2026 WIMBIZ Conference Communications Chair, Funmi Onuma; Member, WIMBIZ Board of Trustees, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani; WIMBIZ 25th Anniversary Committee Chair, Awuneba Ajumogobia; Co-Founder, WIMBIZ, Morin Desalu; Co-Founder, WIMBIZ, Ifeyinwa Ighodalo; Co-Founder, WIMBIZ, Adeola Azeez; Member, WIMBIZ Board of Trustees, Osayi Alile; 2026 WIMBIZ Conference Planning Group Chair, Ronke Onadeko; Executive Director, WIMBIZ, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe; and 2026 WIMBIZ Conference Planning Group Vice Chair, Yemisi Peters, during the WIMBIZ@25 Press Conference in Lagos on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Women in Management, Business and Public Service (WIMBIZ) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s leadership, strengthening women-led enterprises and expanding economic opportunities across Africa and globally as it celebrates 25 years of impact. The organisation made this commitment at a press conference held on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Innovation Centre in Lagos, where it unveiled its 25th anniversary logo and highlighted the strategic priorities of its forthcoming 25TH Annual Conference.

WIMBIZ announced Bennedikter China Molokwu, DF. CIoD, a corporate governance and strategy professional, as Chairperson of the WIMBIZ 25th Annual Conference. A past President of the Chartered Institute of Directors Nigeria, Molokwu has served on more than 15 boards and brings decades of experience in corporate governance, risk management and women’s empowerment to the annual conference.

The press conference brought together founders, members of the Board of Trustees, the 25th Anniversary Committee, the 2026 Conference Planning Committee, media representatives, and partners, including IWOSAN and the Enterprise Development Centre (EDC).

Reflecting on the organisation’s 25-year journey, Member, WIMBIZ Board of Trustees, Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani emphasised that while significant progress has been made, the pace of change must accelerate. She said, “Women are certainly on track, but the reality is that the world is not.” She highlighted that, despite decades of advocacy and progress, women remain underrepresented in management and political leadership, reinforcing the urgency of collective action to close the gender gap.

WIMBIZ Board of Trustees member Osayi Alile reinforced the importance of collaboration in achieving this ambition, noting that advancing women’s leadership requires collective responsibility rather than isolated efforts. “Gender is not only nice to have. It is a strategic thing. It is an economic thing as well,” she emphasised, calling on stakeholders to recognise women’s participation as a critical driver of economic growth and sustainable development.

WIMBIZ also called on the media to amplify the stories of women creating change, strengthen public awareness of gender inclusion and support the organisation’s efforts to expand opportunities for women in Nigeria, across Africa and globally.

2026 WIMBIZ Conference Communications Chair, Funmi Onuma; 2026 WIMBIZ Conference Planning Group Vice Chair, Yemisi Peters; Chief Information Officer, IWOSAN, Olanrewaju Lawal; Group Head, Marketing & Growth, IWOSAN, Foluso Adeyemi; Member, WIMBIZ Board of Trustees, Osayi Alile; 2026 WIMBIZ Conference Planning Group Chair, Ronke Onadeko; WIMBIZ 25th Anniversary Committee Chair, Awuneba Ajumogobia; Executive Director, WIMBIZ, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe; Representative, Enterprise Development Centre, Mayo Deji-Omotayo; and Project Support Manager, Enterprise Development Centre, Halima Rabiu, during the WIMBIZ@25 Press Conference in Lagos on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

A defining moment of the press conference was the unveiling of the WIMBIZ 25th anniversary logo by WIMBIZ 25th Anniversary Committee Chair, Awuneba Ajumogobia. The unveiling marked a celebration of the organisation’s legacy and a renewed commitment to creating meaningful, measurable impact for future generations of women.

Speaking at the unveiling, Mrs Ajumogobia reflected on the significance of the milestone and the individual stories behind WIMBIZ’s collective achievements. “Behind every figure, behind every number, is a woman who has found her voice, who has taken her seat at the table, who has built her business, or who has reached back to lift another woman,” she said.

She explained that the anniversary identity was built around the word impact, reflecting both the progress made over the past 25 years and the work that remains. The logo symbolises women standing together, supporting one another and ensuring that more women can lead and succeed. “A logo is a promise that you can see. I will say that we have been impacting women for 25 years. What comes next will be different,” Mrs Ajumogobia added.

As part of this next chapter, WIMBIZ is placing greater emphasis on practical solutions to the barriers confronting women entrepreneurs. Access to finance remains a significant challenge for many women-owned businesses, limiting their ability to expand operations, attract investment, and compete in larger markets. Further details of its initiatives are expected to be announced at the Annual Conference.

The press conference also spotlighted the WIMBIZ 25th Annual Conference, scheduled for 5–6 November 2026 at Eko Hotels & Suites, Lagos. The conference will convene women across business, management and public service to explore opportunities for growth, innovation, leadership and global relevance.

Speaking on the vision behind the conference, 2026 WIMBIZ Conference Planning Group Chair, Ronke Onadeko, emphasised the importance of helping women move beyond participation to building and leading enterprises capable of competing on the global stage. She challenged women to think bigger, leverage strategic relationships and position themselves within Africa’s expanding economic value chains.

“We are born in Africa, and we are built for the world,” she said, reinforcing the conference theme and the need for African women to recognise their capacity to create, lead and compete globally.

The conference programme will address key issues affecting women’s economic advancement, including access to capital, business growth, investment readiness, the creative economy, intellectual property protection, health and wellbeing, and strategic networking. Participants will also have opportunities to engage with business experts through collaboration with the Enterprise Development Centre of Pan-Atlantic University and IWOSAN, which is expected to provide practical guidance across areas such as finance, logistics, and supply chain management.

The conference will further explore how women can build globally competitive businesses, attract investment, access strategic networks and take advantage of emerging opportunities across Africa and beyond. The WIMBIZ 25th Annual Conference is proudly supported by FirstBank and Dentsu Agyle as Headline Partners, alongside a distinguished lineup of sponsors and partners.

Another key announcement at the press conference was the 2026 WIMBIZ Impact Investment Opportunity, which will provide grants of up to ₦6 million and two solar power systems to support outstanding women entrepreneurs in the food and beverage, sustainability, and innovation sectors.

Speaking about the conference, WIMBIZ Executive Director, Omowunmi Akingbohungbe, described the 25th anniversary as both a moment of reflection and an opportunity to renew the organisation’s ambition for women’s leadership. “Twenty-five years is a milestone; it is a moment of reflection and renewed ambition. At this milestone, we are celebrating women who are grounded in Africa, advancing with purpose, and equipped to compete and contribute globally,” she said.

WIMBIZ invites delegates from across the world, corporate partners, and members of the media to join in marking this historic milestone and to be part of a conference that celebrates the legacy, resilience, and global impact of African women.

The post WIMBIZ Marks 25 Years of Global Impact, and Unveils Anniversary Logo appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Asake performed at the O2 Arena for the third time.

It was raining music at 02 Arena in London, and it was Asake, Ololade Mr Money, pouring out the sounds. For the third time in his career, Asake performed a sold-out concert at the 20,000-capacity O2 Arena in London on October 15, 2026, as part of his In God We Trust World Tour.

Prior to the show, Asake has toured North America, and the excitement from the American tours got many in London excited ahead of the O2 Arena concert. And, as is known, Asake didn’t dissapoint. Fans enjoyed themselves because Asake gave another show to remember. Even those who couldn’t physically made sure they they didn’t out on the fun. They followed virtually and reacted online. Those who attended and those offline shared their reactions on social media.

See the fans’ reaction to Asake’s O2 arena Show in London:

Some compared Asake to Michael Jackson

Asake is getting to that Michael Jackson level bro might start having fans fainting at his shows like MJ back in 1988 https://t.co/7J2V08M37o

— IamJP (@iamjuspat) October 16, 2026

Asake ti lo. O ti se corner.

People will be born into his glory, and people will die in his glory.

He has transcended normal musician status. He’s something else.

He’ll be famous forever.

— SB (@seyedele) October 15, 2026

He danced his viral dance

ASAKE DOES HIS TRENDY DANCE FOR THE UK CROWD AT HIS SOLD-OUT O2 ARENA SHOW AND EVEN ADDS A SLIGHT UPDATE TO THE DANCE. https://t.co/q69FT9oiF8

— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) October 15, 2026

Some fans got emotional

This guy burst into tears as Asake closed the show by performing “Gratitude.” Na once baba come get emotional https://t.co/bP9vYaHpvf

— Cleverly (@Cleverlydey4u) October 16, 2026

Song of the year “Gratitude” is my favorite Asake song right now! https://t.co/xuC9EVyFm4

— IamJP (@iamjuspat) October 15, 2026

Look at the reaction when Asake started performing Ototo. What a song! https://t.co/WSu1FPX9Of

— sureboy (@Asarailu__) October 16, 2026

This lady lost her cool when Asake came really close to her while performing, and she even got to touch Mr Money! Look at her expression https://t.co/6aZpCKhoMb

— Cleverly (@Cleverlydey4u) October 16, 2026

Pity those who didn’t go to the concert with their partners o

Locked into an Asake concert. Vibing to Terminator, Joha, Palazzo, Why Love etc.

All of a sudden Blaqbonez comes out of the floor, screaming Ikebe wanyo wanyo.

My wife: Ta leleyi? Bobo yi ni won pe ni Black Bone abi?

Me: ohun ni

— SB (@seyedele) October 15, 2026

Asake, an artist for artists

RYBEENA AND TML VIBES WERE IN THE CROWD AT ASAKE’S O2 ARENA SHOW, SINGING THEIR LUNGS OUT TO ASAKE AND BLAQBONEZ’S PERFORMANCE OF “CHANNEL.” https://t.co/tWsbNuKpuG

— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) October 15, 2026

What happened when Asake was performing Skilful?

Efia odo when Asake carries her: https://t.co/9Nr3pC29WO

— a.wuah_ (@dizzy10_) October 16, 2026

As the fans enjoyed themselves, Asake enjoyed himself too

see as Asake de shine among everybody omg! https://t.co/aROeH4yDtG

— SKB (@seyikanbai) October 16, 2026

The post Fans React to Asake’s O2 Arena Show in London appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Perhaps one of the most disingenuous things we say to ourselves is that our social media posts do not reflect our true personality. In people’s bios, you see “I’m here for fun, my tweets are not me”, and it sounds really cool. After all, aren’t we all meant to simply have fun on IG or TikTok and keep it moving? Or enjoy a debate with a random stranger and move on? What makes the things we say and how we say them a big deal? However, arguments have shown that our social media presence can present an accurate depiction of who we are in real life, even if we do not want it to be so.

Dr Margeret Hall and Dr Simon Caton once tried to find out how much of people’s personalities can be revealed through their social media presence. “We were looking for the ‘Big 5’: openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism. We found that we could predict where a person fell on the scale for each trait with a high level of accuracy. Posts about TV programmes were particularly revealing.” After studying about 500 people on Facebook, they concluded that someone, perhaps a potential employer, can possibly observe your personality through your social media pages.

Perhaps it would be rash to swiftly form an opinion on who a person is through their social media posts. One could agree that social media is not real life, and we sometimes decide how we want people to perceive us. People can create fake personalities for themselves online to appease other people. Others may use social media to satisfy their alter egos or embody a part of themselves they wish they could be in the real world – like an introvert being quite extroverted online. Or a shy person being super friendly and popular on a social app.

But how much of ourselves can we possibly tuck away before it all comes flooding out, and for how long too? What happens when people observe a certain pattern in the way you write, talk and act over the years? Especially when they are detrimental to a certain social group.

The world of social media often witnesses people apologising for something they said or did years ago, insisting that those posts, videos or tweets do not reflect their true personality and were borne of naivety or comedy. For instance, a certain user wrote a certain thread, apologising for times he has hurt women on Twitter (now X) through his tweets. He insisted he was young and foolish and the tweets do not reflect his current personality. But between 2013 and 2023, his tweets were consistent – they were what he called jokes about sexually assaulting women. For 10 years, he had consistently tweeted about abusing women, insisting that if he was in a certain power dynamic where he had to relate with female workers or students, he was going to take advantage of them sexually. But his apology had words like “young and foolish” and “no longer reflects my personality”, but if for 10 years, people identified you as an abuser through your tweets, isn’t that simply who you are? 

So, does the way one uses social media portray who they are, and would it not be out of place for people to make assumptions about you based on what you tweet? When I meet someone new offline or online, I check out their tweets to get a glimpse of their thought processes. Social media provides a faux sense of anonymity and security that gets people careless and prone to baring their innermost thoughts with little care for how far their posts can travel. On other social apps, it could take more effort – make a video, or post a picture with captions – but on Twitter, it is seamless; you simply need to talk without giving it too much thought or effort. So if your tweets are filled with misogyny, insults, abuse, and so much anger and bile for other users, isn’t it a glimpse of who you are? What makes you think people would want someone like you in their spaces, online or offline? Why would they wait to meet you physically to truly get to know you? Wouldn’t they be justified in keeping you at bay? 

One can keep saying that our tweets or social media posts are not who we are, or we can be honest and use them as mirrors, holding them up high to see our reflections.

***

Feature Image by Ketut Subiyanto for Pexels

The post Do Your Social Media Posts Truly Reflect Who You Are? appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

In Lagos, the day can take you in a hundred different directions. There’s the morning rush to beat traffic, the lunch date squeezed into a busy afternoon, the quick stop to pick something up, and the dinner plans that turn into a night out.

Every day comes with its own agenda, and how you get around often depends on what’s on it. Bolt’s mobility data offers a glimpse into how these everyday routines shape the way Lagos moves.

The Everyday Lagos Hustle

For many Lagosians, getting to work, making an appointment or heading across town is simply part of the daily routine. It’s no surprise that Bolt’s Standard category accounts for approximately 86% of rides in Lagos on both weekdays and weekends. Whether it’s the morning commute or a weekend errand, everyday journeys remain at the heart of city life.

But not every trip is just about getting from A to B. For a business meeting, a special outing or simply a preference for a more comfortable experience, Comfort offers another option. It accounts for roughly 12% of rides in Lagos, consistently across weekdays and weekends, showing that a more premium ride isn’t reserved for special occasions.

Quick Errands and Afternoon Plans

Sometimes, the destination is just around the corner. In selected areas such as Somolu, Gbagada and Ikeja, Bolt’s three-wheeler category caters to shorter trips, averaging just 2.8 kilometres compared with around 12 kilometres for Standard and Comfort rides.

And then there are the things that need to get somewhere, even when you can’t make the trip yourself. Bolt Send helps people move packages around the city, with demand following the rhythm of the working week. Orders peak between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., when work, errands and last-minute requests often overlap, while Sundays see around half the order volume of a typical weekday.

When Lagos Comes Alive After Dark

As evening sets in, the city makes room for dinner dates, birthdays, concerts and spontaneous plans with friends. Bolt’s data shows that Comfort accounts for a higher share of orders after 8 p.m. than during the early evening, suggesting that some riders lean towards a more premium experience as the night unfolds.

For plans beyond the city, Bolt’s Intercity option connects Lagos with Ibadan, while airport trips in Lagos average around 17 kilometres, whether the journey involves catching a flight or welcoming someone home.

Every Day, a Different Plan

The beauty of Lagos is that no two days have to look alike. One day might be about work and errands; the next could be brunch, shopping, a concert or a spontaneous night out.

The data reflects these different rhythms, from everyday commutes and short neighbourhood trips to afternoon deliveries and evening outings. Ultimately, how people move around the city is shaped by the lives they lead and the plans they make.

Any Season, Any Reason. Because in Lagos, every day comes with a different plan.

Need a little inspiration for your next Lagos outing? Watch This.

Sponsored Content

The post From Morning Rush to Nights Out: How Lagos Moves With Every Mood appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Blaqbonez Releases New Album, Nomadinho: 4th Prime

Nigerian rapper Blaqbonez has released his fifth studio album, NOMADINHO: 4TH PRIME, a 15-track project featuring Asake, Victony, Ruger, TML Vibez, Igwe Aka and Monochrome.

Released Friday, October 16, 2026, through Chocolate City Music, the album follows his 2025 project, No Excuses, and its April 2026 deluxe edition.

The album includes Blaqbonez’s previously released singles “BIG PERFORMER,” “IKEBE 3000” and “CHANEL,” his two collaborations with Asake. “CHANEL” particularly marked a major career milestone for the rapper, earning him his first No. 1 on the Official Nigeria Top 100, while “IKEBE 3000” continued the pair’s run of collaborations.

Blaqbonez Releases New Album, Nomadinho: 4th Prime

The project opens with “I LOVE THIS,” featuring Igwe Aka, before moving into tracks such as “CA$H EVERYDAY,” “BIG PERFORMER” and “MAZZA.” Other songs include “YAHOOZE,” featuring Victony; “FYP,” featuring Monochrome; “JUSTINA,” featuring Ruger; and “FINESSE YOU,” featuring TML Vibez.

With NOMADINHO: 4TH PRIME, Blaqbonez continues to explore the intersection of Nigerian hip-hop and Afrobeats, bringing together established collaborators and emerging voices across the 15-track project.

Listen to the album here.

The post Blaqbonez Releases New Album “NOMADINHO: 4TH PRIME” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Fireboy DML announces the release of his first studio album, ZUKO! Photo credit: Fireboy DML/Instagram.

Fireboy DML has arrived, again!

The Nigerian singer is known as one of the most talented Afrobeats artists in recent times. To date, he remains the only Nigerian artist with a debut album without any features. But since his debut album, Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps in 2019, Fireboy DML, like any creative, has evolved into different personas and identities.

He has released his fifth studio album, ZUKO!, a 13-track project featuring Nigerian artistes Lojay and Judah Earl, Jamaican dancehall star Masicka, and South African acts JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela, and it is another invention of Fireboy DML.

