Ini-EdoInstagram‘I Am a Christian Too’: Ini Edo Breaks Down in Tears After CAN Threatens to Take Down Her Movie ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’-Video
Category: Entertainment
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Awujale: Court rejects K1’s request for interim injunction
An Ogun State High Court sitting in Ijebu-Ode has thrown out the request for an interim injunction by King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal 1 (KWAM 1), also known as K1, to stop the process for the nomination for the Awujale of Ijebuland.
The throne of the Awujale of Ijebuland became vacant following the death of Oba Sikiru Adetona on July 13, 2025.Owing to this, the race to succeed Adetona has hot up, with K1 also showing interest.
However, following his rejection by the Fusengbuwa ruling house of K1 bidding for the throne through it, the popular musician had gone to court seeking to stop the process.
He sued the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and five others, seeking the stoppage of the process.
But ruling on the request for an interim injunction by K1, Hon. Justice A. A. Omoniyi of the High Court 3, Ijebu-Ode Judicial Division on Monday held that the prayer could not be granted.
He said he could not stop Abiodun and others, including the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, from proceeding with the selection of a new Awujale of Ijebuland, adding that the request lacked merit.
Justice Omoniyi however ruled that expeditious hearing of the substantive matter can proceed and fixed January 14, 2026 for continuation of proceedings.
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GTCO Food and Drink – Holiday Edition Kicks Off in Lagos Saturday, Promising a Festive Culinary Experience
Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO Plc) will tomorrow open the maiden
Holiday Edition of the GTCO Food & Drink Festival, a strategic expansion of Africa’s
largest food and beverage platform into the festive season.
The two-day event will be held from December 20 to 21, 2025, at the GT Centre,
Plot 1 Water Corporation Drive, Oniru, Lagos, running daily from 10:00am to
10:00pm, and is free and open to the public. Designed to coincide with one of the
most commercially active periods of the year, the Holiday Edition delivers a carefully
curated blend of culinary excellence, family-oriented entertainment, and enterprise
development.
The Holiday Edition reflects GTCO’s evolving approach to experience-led engagement,
placing emphasis on immersive consumer experiences while sustaining the Festival’s
core objective of supporting Nigerian food entrepreneurs. This year’s edition features
213 Nigerian-owned food and beverage businesses, selected from over 4,000
applications nationwide, reinforcing the Festival’s growing relevance as a credible
commercial platform for SMEs and a significant contributor to the creative economy.
Festival attendees can expect a diverse culinary showcase spanning traditional Nigerian
favourites, contemporary street food concepts, artisanal beverages, and modern fusion
cuisine. Notable vendors participating in the Holiday Edition include MelonyPine,
Firewood Jollof Nigeria, Dundu Nation, Polo Club Suya, Thugg Burgers, Pizzawheels,
Chow Noodle Bar, Jazzy’s Burger, 247 Drinks and 247 Cocktails, The Coconut Lady,
Pancakes & Co., Butterfly Bakery, Amala Place Canteen, Nonos Catering, Sooyah Bistro,
and Mmaabacha, among several others. Collectively, these brands represent the depth,
creativity, and commercial potential of Nigeria’s food ecosystem.
Unlike previous editions, the Holiday Edition has been intentionally structured to
prioritise festive engagement over instructional programming. The experience includes
a Christmas Village featuring curated gift items and seasonal treats, an expanded Street
Food Hub celebrating Nigeria’s street food culture, a dedicated Children’s Play Zone
designed to accommodate families, and continuous live DJ entertainment to create a
vibrant holiday atmosphere throughout the two-day event.
Speaking on the significance of the Holiday Edition, the Group Chief Executive Officer
of GTCO Plc, Segun Agbaje, noted that the Festival continues to serve as a powerful
vehicle for enterprise development while fostering shared cultural experiences. He
reaffirmed that the Holiday Edition provides an opportunity to deepen GTCO’s impact
by supporting food entrepreneurs at a peak sales period, while offering families and
communities a high-quality, accessible festive destination.
Consistent with its long-standing commitment to inclusive growth, GTCO has retained
its zero-cost participation model for vendors, ensuring that small and medium-sizedbusinesses can benefit directly from increased visibility, customer engagement, and
revenue generation without financial barriers.
