Tiwa Savage posing in a royal purple fur coat layered over a black latex catsuit.

A glossy black catsuit and a purple fur coat? Tiwa Savage says she knows how to make both work, and work perfectly! And looking at her latest outfit, we have absolutely no reason to argue. The Afrobeats superstar stepped out in a figure-hugging black latex catsuit with a plunging V-neckline, throwing a plush, oversized royal purple fur coat over the look. Because when you’re Tiwa Savage, why settle for one fashion statement when you can make two?

And can we talk about the accessories? Chunky gold bangles stacked on her wrists, sculptural gold earrings and a razor-sharp black bob that gave the entire look an extra dose of attitude. Between the glossy latex, the rich purple fur and those bold gold pieces, Tiwa had every detail working in her favour.

Tiwa Savage styling a black latex catsuit with a royal purple fur coat and gold hardware.

Now, here’s something to borrow from Tiwa’s style book. A fitted catsuit already does a lot for your silhouette, so pairing it with an oversized coat gives the outfit a completely different shape. That contrast between something sleek and something voluminous is what makes the combination so interesting. And rather than reaching for barely-there jewellery, take Tiwa’s approach with chunky metallic pieces that can hold their own against the outfit.

Tiwa Savage backstage wearing a black latex catsuit and gold earrings

There’s also a little colour lesson here. Black and purple make a gorgeous pairing, particularly when you play around with textures. The shine of the latex against the softness of the fur makes both colours look even richer, while the gold accessories add warmth to the overall look. So, the next time you’re putting together an all-black outfit and wondering what could give it a little extra personality, you might want to take a page out of Tiwa Savage’s book.

Tiwa Savage highlighting her purple fur jacket, gold bangles, and glossy makeup.

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Photo Credit: Tiwa Savage/Instagram 

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Cynthia Erivo and Ayoade Bamgboye posing through traditional beaded door curtains on the set of Nigerian Wicked.

If you thought you’d seen every possible spin on Wicked, think again. West End and Broadway royalty Cynthia Erivo recently stepped onto the Saturday Night Live UK (SNL UK) stage to deliver a masterclass in comedy—teaming up with Ayoade Bamgboye to reimagine the magical land of Oz as a chaotic, low-budget Nollywood blockbuster.

Titled “Nigerian Wicked“ and presented by the fictional Holy Ghost Productions (the satirical masterminds behind classic titles like Beyonce’s Revenge and Light Skin, Dark Heart), the viral sketch is a love letter to Nollywood tropes complete with a gloriously stressful sound mix.

In this universe, Elphaba (played with maximum green-paint intensity by Ayoade Bamgboye) and Glinda (brought to life by Cynthia Erivo in a pink tracksuit, blonde wig, and matching cap) are sharing a room stacked with vintage trunk luggage. Their relationship is wonderfully tense, highlighted by an unforgettable moment where Glinda casually slaps Elphaba because she is “very classless”, only for Elphaba to complain that the room smells like egg.

Ayoade Bamgboye as Elphaba and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda sitting on set during the Nigerian Wicked sketch on Saturday Night Live UK.

Things get even wilder when the duo boards a train to the land of LagOz to see The Wizard (played by Hammed Animashaun), who turns out to be completely broke, rocking a “No-lex” watch instead of a Rolex, and offering his guests some off Bailey’s Irish Cream. While Elphaba is simply hoping her magical transformation defies gravity and earns her a “skinny BBL”, Glinda is laser-focused on her ultimate priority: getting her hands on a Birkin bag.

Complete with flying monkeys, Professor Goat, dramatic musical interludes, and a full, gloriously long credit sequence introducing Cynthia by her full traditional name—Cynthia Onyedinmanasu Chinasaokwu Owezuke Amarachukwu Echeumuna Erivo——this sketch is pure comedic gold from start to finish.

Watch below

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Photo Credit: Matt Crockett/Instagram 

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Mobile Screens and Sound Limited (MSS), a leading event technology and production company, in partnership with KolaDaisi University, has graduated over 60 students from the inaugral MSS Event Tech Academy, marking a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to developing skilled professionals for Nigeria’s growing events and entertainment industry.

The graduating students completed a 10-week intensive training programme across one of six specialised departments: LED Screen Engineering; Sound Engineering; Camera Craft and Video Production; Light Design and Control; Event Management and Production; and Rigging and Trussing.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony, Tunbosun Kola-Daisi, Managing Director of Mobile Screens and Sound Limited, encouraged the graduates to view the milestone as the beginning of their continued professional development.

“Graduation should not be seen as the end of learning, but as the beginning of a lifelong journey of growth. The event technology industry continues to evolve, and as technology advances, so must our knowledge, creativity and capacity to adapt. I encourage every one of our graduates to remain curious, keep learning, and continue to sharpen their craft. We are proud of what you have achieved, but we are even more excited about what you will go on to become.”

Held at Darlington Hall in Lagos on Tuesday, September 29, the ceremony also served as a practical demonstration of the technical and practical skills acquired throughout the academy. The graduates took responsibility for the event’s technical and production delivery, including event management, LED screens, sound, lighting and camera operations, giving them the opportunity to apply their skills in a live production environment.

In recognition of outstanding performance, the five best graduating students will receive employment opportunities with MSS, providing them with a direct pathway into the event technology industry. Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji, Vice-Chancellor of KolaDaisi University, highlighted the importance of initiatives that connect education with the realities of the professional world. She remarked,

“At KolaDaisi University, we believe strongly that the university must remain connected to the realities of the world beyond the classroom. Education must prepare our students not just to seek employment, but also to create value, solve problems, and create opportunities for themselves. This is why initiatives like the MSS Event Tech Academy are important.”

The inaugural Academy comes as MSS prepares to mark its 20th anniversary in October, following two decades of work across Nigeria’s event technology and production landscape. During this period, the company has built expertise across the technical and creative disciplines required to deliver major events and live experiences, while contributing to the growth and professionalisation of the sector.

The Academy extends this industry experience into skills development, creating a structured platform through which MSS can share its knowledge and help build the talent pipeline for the industry’s future.

At the ceremony, Tunbosun Kola-Daisi, Managing Director of MSS; Prof. Olajumoke Morenikeji, Vice-Chancellor of KolaDaisi University; and Olasunmbo Obaseki, President and Directorate of Advancement & Alumni Relations, KolaDaisi University, jointly presented certificates to the graduating students, recognising their successful completion of the programme.

For MSS, the graduation marks both the culmination of its first Academy and the beginning of a longer- term investment in the people who will shape the future of Nigeria’s event technology industry.

About Mobile Screens and Sound Limited

MSS is a leading event technology company with 20 years of experience, playing diverse roles across Nigeria’s event technology ecosystem. Through its expertise, innovative solutions and commitment to professional development, MSS contributes to the growth of the events industry while equipping emerging professionals with the skills to thrive in it.

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Bukayo Saka addresses the audience after receiving the Socrates Award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony.

We know Bukayo Saka for what he does with the ball at his feet, but did you know he’s also helping children in Nigeria get access to life-changing medical treatment? The Arsenal forward and England international has funded 120 operations for children in Kano, Nigeria, through his partnership with the charity BigShoe. And now, that work has earned him the Socrates Award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

The 25-year-old footballer, who was born in Ealing, London, to Nigerian parents, received the honour on Monday, 26 October, at the Palladium Theatre. The Socrates Award recognises football figures who use their influence to support humanitarian causes, and Bukayo’s contributions to children’s healthcare are at the centre of his recognition.

Bukayo Saka acknowledges applause at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

Through his work with BigShoe, Bukayo has helped children living with conditions such as brain hernias and umbilical hernias receive medical treatment. His charitable efforts have also extended to sight-restoration procedures across Africa, supporting children who need access to specialist healthcare.

And guess who was there to present him with the award? Burna Boy. The Grammy-winning Nigerian singer joined Bukayo on the Ballon d’Or stage to hand over the trophy, bringing together two familiar names with Nigerian roots for the occasion.

Burna Boy congratulates Bukayo Saka on stage after presenting him with the Socrates Award at the 2026 Ballon d’Or.

After receiving the award, Bukayo shared a message on Instagram about what the recognition meant to him and the work he hopes to continue.

“Some of the best things this year happened both on and off the pitch. Proud of what we’re building. Grateful to receive the Sócrates Award, and continue to make an impact where we can.”

For Bukayo, the recognition comes as his work with BigShoe continues to help children access medical care. Beyond his achievements with Arsenal and England, it’s another part of his story that deserves attention.

Bukayo Saka speaks at the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony with visuals of his medical charity initiatives in Nigeria displayed behind him.

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Photo Credit: Bukayo Saka/Instagram

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Burna Boy shakes hands with Bukayo Saka at the podium during the 2026 Ballon d’Or ceremony at the Theatre du Chatelet. Photo Credit: Premier League/Instagram 

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As cancer continues to affect individuals, families, and communities across Nigeria, the need for greater awareness, early detection, accessible screening, and patient support remains urgent.

On Saturday, 31 October 2026, Medicaid Cancer Foundation will host the 12th edition of Walk Away Cancer, an annual initiative dedicated to raising cancer awareness, encouraging early detection, and supporting people affected by cancer.

With the theme One Walk, One Fight, this year’s event will bring together individuals, healthcare professionals, corporate organisations, advocates, volunteers, and community groups to strengthen public engagement in cancer prevention and care.

Twelve Editions of Advocacy and Impact

Over the years, Walk Away Cancer has grown into a platform for public education, community engagement, health screening, and cancer patient support.

The 2025 edition recorded more than 20,000 participants, with over 60 partners and 120 volunteers contributing to the campaign. Participants came from 20 countries, reflecting the initiative’s growing reach.

The event’s Health Village provided access to essential health services, including 253 mammograms, 274 clinical breast examinations, 368 blood sugar checks, 200 eye screenings, and 45 HPV vaccinations.

The campaign also raised and disbursed over ₦100 million in support of 60 cancer patients, helping address some of the financial challenges associated with cancer care.

These achievements demonstrate the importance of taking cancer awareness beyond conversations and connecting it with practical services, early detection, and support for patients.

The Health Village: Making Prevention More Accessible

A major feature of Walk Away Cancer 12.0 will be the Health Village, where participants can access health education, screening services, and information to support informed decisions about their wellbeing.

• Free HPV vaccination: Eligible children aged nine will have access to free HPV vaccination, courtesy of the FCT Primary Health Care Board.
• Breast health awareness: Education on breast cancer, the importance of early detection, and the role of appropriate screening.
• Discounted mammograms: Attendees will receive coupons for discounted mammograms at Medicaid facilities.
• Preventive health checks: Selected health checks and screening services designed to encourage participants to take a more active role in managing their health.

The Health Village is designed to help people move from awareness to action by making health information and selected preventive services more accessible.

Supporting Patients Beyond Awareness

A cancer diagnosis can place significant emotional, physical, and financial pressure on patients and their families. For many, the cost of investigations and treatment can become a major barrier to receiving timely care.