Released through YBNL Nation and EMPIRE, ZUKO! arrives two years after his fourth studio project, Adedamola, which was released in 2024. The album opens with “Dear Father,” featuring Judah Earl, followed by “By Fire!” and “CLAAT!”, featuring Masicka. Other tracks include “GODDESS,” featuring Lojay, and “IMALI,” featuring JAZZWRLD and Thukuthela. The remaining songs are “C’EST LA VIE,” “ONE MAN REGIMENT,” “KILOWI,” “ONAZO!,” “S.L.U.T (SEX LOVE UNDERSTANDING TRUST),” “LIGHT OF DAWN,” “MIMI NAWE” and “FIGHTING.”

Ahead of the album’s release, Fireboy shared THE RED COUCH SESSION: ZUKO! on YouTube, giving fans a look into the project’s rollout, and an explanation of the theme and title behind the album.

ZUKO! follows Fireboy’s previous albums Laughter, Tears and Goosebumps (2019), APOLLO (2020), Playboy (2022) and Adedamola (2024), adding another chapter to his evolving sound and catalogue.

Listen to the album here.

The post Fireboy DML’s Fifth Studio Album “ZUKO!” Is Here | Listen! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

A thoughtful young woman sits in a relaxed pose in a serene bedroom, reflecting peacefully. Photo credit: Alex Green/Pexels.

You have probably heard a woman described as strong. But have you ever considered why such an adjective was used for the woman?

In my relatively short time on earth, when a woman is described as strong, in some cases, the description was well deserved. However, in many others, the term was used for women who were grossly disadvantaged, mistreated or burdened by unfair expectations, yet continued to endure them. It was used to describe women who diminished themselves to accommodate unfairness.

It is this version of the strong woman that this essay examines. She will henceforth be referred to as TSW.

In many Nigerian societies, who is TSW? TSW is the woman with a philandering husband who, rather than prioritising her own well-being, is encouraged to tolerate his behaviour at the risk of losing her peace of mind, her health, and sometimes even her life. TSW is the woman who is expected to live as though her skin is made of titanium rather than flesh. She endures the beatings of the loving man in her life, who is merely correcting her because he wants her to become a better version of herself. TSW is applauded by society for remaining in abusive relationships. She is praised as a good woman, an ideal woman, a strong woman. She is encouraged to stay and endure because of her children. Apparently, a toxic environment plays a tremendous role in a child’s healthy development.

A woman once told me the story of how her husband’s infidelity resulted in a child six years ago. She had thought she had found a way to live with it, especially as the child did not live with them in their matrimonial home. However, her husband recently decided to bring the child home, and she did not think she could bear that because she would then be confronted daily with a reminder of his betrayal. She was therefore seeking advice on how to handle the situation. 

The argument could be made that she should have ended the marriage six years earlier when she discovered the infidelity, particularly given how deeply she was affected by the betrayal. By her own account, the incident caused her significant pain, but she chose to bury those emotions. Ultimately, whether she should have left the marriage is a personal matter. The focus here is not on judging her decision, but on examining the expectations society places on women in such situations. Had the roles been reversed and her husband discovered that she had a child with another man, many people would likely have considered ending the marriage understandable, if not justified. Why then are women so often expected to endure similar betrayals as proof of virtue, devotion or strength?

Therefore, in society’s eyes, as a prime example of TSW, she had to forgive and stay in the marriage, even if she was badly hurt. She had to keep her emotions buried, but emotions can be like a flood breaking through a dam. Six years later, after being society’s shining example of TSW, she found herself having to confront the pain of her husband’s infidelity all over again.

I am not sure how the story ended, but as far as society is concerned, she most likely had two options: Continue being the perfect template of TSW and bury her feelings once again to preserve the marriage and please her husband, or lose her TSW credibility by becoming a woman who speaks her mind and recognises that her wellbeing is just as important as the needs of her husband.

Meanwhile, there are several variations of TSW: She is the woman who eventually contracts HIV/AIDS or another sexually transmitted disease from the man she stood by because she would not let another woman take him or give up her family for a stranger. There are people who will encourage her to remain strong, but will never question why the man she clung to so tightly did not value their relationship and family as much as she did. Because if he did, he would not have engaged in behaviour that endangered both.

Another variation is the woman who ends up in an early grave after years of beatings, leaving behind the very children who were often presented as her reason for remaining with the oppressor. She is the woman who, even when physically ill, is still expected to carry out every domestic chore. She is the woman who, despite not being abused, is celebrated for giving birth only to male children. She stands in sharp contrast to those weak women who have only daughters. Apparently, giving birth to female children involves no labour pains, and women who bear only daughters experience a birthing process akin to those of marsupials and herd animals. More remarkably, TSW is somehow credited with determining the child’s sex, as though biology itself bends to accommodate her strength.

Sadly, when the chickens come home to roost, and TSW begins to suffer the physical, emotional, psychological, social, or economic consequences of years of abuse, she becomes a foolish woman in the eyes of the same society that once celebrated her as TSW for enduring atrocities no human being should have to endure. No longer admired, she is now ridiculed, blamed, and used as a cautionary tale. Her children, who were often presented as the reason she should remain in that hell, either lose her entirely or are left with only a shell of the woman she once was. After years of growing up in a toxic environment, they carry deep trauma, fear, and, in some cases, a greater likelihood of perpetuating the same harmful patterns they witnessed. 

This article, despite its sarcastic tone, is not meant to belittle the challenges that come with being in abusive relationships or to mock those who find themselves in such situations. Rather, it is meant to help women understand that you do not have to be resilient at the expense of your well-being to be strong. You should never allow the popular question, “What will people say?” to stop you from doing what is right for you.

It is also intended as a wake-up call for society to examine its definition of TSW. TSW therefore needs to be redefined. The term should never be used to excuse, accommodate, encourage, or tolerate abuse, unfairness or injustice. Instead, it should be used to encourage women to speak up against unfairness, stand firm in their refusal to be relegated to the background or treated as inferior, pursue their dreams, and become sources of inspiration to those around them. Strength should not be measured by how much suffering a woman can endure, but by her willingness to value her dignity, protect her well-being, and stand up for herself when faced with unfairness.

So, the next time you hear a woman being referred to as a “strong woman,” ask whether the compliment is truly to her credit, or it is to her detriment.

The post Praise Otito Obanya: What Is Our Society’s Definition of the “Strong Woman”? appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Nigerian gospel singer and worship minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has passed away. Credit: Instagram

Nigerian gospel singer and worship minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings, has passed away. His family announced his passing in a statement shared on his social media account on Wednesday, October 14, 2026. He was announced dead in the early hours of the morning.

“With deep sorrow, the family announces the passing of Minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji, Toluwani Gospel Music Ministry (TOGOMM), who passed away in the early hours of 14 October 2026,” the statement read.

Describing him as a dearly loved husband and family member, the family asked the public to keep his wife and loved ones in their prayers. Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Toluwanisings built a name for himself in Nigeria’s gospel music scene through his energetic praise sessions, worship recordings and live ministrations. His music blended Yoruba praise traditions with contemporary gospel sounds, creating songs that resonated with listeners across churches and digital music platforms.

One of his notable projects was “Kos’Oluwa Laye”, which helped bring his music to a wider audience. His catalogue also includes songs such as “Owo Re Meji Meji”, “Unreserved Praise VOL 4,” “Kabiyesi Olorun Ayo,” “The Name of Jesus,” and many others.

Toluwanisings was committed to gospel ministry through live performances and worship gatherings. In an interview, he described gospel music ministry as a means of reaching souls through songs, live ministrations and album releases. For him and many other gospel artists, music is not always just a talent but a ministry with a purpose.

His passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans, colleagues and members of the gospel music community, many of whom have taken to social media to celebrate his life and express their condolences to his family. He leaves behind a body of music that will continue to connect him with listeners who found joy, encouragement and an expression of faith in his songs. As tributes continue to emerge, his life and ministry are being remembered through the music he shared and the worship experiences he helped create.

May his soul rest in peace, and may God comfort his wife, children, family and loved ones.

The post Gospel Minister Olayemi Bayonile Bolaji (Toluwanisings) Passes On appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Kerrygold demonstrated its support for the baking community through its partnership with the International Cake Exploration Societe, Nigeria (ICES, Nigeria) at Cake Expo 2026, held on October 7 and 8 at All Seasons Plaza, Ikeja.

The two-day event brought together bakers and cake artists and enthusiasts for an experience centred on learning, networking and showcasing creativity. As the lead sponsor, Kerrygold connected with attendees through a dedicated booth, creating opportunities for product discovery, sampling and engagement with bakers and other stakeholders within the industry.

Beyond product engagement, Cake Expo 2026 provided Kerrygold with an opportunity to gain closer insight into the evolving needs and conversations within the baking industry. With the theme, “The AI Advantage: Elevating Cake Business & Creativity,” the expo highlighted how technology and innovation can support bakers in improving their businesses, enhancing their creative processes and staying competitive in a changing industry.

Kerrygold’s participation reinforced its commitment to supporting bakers not only through quality products, but also by showing up in spaces that foster learning, creativity, connection and growth within the baking community.

Through its participation at Cake Expo 2026, Kerrygold continues to foster meaningful relationships with bakers and staying connected to the people and businesses shaping the industry. Its partnership with ICES Nigeria further strengthened this connection, reinforcing Kerrygold’s continued investment in the growth and development of the baking industry.

Sponsored Content

The post Kerrygold Strengthens Support for Bakers Through ICES Partnership at Cake Expo 2026 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Credit: BNXN/Instagram

There is no doubt that Daniel Etiese Benson, aka BNXN, is one of the most lyrically gifted Nigerian artists. There aren’t many of them, to be fair, but BNXN has continued to impress and express that the music game in Africa still needs him. Now, as is the trope now, many artists measure their success via album releases. There are positive sides to that, especially having a large catalogue and a ton of songs to perform with. However, the album rush has not been for BNXN. Since his breakout about 5 years ago, Sincerely Benson and Captain, he has only released two albums, but complements the effort with many Extended Plays (EPs), and he makes the best of them.

So far in his career, BNXN has released four EP projects.

Sorry I’m Late (2021)

Released in October 2021, Sorry I’m Late was BNXN’s first major statement as a solo artist. At the time, he had become increasingly familiar to listeners through collaborations, including Zlatan‘s “Spiritual,” LADIPOE‘s “Feeling” and Burna Boy‘s remix of “L’enu.” The seven-track project gave him the opportunity to show what he could do without relying on another artist’s catalogue or audience. Songs like “Kilometre,” “Never Stopped” and “Ogechukwu,” featuring The Cavemen, highlighted his ability to move between catchy Afropop, introspective songwriting and highlife influences. It helped establish him as more than an artist who delivered memorable verses on other people’s songs.

Bad Since ’97 (2022)

With Bad Since ’97, BNXN became more confident in his identity and sound. Released in August 2022, the seven-track EP featured Wizkid, Wande Coal and Olamide, three established artists whose presence added to its appeal. “Many Ways,” “Kenkele” and “Modupe” gave listeners different sides of his artistry, while the title track reinforced the self-assurance that runs through the project. It arrived in a year when his contribution to Pheelz‘s “Finesse” had further raised his profile, making the EP an important follow-up to his breakthrough. Although critics differed on the consistency of its production, the project demonstrated his growing ability to hold his own alongside established names.

The Game Needs Us (2026)

Four years after Bad Since ’97, BNXN teamed up with producer Sarz for The Game Needs Us, a five-track EP released in May 2026. The collaboration is particularly interesting because it allows the singer’s melodies and songwriting to meet Sarz’s distinctive production. From “Rum & Soda” to “Emotional High” and “Already,” the project balances romantic vulnerability with the sort of rhythms that work equally well on headphones and dance floors. Its strongest commercial statement came with “Back Outside,” which topped Spotify Nigeria’s daily songs chart. More impressively, all five tracks entered the platform’s Nigerian top 15 in the same period. That suggested that listeners engaged with the project beyond a single hit.

Still in Charge (2026)

BNXN followed that collaborative outing with Still in Charge, a six-track EP released on 1 October 2026. Featuring Asake on “Eja Meja” and FOLA on “Shamaya,” the project moves between self-assurance, romance and carefree enjoyment. “Online” addresses conversations about his absence from social media, while “Deliberate Work” offers a more pointed look at his experiences in the industry. “If You Like” closes the project on a lighter note, leaving listeners with a glimpse of an artist comfortable with his position. The EP also debuted on Apple Music’s Nigerian albums chart.

Across these four projects, BNXN has demonstrated that an artist doesn’t necessarily need to release an album every year to remain relevant. Each EP provides a focused glimpse into his development, collaborating with some of the industry’s most recognisable names while continuing to experiment with his sound. While his albums offer a broader view of his artistry, his EPs consistently give listeners compelling reasons to pay attention. The industry often prioritises quantity; BNXN makes a strong quality case as well.

The post BNXN Has The Best EP Projects in Afrobeats appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Some photographs only reveal their true weight with time. A childhood birthday, a family Christmas, a traditional marriage or an old gathering can seem ordinary when the picture is taken, only to become more meaningful years later as the people, circumstances and memories around them change.

That is what is beginning to emerge from Nigerian Breweries’ Together, Every Moment, as Nigerians revisit old photographs and videos and share the stories behind moments that once seemed routine. Across the entries received so far are memories shaped by family, growth, humour, loss and unexpected connections to brands that have been part of Nigerian life for decades.

For content creator Virtuous, one of those memories came from a family gathering during her childhood. In the photographs she shared, drinks from Nigerian Breweries appear on the table, an ordinary detail at the time but one that would later take on a different meaning. Years after those pictures were taken, she went on to work with Amstel Malta, creating an unlikely link between a childhood memory and her adult career.

“If you told the girl in the first and second slides that she would grow up to work with the brands she held in her hands as a child, she absolutely would have believed you. I always knew please,” she joked.

For Stella Ezenwata, the memory is tied to her traditional marriage in January 2017, an occasion she can now laugh about even though it felt far less amusing at the time. The marriage list specifically requested Star, Heineken or Gulder, but when a different drink was brought instead, the family insisted it be returned. Another item requested for the Umuada could not be found, leaving the couple to offer money in its place.

“Honestly, the stress no be here,” Stella recalled.

Nine years later, what was once a stressful part of the day has become one of the stories she remembers most clearly.
Ralph’s entry reaches further back, to his sixth birthday shortly after his family moved into a new home. The photograph shows children gathered indoors, some caught mid-dance, with bottles of Maltina visible in the foreground. What stayed with him was the excitement of marking his birthday in the new house, surrounded by family. It is the kind of childhood moment that can feel small at the time but grows in meaning with distance.

For @anna4manuel, that passage of time changed the meaning of her memory in a more painful way. She shared a Christmas video of her family dressed in red, gathered around a dining table and preparing for the festivities, with bottles of Maltina among them. Nothing about the footage immediately suggests why the moment has stayed with her so strongly. It looks like a familiar family Christmas, one of those occasions that can easily be taken for granted while everyone is still together.
Her caption gives the video an entirely different meaning.

“I didn’t know it would be my last Christmas with my father,” she wrote.

What was once simply a record of a family celebration is now a reminder of a moment she can never recreate.
The entries reflect how differently memories can age. Some become funnier with time, some take on new meaning as life changes, while others become more precious because of what came after them. The photographs may capture a single moment, but the stories around them often reveal much more.

One of the most striking examples came not from a photograph, but from a comment shared during the anniversary conversation. Instagram user @dr_deraaa revealed that her grandfather, who turns 105 this month, spent 35 years working at Nigerian Breweries in Aba before retiring in 1985.

Growing up, she said, the family often heard stories about his years with the company, memories he still cherishes and speaks about today. If the dates in her account are accurate, his career would have begun around 1950, only a few years after Nigerian Breweries was established.

That connection offers a different perspective on the company’s 80-year history. For his family, the story is not only about the occasions on which Nigerian Breweries products appeared, but also about the working life of a man whose career became part of that history.

It is this broader idea that sits at the heart of the National Story Collection. As part of Nigerian Breweries’ 80th anniversary campaign, Together, Every Moment, Nigerians are being invited to share photographs and videos that capture how the company, its brands and its wider presence have intersected with their lives over the years. Eighty selected entries will each receive ₦1 million.

Actress and comedian Kiekie, entertainer Real Warri Pikin and Nollywood actor Odunlade Adekola are among those who have joined the anniversary conversation and encouraged Nigerians to revisit their own memories.

But the strongest stories emerging so far are the ones that feel least manufactured: a birthday in a new home, a traditional marriage that did not go quite to plan, a childhood photograph that later came full circle, a final Christmas with a loved one, and a 105-year-old man still telling stories from a career that began more than seven decades ago.

Together, they show why the most interesting part of a photograph is often not what appears in the frame, but everything the frame comes to mean afterwards.

To participate, share a photo or video featuring a Nigerian Breweries product and tell the story behind the memory. Post it on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok or X, tag @nigerianbreweriesplc and use #NigerianBreweriesAt80 and #NBAt80, or submit directly Here.

Sponsored Content

The post Stories Behind the Frame: The Memories Nigerians Are Unearthing for NB@80 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Brutal Fruit’s The Pink Table brought Pan-African competition winners, their best friends and guests from across Africa together in Italy, making friendship the occasion for an international escape.

Some experiences are made better by the person standing beside you. A beautiful view becomes the place you both promise to return to. A song becomes your song. Before you have found the words, she already understands. And when something feels almost too good to be real, one look at your best friend is enough: can you believe we are here?

Much of the joy of female friendship lives in that shorthand. There is comfort in being known, in having someone who understands your sense of humour and shares the memories behind it. Taking that friendship somewhere new adds another chapter to a story already in progress.

It can also make room for other people to enter it.

Brutal Fruit’s The Pink Table Milan began with that feeling and an invitation to let the circle grow. From September 25th, competition winners and their best friends from across Africa and Brazil came together against the backdrop of Milan Fashion Week and Lake Como. The invitation had a simple starting point: bring your bestie.

The consumer winners earned their places through retailer competitions, with each invited to bring her bestie. The details shaped the experience from the outset. A prize for one woman became an occasion for two, giving each pair someone familiar to share the excitement with as they stepped into a wider gathering.