The GTCO Food & Drink Festival – Holiday Edition underscores the Group’s belief that
meaningful cultural experiences, creativity, and economic opportunity should remain
accessible to all. As Lagos enters the holiday season, the Festival stands as a timely
convergence of commerce, culture, and celebration—reinforcing GTCO’s role as a
catalyst for enterprise and community connection. -
Reggae legend Jimmy Cliff dies at 81
His wife, Latifa Chambers, announced his passing in a statement posted on his Instagram page on Monday.
“It’s with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia,” she wrote. She thanked family, friends, artists, colleagues, and fans, noting that their support “was his strength throughout his whole career.” She also expressed gratitude to Dr. Couceyro and the medical team for their care.
Chambers, who signed the message on behalf of herself and their children, Lilty and Aken, asked for privacy and said further details would be released later.
Born James Chambers in Saint James, Jamaica, in 1944, Cliff began his music journey in Kingston in the 1960s. Working with producer Leslie Kong, he adopted his stage name and scored his first hit, “Hurricane Hattie,” at age 14. He followed with other popular singles such as “King of Kings,” “Dearest Beverley,” “Miss Jamaica,” and “Pride and Passion.”
After signing with Island Records, he moved to the UK, where his career expanded internationally. In his 20s, he gained global recognition with hits like “Wonderful World, Beautiful People” and “Vietnam.” Bob Dylan once described “Vietnam” as “the greatest protest song ever written.”
This story is developing.
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Firewood Jollof Nigeria unveils Firewood Jollof Festival 2.0 on November 29 in Lagos
L-R: Marketing Advisor, Firewood Jollof Nigeria, Chibuzor Chukwueke; Assistant Brand Manager, Devon Kings, Voke Emeje; Chief Executive Officer, Firewood Jollof Nigeria, Chizoma Chukwueke; Head, Regional Branch Operations, Firewood Jollof Nigeria, Feyisayo Akiwotu, and Chief Executive Officer, Penzaarville Africa, Olufemi Oguntamu, at the press briefing unveiling Firewood Jollof Festival 2.0 in Lagos on Tuesday.The festival organized by Firewood Jollof Nigeria, has the theme: “Unifying African Jollof” and is built on the success of its inaugural edition of last year, which drew thousands of food lovers, chefs, and cultural enthusiasts from across the country. The 2025 edition aims to go a step further by promoting unity through one of West Africa’s most iconic dishes: Jollof rice.
The festival will feature a variety of activities including live cooking demonstrations, music and entertainment, interactive food experiences, and for the first time, a “West African Jollof” collaboration; a signature dish combining key ingredients and cooking influences from Ghana, Senegal, and Kenya. The initiative seeks to highlight the shared culinary identity that connects African nations, while celebrating their unique regional variations.
According to Marketing Advisor, Chibuzor Chukwueke, this year’s event will offer an enhanced experience for attendees, focusing on both cultural immersion and entertainment. The team, he noted, has implemented new structures and partnerships to elevate the festival to international standards.
Head of Regional Operations, Feyisayo Akiwotu, emphasized the festival’s continued commitment to sustainability and authenticity, stating that the use of firewood in cooking remains central to the brand’s identity.Industry thought leader and founder of Penzaarville Africa, Olufemi Oguntamu, who has been part of the festival since its debut, commended the organizers for creating an event that bridges culture, community, and creativity. He described last year’s edition as “energetic and impactful” and predicted that this year’s would be “bigger, better, and richer in experience.”
Since its inception, Firewood Jollof Festival has sought to preserve African storytelling and communal traditions through food. From live performances to the smoky aroma of Jollof cooked over wood fires, the event has grown into one of Nigeria’s most anticipated cultural showcases; an authentic celebration of taste, tradition, and togetherness.
Dancers and Entertainers during the Press Conference on Tuesday.
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I’m BIG7, not Fela – Burna Boy
Grammy-winning Nigerian artiste Damini Ogulu, aka Burna Boy, has distanced himself from comparisons to Afrobeat legend Fela Kuti, declaring, “I’m not Fela, I’m BIG7.”
The statement was part of a series of comments Burna Boy made on Monday via Instagram about authenticity and integrity on social media as the year winds down.