Medicaid Cancer Foundation continues to champion initiatives that connect awareness with patient support, advocacy, and improved access to cancer care.

Proceeds from official Walk Away Cancer kit sales contribute to cancer patient support, allowing participants to show their commitment to the cause while helping sustain the foundation’s work.

The initiative also creates opportunities for partners, volunteers, healthcare professionals, and young people to contribute their skills and resources to cancer advocacy.

Bringing Young People into the Cancer

Conversation Young people have an important role to play in shaping how cancer is understood within communities. Through student participation, volunteering, peer education, and public awareness, they can help challenge misconceptions and encourage people to seek medical advice when necessary.

Walk Away Cancer 12.0 offers a platform for young people to participate directly in cancer advocacy, engage with healthcare professionals, and help take important health messages to their campuses, families, and communities.

A Shared Vision for Better Cancer Outcomes

Medicaid Cancer Foundation envisions a society where cancer awareness leads to earlier diagnosis, patients can access the care they need, and financial barriers do not prevent people from seeking treatment.

Walk Away Cancer 12.0 is part of this ongoing commitment. Every participant, volunteer, partner, screening, and contribution can help strengthen the response to cancer in Nigeria.

The goal is not simply to walk, but to encourage meaningful action that continues long after the event.

Event Details

Event: Walk Away Cancer 12.0
Date: Saturday, 31 October 2026
Time: 7:00 AM
Venue: Monoliza Park, R.B. Dikko Road, Area II, Garki, Abuja
Registration: Available through the Medicaid Cancer Foundation website and official social media channels.

Individuals, families, organisations, students, healthcare professionals, and advocates are encouraged to participate, share the message, and support efforts to improve cancer awareness, early detection, and patient care.
ONE WALK. ONE FIGHT. EVERY STEP MATTERS.
www.medicaidcancerfoundation.org | @medicaidcf

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for Medicaid

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Anendlessocean poses in front of black wing backdrop graphics for the official cover art of his 2026 album, Freedom.

“Who the Son sets free, is free indeed.” That’s the message Anendlessocean is carrying into his next musical chapter, and it feels fitting for an album titled Freedom. The Nigerian singer and songwriter has revealed the 14-track list for the project, due on 30 October 2026, featuring collaborations with Ryan Ofei, Wale Adenuga, Bolu Ajayi and Saelem.

The post Anendlessocean Is Getting Ready to Give Us ‘Freedom’ | See the 14-Track List appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Cynthia Erivo and Ayoade Bamgboye posing through traditional beaded door curtains on the set of Nigerian Wicked.

If you grew up watching Nollywood films in the early 2000s, you probably remember the low-rise jeans, colourful tops, side bangs, gold jewellery and beaded curtains that featured in so many scenes. Saturday Night Live UK has revisited that familiar visual world in a sketch titled “Nigerian Wicked”, with Cynthia Erivo and comedian Ayoade Bamgboye giving Glinda and Elphaba a distinctly Nigerian makeover.

Cynthia, who hosted the episode, takes on Glinda in a metallic pink off-the-shoulder top, low-rise jeans with rhinestone detailing and a silver gear-link belt sitting at her hips. The look leans into the era’s love for pink, sparkle and statement accessories, with a quilted pink crossbody bag and pink bow platform heels completing the outfit. Her dark-rooted blonde hair falls into side bangs, while dark lip liner, stacked gold hoops, a nose ring and long red acrylic nails add to the throwback styling.

Ayoade Bamgboye as Elphaba and Cynthia Erivo as Glinda sitting on set during the Nigerian Wicked sketch on Saturday Night Live UK.

Across from her, Ayoade gives Elphaba a very different take on the same era. Her green face paint and dark brown flip bob establish the character, while emerald tailored trousers, an olive-brown draped cardigan and a turquoise marble cowl-neck top bring the outfit together. She finishes with a green shoulder bag, chunky gold rings and a gold watch, taking the familiar witch character far from the look audiences might expect from Wicked.

Cynthia Erivo and Ayoade Bamgboye posing through traditional beaded door curtains on the set of Nigerian Wicked.

The setting is just as important to the visual joke. Vintage backdrop prints and beaded door curtains complete the scene, recalling the interiors that appeared in many older Nollywood films. Rather than simply dressing the characters in Nigerian-inspired outfits, the sketch draws on the styling and set details associated with a particular period of Nigerian screen culture.

Cynthia, known for her roles in The Color Purple, Harriet and the film adaptation of Wicked, hosted the episode, while Ayoade, a London-born, Lagos-raised comedian and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner, wrote and co-starred in the sketch.

Oscar-nominated star Cynthia Erivo and Edinburgh Comedy Award winner Ayoade Bamgboye posing in retro Y2K styling, including metallic pink tops, silver hip belts, dark sunglasses, and green body makeup for their Nigerian Wicked comedy spoof.

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Photo Credit: Matt Crockett/Instagram 

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Skepta holding the official clear vinyl edition of his upcoming studio album, The Fork and Knife. Photo Credit: Skepta/Instagram

If you’ve been looking forward to a new album from Skepta, there’s something to get excited about. The British-Nigerian rapper has shared the tracklist for his upcoming album, The Fork and Knife, and we finally have a clearer picture of what he’s been working on.

The album is scheduled for release on 6 November 2026 through Big Smoke and Epic Records. It will be Skepta’s first solo studio album in seven years, following Ignorance Is Bliss in 2019. That’s quite a wait, especially for listeners who’ve followed his music from his early grime days in Tottenham to his collaborations with artists across different genres.

So, what can we expect from The Fork and Knife? The project has 15 tracks, including previously released songs ‘Victory Lap’ and ‘Gas Me Up’. Other titles on the tracklist include ‘Secrets of Patriarchy’, ‘Outside’, ‘Cold Shower’, ‘Currency’, ‘Pandora’s Box’, ‘Revenge’, ‘Magic’, ‘Melody’, ‘Aloe Vera’, ‘Chippie’, ‘Broken Hearts’, ‘Innocent Smile’ and ‘Belly’.

Alongside the tracklist reveal, Skepta has also shared physical editions of the album, including vinyl and CD formats. The artwork and visual direction draw on Nigerian-British imagery from the 1980s, connecting elements of his heritage with the London culture that has shaped his music.

With 6 November just around the corner, the countdown to Skepta’s next album is officially on. After seven years without a solo studio album, it’ll be interesting to hear what this new chapter sounds like.

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Yemi Alade wearing a black-and-gold embroidered abaya paired with ornate gold hand jewellery in her ‘Alhaja’ music video, directed by Clarence Peters. Photo Credit: Yemi Alade/Instagram

New music videos are giving us plenty of reasons to stay glued to our screens this week. Victony is serving up a COLORS performance, Olamide is taking us back to the streets, Yemi Alade is celebrating a woman who knows her worth, and Ghana’s Gyakie and King Promise are setting the mood for romance. From Lagos street scenes to smooth highlife rhythms, these five new visuals show just how much variety the music scene has to offer right now.

So, grab your headphones, turn up the volume and get comfortable. These are five new music videos to add to your watchlist this week.

Victony — ‘2FRESH’ (A COLORS SHOW)

Nigerian artist Victony brings his signature charisma to the iconic COLORS stage with the performance video for ‘2FRESH’, a standout track from his album STARLIFE. The playful anthem centres on high fashion, lavish lifestyle, and irresistible attraction, with Victony using witty wordplay and references to luxury brands to celebrate a woman’s immaculate drip. Set against the signature monochromatic COLORS backdrop, the minimalist visual strips away distractions to highlight his magnetic vocal delivery, smooth melodic shifts, and effortless style.

Yemi Alade — ‘Alhaja’

Mama Africa Yemi Alade delivers pure visual radiance with the official music video for ‘Alhaja’. Moving away from traditional romance, the track is a vibrant anthem of self-assurance, luxury, and female independence, exploring the confidence of a woman who knows her worth and commands every room she enters. The video captures her signature high-energy choreography, rich African aesthetics, and striking fashion pieces, translating the song’s empowering message into a lively visual feast.

Olamide — ‘Burukutu’

Indigenous rap icon Olamide keeps the street-pop momentum going with the official music video for ‘Burukutu’. Named after the traditional indigenous brew, the track is an unapologetic celebration of resilience, unyielding street pride, and enjoying life on your own terms while tuning out critics. The visual brings this energy to life through gritty Lagos street scenes, vibrant night-party culture, and infectious group choreography that grounds the YBNL frontman firmly in his indigenous roots.

Gyakie — ‘Your Body (Crazy)’

Adding a smooth, seductive tone to this week’s lineup, Ghanaian sensation Gyakie enchants with the visual accompaniment for ‘Your Body (Crazy)’. The song dives into the intense chemistry, thrill, and irresistible physical attraction of a blossoming romance. Blending English with Ghanaian phrasing, the cinematic video uses warm, moody lighting, intimate camera angles, and breezy styling to complement her honey-toned R&B vocals, creating a captivating visual experience.

King Promise — ‘Melody’

Rounding out this week’s essential watch list is Ghanaian singer King Promise with the official music video for ‘Melody’.Centered on cheeky romance and instant attraction, the highlife-infused Afrobeats track sees King Promise serenading a lover whose presence makes his heart pump and body “sing” like a sweet melody. The visual transitions seamlessly from club scenes and late-night drives to intimate moments, matching the song’s smooth, soulful, and romantic rhythms.

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Pressure mounted daily as a one-week cook-off countdown marked the premiere of Season 2 of Cooking With GameChangers.

Cooking with GameChangers is a business-reality and cooking competition show where business executives are filmed through a day in their life and thereafter engage in a cook-off to make the best meal, which would be tasted by the show judges, and an “Ultimate GameChanger” is announced. Season 1 of the show aired in 2024 and garnered over 60 million TV viewers in a quarter. 

Season 2 of Cooking with GameChangers premiered with a week-long cook-off that saw corporate leaders and media icons trade their laptops and workspaces for aprons and kitchen workstations in a dramatic twist. The cook-off week hosted by social media sensation, Steve Chuks, reached a crescendo on Friday, October 23rd, 2026, with a live-streamed event that featured an entertaining cook-off between the show host, Daniel Etim Effiong, and one of the show judges, M.I Abaga.

People that followed live updates on Instagram @cookingwithgamechangers got to experience the unforgettable moments delivered all through the daily live cook-offs between industry giants. The live cook-offs can be watched here. 

The live cook-off spotlighted organisations that lead in their respective sectors, hence serving as a pat-on-the-back for the great work being done to stay at the top. This cook-off, however, pushed our corporate contestants to their limit as they battled against the ticking clock to present their best interpretation of the assigned dish of yam and egg with peppered sauce. The panel of judges also brought their unique perspectives from business, entertainment, food, culture and leadership, holding back nothing as they tasted, critiqued and delivered sharp, witty feedback before the winner got announced.

The show’s executive producer, Seyi Banigbe, joined the panel of judges from Monday to Wednesday as she kept the contestants on their feet even as she bridged humour with her culinary grit while delivering a detailed analysis of each contestant’s cooking effort.