Born in South Africa, The Pink Table has travelled from home to Paris and now Milan with female friendships at its centre. The trip brought African women into an international setting alongside guests from elsewhere in the world, with time to find common ground through food, fashion and music.

Female friendships have always been at the heart of The Pink Table and in Milan, bringing a bestie meant arriving with someone who knew you, while joining women from other countries and backgrounds offered the chance to get to know someone new. The South African spritzer brought them together through experiences designed to give connection room to materialize.

A table is a good place to start and the welcome meal at Nonna’s captured that spirit. Generous Italian food, conversation and laughter brought warmth to a new setting. Sharing a table gave guests time to settle in and form camaraderie, creating an easy introduction to the women around them. The food belonged to Italy, but the pleasure of getting to know someone over a meal felt familiar.

Fashion gave the conversation another kind of spark. At Barbara Rizzi’s show, where Brutal Fruit was the official drinks partner, winners, besties and creators experienced the work of a female-led Italian luxury label known for its craftsmanship and bold contemporary design. There were looks to admire and impressions to exchange, giving guests a shared experience to talk about beyond their own friendship pairs.

Milan offered other points of discovery too. At Museo Bagatti Valsecchi, Renaissance art and antiques added another dimension to the city’s creativity. Alongside the fashion, these encounters gave women with different backgrounds something to discover together. Milan’s appeal was also its ability to create those openings: a new setting, a shared interest and a reason to start a conversation.

Music made that common ground especially clear. A 19-member performance team led by pianist Julian Cohen brought songs including Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida”, “Bella Ciao” and Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” into the experience. For guests who had not all arrived knowing one another, a familiar song offered something immediately recognizable to enjoy together.

Brutal Fruit’s L’Orange Rossa, which was inspired by the Italian Riveria, added a flavour of the destination to the occasion. But the detail that held these different experiences together was the company; the best friend you came with, and the women you knew you had a reason to get to know.

At Lake Como, the wider circle came together at The Pink Table itself. Around 75 guests from across the world including South African actress Siphesihle Ndaba, content creator and influencer Sni Mhlongo gathered at Villa Regina Teodolinda in Laglio, where sprawling gardens opened to private access to the water providing a romantic and intimate backdrop. Hosted by Italian actress Marina Valdemoro Maino, the occasion brought food, music and conversation into one setting.

For all its beauty, the villa offered something simple; it gave women somewhere to gather and time to spend together. Besties could sit beside one another while becoming part of a larger table. The comfort of an existing friendship and the possibility of a new connection belonged in the same space.

At The Pink Table Milan, female friendships were both the reason to gather and the starting point for new connections. Across countries and backgrounds, Brutal Fruit gave women the space to discover what they shared. Bringing a bestie was the beginning of the invitation. Making room for a wider circle was its promise.

Because while the destination was Milan, the real currency of the trip was connection.

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for Brutal Fruit

The post A Seat for You and Your Bestie: Brutal Fruit Brings Women Together at The Pink Table Milan appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Beyond the digital campaign, Dettol brought the experience directly to consumers through in market activations across multiple states in Nigeria, combining product education and demonstrations with handwashing stations and consumer engagement.

Commenting on the campaign, Boma Harrison, Marketing Director, Reckitt West Africa, said,

“We were particularly pleased to give Nigerians the opportunity to share their personal Dettol stories and hear what protection means to them and their families. The stories shared through the challenge reflect the place Dettol has held in Nigerian households over the years, while reinforcing the importance of hygiene in everyday life.”

The campaign brought together digital storytelling, consumer engagement and on-ground experiences to reinforce Dettol Original’s role in everyday hygiene routines, while giving Nigerians an opportunity to share the personal experiences that have shaped their connection with the brand.

Sponsored Content

The post Dettol Nigeria: Storytelling Wraps Up Challenge with 30 Winners appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Fashion Innovation Africa (FIA) 2026 will bring together more than 300 stakeholders from across fashion, finance, technology and government to examine the structures, investments and partnerships needed to build a stronger and globally competitive African fashion industry.

Scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026, at Landmark Event Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos, the inaugural business conference is themed “From the Atelier to the Economy: The Architecture Behind African Fashion”. Endorsed by the Lagos State Government, FIA 2026 will focus on the systems and capabilities required to translate Africa’s creative talent into sustainable businesses, jobs and wider economic opportunities.

The conference will convene successful fashion founders and business leaders alongside representatives from government, regulatory agencies, financial institutions, technology companies, logistics providers and other stakeholders across the fashion value chain. By bringing these groups together, FIA aims to strengthen connections between the creative, commercial and institutional players whose collaboration is essential to the industry’s growth.

The full-day programme will feature a Government Keynote, fireside chats with leading founders, three panel discussions and concurrent masterclasses. Discussions will address critical industry issues, including access to growth capital, local manufacturing, supply chain resilience, quality standards, technology, trade frameworks and access to international markets.

Uche Ajene, Convener of Fashion Innovation Africa, said the conference draws inspiration from the growth of Nigeria’s music and film industries, which have built stronger commercial structures and expanded their global reach over time.

“There was a time when Nigerian music and Nollywood had immense talent but were still building the structures needed to support their growth and global reach. Today, both have made significant strides in taking Nigerian creativity to the world,” she said.

“African fashion has similar potential, but realising it requires more than talent and visibility. We need stronger systems for financing, production, distribution, standards and market access. FIA is bringing the key players together to help build that architecture and position African fashion for sustainable growth and global competitiveness.”

Beyond the conference programme, FIA 2026 will provide opportunities for businesses and industry stakeholders to showcase solutions, exchange ideas, build strategic partnerships and explore commercial opportunities across the fashion value chain.

Fashion Innovation Africa is an initiative focused on strengthening Africa’s fashion ecosystem by connecting the people, businesses and institutions that shape its growth. Through industry convenings, strategic collaborations and opportunities for knowledge exchange, FIA seeks to advance the infrastructure, investment and market access needed to build a more connected, commercially sustainable and globally competitive African fashion industry. The 2026 conference marks the inaugural edition of this effort.

Sponsored Content

The post Fashion Innovation Africa to Convene 300+ Stakeholders at Inaugural Conference in Lagos on October 22 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

From the infectious rhythms of Latin music to the unmistakable pulse of Afrobeats, Desperados and Young Jonn are bringing two cultures together on “Let It Go,” a new track inspired by living in the moment.

Some moments are best enjoyed without overthinking them: a spontaneous night out, an unexpected link-up with friends, or the song that gets everyone moving. Capturing this spirit of freedom and self-expression, Desperados has teamed up with award-winning Afrobeats producer, songwriter and artist Young Jonn for “Let It Go.”

Produced by Yung Willis, the Grammy-nominated music producer whose production credits span some of the biggest names in African music. Having worked with notable artistes including Falz, Wizkid, Kizz Daniel, Davido, Niniola, BNXN, Zlatan, Patoranking and Ice Prince, Yung Willis brings his production expertise to the collaboration, helping shape a sound that connects global influences with the energy of Afrobeats.

Rooted in the brand’s identity and association with self-expression, Desperados continues to find meaningful ways to connect with the younger audience through music, culture and premium experiences. With “Let It Go”, the brand is using music as a touchpoint between its Latin roots and the energy of Nigerian culture.

At the heart of the collaboration is “Guao Guao,” the reggaeton track Desperados created in partnership with Venezuelan artist Micro TDH and Colombian producer Ovy On The Drums. Built around a sample of this unique record, Let It Go brings a Latin-inspired sound into Young Jonn’s style, creating an Afrobeats song that reflects Nigeria’s vibrant music and nightlife culture.

“Let It Go” is more than a fusion of two sounds. It is an expression of the Desperados vibe, where music becomes a way to encourage people to loosen up and enjoy moments that make life memorable. By connecting the global influence of Latin music with Afrobeats, the brand reinforces its place through music, culture, and self-expression.

Young Jonn’s ability to reinterpret global influences through a distinctive Nigerian style makes him a fitting partner for this expression. Rather than recreating the original, he gave the sound a fresh identity, shaped by the rhythm and movement of Nigerian music. Whether it’s the rhythm that takes over the dance floor, an ordinary link-up that turns into a memorable experience, the song captures the freedom of letting go and being fully in the moment.

For Desperados, the brand’s involvement gives the song a cultural expression, connecting its identity to a sound that brings people together, encourages movement and creates room for memories. From recreating dance moves to sharing interpretations through lifestyle content, fans can join the “Let It Go” vibe beyond simply listening.

Watch the official music video below

Listen to “Let It Go” here.

Ready to catch the vibe? Follow @desperadosng for more updates.

Sponsored Content

The post Desperados and Young Jonn Create a Cross-Cultural Anthem For Living In The Moment With ‘Let It Go’ appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ecclesia Hills Church

The Ecclesia Word Conference has grown into a gathering where believers are taught, equipped, and stirred to live out the fullness of their faith. Last year’s edition explored the theme Custodian of Holy Oracles. This year’s edition turns to a question at the heart of the Gospel: What is freedom in Christ, and how can the Ecclesia arrive there?

“This conference is crucial to bringing believers to the accuracy of freedom,” said Pastor Moses Ida-Michaels, Pastor of Ecclesia Hills Church. “Many people carry the name of Christ yet remain bound by religion, fear, habits, financial pressure, and generational patterns. This gathering is about seeing freedom clearly and walking in it. Together, we will hack the principles that bring true liberty to life,” he concluded.

Conference Focus

Across three days, sessions will address freedom in every area of life, including:

• Free a Generation: El-Shakar
• Freedom from Religion: Jabar Mckellar
• Freedom from Mammon: Chris Delvan
• Freedom in Illumination: Eva Dan Yusuf
• Freed Bloodlines, Cycles, Enchantments: Edem Julius-Cudjoe
• Freedom from Sinful Addictions / Fear of Consequence: Chris Delvan
• Free to Serve God’s Purpose: Chris Delvan
• Freedom in Innovation / Innovative Liberty: Moses Ida-Michaels (Host Pastor)
• Liberty Ideology:  Edem Julius-Cudjoe

Worship will be led by Hill Music and Moses Akoh, creating an atmosphere for encounter, response, and transformation.

Event Details

• Event: Ecclesia Word Conference 2026 (6th Edition)
• Theme: Freedom in Christ
• Dates: Friday, 6th November to Sunday, 8th November 2026
• Venue: The Hall, 16 Musa Yar’adua Street, Victoria Island, Lagos
• Schedule:
  • Friday: 9:00 AM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM
  • Sunday: 12:00 PM
• Admission: Free
• Registration (Required): Register Here
• Host: Ecclesia Hills Church

Sponsored Content

The post Mark Your Calendars! Ecclesia Hills Church Announces 6th Ecclesia Word Conference, “Freedom in Christ” appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

If you grew up in Nigeria in the 90s or early 2000s, chances are you didn’t learn about milk from a science class. You learnt about it from television.

Back then, adverts were part of our childhood. We didn’t reach for a remote every time the commercials came on. We sang the jingles, quoted the catchphrases and years later, many of us can still remember them word for word.

For me, one advert stands above the rest. It followed a young Kanu Nwankwo as he dribbled a football through the dusty streets of Owerri on an errand for his mother.

He left home with nothing but a football at his feet, dribbling all the way to the market. Just as a tin of milk slipped from the market woman’s hands, he flicked it back into the air with effortless skill.

She smiled and said, “Papilo, I know say one day you go make us proud.”

As children, we believed her.

Not because we understood marketing, but because those adverts made us believe that greatness could begin anywhere. They told us that a boy from Owerri, Nigeria could become one of Africa’s greatest footballers. They told us that ordinary children with big dreams could grow into extraordinary adults.

And somewhere between that advert and my mum pouring Milk into my breakfast cereal every morning before school, I came to believe two things.

The first was that milk helped build strong bones and teeth. The second was that maybe, just maybe, I could become whoever I dreamed of becoming.

Years later, after becoming a dietitian, I realised that my childhood understanding wasn’t wrong, it was simply incomplete.

Today, conversations about milk have become surprisingly complicated. Social media is filled with conflicting opinions. Some people insist milk is only for children. Others believe it causes weight gain. Some assume all milk is the same, while others believe dairy milk and non- dairy offer identical nutrition.

As nutrition professionals, we know that the truth is rarely found in headlines or viral videos. It is found in evidence.

So, let’s separate what we know about milk from what we only think we know.

What Exactly Is Milk?

From a scientific perspective, milk is the natural nutrient-rich fluid produced by mammals to nourish their young during the earliest stages of life. For humans, cow’s milk is the most widely consumed form of dairy milk and has been part of diets around the world for generations.

But from a nutrition perspective, milk is much more than its definition.

It is a naturally nutrient-dense food that provides a unique combination of high-quality protein, calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B12, riboflavin and other essential nutrients that work together to support growth, bone health, muscle function, energy production and overall wellbeing throughout life.

Unlike many foods that contribute just one or two key nutrients, milk delivers several essential nutrients in one convenient food. This is one of the reasons it has remained a staple in many cultures and continues to play an important role in healthy eating patterns across different stages of life.

Yet despite these nutritional benefits, milk remains one of the most misunderstood foods on our tables.

Over the years, I’ve heard people say that milk is only for children, that it causes weight gain or that all milk products are the same. Social media has only amplified these conversations, making it increasingly difficult to separate evidence from opinion.

So, let’s look at some of the most common myths about milk and what science tells us.

Why Milk Matters

One of the things I have learned after years of working as a dietitian is that conversations about milk often focus on just one nutrient: calcium.

Yes, milk is well known for supporting strong bones and healthy teeth, but that’s only one part of the story.

Milk provides a unique combination of nutrients that work together to support the body in different ways. Rather than contributing just one benefit, it supplies several essential nutrients in a single food, each playing its own role in maintaining good health.

High-quality protein helps build and repair muscles, organs and other body tissues. It’s essential for growth in children and helps adults maintain muscle mass throughout life.

Calcium and phosphorus work together to support strong bones and healthy teeth. These nutrients are especially important during childhood and adolescence, when bones are developing rapidly, but they also remain important throughout adulthood to help maintain bone health.

Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in the production of healthy red blood cells and supports the normal functioning of the nervous system. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) helps the body convert the food we eat into the energy we need for everyday activities.

Many Milk products are also fortified with vitamins A and D. Vitamin A supports healthy vision and the normal functioning of the immune system, while vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium effectively, making it an important partner in maintaining strong bones.

What makes milk unique isn’t that it contains one remarkable nutrient. It’s that it brings many important nutrients together in one food.

That combination is one of the reasons milk has remained part of healthy dietary patterns across different cultures and generations.

A glass of Milk doesn’t provide just one nutrient.

It provides a package of nutrients working together to support growth, development and overall wellbeing.

Myth 1: “Milk Is Only for Children”

One of the most common misconceptions I hear is that milk is something we eventually outgrow, that once we become adults, it no longer has a place in our diet. I understand where that idea comes from.

Many of us first encountered milk as children. It was stirred into our morning pap, added to cereal before school or mixed into a warm cup of tea on rainy days. Over time, it’s easy to begin thinking of milk as a “children’s food.” But our bodies tell a different story.

While our nutritional needs change throughout life, they never stop. In fact, the nutrients milk provides continue to support us in different ways as we grow older.

For children, milk contributes high-quality protein, calcium and other essential nutrients that support healthy growth and the development of strong bones and teeth. During the teenage years, when growth accelerates and nutritional demands increase, these nutrients remain just as important.

As adults, the focus shifts. Growth may slow, but maintaining muscle mass, preserving bone health and meeting our daily nutrient needs become priorities. The high-quality protein, calcium and other vitamins and minerals found in milk continue to contribute to those goals as part of a balanced diet.

For older adults, maintaining muscle strength and bone health becomes increasingly important. Adequate protein helps preserve muscle as we age, while calcium and vitamin D, where milk is fortified with vitamin D, continue to support healthy bones.

In other words, milk doesn’t stop being relevant because we grow older, its role simply changes. The nutrients remain valuable. What changes is how our bodies use them at different stages of life. Perhaps that’s a better way to think about it.

Milk grows with us, not because every person must drink milk every day, but because the nutrients it provides continue to support health from childhood through older adulthood as part of a healthy, balanced diet.

Myth 2: “Milk Causes Weight Gain”

If you’ve spent any time on social media, you’ve probably come across someone confidently declaring that milk is “too fattening” or should be avoided if you’re trying to manage your weight. It’s a message that’s repeated so often that many people now accept it as fact. The reality, however, is much less dramatic.

No single food causes weight gain on its own. Weight gain occurs when, over time, we consistently consume more energy than our bodies use. Overall dietary patterns, portion sizes, physical activity, sleep and other lifestyle factors all play a role.

This is why it’s important to understand the different dairy milk options available rather than assuming they all have the same nutritional profile.

Full Cream Milk naturally contains milk fat and provides high-quality protein, calcium and a range of essential vitamins and minerals. It can be enjoyed as part of a healthy, balanced diet by individuals and families whose nutritional needs and preferences align with this type of dairy milk.

Filled Milk, on the other hand, is a dairy milk product in which part or all of the natural milk fat has been replaced with vegetable oils. While its fat composition differs from that of Full Cream Milk, it continues to provide important nutrients such as protein and calcium, giving consumers another dairy milk option to suit different nutritional needs and preferences.

The important question, therefore, isn’t whether milk is “good” or “bad.” It’s whether the product you choose fits your overall dietary pattern, lifestyle and nutritional needs. Nutrition is rarely about eliminating one food, it is about building balanced eating habits over time.

Myth 3: “All Milk Is the Same”

At first glance, it’s easy to see why many people believe all milk is the same. Walk into any supermarket and you’ll find shelves lined with products that look similar, often displayed side by side. But while they may all be found in the same aisle, they are not all the same.

One of the biggest misconceptions I encounter is the belief that every white powder added to tea, coffee or cereal is simply “milk.” These products are designed for different purposes, and understanding those differences is an important part of making informed nutrition decisions.