In his post, the self-proclaimed “African Giant” emphasised that his focus is on “positivity, peace, and prosperity,” but he added a sharp edge to his message, saying, “Honestly, I’d rather kill you than die for you.”
Burna Boy also used the opportunity to address what he perceives as a growing culture of dishonesty.
Taking direct aim at unnamed individuals, he said, “If you ever lied about buying Sujimoto’s house in Banana Island when you only rented it, do better in 2025. If you ever lied about Elele’s house being yours, do better in 2025.”
He continued, “If you have an aftermarket ‘rainbow Daytona,’ please stop telling people it’s real. Do better in 2025.”
The artist did not mince words, calling for greater honesty in the coming year.
“It should be a criminal offence to tell as many lies as certain men. The list can go on and on,” he added.
Burna Boy also hinted at a potential interview with popular Nigerian host Ebuka Obi-Uchendu.
“Ebuka still dey do all those interview? I no like interview at all, but I go like run 1,” he wrote.
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Wizkid, others hail Olamide amidst alleged Asake fallout
“Love baddo! 4 L (for life) tin,” wrote pop star, Wizkid, on his Twitter page on December 26, 2024. As someone who is mostly known to be taciturn on social media except when he chooses to rant or throw “shades”, whatever Wizkid writes on social media, no matter how sparse, is often given a lot of attention and importance. This was especially so at a time when news was rife that Olamide and his star artiste, Asake, had fallen out. Many fans and pundits interpreted Wizkid’s post to be a message of solidarity and support for Olamide at this period, even though that might not be so.
Hours before Wizkid’s tweet, social media had been abuzz because Asake had gone on an Instagram “cleaning spree”, deleting all but one of his pictures, removing YBNL (his record label) from his profile, and “unfollowing” Olamide Adedeji, aka Baddo, his label boss.
Though either parties have not made any statement on the issue, the development has elicited diverse theories, explanations, arguments and admonitions. Olamide’s last tweet was a response to Wizkid’s profession of love. “Eleniyan! Love always brother,” he wrote. Meanwhile, as of Friday morning, “Olamide” and “Asake” respectively were trending topics on Twitter.
Some industry watchers claimed that Asake’s contract with YBNL had expired and he did not want to renew it. A report by PM News alleged, “Reports claim that Olamide proposed a new deal, but Asake chose to pursue independence, ultimately walking away from the label two weeks ago.”
It is public knowledge that the ‘Sungba’ singer signed a deal with YBNL in February 2022. Saturday Beats cannot independently verify the terms of the contract though there have been different terms and conditions bandied on social media. However, Asake had often spoken about how Olamide changed his life with the record deal. In an interview with Hip TV about two years ago, he stated that he “begged” Olamide for two years before the former offered him a deal. He added, “One day, I got to his house and he asked me, ‘How are you, Asake?’ I said I was fine. And he asked me, ‘Would you like to join YBNL?’
“You don’t understand, for somebody you look up to, somebody you respect, somebody you’ve been longing to see, to ask you that question. I told him that I was ready. He said, ‘Go and think about it. Go and look for a lawyer.’ I said, ‘Baba, sign me right now. I don’t want any lawyer. Because I love the [YBNL] family so much even from afar.”
Weighing in on the raging controversy, a social media personality, Oyemykke, was of the opinion that both parties needed each other. In a video posted online, he said, “Asake, you need Olamide. Olamide, YBNL needs Asake; not necessarily you. You might not necessarily need him but the record label needs Asake to continue to carry that banner. I already saw this coming from the London show at the O2. My advice would be, you people (YBNL) should relax the contract a bit. I don’t know how much you people collect from his percentage but don’t make this relationship about money; make it more like Asake is the one carrying a banner for us. Be collecting little from him, don’t let it be too much. He also wants to become a boss and it’s normal. The contract is over, he also wants to go into greater things. Asake, don’t let all these thieves and money mongers in this country lie to you, you need Olamide’s experience, blessing and foresight. You are both senior and junior brothers to each other, you will still talk it out. I wish you all the best of luck…”
Another social media personality, Daniel Regha, argued that Asake should not leave the label because his current fans were actually Olamide’s fans. He wrote on Twitter, “Asake doesn’t have the luxury of beefing with Olamide or parting ways right now. He’s still an upcomer (sic) in the game and his fan base is mostly YBNL supporters who are core fans of Olamide. This means that his relevance is partly tied to Olamide’s influence in the industry. He is no doubt a global sensation, but still has more to lose if there’s an issue with Olamide or YBNL at this early stage of his music career. No offense.”