Day 1 kicked off on Monday, 19th October, with a cook-off between companies leading in the ethnic radio broadcast industry. The battle was between Wazobia FM, represented by Ogar Justina, and Naija FM, represented by Godwin Aruwayo. Both contestants did their best to deliver a great variation of yam and egg with pepper sauce, but Naija FM emerged the winner. Day 1 of the premiere cook-off started with so much excitement and fun.

Day 2 featured News TV giants with New Central Television and TVC News represented. The fierce standoff between the two contestants was palpable as they brought their professional mien to the kitchen. TVC News was represented by their head of news, Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, and News Central’s head of programmes, Tolulope Adeleru-Balogun, the two bantered and shared highlights on their careers and respective news stations. TVC News emerged the winner of day 2’s cook-off.

Day 3 featured giants in the media communications and strategy industry, with All Seasons Zenith represented by Ijeoma Okafor and Algorithm Media represented by Elizabeth Eze. They both battled in the kitchen, showing off their best culinary abilities. All Seasons Zenith emerged as the winner, wrapping up day 3 in a very exciting and engaging cook-off.

Day 4 featured two judges from season 2 of Cooking With GameChanger, Show creator and executive producer Seyi Banigbe and Dr. Dayo Osholowu, having a fierce cooking battle. The energy in the kitchen was infectious even as they both brought antiques from the TV show to the cook-off whilst racing against time to deliver the best dish. Dr Dayo Osholowu emerged the winner for Day 4.

Day 5 was the grand finale and wrap-up party, and it featured M.I Abaga and Daniel Etim-Effiong taking on each other for the ultimate cook-off. Before the cook-off commenced, they both shared exclusive insight into how the filming of season 2 panned out, and they shared why season 2 is an upgraded version of season 1 of Cooking with GameChangers. 

The show premiered on YouTube by 12p.m. as the contestants played games and prepared to make delicious meals of spaghetti for the judge, Seyi Banigbe, to taste. Daniel Etim Effiong emerged as the winner of the Cook-off.

It was a week filled with entertainment, inspiration and the celebration of greatness across industries. Catch a recap of the premiere cook-off here.

Season 2 of Cooking with GameChangers can be enjoyed on the B2GNETWORK YouTube channel. 

Cooking with GameChangers can be watched on TV stations nationwide on these stations:

SATURDAYS:

• ⁠  ⁠NTA Network: Saturdays at 9.00AM
• Silverbird: Saturdays at 12.30PM; Repeat: Sundays at 11.30P.M.
• ⁠  ⁠Views Channel: Saturday 6:30PM; Repeat: Wednesdays at 8:30PM

SUNDAYS:

• ⁠  ⁠Africa Magic Family: Sundays at 4.30PM:

Rpt: Tuesdays 3:30PM and Saturdays 3:00PM

• ⁠  ⁠TVC: Sundays at 5.30PM
• ⁠  ⁠NTA2: Sundays at 5.30PM
• ⁠  ⁠Wazobia Max TV

Sunday 5:30pm; Repeat: Tuesdays 3:30pm

• Wazobia TV SUNDAY 5:30PM; Repeat: TUESDAY 6:30PM

Follow the live updates @cookingwithgamechangers on Instagram and on YouTube @B2G Network

Join the conversation with the official hashtags. #CookingwithGameChangers #CookingwithGameChangersNigeria #Season2isHere #TheBattleofIndustryGiants #PremiereCookOff

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The Family Business Summit 2026

Organised by My Family, My Business, in partnership with BusinessDay and PwC, the summit featured keynote addresses, panel sessions, masterclasses, a Deal Room, a succession workshop and the Family Business Leadership Awards 2026 as discussions explored succession planning, family governance, investment strategies, global wealth structuring, women’s leadership, technology and international expansion.

In his welcome address, Oghenevwoke Ighure, Convener of the summit, emphasised the need for family businesses to move beyond founder-dependent structures and establish institutions capable of surviving across generations.

“The success of this year’s summit reinforces our belief that family businesses need more than the determination of their founders to endure; they need the right structures, values and leadership to thrive across generations. Our goal is to create a platform where families can have honest conversations, learn from one another’s experiences and access the knowledge and networks required to build sustainable institutions. Ultimately, succession is not just about transferring ownership; it is about preparing the next generation to lead, preserve the family legacy and create even greater value for the future.”

Frank Aigbogun, Publisher of BusinessDay, Sam Abu, Country Senior Partner, PwC Nigeria and Regional Senior Partner, West Market, and Bolaji Balogun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham delivered keynote addresses, while Esiri Agbeyi, PwC Nigeria Partner and Africa Family Business Leader, presented findings from the PwC Africa Family Business Survey.

Bolaji Balogun, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, addressed the role of patient capital in building businesses that endure.

“Building a family business that endures across generations requires more than reinvesting capital; it demands a clear distinction between family wealth and corporate resources, strong governance, integrity and a relentless commitment to excellence,” Balogun said, stressing the importance of capital markets, long-term financing and developing the competence and character of future generations.

Sam Abu, Country Senior Partner, PwC Nigeria speaking on the importance of succession planning in family businesses, said:

“Inheritance is not the same as succession. While inheritance answers the question of ownership, succession goes much further to address who leads the business, how decisions are made, and the principles that guide those decisions. Building a family enterprise that thrives across generations requires deliberate structures and traditions that enable the business to evolve and transition successfully from one generation to the next, without remaining dependent on its founder.”

The summit featured contributions from prominent business leaders and international experts, including Deola Sagoe of The House of Deola, Tomi Otudeko of Honeywell Group, Cosmas Maduka Jnr. of Coscharis Group, Tara Fela-Durotoye, Professor Jeremy Cheung of CUHK Business School and Lansberg Gersick Advisors, and Professor Dominique Turpin of CEIBS Europe. Other contributors included Charity Maduka-McFoy of Coscharis Group, Nene Bejide Founder Blanche Aigle Communications, Foluke Oyeleye of Honeywell Group, Kemi Ojenike of Meristem Family Office, Idowu Thompson of FirstBank, Zipo Lai of Invest Hong Kong, and Claire Machin and Chad Phillips of Suntera Global.

The Family Business Leadership Awards 2026 recognised individuals and enterprises for their contributions to family business leadership, succession, innovation and stewardship. The late Otunba Michael Olasubomi “Subomi” Balogun, CON, received the posthumous Lifetime Achievement in Family Business Leadership Award. Honeywell Group received the Generational Excellence in Family Business Award, while Aminu Nyako of Sebore Farms was named Emerging NextGen Family Business Leader. Quits Aviation Group FZE and Coleman Wires & Cables received the Succession Planning Excellence Award; Toyin Bakare of SAS Textiles and Deola Sagoe of The House of Deola received the Women in Family Business Leadership Award; and Remi and Yinka Morgan of Laterna Ventures were recognised in the Couples in Family Business category. The Anyaegbu Family of Chisco Group was named Entrepreneurial Family of the Year, Coscharis Group received the Emerging Technology Award, and Ambassador Nimi Akinkugbe received the Family Wealth Literacy & Stewardship Champion Award and Special Recognition Award.

The summit concluded on October 17 with a NextGen Mixer at Ilashe Beach Resort, Lagos, bringing together emerging family business leaders to strengthen connections and reflect on the future of family enterprise. The summit was sponsored and supported by Suntera Global, Diya Fatimilehin & Co., Meristem Family Office, FirstBank, Jewellery Banc, HGL, SAS Textiles, Adenia, Capital Advisors, Mauritius Commercial Bank (MCB), Starzs, Bemil Security, Daily Need Group, Radix, Iron and The Glenlivet. Blanche Aigle Communications served as PR partner, Invest Hong Kong Family Office as strategic partner, CEIBS as academic partner, and PwC as knowledge partner.

Sponsored Content

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The lead cast of ‘The Covenant Part 2’ featured on the official movie poster ahead of its release on Netflix and Kava TV.

If you watched the first season of The Covenant, you probably still have a few questions about that ending. Well, it looks like we’re finally getting some answers. The action-thriller is returning for Part 2, and with everything that happened in the first season, there’s a lot to unpack when the story picks up again.

Following its run on Netflix, creator and executive producer Vincent Okonkwo is bringing the series back for another chapter, this time with South African filmmaker King Shaft directing. And there’s something else to look forward to: the cast is getting bigger, with familiar Nollywood faces joined by actors from South Africa.

Remember Dagogo? He’s getting pulled even deeper into dangerous gang conflicts as the family struggles to hold on to its empire. Between old betrayals, grief, revenge and the fight for control, the problems they faced in Season 1 are far from over. And with new alliances forming, things could get even more complicated.

Sola Sobowale returns as Stella in the official poster for VSL Media’s ‘The Covenant Part 2’, streaming on Netflix and Kava TV.

Sola Sobowale returns as Stella, the family’s formidable matriarch, alongside Gideon Okeke, Uzee Usman, Bimbo Manuel, Segun Arinze, Ivie Okujaye and Tope Olowoniyan. South African actors Vuyo Dabula and Sibusiso Jill are also joining the cast, bringing new characters into a story already filled with family rivalries and dangerous loyalties.

Now, for the date you’ll want to remember. The Covenant Part 2 premieres on Netflix across Africa on 6 November 2026, while viewers outside Africa will be able to watch on Kava TV.

So, if you’ve been waiting to find out what happens after that Season 1 cliffhanger, there’s not much longer to go. Dagogo, Stella and the rest of the family have some unfinished business, and we’ll soon find out how it all plays out.

Watch below

The post Sola Sobowale, Gideon Okeke and More Return for The Covenant Part 2 | Watch Trailer appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

With 200-plus live, work and play apartments, panoramic Atlantic views and an established business and leisure destination at its doorstep, Landmark Africa‘s latest residential development, Landmark Waterview Apartments, is positioning itself as a
compelling addition to Lagos’ premium property market. The main value proposition is “convenience living”.

Lagos has no shortage of ambitious residential developments. Across Victoria Island, Ikoyi and the Lekki corridor, new towers continue to reshape the city’s skyline, competing for the attention of homeowners and investors. Yet, as the premium property market becomes increasingly competitive, the question for developers is no longer simply how high they can build but what lasting value they can offer beyond the apartment itself.

For Landmark Africa, the answer lies in a business model it has spent nearly three decades developing.

With Landmark Waterview Apartments, the company is bringing residential ownership into one of Lagos’ most established business, leisure, and lifestyle destinations, combining contemporary homes with the commercial activity, hospitality infrastructure, and recreational experiences that have become synonymous with the Landmark brand.

The 20-storey development, situated within Landmark Lagos ecosystem in Victoria Island, has apartments overlooking the Atlantic coastline and Lagos skyline. Approximately 40% of the apartments have already been sold, reflecting early market interest in a project that seeks to offer more than conventional apartment ownership.