Broadly speaking, consumers will come across three main categories:

● Dairy milk, such as Full Cream Milk and Filled Milk, which provide high-quality protein, calcium and other essential nutrients.

● Creamers, which are designed primarily to add creaminess, texture and flavour to beverages such as tea and coffee. They serve a different purpose from dairy milk and do not provide the same nutritional profile.

Ultimately, the best choice begins with understanding what each product is intended to do. When we know the difference between dairy milk, and creamers, we can choose the product that best fits our nutritional needs instead of assuming they are all nutritionally equivalent.

Final Thoughts

Whenever I think about milk, I don’t think first about football. I think about the words of a mother to a young boy: “Papilo, I know say one day you go make us proud.”

As children, we saw a story about dreams. Looking back, I realize that the advert gave us more than nostalgia. It sparked a conversation about nutrition that many of us are still having today.

The difference is that, as adults and for me, as a dietitian we now have the opportunity to replace assumptions with evidence. We can look beyond the stories we grew up with and make informed choices based on nutrition science.

The stories that shaped our childhood sparked our curiosity. Science helps us make informed choices. And that’s something worth passing on to the next generation.

Sponsored Content

The post More Than Just a Glass of Milk: A Dietitian’s Perspective on Why Milk Matters appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Co-established in 2012 by Jomi Marcus-Bello, Nifemi Marcus-Bello, and KC Obijiaku, waf. has spent 14 years nurturing the Lagos skateboarding scene from the ground up, culminating in the opening of a skatepark at Freedom Park, located on the site of a former colonial prison, in 2024. This rich heritage is directly integrated into the sneaker’s aesthetic, featuring a dusty grey upper inspired by Lagos Island, breathable side panels crafted for the climate of Lagos, and a translucent pink outsole designed to evoke the city’s horizon at distinct moments of the day.

The release begins at the waf. flagship in Lagos and across all adidas retail and e-commerce platforms worldwide at $110. Launch time at the Lagos flagship: 9:00 a.m. WAT.

ABOUT WAF.

waf. (Wafflesncream) is Nigeria’s pioneering skate community and the first hub for skate culture in West Africa, combining a retail space with a creative community. For fourteen years, it has grown Lagos’ skate scene through community programming, retail, fashion, and music. In 2017, waf. launched Nigeria’s first Go Skate Day, now one of the country’s largest annual skate festivals.

ABOUT ADIDAS ORIGINALS

Inspired by the rich sporting heritage of adidas, one of the world’s leading sports brands and a global designer and developer of athletic footwear and apparel, adidas Originals is a lifestyle brand founded in 2001. With the adidas archive at its foundation, adidas Originals continues to evolve the brand’s legacy through its commitment to product innovation and its ability to filter the creativity and courage found on the courts and sporting arenas through the lens of contemporary youth culture.

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for adidas x waf. Superstar ADV

The post adidas x waf. Superstar ADV Brings Lagos Skate Culture to the Global Stage appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

With four years remaining to the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals deadline, the Sustainability Table Discourse Series (STS) will mark its tenth anniversary on 15–16 October 2026 at the Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, with a deliberate shift from dialogue to delivery.

Under the theme ‘Leading the Sustainable Development Agenda: People, Planet and Prosperity,’ STS @10 will bring together leaders from government, business, finance, development institutions, technology and civil society to address a defining question: how can Africa bridge the gap between sustainable development ambition and execution?

Headlining the gathering is H.H. Muhammadu Sanusi II, Emir of Kano, who will deliver the Flagship Keynote, “People, Planet & Prosperity: The Decade of Delivery.”

The gathering will also feature H.E. Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State; Akintunde Oyebode, Commissioner for Finance, Ekiti State and Chairman, Forum of State Commissioners of Finance; H.E. Amb. Prof. (Mrs.) Olufolake AbdulRazaq, First Lady of Kwara State; Tenioye Majekodunmi, Director-General, National Council on Climate Change; Dr. Innocent Barikor, Director-General/CEO, NESREA; Rukaiya El-Rufai, Presidency / National Economic Council & Climate Change; Adam Boros, Vice President, Africa Finance Corporation; Ademola Ogunbanjo, President & CEO, Oando Clean Energy; Rolake Akinkugbe-Filani, CEO, EnergyInc Advisors Limited; and Dapo Otunla, Chief Corporate Services Officer, IHS Nigeria, among other leaders.

The current programme also features a high-level dialogue on mobilizing capital and leadership for Africa’s sustainability transition.

First convened in 2016, STS has spent a decade bringing together stakeholders around the green economy, climate finance, technology, circularity, food security, ESG and the Sustainable Development Goals. STS @10 marks an inflection point: a greater focus on bridging Africa’s sustainability implementation gap—the distance between commitments and action, innovation and scale, and viable projects and the investment required to deliver them.

“Africa does not suffer from a shortage of ambition, declarations or conferences. The real deficit is execution—turning policy into implementation, innovation into scale and credible projects into investible opportunities,” said Kayode Olaniyan, Convener of the Sustainability Table Discourse Series.

“Ten years of STS have shown us the power of bringing the right people to the table. But the next decade must be about what happens after they leave it. We are not convening another talk shop. The next decade must be aboutdelivery,” He added.

The programme will focus on four critical conversations: Nigeria’s energy future and expanding energy access; Technology, AI and the SDGs; the circular economy and responsible production; and resilient food systems, smarter value chains and cold-chain infrastructure.

Beyond the conversations, STS @10 will move from ideas to investment and innovation. Day Two will feature masterclasses, strategic investment engagements, the STS @10 Investment & Deals Room — Connecting Capital with Projects and Enterprise, and an Innovation Pitch Finale & Investor Showcase, creating opportunities to connect promising businesses and projects with financial institutions, investors and development partners.

The anniversary will also feature ‘The Earth Speaks’ Sustainability & Arts Exhibition, the launch of the commemorative coffee-table book A Decade at the Table: From Conversation to Transformation, and the premiere of the documentary Nigeria 2030: The Sustainability Imperative — A Decade of Dialogue. A New Era of Action.

The gala programme confirms both the book launch and documentary premiere as part of the anniversary celebrations.

Ten years ago, STS created a table for the conversation. At STS @10, the question is no longer simply who is at the table—but what gets done because they were there.

EVENT: Sustainability Table Discourse Series — STS @10

DATES: 15–16 October 2026

VENUE: Balmoral Convention Centre, Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos

THEME: Leading the Sustainable Development Agenda: People, Planet and Prosperity

ATTENDANCE: Free; registration is compulsory

REGISTER:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sts-2026-10th-anniversary-sustainability-table-series-tickets-1988312097006

WEBSITE: sustainabilitytable.com | Instagram: @sustainability_table

Sponsored Content

The post Emir of Kano to Lead Sustainability Leaders at STS’ 10-Year Milestone in Lagos appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

On set for his Oba music video, Asake highlights his signature high-steeze look with a textured jacket and luxury travel accessories.

Music is a daily business in Nigeria, both for the artists making it and the listeners who keep up with new releases. Almost every week, new songs drop alongside music videos that bring them to life visually. This week, we’re putting you on five new music videos to check out, featuring Asake, Omah Lay, FOLA, and Young Jonn.

Here are five new Nigerian music videos that are worth adding to your watch list this week:

Asake – Oba

Asake takes fans into the creative process behind “Oba,” trading elaborate street scenes for a more intimate look at a late-night recording session. Directed by Director Buise, the video features the singer alongside producers and backing vocalists, while his signature style and confident presence reinforce the royal theme of the song. The track appears on his M$NEY album.

Omah Lay – Canada Breeze

Omah Lay’s “Canada Breeze” captures the singer’s reflective side, touching on personal growth, spirituality and finding peace after periods of worry. The song, from his Clarity of Mind album, pairs his signature melodic delivery with lyrics about moving beyond past struggles. Its music video gives fans another way to experience the record’s introspective mood.

FOLA – miss you ii

FOLA returns to matters of the heart with “miss you ii (nriri),” a release that speaks to longing and missing someone. The track features the Nigerian singer’s melodic Afropop style and arrives as part of a busy period for the rising artist, whose 9 album was released in October 2026. Fans can check out the song’s lyric video and follow its story through the lyrics.

Omah Lay – Artificial Happiness

Omah Lay takes a cinematic approach to “Artificial Happiness,” the opening track of his Clarity of Mind album. In the video, the singer awakens in an abandoned warehouse with a white tree at its centre, surrounded by mysterious figures whose movements give the scene an unsettling quality. Co-directed creatively by Omah Lay and his longtime collaborator NWSPK, the visual explores the song’s introspective world and the search for genuine happiness.

Young Jonn – Glass in the Air

Young Jonn brings dancefloor energy to “Glass in the Air.” The song reflects the excitement of navigating new territory and celebrating personal milestones, with the producer-turned-singer leaning into an upbeat, dance-ready sound. It is another opportunity to experience the infectious energy and melodic style that have become central to his evolution as an artist.

The post From Asake’s Oba to Omah Lay’s Canada Breeze: 5 Music Videos to Watch appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Bimbo Ademoye and Timini Egbuson in western bridal styling for “My 30th Wedding”.

If it were rumoured that Bimbo Ademoye and Timini Egbuson are getting married, you’d hardly dismiss the rumour because of the times the duo have shared the stage in films, and their synergy and connection each time they appear together in a film. With their latest YouTube release, “My 30th Wedding” going viral, with over 22 million views in 11 days, it is informative to look at some of the films they have both featured in together.

In each film, you will find that connection. While they have mainly featured together in romance movies, the genre has not limited the creativity and energy they bring into each film. Let’s look at some of the films Bimbo Ademoye and Timini Egbuson have both featured in.

Breaded Life

In this 2021 movie, Bimbo Ademoye and Timini Egbuson navigate life in the ghetto after Timini’s character, Sunmi, is forced out of his wealthy existence. The film showcases the duo’s varying personas, highlighting themes of vulnerability, strength, and love. They demonstrate how two actors can continuously interact on screen while still delivering distinctly different vibes.

Reel Love

Produced by Timini Egbuson and directed by Kayode Kasum, Reel Love explores the relationship between love, celebrity and social media. Timini plays Tomide Jobi, a relationship influencer whose public image suffers after a heated confrontation with Rachel, played by T.J. Omusuku, goes viral. To repair the damage, Tomide agrees to stage a fake relationship with Rachel, but the arrangement becomes complicated when genuine feelings begin to develop. Bimbo Ademoye appears as Chizaram in the film, which also features Funke Akindele, Shaffy Bello and Dakore Egbuson-Akande. Released in Nigerian cinemas on Valentine’s Day in 2025, the film examines the pressure to maintain a public image and the difference between performing love for an audience and experiencing it in real life.

Big Love

In Big Love, Bimbo Ademoye and Timini Egbuson play Adina and Adil, two young people who meet while pursuing their ambitions and eventually fall in love. Adil is determined to achieve his dreams, while Adina is an independent woman focused on making a living. As their relationship develops, they must confront personal fears and a secret that threatens to come between them. Directed by Biodun Stephen, the romantic drama explores love, trust and the difficult choices that can test a relationship. The film also gives viewers another opportunity to see the chemistry between the two actors as romantic leads.

Unexpected Places

Bimbo Ademoye plays Prosper, the daughter of a housekeeper who steps in to manage the household while her mother recovers from surgery. Her new responsibilities bring her into contact with Chris, played by Timini Egbuson, a wealthy playboy whose irresponsible behaviour has become a concern for his father. Their relationship begins on difficult terms, but Prosper’s presence gradually challenges Chris to reconsider his choices and take responsibility for his life. Produced by Ademoye and directed by Great Val Edochie, the romantic drama explores personal growth, love and the unexpected circumstances that can change people’s lives. The film also takes a more emotional turn as the couple’s relationship develops.

Introducing the Kujus

Directed by Biodun Stephen, Introducing the Kujus is a family comedy-drama set in Badagry, Lagos. The film follows five siblings who are reluctant to return to their hometown for the fifth anniversary of their mother’s death. Mausi Kuju, played by Bisola Aiyeola, and her brother Maugbe, played by Timini Egbuson, devise a plan to bring the family together, but their complicated relationships threaten to get in the way. Bimbo Ademoye plays Ebi, one of the siblings whose relationships and family history contribute to the story. The film explores family bonds, old disagreements and the things that can bring people back together.

The post 5 Films Bimbo Ademoye and Timini Egbuson Have Featured in Together appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Midea has announced the launch of WIN 9JA WIN, a nationwide consumer promotion designed to reward Nigerians who choose Midea home appliances during the 2026 festive shopping season. Running from 10 October to 31 December 2026, the promotion gives every qualifying shopper an instant opportunity to win, with a Chery Tiggo 2 Pro positioned as the ultimate grand prize.

Under the promotion, consumers who purchase any Midea product worth ₦100,000 or more from a participating dealer receive a scratch voucher at the point of purchase. The shopper scratches the voucher to reveal the reward won, creating a simple and immediate link between purchase and reward.

Every qualifying shopper is a winner, subject to the approved campaign terms and conditions. The campaign combines retail participation with radio, digital, public relations, in-store visibility and an extensive on-ground Promo Tour Truck programme.

The touring activation will carry the excitement of WIN 9JA WIN into selected markets and dealer locations, with the Chery Tiggo 2 Pro prominently showcased to give consumers a close view of the campaign’s headline prize.

A Consumer Promotion Built Around Instant Reward WIN 9JA WIN is designed to make the festive purchase journey more rewarding while strengthening engagement between Midea, its dealer network and consumers across Nigeria. Its central proposition is straightforward: make a qualifying purchase, receive a scratch voucher and discover the reward
immediately.

The approved reward pool spans Midea home appliances and branded consumer gifts. These include side-by-side refrigerators, chest freezers, air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, air fryers, microwave ovens, kettles, standing fans and blenders, as well as branded T-shirts, caps and pens. The ultimate reward is a Chery Tiggo 2 Pro, presented in the campaign materials as the car to be won.

MIDEA NIGERIA | MEDIA RELEASE 

How Consumers Can Participate 

Additional Midea Air Conditioner Offer

Alongside WIN 9JA WIN, Midea is also offering free installation and a free copper kit to consumers who purchase any Midea air conditioner from 1 October through 31 December 2026. The offer extends the campaign’s value beyond the product purchase by helping eligible AC buyers with installation support, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

Promo Tour Truck Takes WIN 9JA WIN Closer to Consumers

A major feature of the campaign is the branded Promo Tour Truck programme, developed as a mobile visibility and engagement platform. The vehicle format is designed to operate as a moving billboard and activation hub, carrying Midea branding, product communication and WIN 9JA WIN messaging through high-traffic retail corridors and participating dealer locations.

The Chery Tiggo 2 Pro will be prominently showcased as part of the tour, allowing shoppers and local communities to see the campaign’s ultimate prize at close range. At scheduled dealer stops, consumers will be able to discover Midea products, receive clear information about the promotion and understand the qualifying purchase and scratch-voucher process. The programme is intended to support participating dealers, stimulate retail interest and bring the promotion into the communities where consumers shop.

Selected Tour Markets and Dealer Locations

The supplied tour schedule covers selected locations across Lagos, the South-West, South-South, South- East, North-Central and Northern Nigeria. The dealer activation routes are scheduled from 10 October to 1 November 2026, subject to final operational confirmation. The market clusters are listed below; the detailed dealer-location appendix forms part of this release pack.

East Route: Port Harcourt, Aba, Umuahia, Uyo and Oron, Owerri, Nnewi, Onitsha, Awka, Asaba and Enugu.

Lagos and adjoining markets: Lekki, Victoria Island, Ikoyi, Ajah, Lagos Island, Idumota, Apapa, Festac, Alaba, Ojo, Ikotun, Igando, Idimu, Ipaja, Abule Egba, Agege, Ikeja, Allen, Maryland, Ogba, Yaba, Surulere, Ebute Metta, Ikorodu, Badagry, Ota, Agbara and Isheri.

South-West and South-South route: Ibadan, Iseyin, Ogbomoso, Ilorin, Osogbo, Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Ijebu-Ode, Ago-Iwoye, Mowe, Warri, Effurun, Ughelli, Sapele, Benin City, Irrua, Uromi, Akure and Ondo.

North and North-Central Route: Abuja, Mararaba, Lokoja, Makurdi, Lafia, Kaduna, Kano, Yola and Jimeta.
Supporting Retail Engagement and Household Choice

The campaign reflects Midea’s focus on making home-appliance technology more accessible and relevant to Nigerian households.

By combining guaranteed rewards with a wide dealer footprint and direct market engagement, WIN 9JA WIN gives consumers another reason to explore Midea’s range of air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, cooking appliances and small domestic appliances during the year-end season.

Executive Comment / Quotation

“WIN 9JA WIN is our way of thanking Nigerian consumers and making every qualifying purchase more rewarding. The mechanic is simple, transparent and immediate: buy, receive a scratch voucher and reveal your reward. Through the Promo Tour Truck programme, we are also taking the campaign closer to our dealer partners and consumers in markets across the country, while giving shoppers the opportunity to experience Midea products and see the Chery Tiggo 2 Pro grand prize up close.” – Ashok Dimri, Business Head, Africa, of Care Global Consumer Ltd.

Call to Action

Consumers can visit participating Midea dealers nationwide between 10 October and 31 December 2026, purchase eligible Midea products worth ₦100,000 or more and collect a scratch voucher to reveal their reward. Consumers purchasing any Midea air conditioner can also access the free installation and free copper kit offer through 31 December 2026, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

About Midea Group

Midea is one of over 10 brands operating under the Smart Home Business of Midea Group. Midea Group, with the vision of “bringing great innovations to life”, is an international tech-leading company which specializes in seven major business areas: Smart Home, Industrial Technologies, Building Technologies, KUKA, New Energy, Midea Healthcare and ANNTO Logistics. Midea’s products and services have served more than 500 million customers worldwide, including key clients and strategic partners across various industries. Midea operates more than 400 subsidiaries, 41 R&D centres and 65 major manufacturing bases globally, with a business network covering over 200 countries and regions.