Yet another social media personality, Naijashimadun, described the alleged fallout as a “family case” and admonished them to sort things out internally. He said, “Asake, your senior brother, Olamide, had an event some days ago. You were supposed to be the first person there arranging chairs even before guests arrive but we didn’t even see you at all, we can’t even see you anywhere in Nigeria right now. I also went to your Instagram page, it has become a desert. I even checked to be sure it was the right page. You have removed YBNL record label from the page and replaced it with ‘creative director’. Anything that is happening between you and your senior brother, you will both need to settle it. It’s a family case. Go and meet your brother and find ways to settle it.”
Adding another twist to the developing story, controversial artiste, Dammy Krane, stated that people should not blame Asake for his alleged action. He wrote on his Instagram page, “Don’t be too fast to blame Asake. Olamide has his slimy ways too. PS: Don’t expect nothing from people.” He accompanied this with a screenshot purportedly showing an alleged conversation between him and Olamide in which he spoke to the latter about a business deal.
However, it is pertinent to note that this is not the first time Asake is removing “YBNL” from his profile. He did the same thing in June 2024 and it also caused a lot of reactions online.
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AMVCA: Organizers Announce Call to Entry for 11th Edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards
Africa Magic, in partnership with MultiChoice, is thrilled to announce the call to entry for the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA). Entries open on Monday, 23 December 2024, and close on Friday, 31 January 2025.
The AMVCAs celebrate exceptional talent, creativity, and innovation within the African film, television, and entertainment industry, showcasing the continent’s finest storytellers, performers, and production professionals.
Consequently, filmmakers, producers, production companies, creators, are encouraged to submit films, made-for- television movies or television series that were broadcast or publicly screened, from 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2024, for a chance to be recognized at Africa’s most prestigious awards event.
Speaking on the upcoming edition, Busola Tejumola, Executive Head of Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice, said, “The AMVCAs have become a beacon of excellence, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of African storytelling. We are excited to once again open the doors for talented creatives across the continent to showcase their remarkable work to the world.”
The 11th AMVCA promises to be a spectacular celebration of African entertainment, giving our talented creatives their flowers and creating unforgettable memories. The event will be broadcast live on Africa Magic channels across the continent, bringing the glitz and glamour of the awards to millions of viewers.
To enter your submissions and for more information and updates on the AMVCAs, visit https://www.africamagic.tv/AMVCA. Also follow Africa Magic on social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @africamagic to stay in the know.
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Firewood Jollof Nigeria in partnership with Showmax hosts its maiden food festival in Lagos
It was all fun, freebies, cocktails, and unforgettable vibes as the much awaited maiden edition of Firewood Jollof Nigeria festival held at the weekend at the Muri-Okunola Park in Lagos.
The Festival buzzed with life, music, and the irresistible aroma of authentic Jollof creating epic memories for thousands of Guests who thronged the venue to have a taste of firewood jollof rice.In an exclusive interview with selected media, Mrs Chizoma Chukwueke, Managing Director of Firewood Jollof Nigeria, said: “After eight years of perfecting our craft, we are thrilled to partner with Showmax to elevate the Firewood Jollof experience to new heights.
“This festival represents the pinnacle of our journey and the beginning of an exciting new chapter in Nigerian culinary entertainment,” she added.
* Mrs Chizoma Chukwueke, Managing Director, Firewood Jollof NigeriaSpeaking on Showmax’s partnership with ‘Firewood Jollof Nigeria’ to host its first food festival, the Executive Head of Marketing, West Africa, Multi Choice Nigeria,Tope Oshunkeye said that the inaugural event was to redefine food festival experiences in Nigeria.
Mr. Oshunkeye further said the festival represents another bold step in Showmax’s vision to blend world-class entertainment with authentic Nigerian cultural experiences.According to investigations by New Sentinel, the event which was streamed live drew over 5,000 attendees from all walks of life, even as it was an unprecedented convergence of gastronomy, digital video entertainment and cultural celebration.