From Commercial Real Estate to Destination Development

Landmark Africa’s journey began in 1997 with serviced offices, long before the concept of integrated lifestyle destinations became a prominent feature of Nigeria’s real estate market.

Over the years, the company expanded into commercial property, mixed-use developments featuring hospitality, tourism, entertainment, and leisure components, developing a portfolio that reflects an increasingly diversified approach to real estate.

Its flagship Landmark Lagos destination became one of the most visible expressions of that strategy.

By bringing together corporate offices, event facilities, restaurants, hospitality, retail, andrecreational attractions, the company helped establish a destination that attracted more than four million visitors annually at its peak.

The significance of that achievement extends beyond visitor numbers. It demonstrated Landmark’s ability to create and sustain commercial activity by attracting businesses and consumers to a shared destination.

Waterview represents an important next step in that evolution: introducing residential ownership into an environment that has already established its commercial and lifestyle appeal.

For buyers, this means investing in a property connected to an existing destination rather than relying solely on the promise of future neighbourhood development.

A Waterfront Address with a Distinctive Proposition

A major attraction of Landmark Waterview Apartments is its position within Victoria Island, one of Lagos’ principal centres for business, hospitality and high-value residential property.

The development offers city, mixed and ocean views, with selected corner apartments designed to provide expansive outlooks, additional natural light and generous living spaces.

Its design also incorporates two dedicated leisure floors, with facilities including an infinity swimming pool, gym, spa, children’s recreational areas, games room and outdoor lounges. Smart-home technology, concierge services and controlled access are intended to support residents’ convenience and security.

An important part of the wider development vision is the proposed artificial beachfront and canal experience, which would introduce a distinctive recreational feature to the residential offering.

The ambition is to combine the appeal of coastal living with a broad range of private amenities and access to established leisure and hospitality facilities.

This leisure integration is particularly relevant in Lagos, where proximity to business districts, recreational destinations, and essential services can significantly influence how residents experience the city.

For professionals with demanding schedules, families seeking accessible recreational facilities and buyers who divide their time between Nigeria and other countries, these considerations can be as important as the residences themselves.

The Investment Case: Owning a Home That Can Also Work as an Asset

Landmark Waterview’s investment appeal extends beyond its architectural design and location.

The development is being marketed to a diverse range of buyers, including Nigerian professionals, high-net-worth individuals, diaspora investors and corporate organisations seeking residential accommodation in Victoria Island.

A buyer may acquire an apartment as a primary residence, maintain it as a home for visits to Lagos or explore opportunities within the long-term rental and short-let markets.

For investors seeking a different ownership arrangement, the Landmark Executive Apartments model offers access to a professionally managed hospitality investment structure, subject to its applicable terms.

This range of possibilities underpins the development’s proposition: Own it. Use it. Earn from it.

The concept is particularly relevant to diaspora buyers, who may want to maintain a residential base in Nigeria without leaving the property entirely unused during extended periods abroad.

Corporate buyers may also find value in apartments that can accommodate executives, expatriate employees or visiting personnel within an established commercial district.

Although investment returns remain subject to market conditions, operating costs and occupancy performance, the opportunity to combine personal use with potential income generation broadens the property’s relevance beyond traditional homeownership.
With apartments marketed from approximately US$125,000, subject to availability and pricing changes, Waterview offers several entry points into the development.

From Market Interest to Delivery

Beyond its commercial positioning, Landmark Waterview is entering an important phase in its development.

The 20-storey project has reached its 13th floor, with construction progressing towards a targeted completion date in the fourth quarter of 2027. The current reported sale of approximately 40% of its apartments also provides an indication of buyer interest ahead of completion.

For Landmark Africa, delivering Waterview represents an opportunity to strengthen its position within Lagos’ residential market while expanding an operating model historically associated with commercial property, hospitality and leisure.

A New Chapter in Landmark’s Lagos Story

Nearly three decades after Landmark Africa began operations, Waterview reflects how far the company’s development strategy has evolved.

From serviced offices to major commercial and leisure destinations, its growth has been shaped by an ability to identify opportunities and develop properties that respond to changing patterns of business and consumer demand.

Waterview carries that thinking into residential real estate, with a development that combines the appeal of an Atlantic-facing address, the Landmark ecosystem. Contemporary residential facilities, and investment flexibility. Its longer-term significance
will be measured not only by the addition of 274 apartments to Lagos’ residential market, but by the value delivered to homeowners and investors as the development becomes operational.

For Landmark Africa, it is another opportunity to demonstrate how its experience in business, hospitality, and leisure can be translated into a differentiated residential offering.

For buyers, it presents the prospect of owning a home within a destination that has already become part of Lagos’ commercial and social landscape.

Landmark Waterview Apartments — Your home in the heart of Lagos.

For further information, visit www.landmarkwaterview.com or email waterview@landmarkafrica.com.

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for Landmark

The post Beyond the Skyline: How Landmark Waterview Apartment Is Shaping a New Era of Premium Living in Lagos appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Hey BNers!

Guess who’s off to South Korea? Yours truly!

I’m super excited to share that LG has invited us on a press tour to South Korea, and I honestly can’t wait to see what they have in store for us. From getting an inside look at some of LG’s innovations to visiting its facilities and flagship spaces, this promises to be an exciting opportunity to see a different side of the brand and experience some of the technology that goes into the products we use every day.

Our itinerary will take us from Seoul to Busan, and while I’m looking forward to the LG experience, I’m also secretly hoping there’ll be enough time to explore a little beyond the official schedule. Because, let’s be honest, how does one travel all the way to South Korea and not try to soak in some of its beauty?

And BNers, we need to talk about the K-drama dreams!

If you know me, you know I’m already imagining the beautiful streets, cute cafés, familiar-looking locations, and all those little moments that make you feel like you’ve stepped right into an episode of your favourite Korean drama. Hopefully, I get a little time to wander around, discover some hidden gems, sample Korean food, and take in the culture.

Who knows? I just might get to live out my K-drama princess dreams for a day or two.

And before anyone asks, yes, I am fully prepared to be a little dramatic about it. If I find myself walking down a beautiful Seoul street with the perfect autumn backdrop, please allow me my main-character moment. If there’s a cute café that looks like it belongs in a romance drama, just know that I’m probably stopping for pictures. And if I happen to run into your favourite oppa while I’m out and about? Well, BNers, you’ll be the first to know!

But beyond the K-drama fantasies, I’m genuinely looking forward to experiencing South Korea for myself, seeing its culture up close, discovering new places, and sharing the experience with you all.

So, here’s where you come in!

If you could send me anywhere in South Korea, where would it be? Is there a K-drama filming location you’ve always wanted to see? A Korean dish you think I absolutely must try? A café, shopping district, street, or attraction that deserves a spot on my itinerary?

So, stay glued to BellaNaija because we’re taking this trip together. And who knows? You might just get to experience a little bit of South Korea through my eyes.

Seoul, Busan, K-drama dreams, and LG adventures? I’m ready!

Catch all the deets on the @bellanaija Instagram soon.

Annyeonghaseyo, BNers! See you on the other side.

The post BellaNaija’s Omotunde is Off to South Korea For LG Electronics Press Tour appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Veekee James showcasing her custom wine-red corset dress and gold woven box clutch.

Veekee James at a party? Trust her to come dressed like the celebration has its own red carpet. And when it’s a Nigerian wedding, with good music, beautiful traditional outfits and guests who take their fashion very seriously, you already know she’s going to have some fun with her look.

Yesterday, Afrobeats star Zlatan Ibile, whose real name is Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, and his partner, Davita Omoniyi, celebrated their traditional wedding with family, friends and some familiar faces from the entertainment industry. Among the guests was Nigerian fashion designer Veekee James, who arrived in a gorgeous wine-red and champagne creation from her own fashion label. And between the sculpted corset, the beaded sleeves and that towering gele, there was so much to admire.

Veekee James in a custom wine-red sheer corset dress with metallic sequin detailing and a structured metallic gele.

Let’s start with the dress. Veekee chose a floor-length, figure-hugging design featuring a sheer corset-style bodice covered in vertical rows of wine-red crystals. The sweetheart-inspired neckline extended into a high, embellished collar, while the long sheer sleeves featured rows of burgundy beads. The fitted skirt followed a mermaid silhouette, with sweeping patterns of gold sequins, wine-red embroidery and dusty-rose detailing running down to a subtle train.

Structural details of the sheer corset bodice, crystal neckband, and sequin wave skirt on Veekee James’ wedding guest dress.

And that gele! Veekee went for a tall, fan-pleated design in metallic champagne, giving her look even more height and making the headwrap a fashion moment of its own. She paired it with burgundy drop earrings, a structured gold woven box clutch and soft, neutral makeup that complemented the colours of her outfit.

Styling details of Veekee James’ high-neck crystal collar, sheer corset bodice, and pleated metallic gele.

Of course, Veekee knows her way around a corset. As the founder and creative director of her eponymous fashion label, she’s known for sculpted silhouettes, detailed beadwork and glamorous occasionwear. For Zlatan and Davita’s wedding, she brought those design elements into her own wardrobe, pairing a fitted, heavily embellished dress with a traditional gele.

What we particularly love is how the colours work together. The deep wine-red gives the dress its richness, while the champagne and gold details brighten the overall look. Even with the crystals, beading and high neckline, the accessories have their place, from the matching earrings to the gold clutch.

Veekee James posing alongside her husband Femi Atere at Zlatan Ibile and Davita Omoniyi’s wedding.

And if you’ve been looking for wedding guest inspiration, Veekee’s outfit offers a lovely styling idea: when your dress has this much detail around the neckline, you can leave out the necklace and let your earrings and gele do their thing. With her wine-red corset dress and metallic champagne headwrap, Veekee James gave us another beautiful take on Nigerian wedding guest fashion.

Veekee James with her husband, Femi Atere, attending Zlatan Ibile and Davita Omoniyi’s traditional wedding ceremony. Femi wears an off-white Agbada set with embroidered front details and a matching Fila cap, while Veekee coordinates in a wine-red sheer corset dress and gold clutch bag.

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Photo Credit: Veekee James/Instagram 

The post Veekee James’ Sheer Beaded Bodice Leads Wine-Red Fashion at Zlatan Ibile’s Wedding | See Photos appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Zlatan Ibile and Davita Omoniyi celebrating their Yoruba cultural heritage during their wedding ceremony.

Lemon yellow and mint green? Now that’s a colour combination we can get behind. For their second traditional wedding look, Zlatan Ibile and Davita Omoniyi (Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael) have switched things up, trading their earlier burgundy and ivory outfits for a softer palette that feels right at home at a Yoruba wedding. And if you thought one outfit change was enough for this celebration, you know Nigerian weddings better than that!

Zlatan Ibile and Davita Omoniyi in custom Mazelle Bridal pastel Yoruba traditional attire, styled by Goodnews Emmanuel Icon.