Sponsored Content

The post Midea Launches WIN 9JA WIN Promotion with Guaranteed Rewards and Chery Tiggo 2 Pro Grand Prize appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

TCL, a global leader in consumer electronics and No.1 Mini LED and Ultra Large Screen TV Brand (75”+)¹, has showcased its latest consumer electronics and home appliance portfolio for Nigeria during its West Africa regional launch event in Côte d’Ivoire.

Bringing together media, business partners, retailers, distributors, industry stakeholders and content creators from across the region, the event provided a closer look at TCL’s 2026 display innovations alongside new solutions across air conditioning, refrigeration, laundry and monitors.

The launch reflects TCL’s continued investment in Nigeria and its focus on introducing technologies that respond to the way consumers across both markets live today. From larger screens for sport and family entertainment to energy conscious cooling, high capacity appliances and connected home experiences, the new portfolio has been developed to combine performance, convenience and accessibility.

Daniel Ray, Director of Sales, TCL West Africa, said:

“Nigeria are important markets within TCL’s West Africa growth strategy, with consumers increasingly looking for technology that delivers strong performance while remaining relevant to their everyday needs. Through this regional launch, we are bringing together entertainment, cooling and home appliance innovations designed around how people live, connect and enjoy content across both markets. Our ambition is to continue making advanced technology more accessible while giving consumers greater choice across the home.“

A New Era of Premium Big Screen Entertainment

Large screen entertainment continues to grow across Nigeria, with consumers increasingly seeking more immersive experiences across sport, movies, streaming and gaming.

Leading TCL’s latest television portfolio is the C7L SQD Mini LED range, available from 65 to 98 inches, bringing enhanced colour precision, brightness control, deeper blacks and improved halo control.

Complementing the C7L is the 98 inch C6K QD Mini LED TV, delivering an ultra large screen experience with advanced Mini LED performance for movies, live sport and gaming.

TCL Brings Premium Large Screen Entertainment to Nigeria with the C7L SQD Mini LED TV

The TCL C7L brings the latest generation of SQD Mini LED technology to consumers across Nigeria, with screen sizes ranging from 65 to 98 inches. Designed for immersive home entertainment, it combines advanced Mini LED light control, enhanced colour precision and strong contrast performance across sport, movies, streaming and gaming.

The 98 inch model features up to 2,176 Precise Dimming Zones, up to HDR 3,000 nits brightness, up to 100% BT.2020 All Scenes Wide Color Gamut, an HVA 2.0 Pro Panel, Audio by Bang & Olufsen and a 288Hz VRR Game Accelerator.

TCL C6K QD Mini LED TV Expands the Ultra Large Screen Experience

TCL C6K QD Mini LED TV complements an immersive ultra large screen experience with screen sizes ranging from 65 to 98 inches, combining QD-Mini LED backlighting with quantum dot colour technology for enhanced brightness, contrast and colour performance.

It features TCL All Domain Halo Control Technology, up to 512 Precise Dimming Zones, a 144Hz native refresh rate, an AiPQ Pro Processor, a Matte HVA Panel and an ONKYO 2.1 Hi Fi audio system.

Smarter Cooling Designed for Local Climate Needs

With warm temperatures forming part of everyday life across Nigeria, cooling performance, energy management and convenience remain important considerations for households.

TCL highlighted two air conditioning solutions designed to address these priorities, the FreshIN 3.0 and SaveIN AI Series 24K.

TCL FreshIN 3.0

FreshIN 3.0 expands the air conditioning experience beyond temperature control by introducing fresh outdoor air into the room while supporting improved indoor air quality.

Key technologies include FreshIN Technology, T AI Energy Saving, Smart Voice Control, QuadruPuri filtration, Visible Air Quality and Gentle Breeze.

The system is also engineered for stable operation in high ambient temperatures, making it especially relevant for consumers across Nigeria seeking reliable cooling performance during hotter periods of the year.

TCL SaveIN AI Series

The TCL SaveIN AI Series is designed around efficient everyday cooling, combining T AI Energy Saving, smart Wi Fi control and Coanda Airflow. Its intelligent energy management technology dynamically adjusts compressor performance based on temperature conditions, helping consumers manage cooling more efficiently while maintaining indoor comfort.
For households conscious of both comfort and electricity consumption, the SaveIN AI Series offers a smarter approach to everyday cooling through intelligent controls and flexible energy management.

Refrigeration Designed for Local Households

For many households across Nigeria, refrigeration needs extend beyond everyday food storage to larger family shopping, meal preparation and the need to keep food fresh for longer.

TCL’s latest refrigeration range addresses these priorities through generous capacity, flexible storage and reliable cooling, led by the P7 Side by Side Refrigerator and C7 Cross Door Refrigerator.

TCL P7 Side by Side Refrigerator

The TCL P774SBBG is a large capacity side by side refrigerator designed for households that require generous storage space for fresh and frozen food.

Featuring a premium black glass finish, the model combines No Frost cooling, inverter technology, electronic controls and multi airflow functionality to support consistent cooling and convenient food organisation.

Its larger format makes it particularly suited to family households looking for greater storage flexibility without compromising on contemporary kitchen design.

TCL C7 Cross Door Refrigerator

The TCL C780CDN introduces a spacious four door format that allows households to organise groceries, frozen food and everyday essentials more easily.

Combining No Frost cooling with inverter performance, the model has been designed around flexibility, capacity and convenience, responding to the needs of households looking for practical food storage alongside a premium kitchen aesthetic.

Smarter Laundry for Busy Households with the TCL C5 Washer Dryer

The TCL C5 washer dryer combines a 12 kg washing capacity with TCL Super Drum technology, providing additional washing space and improved fabric movement. Its feature set includes Auto Dose, jetBubble technology, Wi Fi connectivity, Steam Wash, activeFresh, Dynamic Rinse and quick wash programmes.

The large capacity format is particularly suited to family households, while its connected features and automatic washing functions help reduce the effort required for everyday laundry and fabric care.

Strengthening TCL’s Presence Across Nigeria

The regional launch underlines TCL’s strategy to strengthen its presence across Nigeria through a broader product ecosystem and closer collaboration with local distributors, retailers, media and technology communities.

By combining global product innovation with a stronger understanding of local consumer priorities, TCL aims to deliver products that are relevant across different areas of everyday life, from entertainment and cooling to food storage, laundry and connected displays.

Daniel Ray added:

“Our focus is to strengthen TCL’s presence market by market, with products that respond to the needs of the consumers we serve. In Nigeria, that means bringing together larger and more immersive entertainment, efficient cooling, greater household capacity and smarter connected experiences. We see significant potential across both markets and will continue working closely with our partners to make TCL technology more widely available.”

Availability

Product sizes, specifications, pricing and availability may vary by market.

For further information, please visit SIMS Nigeria https://simsng.com/tcl-store/.

About TCL

TCL is a leading consumer electronics brand and leader in the global television industry. TCL now operates in more than 160 markets around the world. The company specialises in the research, development and manufacturing of consumer electronics products ranging from TVs, audio, home appliances, mobile devices, smart glasses, commercial displays and more.

Visit the TCL website here.

Sponsored Content

The post TCL West Africa Regional Launch in Côte d’Ivoire: Showcases 2026 SQD Mini LED TVs and Smart Home Innovations appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

A girl who learns is not a bride. Today, the world is asked to end child marriage and invest in girls’ rights. I join that call wearing three hats: as a member of the advisory council behind Columbia University’s report Accelerating Efforts to End Child Marriage; as Civil Society Representative on the Steering Committee of the African Union’s Decade of Accelerated Action for the Transformation of Education and Skills Development in Africa (2025–2034); and as the leader of Human Capital Africa, an organisation that has spent years arguing that Africa’s human capital crisis begins in the early-grade classroom.

UNICEF’s 2026 estimates show that about one in five girls worldwide is married before 18. That adds up to roughly 650 million women and girls alive today who were married as children. More than 12 million girls are still married each year, about one every three seconds, and sub-Saharan Africa has the highest prevalence at 31 per cent.

In Nigeria, 23.6 million women and girls were married before 18, the largest number in West and Central Africa. In parts of the North, the situation is a national emergency: in Jigawa, 78 per cent of women aged 20–49 were first married before 18, and 63 per cent of women left school to marry.

The cost of inaction is high. Our Columbia report includes new analysis by the Centre for Global Development. It estimates losses of up to $175 billion a year, or almost $2.5 trillion by 2040, from lost productivity and higher health risks caused by child marriage. The report also warns that aid cuts, weakening global commitment to women’s rights, and rising conflict could slow or reverse progress. Child marriage is not a side issue in development. It drains a nation’s human capital directly.

Progress is possible. An estimated 68 million child marriages have been averted over the past 25 years, through girls’ education, legal reform and social protection. The evidence on what works is strong:

• Each year of secondary education lowers a girl’s chance of marrying before 18 by five percentage points or more.
• In Niger, when the government removed the direct costs of middle school for rural girls, each additional year in secondary school was associated with a 19 percentage point lower probability of marriage.
• If every African girl completed secondary education, child marriage could be almost eliminated.

Where HCA’s mission and this campaign meet, a girl cannot stay in secondary school if she never learned to read. Today, 89 per cent of children in sub-Saharan Africa are in learning poverty, unable to read and understand a simple text by age ten. A girl who cannot read by ten falls behind, then drops out. Once she is out of school, she is at the greatest risk of marriage. That is why we say schooling is not learning. Foundational literacy and numeracy are the first and cheapest protection a girl has.

At the Columbia launch, I said that community programmes and advocacy are not enough on their own. Governments must lead. On this Day of the Girl, Human Capital Africa calls on African governments to:

• Make foundational learning a girl-protection policy. Every girl should be reading with comprehension by age ten, using proven methods such as structured pedagogy and Teaching at the Right Level.
• Guarantee the move into secondary school. Remove fees, uniform and transport costs for girls, especially in rural communities with high rates of child marriage.
• Enforce 18 as the minimum age of marriage in law and in practice, in every state and every community, with traditional and religious leaders as partners.
• Fund this domestically. As foreign aid shrinks, African budgets and African philanthropy must take over.
• Measure and publish. Track girls’ learning, their transition to secondary school, and child marriage rates in national accountability systems. The AU Decade of Education gives Africa ten years and a continental mandate. As a member of its Steering Committee, I will press for girls’ learning and retention to be at the centre of how the Decade’s success is measured. A Decade that does not end child marriage will not have transformed African education.

The Columbia report sets a realistic target: cutting child marriage prevalence from one in five to one in seven within five years. Africa can lead the way to that target, but only if we treat every girl’s classroom as the place where her childhood is protected.

Any girl-child should be a student, not a bride. She should learn, then lead.

The post “A Girl Who Learns Is a Girl Who Is Not a Bride” – Obiageli “Oby” Ezekwesili appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The company received the Outstanding Liquid Dishwash Brand of the Year award, while Viva Multipurpose Soap was named Outstanding Bar Soap Brand of the Year. Aspira also received the Outstanding Detergent Brand of the Decade award, recognising its longstanding presence in Nigeria’s detergent category.

The awards ceremony was held on Friday, September 25, at Ten Degrees Event Hall, Billings Way, Oregun, Ikeja, bringing together brands, marketing professionals and stakeholders from across Nigeria’s marketing, advertising and communications industry.

The Marketing Edge Awards recognise brands and professionals across the marketing and communications sector, with categories covering different aspects of brand building, consumer engagement and industry performance.

For Aspira, the three recognitions span different areas of its household-care portfolio. The liquid dishwash and bar soap awards recognise its presence in two competitive household categories, while the Detergent Brand of the Decade award acknowledges the longer-term journey of its detergent business.

Speaking on the recognitions, Barbara Onianwah, Head of Marketing, Aspira Nigeria Limited, said the awards acknowledged the consistency required to build and sustain brands in a competitive market.

“These recognitions are meaningful because they reflect the consistency and work that go into building brands that remain relevant to consumers. We are pleased that the awards recognise different areas of our portfolio, as well as the longer journey of our detergent business. For us, it is an encouragement to continue listening to consumers, learning from the market and evolving our approach,” she said.

The recognitions come as brands in Nigeria’s fast-moving consumer goods sector continue to respond to changing consumer preferences and increased competition across household-care categories.

With the three awards spanning liquid dishwash, bar soap and detergent, Aspira’s recognition at the 2026 Marketing Edge Awards reflects its presence across multiple segments of the household-care market, while the decade award highlights the longer history of its detergent business.

The Marketing Edge Awards provided an opportunity for brands and industry professionals to come together and celebrate notable work and achievements within Nigeria’s marketing and communications landscape.

Sponsored Content

The post Aspira Nigeria Celebrates Three Wins at Marketing Edge Awards 2026 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ayra Starr performing at the NFL Halftime Show in London

There are not many great live performers in music. Some artists are very good but are only comfortable in the studio, which is understandable because music, like writing, is a solitary work and would require extra force or pull to stand before an audience and perform.

But there are also great live performers who, despite how good they are in the studio, are also comfortable bringing the music to a live audience. There is something special about that, watching an artist bring their music to life on stage. The vocals, the choreography, the stage presence, the connection with the audience — sometimes, a live performance makes you appreciate a song in an entirely new way.

There aren’t many with the artistry in Afrobeats. But Ayra Starr has made herself one of Afrobeats’ most exciting performers, and has constantly used the stage as another place to show the world her sability. From commanding festival stages and performing at major international music events to delivering memorable renditions of her biggest hits, Ayra Starr has continued to prove that her talent extends beyond the recording studio. She knows how to bring her music, personality, and energy together in a way that keeps audiences watching.

As her global profile continues to grow, with her recent 2026 NFL Halftime International Games performance in London, we’re looking back at some of Ayra Starr’s most iconic live performances:

Ayra Starr – Rush | Glastonbury 2024

Ayra Starr & ZAYN – Heaven Baby (Live Performance @ All Points East 2026)

Ayra Starr – Rush (Live Performance in Paris)

Ayra Starr – Live at Global Citizen Festival 2025 (Full Performance)

Ayra Starr | Live – Les Ardentes 2024

Ayra Starr Lights Up Eden Park with “Commas” | Coldplay’s Music of the Spheres Tour (Auckland)

The post Some of Ayra Starr’s Iconic Live Performances appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ayra Starr performing at the NFL Halftime Show in London

Since Ayra Starr emerged into the music scene with her debut EP, “Ayra Starr”, in 2021, she has gone on to break and set many records. But of all the records broken and set, none might top the feeling of being the first African artist to headline an NFL International Games Halftime Show.

On Sunday, the 11th of October, 2026, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, Ayra Starr made the dream a reality. Before 61,322 people in attendance, Ayra dazzled on stage and not only made herself proud, but also made her country and language proud. She opened her performance with an emotional performance of “Heaven Baby”, her fan-favourite song featuring Zayn Malik, followed by a soulful performance of her Grammy-nominated song, “Rush.” She concluded the performance with songs from her latest album, “Starrgirl”, such as  “Dangerous,” “Hot Body,” and “Ms Paper.”

Ayra Starr performing at the NFL Halftime Show in London

Watch the full performance below:

The post Watch Ayra Starr’s 2026 NFL Halftime Performance! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ayra Starr at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium ahead of her historic NFL halftime show performance in London.

Ayra Starr is taking Afrobeats to the football field, and this time, we’re talking American football! The Nigerian superstar is set to make history as the first African artiste to headline an NFL international halftime show when she performs at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London on Sunday, 11 October 2026. And with the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Jacksonville Jaguars, football fans will have a little extra entertainment to look forward to during the break.

For Ayra, whose music has travelled from Nigeria to audiences around the world, this is another exciting addition to her growing list of international performances. This time, she’ll be introducing even more sports fans to her music, with songs from her Starrgirl project making their way to one of the NFL’s biggest international platforms.

And what can fans expect to hear? Well, we’re hoping some of our favourites make the setlist. Perhaps “Hot Body” and “Tornado”, or even “Heaven Baby”, her collaboration with ZAYN. Nothing has been confirmed about the songs she’ll perform, but we’re already curious to see what she has planned for the halftime show.

Ayra Starr speaking at the NFL London Games press conference ahead of her performance.

If you’re planning to watch from Nigeria, here’s what you need to know. The Philadelphia Eagles and Jacksonville Jaguars game is scheduled to kick off at 2:30 PM British Summer Time (BST), which is 2:30 PM West Africa Time (WAT). In the UK, viewers can catch the game on ITV1 and Sky Sports NFL, while fans in Nigeria and other supported regions can watch through DAZN’s NFL Game Pass. Viewers in the United States can tune in on FOX. The halftime performance will take place during the match, so keep an eye on the game if you don’t want to miss Ayra’s set.

From performing her songs on music stages to preparing for an NFL halftime show in London, Ayra Starr keeps finding new audiences for her music. And for Nigerian fans watching from home, there’s something particularly exciting about seeing one of our own take the stage at an international sporting event of this scale.

***
Photo Credit: Ayra Starr/Instagram

The post How to Watch Ayra Starr’s NFL Halftime Performance: Kick-Off Time and Where to Stream appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ejovwoke Obas Olikuntuyi delivers a powerful performance as Ejiro in Her Daughters’ Mother

Nollywood is having an incredible global moment, and we couldn’t be prouder to cheer on our home-grown talents as they take their stories to the world. Filmmaker Chinazaekpere Chukwu is making her feature directorial debut with Her Daughters’ Mother, and the poignant Nigerian drama has been officially selected to screen at Film Africa 2026.

Scheduled for an October 28 screening at the newly launched EbonyLife Place London, the 110-minute feature explores womanhood, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between mothers and daughters.

Speaking on the emotional backbone of the project, Chinazaekpere Chukwu shared:

It’s intended to feel like a juxtaposition of ‘The Joys of Motherhood‘ by Buchi Emecheta and ‘Stay With Me’ by Ayọ̀bámi Adébáyọ̀. It reaches deep into the rights of women, how their lives are decided for them until the end, first by their families/spouses and finally by their kids.