In the words of Mr. Oshunkeye, “We are excited to be a part of the Firewood Jollof Festival, as it gives us the opportunity to provide meaningful and memorable engagements with customers, and showcase a range of content on our platform this festive season.
“This partnership aligns perfectly with our commitment to showcasing the richness of our culture through food, fashion and music.
“Together, we aim to create an unforgettable experience that will bring people together and inspire new stories to be shared,” he further said.According to Oshunkeye, for every firewood jollof meal bought at the festival, attendees will get one to three months of Showmax entertainment mobile plan.
He said this would enable them to stream, watch and binge a vast library of local and international movies, series, kids’ shows and documentaries from the comfort of a mobile device.It is noteworthy that as part of the unique partnership, Showmax hosted an exclusive spot on the festival venue where fans could explore its premium content offerings, subscribe to Showmax, and learn more about its value-packed entertainment bundles.
On ground to perform were some of Nigeria’s media and entertainment personalities including Hilda Baci, Sisi Yemmie, Tomike, Enioluwa, BBNaija’s Dorathy, and Bisola Aiyeola.Other side attractions included live musical performances and interactive culinary demonstrations as Nigerians experienced some of their favourite food content creators in action.
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FirstBank Collaborates with Lagos International Theatre Festival to Boost Creative Arts Sector
FirstBank said yesterday that it is collaborating with the Lagos International Theatre Festival (LITF) to hold its maiden theatre festival as part of its efforts to contribute to nation-building and support the creative arts industry.Speaking at a crowded press conference in Lagos yesterday, FirstBank’s Executive Director of Retail Banking, Mr. Oluseyi Oyefeso, expressed the bank’s excitement and readiness to support the festival..
According to him, “As a corporate institution deeply woven into the fabric of society, FirstBank recognises the transformative power of the arts, including theatre, and its ability to inspire the citizenry, ultimately fostering national cohesion. The arts provide a platform for self-expression, cultural exchange, and social commentary.”
He disclosed that the event is scheduled to run from November 15th to 17th, 2024, adding ” the event will be held across four prominent venues in Lagos, namely- The National Theatre (Wole Soyinka Centre for Culture and Creative Arts), Terra Kulture, Muson Centre, and John Randle Centre.”
He said the sponsorship aligns with FirstBank’s First@Arts Initiative, a platform dedicated to supporting the creative arts industry across Nigeria.
Celebrating its 130th anniversary, FirstBank has reaffirmed its commitment to Nigeria’s creative sector, with Oyefeso promising continuous support for the next 130 years.
Mr. Oyefo further disclosed that the festival will feature talented artists from the United States, South Africa, Zambia, and Nigeria.
In her contribution, Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters who is the driving force behind the LITF initiative, threw light into the festival’s goal stressing that it will foster a thriving community for actors, promote excellence, and ensure sustainability in the creative industry.
Said she, “Over the years, we’ve developed diverse skills and many production houses have emerged from Terra Kulture’s efforts. We felt it was time to bring everyone together as a community, creating a broader ecosystem for the arts to thrive.”
“I didn’t initially plan to organize this festival, but after over 22 years with Terra Kulture, where we’ve created jobs and opportunities and trained over 24,000 young people, I felt it was necessary to provide this platform, ” she further said.
According to her, the LITF will serve as a platform where creatives in the country can explore, tell our stories, and export our positive philosophies and values to the world. “Attendees can look forward to an array of performances, including musicals, skits, and theater repertory, reflecting Africa’s diverse cultural heritage.”
Speaking further on the inaugural Lagos International Theatre Festival, organized by Terra Kulture in partnership with the Lagos State government and proudly sponsored by FirstBank; Mr. Jide Kosoko, a veteran actor also expressed his gratitude to FirstBank for its continuous support of the industry.
In an exclusive interview with New Sentinel, Mrs Bolanle Austen-Peters said, “I did not initially plan to organize this festival, but after over 22 years with Terra Kulture, where we have created jobs and opportunities and trained over 24,000 young people, I felt it was necessary to provide this platform.”
She said the LITF will serve as a platform where creatives in the country can explore, tell our stories, and export our positive philosophies, ideas and values to the world.”