinted that what the management of the zoo did not have for now was the wild, such as the giraff and lions, explaining that the two lionesses they had, died of old age. Mrs Ovundah further harped that usually the life span of lions is between 10-16 years but the ones the management had, lived up-to 23-24 years, adding that this was the reason NAZAP commended the Port Harcourt Zoo.
The zoo manager also highlighted that during this yuletide, the zoo may be opened to the public after she had applied to the parent Ministry of Culture and Tourism and approval given.
In another development, Mrs Ovundah revealed that multi-million contract has been awarded by the state government for the total renovation of the Port Harcourt zoo beginning with the perimeter fencing of the zoo and building of official quarters for the members of staff.
She commended the state Governor, Chief Ezenwo Nyesom Wike, for this giant stride in the entertainment industry in the state.
She expressed confidence in the present administration of the state for the political will to take the entertainment industry in the state to another level.
By: John Bibor & Okwein Parker
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.