After honouring Davita’s Edo heritage in their first look, the couple are now celebrating Zlatan’s Yoruba roots in coordinated outfits by Mazelle Bridal. Davita wears a custom lemon-yellow gown with a sculpted, corset-style bodice, a sweetheart-inspired neckline and long sleeves with flared cuffs. Mint-green appliqué forms swirling, floral-inspired patterns across the bodice and fitted, floor-length skirt, with gold-toned accents adding extra detail.

Davita Omoniyi showcasing her custom Mazelle Bridal outfit for her Yoruba traditional wedding look.

She completes the look with a large, pleated lemon-yellow gele and matching sheer fabric draped over her arm. A green statement necklace, matching earrings and a mint-green clutch bring the accessories together, while the soft yellow and green palette gives her bridal look a fresh, coordinated finish.

Davita Omoniyi wearing a pleated circular gele and sheer veil for her second traditional wedding outfit change.

Zlatan matches her in a custom mint-green agbada by Mazelle Bridal, featuring subtle embroidery across the chest. He finishes his outfit with a structured fila, layers of white beads and a carved green walking stick that picks up the colour of his attire.

Zlatan Ibile in a custom Mazelle Bridal Agbada set for his Yoruba traditional wedding.

Styled by Goodnews Emmanuel Icon, the couple pose hand in hand against a plum backdrop. Their first look celebrated Davita’s Edo heritage, and this second outfit honours Zlatan’s Yoruba roots, giving their wedding wardrobe two lovely cultural chapters. And with lemon yellow and mint green taking centre stage, this outfit change has given us another reason to keep up with their wedding style.

Davita Omoniyi and Zlatan Ibile posing together in matching pastel Mazelle Bridal attire.

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Photo Credit: Zlatan Ibile/Instagram 

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AI could be a great equaliser, but only if it’s built intentionally to benefit the people who need it most. Credit: Gates Foundation.

During the 2026 ADF-YGL Convening in Lagos, young leaders from across the world, including Africa, gathered at Learn2Earn Academy, an AI talent factory founded by Iyinoluwa Aboyeji. There, the global leaders were introduced to a few students who have been using AI to build solutions for some of the day-to-day challenges that Africans, Nigerians specifically, face. One of them was Anas Masama, who showcased ‘Morrow’, a fintech app that allows offline transfers without internet connectivity.

Anas explained that despite the wide coverage of internet providers in Nigeria, the internet’s strength fluctuates or sometimes goes offline and leaves Nigerians stranded at a point of payment. With AI, he built ‘Morrow’ to solve two problems: 1) The embarrassment that a Nigerian might feel due to bad internet connectivity. 2) Time.

Anas’ invention is an example of the potential opportunities that exist when Africans leverage AI to solve basic issues. While there are concerns about the risks of AI use in Africa, including hallucinations, stereotypical results and many others, it remains one of the fastest-growing technological advancements in recent times. AI continues to grow and become more efficient, and the most urgent task Africans can embark on is to upskill in how to adopt AI for better use, so the continent doesn’t get left behind.

In the 2026 Goalkeepers Report, Bill Gates calls for three actions now that will help AI improve lives and livelihoods for more people in the years ahead: Make AI tools work in every language people speak;  ground AI tools in local data; and invest in people and access in the places and populations they are intended to serve. All three suggestions apply to Africa so it can properly leverage AI to expand opportunities. At present, despite how expansive AI has become, it is built in places far away from Africa. This is why Africans, who have access to local data and speak African languages, should build AI tools that incorporate local data and African languages for better use.

This way, AI has access to specific data of Africans and will allow it to better understand cultural contexts and pragmatics. This will make a great equaliser rather than make things less equal. Of course, Africans still encounter basic challenges like electricity, connectivity, access to phones, and other issues, but those who have access must maximise it greatly to help others.

This year’s Goalkeepers 2026 is centred around this conversation. After hosting engaging and immersive events in the Nordics and New York, Goalkeepers is coming to Dakar on October 29. This event, “Equitable AI and the Future of African Youth”, aims to discuss how AI can create opportunities for Africans across various sectors while also addressing the challenges the continent faces.

What are some of the areas AI can expand opportunities for African youth?

Education

Access to quality education remains one of the core issues facing sub-Saharan Africa. With AI, African youth can gain access to quality education, regardless of where they live. Students can use AI-powered tutors to explain difficult subjects, practise questions, learn new languages and receive feedback based on their performance. Teachers can also use AI to prepare lesson plans and develop learning materials for students with different abilities.

Developed countries like the Netherlands use AI-powered platforms such as Snappet to analyse students’ work and provide exercises suited to their learning levels. UNESCO has also highlighted Rori, an AI tutor that reaches students in Sierra Leone and Ghana through WhatsApp. These examples show how African innovators can develop educational tools that work on mobile phones, use local languages and require less internet data.

For young Africans, this also creates opportunities to build educational technology companies, develop learning applications and provide digital tutoring services to students locally and abroad. Perhaps, instead of travelling thousands of miles to gain degrees from top universities in the world, AI can help bring education to doorsteps in Africa.

Finance and Investment

Financial literacy is one of the major conversations in the modern world. A while back, Fu’ad Lawal shared on X (formerly Twitter) that he asked ChatGPT to pick three stocks in June last year. He wrote in the tweet, “It recommended three companies he knew next to nothing about at the time. Today, they’re up over 200% cumulatively.” This is how AI can help people understand financial information and make more informed decisions

African youth can develop financial tools that help people with irregular incomes manage their money, compare savings products and understand investment opportunities. AI can also help small businesses prepare financial records that make it easier to apply for loans. Although, AI cannot reliably predict every market movement or guarantee investment returns. Its recommendations can be inaccurate or biased, so users must verify information and consider their financial circumstances before investing.

Agriculture

Agriculture remains an important source of livelihood across Africa, but farmers face challenges such as unpredictable weather, pests, poor soil conditions and difficulties accessing markets. AI can help farmers make better decisions by analysing weather forecasts, satellite images, soil conditions and crop diseases.

Africans can create affordable farming applications that send weather alerts, identify crop diseases and connect farmers to buyers. Tools that work through SMS, WhatsApp or offline mobile applications could also help farmers who have limited internet access. These solutions can create opportunities for young people in agritech, agricultural research and food distribution. It even extends to the chain of food distribution.

Other areas of opportunity include employment and skills development. Today, anyone can get into tech and vibe code. Of course, they still need to be taught, but that beginner’s gap has been closed.

Despite these opportunities, the challenges of inaccurate information, bias, privacy concerns, and the possibility that automation could displace some jobs remain a significant concern. Also, limited electricity, expensive internet access and inadequate digital infrastructure may also prevent many African youths from benefiting.

This is why it is important for governments, educational institutions, businesses and technology companies to invest in digital infrastructure, affordable access and AI training.

A 2025 study projected that AI could contribute between 0.4 and 1.3 percentage points to annual labour productivity growth over the next decade in highly exposed economies such as the United States and the United Kingdom, depending on adoption and other assumptions. While these projections do not guarantee similar outcomes for Africa, they demonstrate why readiness and adoption matter, which is why Goalkeepers Dakar 2026 is momentous.

As AI continues to rapidly develop and expand, African youth cannot afford to be left behind.

The post How AI Can Expand Opportunities for African Youth – Discussions to Expect at Goalkeepers 2026 Dakar appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Shoday, Zlatan Ibile, and Davido performing Nakupenda live on stage during their London concert setup. Photo Credit: Davido/Instagram 

“Oh my God, what is this? (What is what?)”

You already know what comes next. We’re taking you straight to London, where Davido, Zlatan and Shoday had an entire arena singing along to “Nakupenda”. And judging by the crowd, nobody needed convincing to join in. Phones were up, voices were loud, and thousands of fans were enjoying every moment of the performance.

There’s something so lovely about watching a song travel from our speakers to a stage thousands of miles away, with a crowd singing every word right back to the artistes. That’s exactly what happened when Davido and Zlatan performed “Nakupenda” alongside Shoday, giving the London audience a performance filled with music, dancing and some very happy fans.

Davido took to the stage in a white tank top and green trousers, moving across the platform as the audience sang along. Zlatan joined him in a tactical vest and red trousers, bringing his familiar dance moves into the mix. With dancers adding to the performance and the crowd responding to every verse, there was hardly a moment when the arena wasn’t buzzing.

And can we talk about those phone flashlights? Seeing thousands of them raised across the arena while everyone sang together was such a beautiful sight. It’s one thing to enjoy “Nakupenda” through your headphones, but hearing an entire crowd sing it back to Davido, Zlatan and Shoday is a whole different experience.

Watch Davido, Zlatan and Shoday perform “Nakupenda” live in London below.

The post Davido, Zlatan & Shoday Turn Their “Nakupenda” Performance Into a London Sing-Along appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

The global design world just got a major dose of Lagos energy! In a historic moment for the African creative scene, the world-renowned Salone del Mobile. Milano officially touched down in Nigeria for the very first time during Design Week Lagos 2026.

Held at the iconic National Theatre, the high-profile gathering brought together international design heavyweights, top Nigerian architects, interior designers, business leaders, and cultural icons for an unforgettable exchange of ideas and inspiration.

Leading the Italian delegation were Marco Sabetta, General Manager, Salone del Mobile and the legendary Marva Griffin Wilshire, Founder & Curator, SaloneSatellite. The strategic visit highlights Nigeria’s booming demand for luxury design and luxury living, with demand for Italian craftsmanship reaching record highs across the continent.

Honors & Cultural Magic

A major highlight of the week was the inaugural IDEA Honours, where Marva Griffin Wilshire received the Architectural Legacy Honour—complete with a breathtaking custom award plaque crafted by iconic Nigerian master Demas Nwoko, MFR. Also celebrated were visionary architect Lesley Lokko and celebrated artist Yinka Shonibare CBE.

“Being here in Lagos today allowed us to discover remarkable new African talent and build the conditions that will help young designers forge their paths globally,” shared an inspired Marva Griffin Wilshire.

Making a New Africa From guided exhibition tours to rich panel sessions focused on this year’s theme, Making a New Africa: From Material to Market, the atmosphere was charged with ambition and creativity.

Design Week Lagos founder Titi Ogufere emphasized that Africa’s rich materials, heritage, and creative talent are ready to drive global industrial growth.

With Design Week Lagos running through October 25th, the city has firmly cemented its status as Africa’s ultimate capital for design, innovation, and style. Next stop? Milan for the 65th edition of Salone del Mobile in April 2027!

Sponsored Content

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Zlatan Ibile and Davita Omoniyi holding hands during their Edo traditional wedding, styled by Goodnews Emmanuel Icon.

What a beautiful day for love! Zlatan Ibile and Davita Omoniyi are celebrating their traditional wedding today, and we’re starting the day with their beautiful first look. The Afrobeats star and his bride-to-be have chosen to honour Davita’s Edo heritage with coordinated traditional wedding attire, from her richly embellished burgundy gown to his regal ivory outfit. And there’s so much to love about the details.

For their first appearance, Zlatan, whose real name is Omoniyi Temidayo Raphael, and Davita chose to honour her Edo heritage. And what better way to celebrate love than by showing up in outfits that tell a beautiful story about where you come from?