Her Daughters’ Mother highlights the quiet resilience and domestic weight carried by women across generations.

Set against the rich cultural backdrop of Benin and filmed early this year in English, Pidgin, Urhobo, and Bini, the story follows 33-year-old Ejiro (played by Ejovwoke Obas Olikuntuyi). After being married off at the tender age of 16, Ejiro returns home in her thirties as a widowed mother of two daughters, determined to secure a brighter future for them.

Faced with limited options, she enters a second marriage with Osato (Philip Asaya), a lorry driver who promises security and education for her girls in exchange for a male heir. However, when Ejiro struggles to fulfill his demands, Osato’s entitlement turns her life into a nightmare, leaving her longing for the freedom she last felt as a child. Meanwhile, her eldest daughter Ejaita (Osas Okonyon), a bright 16-year-old dreaming of becoming a doctor, struggles against her mother’s overprotectiveness, unaware of the immense sacrifices being made on her behalf.

Osas Okonyon stars as Ejaita, a bright teenager whose ambitious dreams clash with her mother’s protective sacrifices.

The film boasts an exceptional cast, including Najite Dede and Adeoluwa Akintoba. Behind the scenes, Chukwu—who wrote the screenplay alongside Sunday Melvin Iwinosa from a story by Efosa Ogbomo—collaborated with cinematographer Yinka Adegoke, executive producer and co-producer Efosa Ogbomo, and story consultant and editor Joshua Tsotso.

Adeoluwa Akintoba in a scene from Her Daughters’ Mother, exploring youth and ambition.

Chukwu’s transition to feature filmmaking follows her award-winning streak at the EbonyLife Creative Academy, where she graduated with the Best Director award for A Psalm for Abigail, as well as her standout short film Ti e Nbo, which screened in the Shorts category at AFRIFF in 2023. Produced by One Child Grace Studio in association with C.A.N.O Productions, Uncut Gem Productions, and Nka Pictures, Her Daughters’ Mother promises to deliver a deeply moving, authentic Nigerian narrative that resonates across borders.

The post Chinazaekpere Chukwu’s First Feature Film Her Daughters’ Mother Heads to London for Film Africa 2026 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

BBNaija Season 11 finalists Sheba, Aikou, and winner Temi Nkem reflect on living boldly during their Guinness post-eviction sit-down.

As intense as Big Brother Naija can get, nothing quite compares to the tension of finale night! Who will make it into the final five? Who will be among the last three standing? And when Ebuka Obi–Uchendu finally announces the first runner-up, whose name will he call as the winner? Now, imagine being one of the housemates standing on that stage, waiting to hear your name. The suspense alone!

But making it that far is a story of its own. The final ten housemates had spent weeks navigating friendships, disagreements, nominations, wagers and all the surprises Biggie had waiting for them. Getting into the Top 10 meant they had played the game boldly, made decisions along the way and found ways to keep going, even when things didn’t work out as planned.

And when the season finally wrapped up, we had a few questions for the last five standing. With Guinness, a brand that celebrates boldness and authenticity, powering our BBNaija Season 11 finale post-eviction interviews, we sat down with winner Temi Nkem and fellow finalists Aikou, Sheba, Tram and Bluethopia to talk about their time in Biggie’s house, the choices they made, the courage it took to stay true to themselves and what comes next.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BellaNaija (@bellanaija)

Of course, we wanted to know how they managed to remain grounded while living with a houseful of distinct personalities under 24/7 camera surveillance. There were friendships to navigate, difficult decisions to make and times when speaking up or standing your ground took courage. So, what did living boldly look like for each of them?

For Temi Nkem, the conversation explored the instincts and decisions that helped her navigate the competition all the way to the winning spot. Aikou, Sheba, Tram and Bluethopia also reflected on their individual journeys, how they approached the game and what they learnt about themselves along the way.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BellaNaija (@bellanaija)

And now that the cameras are off and life outside Biggie’s house has begun, what’s next? The finalists shared their plans for the future, the opportunities they’re looking forward to and how they hope to carry that same boldness into their next chapters.

Powered by Guinness, these conversations gave us another chance to hear from the housemates after the competition, this time with the pressure of nominations and evictions behind them. After weeks of watching their stories unfold inside the house, we got to hear them tell those stories in their own words.

Watch more post-eviction interviews below powered by Guinness

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BellaNaija (@bellanaija)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BellaNaija (@bellanaija)

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BellaNaija (@bellanaija)

The post BBNaija Season 11’s Final Five Talked Boldness, Authenticity & What Comes Next With Guinness appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Big Brother Naija Season 11 winner Temi Nkem poses with a jar of Checkers Custard Vanilla Flavour. Photo Credit: Checkers Custard/Instagram

If there is one thing about life in Biggie’s house, it is that there is always something going on. Between the housemates’ conversations, their daily routines, the strategies and the tasks that kept them on their toes, BBNaija Season 11 had no shortage of activity. And through it all, Checkers Custard was right there, serving the housemates creamy custard throughout the show. Because even when you are busy navigating life with 23 other people, there is always room for a comforting bowl of custard!

From breakfast before the day’s activities to kitchen catch-ups with fellow housemates, Checkers Custard was part of the everyday experience inside the house. Those kitchen visits were also a chance to catch up, share a laugh and take a breather before the next task or surprise from Biggie. With so much happening under one roof, having something creamy to enjoy was a welcome addition to the routine.

And speaking of tasks, Checkers Custard had something special in store for the housemates, too. The Checkers Custard Task called for mental agility, physical endurance and teamwork, giving the housemates a chance to put their skills to the test. With Head of House Tram stepping in as Game Master, the house was split into two teams: Team Creamy and Team Tasty. Now, it was time to see which side could pull together and claim the win.

Checkers Custard got the housemates running

@CheckersCustard

#BNxBBNaija11 #BBNaijaS11 #BBNaija #BBNaijaxCheckersCustard https://t.co/geVfgwtZpz

— BellaNaija (@bellanaija) September 12, 2026

First, the housemates had to tackle custom obstacle courses, scrambling to collect branded jars along the way. Then came fast-paced physical relays, followed by blindfolded directional challenges that required them to listen carefully and trust their teammates’ instructions. Imagine trying to find your way around without being able to see, while someone else directs your every move! You would need a good deal of patience, communication and teamwork to make it through.

Both teams competed for points across the different games, and there was plenty to play for. When the scores were finally counted, Team Creamy came out on top with 140 points, beating Team Tasty to claim the win. Flora, Keivo, Aikou, Araga, Barry, Bells and Bluetopia made up the winning team, with Tram taking on the role of Game Master. That is a win worth celebrating.

In the second task, they must select representatives who must pick a Checkers Custard jar as fast as possible when they hear the buzzer.

They will be given tasks like ‘touch your ear, touch your toes’ before the buzzer sound.

If they pick the jar before the buzzer, they lose a point.

The team with the most jar wins.

#BNxBBNaija11 #BBNaijaS11 #BBNaija #BBNaijaxCheckersCustard

— BellaNaija (@bellanaija) September 12, 2026

From keeping the housemates supplied with creamy custard throughout BBNaija Season 11 to bringing everyone together for a task that tested their skills and teamwork, Checkers Custard was part of the experience in more ways than one. The housemates had their daily routines, their kitchen catch-ups and their competitive side, and the Checkers Custard Task gave them another chance to put their teamwork to the test.

And with Team Creamy finishing on 140 points, there was a clear winner to celebrate. One thing is certain: life in Biggie’s house kept everyone busy, and Checkers Custard was there to make it a little creamier.

Congratulations to our winners for winning the Big Brother Naija S11 Checkers Custard Task!

Team Creamy Blue

Kievo, Bells, Aikou, Barry, Araga, Flora, Bluethopia, and the Game Master Tram.

You were all amazing!

#BBNaijaXCheckersCustard
#CheckersBBNaijaTaskDay
#CheckersNaMyComfort
#CheckersCustard
#BBNaijaSeason11

— Checkers Custard (@CheckersCustard) September 12, 2026

The post From Kitchen Bowls to Task Battles: How Checkers Custard Powered BBNaija Season 11 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Aikou, Temi Nkem, and Barry secure their places among the Big Brother Naija Season 11 Top 10 finalists

Have you been keeping up with BBNaija Season 11? Because between the ships that sailed, the ones that sank, the gbas gbos, the strategic gambits, the twists nobody saw coming and those shaking eviction nights, 24 housemates gave us a whole lot to discuss. And then there was the big question: who would walk away with the crown? After 70 days in Biggie’s house, Temi Nkem emerged as the winner, bringing the season to a close after weeks of entertainment, surprises and conversations that kept BNers talking.

Temi Nkem is officially crowned the winner of Big Brother Naija Season 11.

Throughout the season, BellaNaija’s weekly recaps on our website kept readers up to date with the latest happenings, while FunTime with Coco brought the conversation to our social media platforms. Our witty AI character had her own commentary on the housemates and their antics, giving BNers another reason to laugh, react and feel as though they were right there in Biggie’s house with the housemates. Between the weekly recaps and Coco’s cheeky takes, there was always another bit of gist to get into.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by BellaNaija (@bellanaija)

Now, let’s talk snacks. Because you cannot be expected to follow a ship’s entire journey, debate a housemate’s strategy and survive a shaking eviction without something to munch on. Minimie Chinchin was the go-to snack for the housemates and viewers at home, ready for those stretches of top-notch entertainment when you simply had to know what happened next. Watching with friends? Grab a snack. Catching up on the latest gist? Grab a snack. Settling in to see how the season would unfold? You get the idea.

When the housemates heard it’s @MinimieNigeria, they could not contain their joy. They are used to the taste of fun that Minimie brings.

The brief is in! Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time @MinimieNigeria’s task in BBNaija house!

Housemates will be grouped into four groups!

#MinimieXBBNaija #TasteTheFunWithMinimie #MinimieXBellaNaija #BBNaija #BNxBBNaija11

— BellaNaija (@bellanaija) August 29, 2026

As an associate sponsor of BBNaija Season 11, Minimie Chinchin also brought a challenge to the house, taking the fun from the snack break to the arena. The Minimie Chinchin Challenge featured three rounds designed to test the housemates’ speed, coordination, strategy and teamwork. It was a chance for the teams to put their skills to work, and they had to do more than cheer one another on from the sidelines.

The challenge opened with “Catch the Flavours,” an obstacle course that required housemates to cross balance beams and collect branded tokens before time ran out. In “Complete the Word,” teams worked with giant puzzle pieces to solve the challenge together. The final round, “The Junk Dash,” introduced a blindfolded relay, with housemates depending on their teammates’ directions to navigate obstacles. Each round came with its own demands, from keeping their balance to communicating clearly when they could not see where they were going.

And the winners of the @MinimieNigeria task are Team Spicy Rebel with 1000 points.

Congratulations to Flora, Gerard, Barry, Sultex and the game master, Chimsom Chuka.

@MinimieNigeria #MinimieXBBNaija #TasteTheFunWithMinimie #MinimieXBellaNaija #BBNaija #BNxBBNaija11 https://t.co/ERFS8vzFrv

— BellaNaija (@bellanaija) August 29, 2026

After the three rounds, Team Spicy Rebel came out on top. Flora, Barry, Gerard and Sultex, alongside Game Master Chimsom Chuka, secured the victory and earned the bragging rights that came with winning the challenge.

The ships may have sailed or sunk, the gambits may have played out, and the evictions may have shaken up the house, but the fun with Minimie Chinchin never does. So until the next season, keep crunching and locked in with Minimie Nigeria across their social channels:

• Instagram: @MinimieNigeria and @Minimienoodles
• Facebook: @Minimie Nigeria
• TikTok: @Minimie_nigeria
• X (Twitter): @MinimieNigeria

The post Ships, Gbas Gbos & Chinchin! Minimie Joined the BBNaija Season 11 Fun appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Funmilola Sanya and Dorcas Anya head to Kampala for the Africa Destination Celebrations Conference & Expo (ADCCE 2026) to cover the latest in African celebration tourism for BellaNaija.

Hi BNers, we’re heading to Uganda! From October 12th to 17th, 2026, BellaNaija’s Funmilola Sanya and Dorcas Anya will be in Kampala for the Africa Destination Celebrations Conference & Expo (ADCCE 2026).

With the theme “Africa Unveils Events in the Wild,” ADCCE 2026 brings together wedding and event professionals, tourism stakeholders, hospitality executives, creatives, cultural curators, and industry leaders to explore Africa’s potential as the Celebration Capital of the World.

The conference and expo will take place on 12th and 13th October 2026 at the Speke Resort Munyonyo Convention Centre in Kampala, Uganda, followed by destination experiences and familiarisation tours from October 14th to 17th.

The gathering aims to showcase Africa’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking landscapes, unique destinations, and world-class hospitality while creating opportunities for collaboration, investment, and growth across the continent’s celebration and tourism industries.

Despite Africa’s incredible destinations and creative talent, the continent remains underrepresented in the global destination wedding and celebration tourism market. ADCCE seeks to change that narrative by connecting African destinations and businesses with international industry professionals and creating greater visibility for the continent’s offerings.

For BellaNaija, this is an opportunity to experience Uganda, connect with industry leaders, and discover the people, places, and experiences shaping the future of African celebrations.

We’ll be bringing you along for the journey, sharing highlights from the conference, destination experiences, and the memorable moments that make Africa such a special place to celebrate.

Stay connected with us on BellaNaija’s social media pages and follow the conversation using #ADCCE2026, #UnveilingDestinationAfrica, #BNTravels.

Uganda, we’ll see you soon!

The post Uganda, We’re Coming! BellaNaija Heads to ADCCE 2026 in Kampala appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation (LSEF) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) to provide mentorship, technical training and real-world technology experience to the Nigerian whiz kids under the Foundation’s technology scholarship initiative.

The 1000 scholarship scheme, which was first announced by Africa’s foremost technology entrepreneur and Chairman of Zinox Group, Leo Stan Ekeh, is designed to empower indigent but exceptionally gifted Nigerian students to study Computer Science and other technology-related disciplines in federal and state universities, as well as polytechnics, across the country.

The scholarship reflects Dr. Ekeh’s philosophy of “one family, one tech-empowered person” and will support 1,000 students selected from all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, irrespective of ethnic background.

From their first year through graduation, beneficiaries will receive world-class technology training, skills development and monthly financial support. Each scholar will also have a dedicated mentor to provide guidance throughout their academic journey.

Under the MoU, the NCS will provide technical support and practical learning through experienced and certified technology professionals. The programme will blend academic learning with real-world exposure, helping beneficiaries build technical competence, problem-solving skills and the confidence to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom.

According to the Director of LSEF, Dr. George Emetuche, the programme will feature boot camps each semester, creating opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom and gain practical experience. The objective, he explained, is to prepare beneficiaries not merely to graduate, but to become capable technology professionals who can solve real-world problems.

Speaking at the ceremony, NCS President, Professor Muhammed Siraju Aliyu, described Dr. Leo Stan Ekeh as a nationalist who has consistently supported initiatives that create opportunities for Nigerians who may otherwise lack access.

He noted that Dr. Ekeh’s relationship with the NCS predates the scholarship initiative and has contributed to the advancement of technology and human capital development. He also highlighted Dr. Ekeh’s technology innovation programmes, which identify young people with ideas, support them in developing their concepts and create opportunities for them to pitch to potential investors.

Professor Aliyu expressed appreciation for Dr. Ekeh’s contributions to the NCS and reaffirmed the Society’s commitment to initiatives that support national growth and development.

Representing the Zinox Group, Executive Director, Human Resources, Mrs. Chioma Nwoke, assured the Foundation and the NCS of the Group’s continued support for the initiative, cohort after cohort.

Beyond the scholarship, the programme represents a long-term investment in Nigeria’s human capital. By helping 1,000 gifted young Nigerians gain access to quality education, technology skills, mentorship and practical experience, the initiative can contribute to a stronger pipeline of home-grown technology professionals, innovators and problem-solvers.

Sponsored Content

The post Leo Stan Ekeh Foundation Partners with Nigeria Computer Society to Support 1,000 Tech Scholars Through Mentorship appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Asake leans into his royal theme and signature high-steeze style, reflecting the confidence behind his hit track Oba. Photo Credit: Mr Money/Instagram

Asake is keeping his foot firmly on the pedal, delivering fresh visuals for “Oba” from his latest project M$NEY. Directed by Director Buise, the newly released music video moves away from typical high-energy street setups to take fans directly inside the intimate, creative atmosphere of a late-night recording session.

At its core, “Oba”—which translates to King in Yoruba—is a high-steeze anthem centred on royal status, relentless hustle, and staying grounded. Across the track, Asake leans into his “Mister Money” persona, blending Yoruba cultural references with reflections on his unstoppable work ethic. He balances bragging rights about his dominant position in the industry with street wisdom and gratitude, reminding listeners to remain vigilant and humble even as international success rolls in.

On set for his Oba music video, Asake highlights his signature high-steeze look with a textured jacket and luxury travel accessories. Photo Credit: Mr Money/Instagram

The visual brings this context to life, opening with a bass player laying down a rhythmic groove in a dimly lit studio before panning to Asake seated in the vocal booth. Clad in a green tracksuit over a white tank top, accessorised with thick gold chains, rings, and sunglasses, the YBNL star records his lines while surrounded by producers, engineers, and backing vocalists. The clip blends performance shots with real-time studio mechanics, showing engineers fine-tuning mixing boards, vocalists harmonising at the microphone, and producers triggering beats.

Produced by long-time collaborator Magicsticks, “Oba” combines Asake’s signature log-drum rhythms with choir-backed harmonies. Rather than relying on large dance ensembles or cinematic storylines, the visual focuses on the pure craftsmanship behind the music, giving audiences a fly-on-the-wall perspective of how the hit came together in the studio.

Watch

The post Watch Asake Trade Big Scenes for Studio Sessions in His “Oba” Music Video appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Nancy Isime steps into her new role as an executive producer wearing a metallic brown ensemble paired with a gold statement necklace.

Permission to call Nancy Isime Madam EP? Because the Nollywood star has just announced that she is stepping into a new role, and this time, she will be calling some of the shots behind the camera. Nancy is making her debut as an executive producer, taking on a new side of filmmaking after years of entertaining us on screen.

You know her from films and series such as Blood Sisters, Shanty Town, Kambili: The Whole 30 Yards, Superstar and Obama‘M. Now, Nancy wants us to follow her as she takes on the business of making a film, from the early meetings to sponsorship discussions and marketing. And she is letting us in on the process from the very beginning.

In the video announcing the news, Nancy wore a brown outfit with an oversized collar, structured shoulders and gathered balloon sleeves. She paired it with a gold leaf statement necklace and finger-wave hair, looking ready for the boardroom before getting into the business of filmmaking. But beyond the outfit, it was what she had to say that got us listening.

Nancy Isime marks her transition behind the camera as an executive producer in a custom metallic brown dress with a flounced hem.

“Well yes, you’ve known me as an actor. But this time, I’m stepping into a completely new chapter. This is my first production as executive producer!”

And while she is excited about the new role, Nancy is not pretending she has everything figured out. She admitted that taking this step comes with a few nerves, saying, “Oh my God, guys, I can’t lie… I’ve never… my heart is doing gbi-gbi-gbi-gbi-gbi. Can I do this? Can I do this? Am I ready? I think it’s about time. Me self don try, huh?”

We love that she is bringing us along for the ride, because Nancy is not keeping this experience behind closed doors. She wants her audience to see what goes into getting a film made, including the meetings, sponsorship conversations and marketing decisions that happen long before a project reaches our screens.

Official actor profile image of Nigerian actress and TV presenter Nancy Isime, known for starring roles in Blood Sisters, Shanty Town, and Superstar. Photo Credit: Nancy Isime/Instagram 

“But I need you guys. I really, truly need you,” she said. “So come with me on this journey. Let’s go behind the scenes. Let’s go to the meetings, the sponsorship… Let’s do some marketing… We’ll see how it goes, guys. So see what I do. But for now, I’m just really excited to announce this to you. So, let’s begin. Shall we?”

The announcement also comes with glimpses of Nancy stepping out for corporate engagements, attending meetings, getting styled on set and speaking with camera operators. It looks like we will be seeing a lot more of what happens on the production side, rather than only the finished work on screen.

And since she has invited us behind the scenes, we are curious to see how this first production comes together. Madam EP, we are following!

Finger-wave hair and glossy lip liner complement Nancy Isime’s structured brown outfit for her major career announcement.

***
Photo Credit: Nancy Isime/Instagram 

The post Permission to Call Nancy Isime Madam EP? The Actress Is Making Her Executive Producer Debut! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Kimberly Jael posing in a black, yellow, and red evening gown for Uganda Independence Day.

Black sequins, sunshine yellow and a long red train? Kimberly Jael has found a gorgeous way to wear Uganda’s national colours. The model and Miss Universe Uganda 2026 first runner-up marked the country’s 64th Independence Day on 9 October in a sculpted gown that takes inspiration from the Ugandan flag.

Let’s start with that corset. The strapless black bodice is covered in sequins, with lace trimming the neckline, while canary-yellow fabric falls across her chest and shoulders. Then, at the hips, crimson-red fabric gathers before flowing into a fitted mermaid skirt that trails along the floor. Each colour has its place, and the long red train gives the look an extra flourish.

Kimberly Jael featuring graphic black, yellow, and red cheek makeup with pearl accents and cowrie shell drop earrings.

Kimberly carried the colour scheme into her beauty look, too, with graphic black, yellow and red makeup sweeping across her left cheekbone. Tiny pearl embellishments add detail to the face art, while her cropped natural afro leaves room for her large drop earrings, finished with traditional cowrie shells.

But Kimberly’s choices go beyond matching her outfit to the flag. She explained the meaning behind the gown in a message celebrating Uganda’s independence, connecting its details to the country’s history, the sacrifices of previous generations and the hopes she has for its future.

Independence is not just a date, it’s the chains that were broken and blood that was shed!!!

The glam is intentional. The pearls are for every tear my ancestors shed. The sequins are for every star in our future. The red train is long because our journey was long. This is what 64 years of resilience looks like in high fashion.

Happy Independence Day Uganda — we are not just free, we are FASHIONABLY FREE!

The strapless black sequined bodice is trimmed with lace and contrasted by canary-yellow fabric across the chest.

The explanation gives the gown another layer: the pearls represent the tears of her ancestors, the sequins speak to future possibilities, and the long red train reflects Uganda’s journey to independence. It’s a personal tribute expressed through the very details that make the outfit memorable.

Kimberly also had quite a run at the inaugural Miss Universe Uganda 2026 pageant, where she won five titles, including Miss Afrikana and the People’s Choice award. Beyond pageantry, she is a youth mentor and advocate for community development and youth empowerment. For Independence Day, she put her love for Uganda on display through fashion, right down to the pearls and that sweeping red train.

Kimberly Jael marks Uganda’s 64th Independence Day in a custom gown inspired by the national flag.

***
Photo Credit: Kimberly Jael/Instagram

The post Kimberly Jael’s Black, Yellow & Red Gown Is Her Fashion Tribute to Uganda’s Independence Day appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

A confident, stylish woman descends city stairs, embodying elegance and modern business fashion. Photo Credit: Ono Kosuki/Pexels

How do you balance it?

That is one of the first questions women ask when they meet another woman who seems to have it all: the career, the family, the side projects, the composure. I understand the question. I’ve asked it myself. But the longer I live, the more convinced I am that we are asking for something that does not exist.

When we ask for balance, we are really asking for the two sides of the scale to weigh the same, all the time. Equal weight to work and home. Equal weight to ambition and rest. Equal weight to the people who need the self and us we are trying not to lose. A scale, perfectly level, held steady every single day.

But nothing honest works that way.

Consider this: every major system of thought humanity has ever built carries a trade-off; a cost baked into its benefit. Prioritise individual freedom, and you risk the collective; protect the collective, and you constrain the individual. There has never been a framework, political or economic or moral, that delivered every good thing at once with no side effect. That is why no government pleases all its people, and why even the most admired ideas have always had their critics. If perfect balance cannot be engineered into our grandest theories, why do we expect to achieve it in a single human life, lived in real time, with finite hours?

Balance, I’ve come to believe, is a myth. Not a lie exactly, but a mirage. You cannot give one hundred per cent to everything simultaneously. Something always gives. The only real question is whether you are choosing what gives, or letting it be chosen for you.

So I’ve stopped chasing balance. I’ve started practising seasons.

In every season of life, the demands are weighted differently. There are seasons when work must take more. Seasons when family must. Seasons of building, and seasons of recovering. The wisdom is not in holding all things equal; it is in reading accurately which season you are in, and letting your energy follow it without guilt.

Within each season, there is a second discipline, one borrowed from an analogy many will know: learning to tell your glass balls from your rubber ones. Some of the things we juggle are rubber. If you drop them, they bounce. The deadline that can shift. The event you can miss. The email that can wait till Monday. They feel urgent, but they recover.

Others are glass. Drop them, and they crack, sometimes beyond repair. Your health. A child’s childhood. A marriage. Your integrity. Certain relationships and certain moments that do not come round again. The tragedy is how often we exhaust ourselves protecting the rubber balls, answering every message, meeting every expectation, saying yes to everything, while a glass ball slips from the other hand.

Knowing the difference is the real skill. Not balance. Triage. So when someone asks me how I balance it all, my honest answer is: I don’t. Nobody does. What I try to do instead is stay awake to my season, and clear-eyed about which balls in my hands are glass.

Some days I get it right. Some days a glass ball wobbles and I catch it just in time. Some days I let a rubber one fall on purpose, and feel the strange relief of choosing. That, I think, is the most any of us can do. Not a perfectly level scale, but a steady pair of hands, and the wisdom to know what must never be allowed to break.

The post Wunmi Adelusi: How Much Balance Is Really Possible for Women Pursuing Their Careers? appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Nigerian poet and lawyer Ogaga Ifowodo has won the 2026 Nigeria Prize for Literature, sponsored by Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), for his poetry collection, Why Does God Need a Gun?

Ifowodo’s win adds to a distinguished literary career spanning several decades. His other poetry collections include Homeland and Other Poems, which won the 1993 Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) Poetry Prize; Madiba, which won the 2003 ANA/Cadbury Poetry Prize; The Oil Lamp, which won the 2005 ANA/Gabriel Okara Poetry Prize; and A Good Mourning, which was shortlisted for the Nigeria Prize for Literature in 2017.

The 2026 edition of the Nigeria Prize for Literature focused on poetry and attracted 223 submissions. Ifowodo’s winning collection emerged from a final shortlist that included James Ngwu Eze’s Unbind Me Now and Tares Oburumu’s Flora’s Love Colony.

NLNG’s Nigerian Prize for Literature is the biggest literary award on the continent, and the award comes with a $100,000 cash prize.

Why does God need a gun? by @OgagaIfowodo wins The Nigeria Prize for Literature 2026.

Congratulations!

#GAN26 #TheNigeriaPrizes2026 #Heritage https://t.co/b4FdiaQ8Cx

— The Nigeria Prizes (@NGRLitPrize) October 9, 2026

The post Ogaga Ifowodo Wins the 2026 $100,000 NLNG Prize for Literature appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Nigerian singer FOLA has expressed his appreciation for renowned author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and music legend 2Baba for their contributions to his sophomore album, 9.

On the album’s second track, how many, FOLA samples a portion of Adichie’s Harvard speech, in which she reflects on the relationship between fear, self-doubt, and creativity. “Procrastinating is a form of fear, and it is difficult to acknowledge fear. But the truth is that you cannot create anything of value without both self-doubt and self-belief,” she says in the excerpt.

The singer also samples 2Baba’s popular song, If Love Is A Crime, on crime, the 11th track on FOLA’s second album, paying homage to one of Nigeria’s most influential musicians and his enduring contribution to the country’s music scene.

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), FOLA shared his gratitude to both figures, writing, “Today, I’m beyond grateful to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and the legendary 2Baba for their contribution to the arts, their blessings on my sophomore, and for leaving my generation multiple standards to aspire to.”

Today, I’m beyond grateful to Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and the legendary 2Baba for their contribution to the arts, their blessings on my sophomore, and for leaving my generation multiple standards to aspire to. https://t.co/fm4p5o4wPe

— FOLA (@Folapondis) October 9, 2026

The post FOLA Appreciates Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie and 2Baba for Their Contributions to His Sophomore Album appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Sometimes, when two artists find themselves together in a studio, they find it difficult to spark a connection. They can make a song together, but it might feel like climbing a cliff if they try to make another song. Meanwhile, some artists have that connection, that synergy, that whenever they find each other in the studio, they produce magic. They make beautiful, sweet music. For instance, Wizkid and Asake, who have not only featured one another on each other’s albums, Morayo and Lungu Boy, respectively, but have also released a joint project, an EP. As Wizkid puts it in their interview, they have had “successful collaborations.” There are artists like that who find creativity in the other’s creativity.

So are BNXN and FOLA, whose music, when carefully compared in terms of lyricism, could be considered the same. They do not sound the same; no, two artists can never sound the same, but you could always imagine BNXN on a FOLA, and vice versa. And they have shown their fans that whenever they find each other on a song, there is always a synergy. Actually, FOLA sang in “how many“, off his sophomore album, ‘9‘, “Mo Korin bi BNXN,” which means, I sing like BNXN.

The journey began with the remix of FOLA’s hit song, Alone, and BNXN was featured. The collaboration introduced listeners to what would become one of the more interesting musical partnerships in Nigerian Afrobeats. BNXN brought his familiar, soulful delivery to the song, complementing FOLA’s smooth vocals and emotional approach to music.

Then came Very Soon, a song on BNXN’s 2025 album, Captain, which featured FOLA. This time, FOLA joined BNXN on his own record, returning the favour and showing that their connection was not limited to one artist’s sound. They could find each other on either side of a collaboration and still make it work. Their musical relationship continued with Shamaya, another joint recording on BNXN’s Still in Charge EP.

Now, the two artists have reunited on my type, a song on FOLA’s sophomore album, 9, released on October 9, 2026. But for listeners who have followed BNXN and FOLA’s journey together, “My Type” is another opportunity to enjoy a pairing that has consistently found room for both artists to shine.

BNXN and FOLA have given their listeners reasons to always look forward to what they might create together next. If their collaborations so far are anything to go by, this is one musical partnership worth keeping an eye on. For now, fans will enjoy BNXN’s latest EP, Still in Charge and FOLA’s sophomore album: the 14-track project that features other notable Nigerian and African artists, including Davido, Ayra Starr, Darkoo, Bella Shmurda and Zlatan.

You will find favor in the sight of God and man.

4/4 , no misses. @Folapondis

Love you and congratulations again! https://t.co/j7ihOuLCPA

— Benson (@BNXN) October 9, 2026

The post BNXN and FOLA Are a Music Match Made in Heaven appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Ten years ago, Power Oil invited Nigerians to take a step for their hearts in celebration of World Heart Day. A decade later, that step has become a movement. The 10th edition of WalkHeartOn, held on October 1, 2026, at The Stables Sports Ground, Surulere, Lagos, brought together thousands of people for a day centred on fitness, heart health, community and fun.

The milestone edition recorded 25,536 registrations, with 11,896 people physically attending. From early-morning fitness activities and health checks to music, games, refreshments and entertainment, WalkHeartOn 10.0 created an experience that showed that prioritising your health does not have to be boring. 

Commenting on the milestone, Roland Akpe, Marketing Manager, Oils and Fats Portfolio at Tolaram, said,

“For 10 years, WalkHeartOn has been a reflection of Power Oil’s commitment to helping Nigerians live healthier lives, reminding us that caring for our hearts goes beyond what we eat. It is also about staying active, moving more and making healthier choices every day. As we celebrate World Heart Day and a decade of WalkHeartOn, we are proud to have created a platform that brings Nigerians together to take meaningful steps towards healthier hearts.”

For many attendees, it was a chance to exercise with friends and family. For others, it was an opportunity to meet new people, enjoy performances and simply step away from the usual routine. But beneath all the excitement was the message that has driven WalkHeartOn for a decade: every step towards a healthier lifestyle matters. Over the years, the annual walk has evolved from a fitness event into a community-driven platform that encourages Nigerians to make heart health part of their everyday lives.

Sponsored Content

The post WalkHeartOn Turns 10, Bringing 11,896 Nigerians Together for Heart Health appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Across Africa, some of the most interesting solutions to everyday problems are being built by women who have experienced those problems up close.

A doctor sees patients struggling to access cardiac screening and builds an AI-powered ECG device. A nurse watches patients lose hours navigating the healthcare system and creates a digital platform to make it easier. A food entrepreneur sees farmers lose the value of their harvest and builds the processing infrastructure they need.

An agronomist looks at Morocco’s water crisis and asks a different question: what if we could grow more food with far less water? These are the stories behind five of the 15 women named as 2026 Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award winners globally, powered by the Impact Hub Network.

The five African awardees come from Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria and Morocco, joining 10 other women entrepreneurs selected from across Latin America and Asia.

From Kenya and Ethiopia to Nigeria and Morocco, their businesses are rethinking how communities access healthcare, preserve food and adapt to a changing climate. Each will receive €25,000 in non-dilutive funding alongside a six-month accelerator designed to help them strengthen their businesses and take their solutions further.

Meet the women behind the ideas

Dr. Alice Muhuhu of Aurora Health Systems, Kenya

Alice started Aurora Health Systems after seeing patients arrive at the hospital with advanced heart conditions that could have been detected much earlier.

Her answer is an AI-powered, portable ECG device designed to work offline and in low-resource clinics. It can detect more than 50 cardiac conditions and is already being used across more than 100 clinics in Kenya. But Alice is also tackling another problem in healthcare: whose data gets represented. Less than 1% of global ECG data comes from African populations, so Aurora is building a large-scale African cardiology dataset to help develop technology that better reflects the people it is intended to serve.

Beamlak Alemayehu of Medanit Digital Health, Ethiopia

For Beamlak, the healthcare problem was not always whether treatment existed. Sometimes, it was simply finding it. The former clinical nurse and social worker founded Medanit after seeing patients travel long distances, wait hours, and move between hospitals and pharmacies just to find the right care.

Medanit brings those services together through an app, website, and low-bandwidth call centre, allowing people to connect with doctors, medication, and mental health services without requiring everyone to have the same level of internet access or digital literacy.

In 2025, the platform reached more than 58,000 users and onboarded over 500 doctors and 60 healthcare partners.

Funmilayo Ishola  of Dehydrator Hub, Nigeria

Funmilayo grew up watching her mother trade fresh produce in Lagos markets and saw how quickly food could lose its value when there was nowhere to process or preserve it. That experience inspired Dehydrator Hub, which gives small food businesses and farmers access to solar-powered dehydrators, packaging equipment and technical training without requiring them to buy the machinery themselves.

More than 75 tonnes of fruit and vegetables have already been processed through the model, while farmers using the service have recorded income increases of 30–35%. Funmilayo has also trained more than 3,000 women.

Her bigger vision is to establish 776 processing hubs across Nigeria, one for every local government area.

Sokayna Bellam of Jodoor Greentech, Morocco

For Sokayna, the future of food begins with a simple question: how do you keep farming when water is becoming harder to find? The agronomist founded Jodoor Greentech to explore that question through hydroponic farming. The company now operates 10 greenhouses across 3,500 square metres, producing around 100 tonnes of fresh produce annually.

The system uses up to 90% less water than conventional farming and eliminates chemical pesticides. For Morocco and other water-stressed regions, it offers a glimpse of what agriculture could look like when farmers have to produce more with considerably less.

Omowunmi Emmanuel-Ogah of ExCare Health, Nigeria

During the COVID-19 pandemic, pharmacist Omowunmi encountered a mother who rushed into her pharmacy with her sick four-year-old son because she had nowhere else to turn.