Zlatan Ibile kissing Davita Omoniyi’s hand in their custom Edo cultural attire, styled by Goodnews Emmanuel Icon.

Davita looked every inch the Edo bride in a custom burgundy gown by Dova Bridals. The corseted mermaid design featured a curved sweetheart neckline, sheer long sleeves and a sweeping side train. Red crystal beads formed beautiful lattice patterns across the gown, while her traditional Okuku braided crown and layers of coral necklaces completed the look. She also carried a black horsehair fly whisk, with a sheer crimson veil draped over her crown.

Davita Omoniyi as an Edo bride seated on a carved throne in a custom Dova Bridals gown.

And Zlatan? The groom was every bit as regal beside his bride. He wore a custom cream robe by Deji & Kola, topped with a textured ivory coat featuring hand-stitched red beadwork along the shoulders and hem. The red details tied his outfit beautifully to Davita’s, while layers of coral beads, an ivory ceremonial cap and a carved wooden staff completed his traditional look.

Zlatan Ibile wearing a custom Deji & Kola cream robe and layered coral beads for his traditional wedding.

Styled by Goodnews Emmanuel Icon, the couple posed against a warm ombré backdrop, with Zlatan seated on a carved gold throne beneath a tasseled umbrella. Between the coordinated outfits, the traditional accessories and the beautiful celebration of Davita’s Edo roots, their first wedding look is one we’ll be admiring for a while.

Zlatan Ibile seated on a ceremonial throne beside Davita Omoniyi for their traditional wedding feature.

Caption: Davita Omoniyi wearing a red sheer veil over her traditional Okuku crown for her wedding look.

Davita Omoniyi in a burgundy Dova Bridals gown walking with Zlatan Ibile in a Deji & Kola outfit.

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Photo Credit: Zlatan Ibile/Instagram 

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The Forum of Women in Film and Television Nigeria (FWIFT) will host its upcoming national convention on Thursday, October 29, 2026, at the historic Glover Memorial Hall in Lagos. Running from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the event centers on the theme “One Industry, Many Voices: We Build Together.“

The gathering will unite women across film, television, radio, advertising, and digital media to connect, share insights, and create agency for one another across sectors.

Art cultural expert and curator Mrs. Sandra Mbanefo Obiago will deliver the keynote address. The program features interactive panel discussions, break-out sessions, speed networking, and a fireside chat titled “The Cross Over: A Career Beyond Borders.”
Featured speakers and panellists joining the conversation include media executive Kadaria Ahmed, filmmaker Biodun Stephens, media personality Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, executive director Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, and Esosa Osagiede.

Register Here.

“Our goal is to build an interconnected media ecosystem where women across screen, broadcast, and digital platforms can pool resources and create collective momentum,” said FWIFT leadership. “By bringing together diverse practitioners under one roof, we are establishing practical pathways for cross-industry growth, mentorship, and cross-border careers that elevate African storytelling on the global stage.“

Event Details:

• Event: FWIFT Annual Convention 2026
• Theme: One Industry, Many Voices: We Build Together
• Date: Thursday, October 29, 2026
• Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM WAT
• Venue: The Glover Memorial Hall, 4 Customs Street, Lagos
• Keynote Speaker:  Sandra Mbanefo Obiago
• Featured Speakers: Kadaria Ahmed, Biodun Stephens, Gbemi Olateru-Olagbegi, Rosemary Egabor-Afolahan, Esosa Osagiede
• Admission: Free (Compulsory Online Registration)
• Registration link: https://forms.gle/qSp31foLEHvHQckMA
• Sponsor: African Women’s Development Fund: The convention is supported by the African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF)

About FWIFT Nigeria

The Forum of Women in Film and Television Nigeria (FWIFT) is a professional organization dedicated to empowering Nigerian women in screen-based, audio, and digital media through advocacy, skill acquisition, mentorship, and strategic networking.

Media Contact:

Forum of Women in Film and Television Nigeria (FWIFT) Email: fwiftnigeria@gmail.com and the Website .

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for FWIFT Nigeria

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Yemi Alade wears a gold-embroidered black abaya in her “Alhaja” music video.

We love how Yemi Alade gives us something new to talk about with each music video. If she isn’t channelling a photographer who could give Don Jazzy a run for his money, she’s stepping into the shoes of an Alhaja who clearly has money to spend, and she’s having a great time doing it.

In the official music video for “Alhaja”, a standout track from her latest album, It’s Yemi Alade, the Afropop star leans into rich cultural aesthetics, striking outfits and scenes that feel like a celebration of success. Directed by Clarence Peters, the video plays with neon lighting, atmospheric torchlight and a cast that knows how to make an entrance.

Yemi Alade holds a stack of cash in a scene from her “Alhaja” music video.

Yemi has a wardrobe change for every mood, too. In one scene, she appears in a traditional red outfit, complete with a structured headwrap and layers of coral beads. Then comes a black-and-gold embroidered abaya, paired with bold gold hand jewellery and ornate rings. She’s giving us an Alhaja who knows exactly what she’s worth, and the styling makes sure we don’t miss it.

Yemi Alade holds a stack of cash in a scene from her “Alhaja” music video.

The details around her are just as fun. Vintage cars set the scene, traditional drums bring in the cultural touches, and cast members count cash beneath warm lanterns. It all adds to the video’s celebration of identity, prosperity and personal achievement, with Yemi right at the centre of it.

With “Alhaja”, Yemi Alade gives us another music video with a distinct visual world, memorable styling and plenty of personality. And really, would we expect anything less?

Watch the video below

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Photo Credit: Yemi Alade/Instagram

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Mother and children preparing food in a bright, cosy kitchen setting. Credit: RDNE Stock Project/Pexels.

Fadekemi was six when she first felt the sting of splattered hot oil on her skin. She recalls her mother’s stern voice instructing her on how to make stew the way her father liked it. Fifty-one years and thousands of stew pots later, Fadekemi still wonders if that’s all she was made to do.

In different parts of Nigeria today, there are millions of women like Fadekemi, each spending at least 5 hours daily on unpaid care and domestic work. Although Nigerians rarely pay women for care and domestic duties, research shows that it is real work with an annual economic value of up to $111 billion.

How Women Carry Nigeria’s Unpaid Labour

According to the Nigeria Time Use Survey (NTUS) 2024 report, the average Nigerian woman spends 21% of her day on unpaid domestic and care work; this equals 5 extra hours, while men spend just one hour on unpaid work. This means that after spending 8 hours at work, she spends another 5 hours doing childcare and household work, making it a double shift. Yet when you look at the economic drivers of Nigeria’s economy, her time or work does not count; it is seen as a woman’s work.

This inequality is seen as invisible labour. We see it show up in different phases of women’s lives, yet we still miss how heavy an unequal burden this is. Right from when a girl is 13, she becomes an unpaid labourer, doing domestic chores, taking care of siblings, yet these contributions are seen as nothing to Nigeria’s GDP.

For Fadekemi, this unpaid labour started at six, continued into her teenage years, where she became a caregiver for her siblings, extended into motherhood, and now, as a grandmother, she continues to be a caregiver for her grandchildren because even traditions like Omugwo exclude men from care duties.

Behind those hours of unpaid labour is a missed opportunity for the country’s GDP growth.

What Happens When Care Is Shared?

In a 2026 study published in BMC Paediatrics, over 64% of women said they were the primary caregivers of their newborn children. In some cases, this is a result of traditional belief systems that reinforce gender roles and assign domestic duties to women. In other cases, it is a systemic failure caused by policies that reinforce gender inequality. In Nigeria, for example, mothers are entitled to maternity leave with 50% pay, while only fathers in the civil service are entitled to 14 days of paternity leave. 

So what happens to private sector fathers? The national policy designs them to be absent fathers from day one and reinforces the narrative that their sole role is to be a provider and presence doesn’t matter.

Experts have highlighted that cutting a new mother’s salary by 50% while excluding most fathers from paid leave reinforces the belief that a man’s primary duty is to be a financial provider and makes it harder for them to be present. And when that happens, care once again becomes the woman’s job.

According to Nigeria’s proposed National Care Policy, when care duties are shared, the entire country benefits. Care moves from an unpaid, largely invisible responsibility to a thriving economic sector that creates jobs, supports businesses, strengthens national productivity, and enables millions of women to participate more fully in the labour market. Recognising the value of care work drives employment of 1.7 million mothers and could add $111 billion to the economy, 8 times more than the oil sector.

This invisible labour has a price tag, and even though it appears that Nigerian women are the only ones who bear the cost, the entire country pays for it. When one segment of the population is unable to fully participate in the labour market, growth stalls for everyone.

If you’d like to provide input on the draft of the National Care Policy, please do so at nigeriacarepolicy.org.

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Dede celebrates her 25th birthday in a draped butter yellow chiffon set.

Butter yellow on melanin is already a winning combination, but Big Brother Naija Season 10 star Dede is taking it somewhere much more fabulous.

Celebrating her birthday on 23 October 2026, the content creator, whose full name is Ashiogwu Precious, has gifted us a set of Renaissance-inspired portraits that could easily pass for paintings in a grand old gallery. And the outfit at the centre of it all? A custom butter-yellow two-piece that makes a very good case for giving this pretty shade a spot in your wardrobe.

Dede wears a custom butter yellow gathering bandeau top and low-rise train skirt by Precious Phillips.

Dede handled the creative direction herself, working with designer Precious Phillips on a gathered bandeau top and a low-rise maxi skirt that follows her figure before spilling into a floor-sweeping train. The colour is gorgeous against her skin, and that dramatic silhouette gives the look a regal, almost otherworldly quality without feeling stuck in another century.

Of course, the beauty look had to keep up. Yellow feathers frame her eyes, a thick side-braided ponytail sweeps through her hair, and her glowing makeup ties everything together. Add a golden hand mirror and a moody, canvas-style backdrop, and you have birthday portraits that look as though they were dreamed up in an artist’s studio.

Dede poses with a golden handheld mirror in her self-styled Renaissance birthday shoot.

The best part is that you don’t need a Renaissance-inspired photoshoot to take a little inspiration from Dede. Butter yellow works beautifully in flowing chiffon, sheer mesh and other lightweight fabrics, whether you’re dressing for a birthday dinner or simply want to try something new. Gold jewellery complements the shade beautifully, while pared-back accessories give statement silhouettes and playful eye makeup room to shine.

Dede complements her birthday look with soft yellow feather eye flourishes and gold leaf drop earrings.

Dede may have given butter yellow the full birthday-treatment treatment, but the takeaway is simple: this shade deserves a place in your fashion rotation.

Ashiogwu Precious (Dede) marks her 25th birthday in a butter yellow two-piece set by Precious Phillips.

Ashiogwu Precious (Dede) seated beside warm floral accents in her custom Precious Phillips birthday outfit.

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Photo Credit: Ashiogwu Precious/Instagram

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Janelle Monáe wears a custom blue sequined Robert Wun gown at the 2026 Academy Museum Gala.

Butterfly in a dress? Janelle Monáe says bring it on!

We’ve seen butterflies inspire jewellery, hair accessories and even prints on dresses, but a giant, three-dimensional butterfly forming the bodice of a gown? Now that’s something worth talking about. And who better to wear it than the acclaimed singer, songwriter, and actress Janelle Monáe, who has never been afraid to have a little fun with fashion?

For the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala, held on 17 October 2026 in Los Angeles, the singer and actress known for her memorable roles in Hidden Figures, Moonlight, and Glass Onion, stepped onto the red carpet in a Robert Wun creation that looked like a butterfly had spread its wings right across her chest.

The gown, from the designer’s Fall 2026 Couture collection, featured a fitted mermaid silhouette covered in sequins that moved from rich blue to black. But the real attraction was that enormous three-dimensional butterfly bodice, with its wings extending across her upper body.

Janelle Monáe attends the 2026 Academy Museum Gala in a custom Robert Wun mermaid dress.

And Janelle wasn’t about to let the butterfly theme end with the dress. Styled by Alexandra Mandelkorn, she paired the gown with sheer opera-length gloves, metallic blue stiletto nails and a soft pixie cut finished with a little butterfly hair clip. Even the smallest details played along with the look, without competing with that spectacular bodice.

Janelle Monáe in custom Robert Wun Couture at the 6th Annual Academy Museum Gala.

Now, if you’re wondering how to borrow a little inspiration from this look without wearing an enormous butterfly to your next event, there’s something to learn from Janelle’s styling. When your outfit already has a striking feature, you can afford to keep everything else simple. Skip the heavy necklaces, let the shape of the dress do its thing and choose accessories that complement its colours.

And those shades of blue are worth experimenting with, too. Cobalt, navy and other rich jewel tones can look beautiful together, especially when you carry a little of the colour into your makeup or accessories. Janelle’s look might be straight from the couture runway, but the styling ideas are ones you can have fun with in your own wardrobe.

Janelle Monáe showcases the three-dimensional butterfly bodice of her Robert Wun Fall 2026 Couture gown.

Janelle Monáe wearing blue eye makeup and metallic nails to match her Robert Wun butterfly gown.

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Photo Credit: Janelle Monáe/Instagram 

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Tanqueray brought its signature spirit of creativity and craftsmanship to Lagos Cocktail Week 2026, inviting consumers to experience cocktail culture in a fresh and immersive way.

At the heart of the experience was a vibrant citrus-inspired cocktail journey that encouraged guests to explore flavour, creativity, and personal expression.

Consumers had the opportunity to craft their own Tanqueray cocktails, experimenting with a variety of garnishes, mixers, and flavour combinations to create serves tailored to their individual tastes.

From bright citrus notes to bold flavour pairings, the experience celebrated the artistry behind great cocktails while making mixology approachable, engaging, and memorable.

Beyond enjoying expertly crafted serves, guests were invited to personalize their experience by creating bespoke cocktail recipe cards featuring their chosen ingredients and serves. These take-home keepsakes allowed consumers to recreate their favourite Tanqueray cocktails long after the event had ended.

Throughout Lagos Cocktail Week, the Tanqueray booth became a destination for cocktail enthusiasts looking to discover new flavour profiles, learn more about the craft of mixology, and connect with fellow cocktail lovers in a vibrant and stylish setting.

The partnership underscored Tanqueray’s commitment to championing premium cocktail culture in Nigeria while creating memorable experiences that bring people together through exceptional cocktails and meaningful
moments.

Drink Responsibly. Not for persons under the legal purchase age.

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for Tanqueray

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The Adekunle Gold Foundation (AG Foundation), in partnership with Pesa, has launched We’re Not Done: AG Foundation Sickle Cell Impact Initiative, a new programme designed to strengthen organisations providing critical support to people living with sickle cell disease.

Launching with a $20,000 commitment from Pesa, the initiative will provide funding to selected sickle cell organisations, helping them expand their work across healthcare access, patient support, education, awareness and advocacy.

For its inaugural cycle, We’re Not Done will support AG Foundation’s work alongside the following 4 beneficiaries, Sickle Cell Advocacy Management Initiative (NIGERIA), Not Just You (CANADA), Sickle Life (GHANA), It Takes A Village (UK) recognizing the important work each organisation is already doing within the sickle cell community. The funding will enable the organisations to strengthen existing programmes, expand their reach and deepen their impact.

For Adekunle Gold, who has lived openly with sickle cell disease and used his platform to advocate for the community, We’re Not Done represents a commitment to supporting the organisations already doing vital work on the ground.

“We’re Not Done is about turning awareness into action. There are incredible organisations working every day to improve the lives of people living with sickle cell, and together with Pesa, we want to give them more resources to do that work and reach even more people.” Adekunle Gold said.

Pesa joins the initiative as its programme partner, supporting both the launch and first cycle of impact.

“Sickle cell affects many people in the Nigerian and wider Black communities we serve. These are our friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Adekunle Gold has shown how a personal connection to an issue can become a force for meaningful change, and we’re proud to support the launch of We’re Not Done, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and supporting the sickle cell community. Through our partnership with the AG Foundation and the other participating foundations, we hope to go beyond awareness and contribute to meaningful, tangible support for individuals and families affected by sickle cell,” said Tosin Olaniyi (Head, Global Growth & Marketing, Pesa)

Through We’re Not Done, AG Foundation, with the support of Pesa, aims to build a platform that combines funding, advocacy and visibility to strengthen the wider sickle cell ecosystem and create measurable, lasting impact. Because for the sickle cell community, we’re not done.

About Adekunle Gold Foundation

Adekunle Gold Foundation was founded in 2023 by singer/songwriter Adekunle Gold. The foundation is committed to improving the lives of those living with sickle cell disease through healthcare access, advocacy, and awareness. 

Adekunlegoldfoundation.com

Instagram: Adekunlegoldfoundation

Email: info@adekunlegoldfoundation.com

About Pesa

Pesa is a global financial platform making it easier for people and businesses to move, manage and use money across borders. Through its intuitive platform, customers can send money internationally, convert and hold multiple currencies, and access other financial products designed for lives and businesses that span countries.

Headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario, Pesa operates across Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, Nigeria and select European markets, enabling customers to send money to 40+ countries worldwide. Pesa operates through regulated entities and holds the relevant licences and registrations required to provide its services across key markets, including Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia. With a focus on security, reliability and a seamless customer experience, Pesa is building an ecosystem that makes moving and managing money across borders simpler.

Sponsored Content

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You can read Dara’s story here while reading the stories behind his selected photographs.

Hello Dara, we hope you’re well. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. You have selected three photographs to tell us the stories behind. Why these photos?

Thank you for having me. The photos I selected are Planthopper Nymph, Silkworm Moth and Leafhopper Infected by Metarhizium Fungus. I selected them because they all have something in common: Costa Rica. They were all shot in Costa Rica. Let me share the story behind each, and you will get a proper picture.

Silkworm Moth

Silkworm Moth by Nigerian macro photographer Dara Ojo.

I photographed this beautiful silkworm moth in Costa Rica while filming the PBS documentary Bugs That Rule the World. What I love about moths is how often people underestimate them. Many assume they’re dull, but when you get close enough, you discover incredible colours, patterns and textures.

This particular moth was a wonderful example of that hidden beauty. Being able to document creatures like this while working on a wildlife documentary was a special experience, and it’s a reminder of how much of nature’s beauty we overlook simply because we don’t stop to look closely.

Leafhopper Infected by Metarhizium Fungus

Leafhopper overtaken by Fungi. Photo by Dara Ojo.

This is probably one of the strangest things I’ve photographed in nature. I came across this leafhopper in Costa Rica, and a parasitic fungus called Metarhizium had completely overtaken its body.

The fungus infects insects, grows inside their bodies and eventually kills them. Under suitable conditions, it then grows out of the insect’s body and produces spores that can infect other insects.

It’s fascinating and a little unsettling. If you’ve watched The Last of Us, you’ll probably recognise the inspiration behind the show’s fictional fungal infection, although the fungi involved are different.

What makes this photograph so remarkable to me is that it almost looks like something from a science fiction movie, yet it’s a real interaction happening in nature. Sometimes, the natural world is far stranger than anything we could imagine.

Planthopper Nymph

Planthopper nymph by Nigerian macro photographer Dara Ojo.

This is one of the trickiest little creatures I’ve ever photographed. It’s a planthopper nymph, a tiny insect with beautiful, waxy strands extending from the back of its body.

Finding one is difficult enough because they’re incredibly small, but getting a good photograph is another challenge entirely. They have a habit of turning away whenever you try to photograph them, almost as though they’re deliberately avoiding the camera.

You have to be patient and strategic with your movements because one wrong move and they’re gone. It took quite a bit of persistence, but moments like this are exactly why I love macro photography.

Thank you for sharing these stories with us, Dara

Thank you again for having me.

_

Dara Ojo’s Tiny Titans: The Silent Keepers of Our Ecosystem will be published on November 10, 2026, and will be available internationally. It will have public book launches in Edmonton on November 25 and Toronto on December 2, with additional events being explored for New York in March 2027 and Vancouver in April 2027. You can pre-order the book here.

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Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru has passed away at the age of 57. Photo Credit: Francis Duru/Instagram

The Nigerian film industry has been thrown into mourning following the sad passing of veteran Nollywood actor, director,and academic, Francis Duru.

The respected movie star passed away at the age of 57 following a brief illness, leaving behind a incredible legacy that spans over three decades of memorable performances across television and cinema.

Sharing the heartbreaking news with fans and well-wishers on his official Instagram page, his family released a moving statement:

We, the family of Francis Duru, regret to announce his passing following a brief illness. We appreciate your prayers, love, and understanding. May his soul rest in perfect peace. Amen.

A true pioneer of modern Nollywood, Francis Duru made his screen debut back in 1989 in the feature Missing Mark, before shooting to nationwide fame for his unforgettable portrayal of Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s 1995 classic Rattlesnake. Over the years, he cemented his status as a household name with stellar roles in acclaimed movies such as Blood Money, Mama Sunday, Total Control, Home in Exile, Mboputa, and Stigma.

Beyond his stellar career in front of the camera, Duru was a dedicated academic holding a degree in Theatre Arts from the University of Port Harcourt, and a passionate advocate who served as a United Nations Ambassador of Peace and as interim President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN).

Francis Duru is survived by his loving wife, Adokiye Duru, whom he married in 2003, and their children

The post Veteran Nollywood Actor Francis Duru Passes Away at 57 | Read Family Statement appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Naomi Ackie

Naomi Ackie has been delivering some serious fashion moments lately, and her appearance at the Schiaparelli show during Paris Fashion Week is another one for the books.

The British-Grenadian actress wore a striking black, single-sleeved gown that perfectly captured the house’s surrealist sensibility. Thousands of finely worked pleats created an almost liquid effect, hugging her figure before falling into a dramatic thigh-high slit. But what really makes this look special is the exaggerated sleeve, which gives the otherwise sleek silhouette an architectural quality.