The experience made her think differently about what a community pharmacy could be. Today, ExCare Health combines pharmacy services with diagnostics, vaccination and primary care. It operates five pharmacies, two diagnostic laboratories and an accredited immunisation centre across Lagos and Ogun State. Through its Vaxreach programme, ExCare has also helped turn eight pharmacies across five states into vaccination hubs.

Omowunmi’s ambition is to show what could happen if Nigeria’s thousands of community pharmacies became part of the country’s primary healthcare infrastructure. Supporting women to take good ideas further.

What connects these five women is not simply that they are working in technology, healthcare, or agriculture. It is that their businesses started with problems they could see around them.

The Bayer Foundation Women Entrepreneurs Award is designed to help founders like these move from solving a local problem to reaching more people. Since 2021, the Bayer Foundation has supported women-led enterprises in health and food security through non-dilutive funding, networks and structured support for growth.

Through its partnership with the Impact Hub Network, the programme adds local entrepreneurial networks, mentorship and access to a wider community of impact-driven founders.

For the 2026 awardees, the next chapter is about scale: taking solutions that are already working and figuring out how far they can go.

Medanit Digital Health

Medanit Digital Health

Alice with Aurora Health Systems’ AI-powered portable ECG device

A doctor using Aurora Health Systems’ AI-powered portable ECG device.

Women participating in training supported by Dehydrator Hub

Jodoor Greentech’s Greenhouse

Jodoor Greentech’s Greenhouse

Sponsored Content

The post Women Innovators Building Smarter Ways to Live, Eat and Stay Healthy in Africa appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

FOLA, for the official release of his sophomore album ‘9’ dropping on 9 October.

FOLA‘s sophomore album, ‘9‘, is out now!

The album includes a mix of familiar tracks and exciting collaborations that fans are eagerly anticipating. It features “Treat U Right” with Ayra Starr, “Attention!”, “Fine Ting (Fine $hit)”, and “It’s Over,” which includes contributions from Bella Shmurda and Zlatan. FOLA also recently released “Miss U II (Nriri),” providing listeners with another preview of the project before the complete tracklist was revealed. Additionally, there are new collaborations such as “2am In Toronto” featuring Davido, “My Type” featuring BNXN, and “Hold U Down” featuring Darkoo.

‘9‘ follows FOLA’s 2025 debut album, Catharsis, and marks his next major chapter. The album title has a football reference at its centre, inspired by the classic number 9 striker whose job is to come through when the team needs a goal. For FOLA, that becomes a fitting metaphor for the artist you call when you need a guaranteed hit. As an artist who has had an amazing run since his breakout, providing hit after hit, it is a fitting title for an album.

The album is out now. Listen!

Official tracklist breakdown for FOLA’s album 9, listing 14 tracks, including 2 am In Toronto with Davido, Treat U Right with Ayra Starr, and My Type with BNXN.

The post FOLA’s Sophomore Album Is Here | Listen! appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

As BellaNaija turned 20 this year, we reinforced one important thing: strengthening the core the platform started with. BN was launched to showcase Africa’s beauty to the world through stories, fashion and weddings. To deepen this commitment, everything we have done this year reinforces the platform’s foundations. From the recent Grand Red Carpet Experience, tagged High Fashion Icon, which is an avenue to celebrate Africa’s vibrant culture, to On Our Radar, a series I launched in August to spotlight a few Nigerian artists whose distinct voices are projected to define Afrobeats in the future.

Through August and September, four artists were spotlighted, each sharing what inspired them to start making music and their absolute dream with music. The series was launched to further strengthen what BellaNaija is known for, which is showcasing African creatives to the world, even before they become global.

The spotlights are as follows:

Solana

For Solana, music has always been a natural way to express herself. She began writing songs at six and took her first steps towards making music professionally while at university, after her roommate introduced her to a recording studio. She describes her sound as YoruPop, an experimental blend that allows her to explore different sounds, emotions, and ideas without being confined to one genre. Her ultimate dream is to share African culture with the world through music that remains authentic to her roots, inspires people to embrace who they are, and leaves a lasting cultural impact.

Read her feature here.

Firstklaz

Firstklaz grew up surrounded by music, but it was seeing people connect with his songs, sing his lyrics back to him, and relate to his stories that convinced him to pursue it as a career. His sound blends African rhythms and Hausa culture with modern Afrobeats production, bringing together traditional melodies, storytelling, and contemporary influences. Beyond chart success and awards, his dream is to reach a global audience, sell out concerts around the world, create music that people will return to for decades, and inspire a new generation of African artists to embrace their cultural identities.

Read his feature here.

Abefe

Music has been a part of Abefe’s life since childhood, and his passion for singing eventually found a wider audience through his TikTok covers and relatable, vulnerable storytelling. His songs offer listeners a glimpse into his thoughts, experiences, and perspectives on life, allowing them to connect with the person behind the music. For Abefe, success means being able to shut down London’s O2 Arena with ease — a bold ambition that reflects his desire to grow from an emerging artist into a major name on the global music scene.

Read his feature here.

KW33N B

KW33N B, also known as B3NEDICTA, grew up surrounded by music, but discovering that she could create her own songs from her thoughts, emotions, and experiences made her see music as more than a passion. It became an outlet for self-expression and a place where she felt understood. Her sound blends Afrobeats, soul, and pop, drawing inspiration from everyday life and the human experience. Her ultimate dream is to share her music with the world, connect with people across cultures, and create timeless songs that bring listeners happiness, comfort, and a sense of connection long after their release.

Read her feature here.

The post Solana, Firstklaz, Abefe & KW33N B: Four Artists We’ve Featured on On Our Radar appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Aston Martin Formula One Team,

Giving BEYOND a tangible expression was the Glenfiddich 16 Year Old Limited Release No. 02, the second release celebrating the partnership with the Aston Martin Formula One Team. The whisky is matured in first-fill bourbon barrels and finished in Port, Fino Sherry, Oloroso Sherry and wine casks, creating a layered profile of stewed fruits, floral notes, marzipan and polished leather, followed by creamy toffee, caramelised cane sugar, dry oak tannin and a long-lasting oaky sweetness. The expression is bottled at 43% ABV in 700ml and can be served neat or on the rocks.

The Lagos celebration brought this craftsmanship into a distinctly Nigerian setting, with fashion, music, design, entertainment and culture shaping the experience. Nancy Isime, Swanky Jerry and Ifeanyi Nwune each bring a different creative perspective to the campaign, spanning film and lifestyle, fashion, craft and design, reinforcing Glenfiddich’s vision of “Glenfiddich craft meeting original Nigerian expression.”

More than a celebration of a new whisky release, the Lagos experience captured the spirit of BEYOND — bringing together global craftsmanship and Nigerian creativity in an evening defined by style, connection and entertainment. Through BEYOND, Glenfiddich continues to invite audiences to look beyond the obvious and appreciate the craft, precision and details that make exceptional work possible.

Glenfiddich. Go Beyond Expectations.

Skilfuly Crafted. Drink Responsibly. Never Drink And Drive.

Sponsored Content

The post Nancy Isime, Swanky Jerry and Ifeanyi Nwene Celebrate with Glenfiddich at BEYOND Lagos appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

A young man rests on a stack of books at a desk, sunlight filtering through a window. Photo Credit: Oladimeji Ajegbile/Pexels.

They buried Ebiakpo’s father, Papa, in June. The rain that day was the small, annoying kind that did not commit. Papa had taught History for thirty-one years. When he died, the state owed him nineteen months of salary and a pension nobody could prove existed. Ebiakpo was the third of four children, and the scholar. That was his role. His father’s small revenge on a country that had refused to pay him: he would build one more of himself, and this one would be paid what he was owed. Ebiakpo read Law. First class.

In August, he went for an interview at a firm on Victoria Island. The partner who saw him spent twenty minutes bragging about representing a luxury influencer accused of beating two girlfriends and turning up at his own arraignment high. The firm offered Ebiakpo 130,000 naira a month. Transport alone would have eaten seventy. On the bus home, he did the arithmetic and understood, for the first time, that his father had not died of a stroke.

His eldest brother Tamunotonye did the thing they did not name. He now called himself Chief Dollar Papi Money and had it airbrushed onto the boot of the BMW X6 he parked sideways at family functions. His large diamond chain hung to his navel. His girlfriend, Blessed, came with him everywhere, in a waist-length lace-front, acrylics she could barely type with, and a BBL he paid doctors in Turkey to install, as rumours had it. The chain around her neck hung a huge pendant that spelt Quila B — half for tequila, which was the only thing she drank, and half for the American popstar she was studying to become.

Chief Dollar took Ebiakpo to a place on the island where the drinks cost more than Ebiakpo’s rent. “Bro”, he said, wiping his mouth, “survival for this country no be grammar again. Na money. Na feeding your people. School na the biggest client Nigeria don ever run”. At the next table, a boy was livestreaming and shouting at his own phone. When the waitress bent to ask him softly to lower his voice, he turned and told her, at full volume, that a girl her size should be grateful he was patronising the restaurant she cleaned. His table applauded.

The second brother, Preye, had broken Papa’s heart. He read Engineering at the University of Portharcout but left in his third year to do music. He did not do music. He managed a boy from the streets called Flexable, who could not finish a sentence in any language. Flexable’s last single had crossed five million streams in a week. Preye carried Flexable’s water bottle and towels to shows and said he was investing in the brand. Papa never once asked him about the music.

Before he died, Papa said one afternoon in the parlour, while watching TV. “This country no longer celebrates excellence. It now rewards performed foolishness, because foolishness travels faster on the internet than sense.”

Ebiakpo’s sister, Papa’s only daughter, Tarilaye, was fifteen. She did not know the capital of Taraba. When he told her Jalingo, she said no; she was sure Jalingo was a dance, then thought about it and said sorry, that one was Alingo, and laughed at herself for a whole minute. Her plan, she had told their mother, was to become an influencer first, then a reality-show girl, then to marry a musician, or possibly an actor; she was still deciding.

Tarilaye had been the brilliant one. Before Papa died, she had read all Chinua Achebe cover to cover at eleven and even corrected her teachers in school. But school na scam had become a hymn in her generation, and she quietly stopped trying. She turned instead to endless scrolling and devotion to the lives of celebrities who did not know her name. She was happier now, or something that looked from a distance like happier.

The Yoruba word for one who knows zero used to be the worst thing a boy could call another in a schoolyard — Olodo. Now the ones who know zero owned everything the market would price. Ebiakpo’s first-class certificate lived in a drawer. It smelled faintly of batteries. One night, Ebiakpo had dreamt his father was still teaching. The classroom was empty. He was writing on the board in his beautiful handwriting, and behind him, through the window, the whole country was dancing.

He woke, and started thinking about which of his father’s children was the actual dullard.

The post BN Prose: Is Grammar Still a Legal Tender in This Country? By Toyosi Onikosi appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

For a growing number of Nigerian businesses, Canada is no longer just where family lives or where people go to study. It is a market.

Businesses in Lagos pay Canadian software vendors, consultants, logistics partners, and collaborators. But for many, the payment is still the hardest part of the relationship. Transfers sit in “processing” for days. Exchange rates shift before the money lands. Recipients ask, politely at first, whether anything has been sent.

Oneremit, the cross-border payments platform built for African businesses, is closing that gap, with payments to Canada settling in minutes.

The approach starts with regulation. Oneremit is registered with FINTRAC, Canada’s financial intelligence agency, and complies with the Retail Payment Activities Act (RPAA) under the supervision of the Bank of Canada. That foundation allows payments to reach Canadian recipients through [local rails such as Interac and EFT], the same networks Canadians use every day, rather than long correspondent banking chains.

For the business sending the money, the effect is simple: paying a partner in Toronto starts to feel like paying one next door.

The same infrastructure powers Nexus by Oneremit, the company’s education payments platform, helping Nigerian families pay tuition to Canadian universities before deadlines, not after them.

“Businesses in Lagos, Accra and Nairobi are doing business with the world, and they deserve infrastructure that treats them that way,” says Hammed Afenifere, CEO and co-founder of Oneremit. “That is the standard we are building to,” He added.

According to Chibuzor Uchenwoke, Oneremit’s Head of Marketing, businesses want less features and more certainty.

“They want to know when a payment leaves, when it lands and exactly what their recipient receives. Getting the regulatory foundation right in Canada is what makes that possible.” Chibuzor said.

The Canada corridor is one part of a wider regulated network. Oneremit holds IMTO licensing in Nigeria and Money Services Business registration with FinCEN in the United States, with expansion underway in the United Kingdom and Ghana. Today, the platform helps African businesses pay and get paid across more than 100 countries.

Lagos and Toronto are roughly 9,000 kilometres apart. For the businesses moving money between them, that distance is finally starting to feel smaller.

Businesses can get started at Oneremit.co.

Sponsored Content

The post From Lagos to Toronto: How Oneremit Is Making Business Payments to Canada Feel Local appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Harvard graduate Yinka Ogunbiyi, creator of the automated HaloBraid device engineered to complete braids up to five times faster. Photo Credit: Yinka Ogunbiyi/Instagram

Nigerian-born engineer and Harvard graduate Yinka Ogunbiyi has taken the technology and beauty worlds by storm with HaloBraid, an automated braid-assist device designed to complete hand-started braids up to five times faster. Created alongside her co-founder, David Afolabi, HaloBraid recently won top honours and the $75,000 grand prize in the Alumni & Affiliates Open track at the 2025 Harvard President’s Innovation Challenge. Designed to support high-impact ventures emerging from Harvard’s global network, the annual competition celebrates ground-breaking solutions to real-world challenges. HaloBraid slashes traditional styling times from hours to minutes, reducing physical strain like carpal tunnel and back pain for braiders while allowing salons to comfortably double their daily clients.

The idea for HaloBraid came directly from Ogunbiyi’s personal experience as a braid enthusiast. During the COVID-19 lockdown, the Harvard-trained engineer spent four long days trying to install her own knotless braids. That tedious experience sparked a lightbulb moment: building smart engineering to handle the repetitive, time-consuming part of hair braiding while keeping the stylist completely in control of the craft.

The official design of HaloBraid, the world’s first automated braid-assist device launching commercially in autumn 2026. Photo Credit: Yinka Ogunbiyi/Instagram

Now backed by over $7 million in funding and with more than 7,000 salons eagerly sitting on its waiting list, HaloBraid is gearing up for its official commercial rollout. Adding even more creative authority to the vision, world-renowned celebrity hairstylist Vernon François has officially joined the team as Creative Engineer. Reflecting on his role in shaping this next-generation beauty technology, François shared:

I am proud to announce that I have joined Halo as a Creative Engineer. This milestone is the result of unwavering consistency, relentless curiosity, and the understanding that artistry is a form of intelligence. Decades of experience working with hair, people, and potential now empower me to shape the future. There is a significant difference between being invited to the room and searching for a seat at the table—and walking in to find your place already recognised. But this goes even further.

I haven’t been invited just to sit at the table. I’ve been invited to question its structure, influence its design, and define who it serves next. My perspective is an essential part of the process, not an addition. This is true meaningful collaboration. I am exactly where I am supposed to be. Not by coincidence, but through consistency, artistry, and a steadfast conviction that the knowledge we hold belongs in shaping the future. HaloBraid supports professional stylists by completing hand-started braids up to five times faster while matching their technique. Thank you to the Halo team for recognizing not only my work but the potential of what we will create together. The Art of Afro Hair isn’t standing outside the future asking to be included—it’s helping to engineer it.

The groundbreaking device is officially set to make its commercial debut in autumn 2026, launching first across select professional salons.

HaloBraid founder Yinka Ogunbiyi at Harvard Business School, where her automated braid-assist technology won top honours at the President’s Innovation Challenge. Photo Credit: Yinka Ogunbiyi/Instagram

The post Nigerian Engineer Yinka Ogunbiyi’s HaloBraid Wins $75,000 Harvard Innovation Prize appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

FOLA gearing up for the official release of his sophomore album ‘9’ dropping on 9 October. Photo Credit: FOLA/Instagram 

Ready for a new album from FOLA? The Afrobeats star has got you covered. FOLA is gearing up to release his highly anticipated sophomore album, 9, and he has now given fans the full 14-track tracklist, complete with some very exciting names.

Set for release on 9 October, 9 follows FOLA’s 2025 debut project, Catharsis, and marks his next major chapter. The album title has a football reference at its centre, inspired by the classic number 9 striker whose job is to come through when the team needs a goal. For FOLA, that becomes a fitting metaphor for the artist you call when you need a guaranteed hit.

The tracklist brings together songs fans already know and some collaborations we cannot wait to hear. There is “Treat U Right” with Ayra Starr, “Attention!”, fan-favourite “Fine Ting (Fine $hit)”, and “It’s Over” featuring Bella Shmurda and Zlatan. FOLA also recently released “Miss U II (Nriri)”, giving listeners another taste of the project before the full tracklist dropped. Then come the new link-ups, including “2am In Toronto” featuring Davido, “My Type” featuring BNXN and “Hold U Down” featuring Darkoo.

Official cover artwork for the collaborative contemporary Afropop single Treat Me Right by Fola and Ayra Starr. Photo Credit: FOLA/Instagram 

FOLA says the album came together with some of his favourite instrumentalists, producers and artists, with every song rooted in something real. “Made this one with some of my favourite instrumentalists, producers, and artists. Every song came from somewhere real, every detail meant something. Wherever you are, whatever you’re going through, it is my hope that when you hear it, this album finds you at the right time. 9 is coming,” he shared.

So, 9 October is officially on the calendar. With 14 tracks, features from Davido, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Darkoo, Bella Shmurda and Zlatan, and a few songs already in rotation, FOLA’s sophomore era is shaping up to be one to watch.

Official tracklist breakdown for FOLA’s album 9, listing 14 tracks including 2am In Toronto with Davido, Treat U Right with Ayra Starr, and My Type with BNXN. Photo Credit: FOLA/Instagram 

The post FOLA Unveils ‘9’ Tracklist Featuring Davido, Ayra Starr, BNXN, Darkoo & More appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.