Naomi has worn the brand a few times, and we love how she always embraces the brand’s aesthetic without letting it overwhelm her. The sculptural statement earrings and signature face-motif clutch brought just the right amount of the house’s eccentricity, while her slicked-back ponytail kept the overall look sharp and modern.

Naomi Ackie

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Nicky Yates (@nicky_yates)

Credits

• Styled by Nicky Yates
• Naomi Ackie in  @schiaparelli
• Photography by Tom Newton @tomtakesphotos
• Hair by James Catalano @jamescatalanohair 
• Makeup by Kenneth Soh @kennethsohmakeup 

The post Naomi Ackie Was Anything but Basic in Sculptural Schiaparelli at Paris Fashion Week appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Reigning African beauty queens Jihan Mohin Dimack, Mitchelle Daka, and Tamunosoye Karibi-George.

What a year it’s been for African beauty queens. From Nigeria to Tanzania and Uganda, women across the continent are making their mark in pageantry, winning international titles, taking on national crowns and preparing to represent their countries on some of the world’s biggest stages.

And there’s so much to know about the women behind these crowns. We’re talking about a medical doctor championing women’s health, a laboratory scientist making history internationally, and advocates using their platforms to support causes they care about.

So if you love keeping up with the continent’s brightest trailblazers, these five reigning beauty queens definitely need to be on your radar.

Osele Iruomachukwu:  Miss Continental World 2026

Osele officially made history by claiming the inaugural title of Miss Continental World 2026 in Ayutthaya, Thailand. When she isn’t serving pure editorial elegance on international runways, she is busy putting her medical laboratory science degree and entrepreneurial background to work. Bringing home a major global win, she is representing Nigeria with serious pride and showing the world what true excellence looks like on the world stage.

Osele Iruomachukwu after winning the inaugural Miss Continental World 2026 title in Thailand. Photo Credit: Osele Iruomachukwu/Instagram 

Jihan Mohin Dimack: Miss Grand International 2026

Tanzania’s very own Jihan Mohin Dimack completely took the international pageantry scene by storm at the coronation in Bangkok, Thailand, making history as the first African woman to win the coveted Miss Grand International 2026 crown. Combining striking runway charm with a fierce passion for peace advocacy and global humanitarian work, Jihan has captured the hearts of audiences across multiple continents.

Jihan Mohin Dimack celebrating her historic win as Miss Grand International 2026 in Bangkok, Thailand. Photo Credit: Jihan Mohin Dimack/Instagram 

Mitchelle Daka: Miss Universe Uganda 2026

Crowned Miss Universe Uganda 2026, Mitchelle Daka is carrying her country’s hopes straight to the global stage as she prepares to represent Uganda at the 75th Miss Universe competition in Puerto Rico. An international model and businesswoman, Mitchelle is all about breaking boundaries and using her platform to advocate for mental health awareness while encouraging young people to chase their dreams no matter what stands in their way.

Mitchelle Daka representing Uganda as Miss Universe Uganda 2026. Photo Credit: Mitchelle Daka/Instagram 

Danielle Adewusi: Miss Universe Nigeria 2026

If her face looks familiar, it’s because Danielle Adewusi is not just a powerhouse beauty queen—she’s a qualified medical doctor who graduated from King’s College London. Taking home the Miss Universe Nigeria 2026 crown, Danielle is stepping up to fly the Nigerian flag high at the upcoming global Miss Universe pageant, all while championing women’s health through her inspiring social initiatives.

Dr Danielle Adewusi crowned as Miss Universe Nigeria 2026. Photo Credit: Danielle Adewusi/Instagram

Tamunosoye Karibi-George: Miss World Nigeria 2026

Exuding pure grace, Tamunosoye Karibi-George captured the crown as Miss World Nigeria 2026. Representing Bayelsa State, this brilliant communicator took her stellar presence to the international scene when she represented Nigeria at the 75th Anniversary Edition of the Miss World Festival held in Vietnam. Alongside her pageant milestones, she has been putting her heart into her “Beauty with a Purpose” advocacy initiative, focusing on inclusion, dignity, and grassroots empowerment for children with special needs.

Tamunosoye Karibi-George wearing her Miss World Nigeria 2026 crown and gown. Photo Credit: Tamunosoye Karibi-George/Instagram 

The post From Nigeria to Tanzania, Meet 5 African Beauty Queens to Know in 2026 appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Autographed polaroid photo of Cardi B at the NPR Music office for her Tiny Desk Concert set. Photo Credit: NPR Music/Instagram

If you thought you knew what a Cardi B live set looked like, think again. The rap superstar recently stepped into the NPR Music office for her debut Tiny Desk Concert, and the atmosphere was nothing short of electric.

Word got out fast, drawing one of the biggest crowds the office has ever seen as people from all walks of life lined up to watch hip-hop’s most unfiltered star take over the iconic workspace. Dressed sharply in leather trousers and a power blazer, Cardi brought a refreshingly humble and humorous spirit to the desk, delivering a masterclass in stage presence.

Kicking things off with the haunting synths and outright confidence of “Hello,” she immediately set the tone before riding that unstoppable energy into a reimagined version of “ErrTime.” Never one to shy away from versatility, she then shifted gears into deeply personal material, performing the vulnerable “Man of Your Word” and “Be Careful” while keeping her trademark wit and humor intact.

“Change the vibes, change the vibes,” she joked with a smile, before bringing the ultimate party back with “Up,” which slid straight into “AH HA.” To close out the unforgettable set, she treated the packed room to two pivotal anthems from her legendary catalogue: “Bodak Yellow,” the breakout hit that started it all, and the boogaloo-heavy crowd-pleaser “I Like It.”

By the end of the set, Cardi was swinging her hips right along with the ecstatic crowd, leaving the room beaming with gratitude and handing out warm hugs to a few lucky audience members. It is safe to say the Desk has never seen anything quite like it.

Watch below

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Tokunbo Adegoju during an interview with bird story agency at the Automedics workshop in Illepeju, Lagos, July 10, 2026. Photo: Dorcas Bello, bird story agency

Nkechi Okenwa walked into her office, moving instinctively toward the window and pulled the blinds open. Outside, the city was already in motion: cars weaving through traffic, traders arranging their stalls, generators humming faintly in the distance. She paused for a moment and smiled quietly to herself. For Nkechi, energy had never simply been about electricity. It was about movement, opportunity, and the power to transform lives.

Long before she stepped into a university lecture hall, Nkechi said, she had been fascinated by the way a single switch could completely change the atmosphere of a home. Growing up in Nigeria, she watched how electricity brought light into dark rooms and how access to power allowed communities and businesses to function.

“As a teenager choosing the course of study, I had to take on electrical electronics engineering as a course,” she recalls. “Though I knew it was a male-dominated call, because I never saw any female studying that course… that’s actually how this whole journey started.”

When she finally entered university, the reality of that gender gap became impossible to ignore. In a lecture hall of more than 220 engineering students, only 12 were women — barely five percent of the class. The imbalance was intimidating, but it also planted the seed for a bigger mission.

Tokunbo Adegoju during her radio show at the Eko FM in LTV premises 1, lateef Jakande way , Agidingbi ikeja, Lagos, July 9, 2026. Photo: Dorcas Bello, bird story agency

“I said there has to be a way to, you know, get women inclusive.”

“I understand the challenges that come with a female being in this male-dominated industry, but when I look at myself and I can remember how I was able to go through, the challenges, my persistence, and all of that, I told myself it’s possible that so many other women too have aspirations to make a difference in their world and can also do this, so it made me start thinking of starting this organisation.”

Years later, that determination evolved into two major ventures. Today, Nkechi serves as the CEO of Energy Excell Systems and Solutions and is also the founder of the Women in Energy and Economic Sustainability Initiative (WEESI), which is dedicated to integrating women into every level of the renewable energy sector.

Tokunbo Adegoju repairing a car at the Automedics workshop in Illepeju, Lagos, July 10, 2026. Photo: Dorcas Bello, bird story agency

Her professional journey did not begin with entrepreneurship. After graduating, she started as a technical staff member at an IT company where she worked with power systems and tools like AutoCAD. Through workshops, conferences, and industry engagements, she became increasingly exposed to the renewable energy sector at a time when Nigeria was slowly beginning to embrace alternative energy solutions.

She later transitioned into a sales executive role before eventually building her own solar installation company.

Established in 2013, Energy Excell Systems and Solutions Limited operates as an indigenous Nigerian renewable energy social enterprise and Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) company. But beyond simply installing solar panels, the company focused heavily on what Nkechi describes as “productive use” energy.

The company provided homes, small businesses, and farming communities with energy-efficient appliances such as solar-powered rice mills, cassava graters, and grinders: tools capable of directly improving livelihoods and local economies.

Tokunbo Adegoju and fellow mechanics discussing with each other at the Automedics workshop in Illepeju, Lagos, July 10, 2026. Photo: Dorcas Bello, bird story agency

As her business expanded, Nkechi noticed another problem that extended far beyond electricity access. Women remained largely absent from conversations around energy solutions, despite being among the most affected by energy poverty within communities.

“I looked at women, and I found that most challenges in the community that we face, we face them as men and women, but I find that women sometimes are not really included in solving these challenges, so I told myself I have to find a way to get women to across all levels.”

That realisation led to the creation of WEESI in 2020. The initiative was designed to create pathways for women and girls across the energy value chain, from rural communities at the bottom of the energy pyramid to leadership spaces within the sector.

The organisation strategically tailored its programs across different age groups. For girls and young women between the ages of 12 and 26, WEESI organised STEM essay competitions, mentorship programmes, and scholarship opportunities aimed at nurturing early interest in renewable energy and engineering.

Tokunbo Adegoju and fellow mechanics discussing with each other at the Automedics workshop in Illepeju, Lagos, July 10, 2026. Photo: Dorcas Bello, bird story agency

At the grassroots level, the initiative focused heavily on economic empowerment. Rural women, community entrepreneurs, and internally displaced persons (IDPs) received technical training in solar photovoltaic installation and maintenance while also learning sustainable clean cooking practices.

“We have carried out programs and trainings with women in the rural areas, ranging from telling them how to turn the waste in the community into energy, like making and manufacturing charcoal briquettes with the waste in the community. For example, a woman that threshes rice and has a heap of rice husk doesn’t even know what to do with it. Now, can decarbonise this rice husk into charcoal and make briquettes with them, and make profitable money from it?”

For many women, the impact of WEESI became life-changing.

Tokunbo Adegoju and fellow mechanics discussing with each other at the Automedics workshop in Illepeju, Lagos, July 10, 2026. Photo: Dorcas Bello, bird story agency

Among them was Anita Manuel, an entrepreneur and contractor working with an oil and gas firm. Anita first encountered WEESI during its launch and immediately felt drawn to the organisation’s mission.

“What drew me to the initiative is that their objectives aligned with my values and goals too, and I just wanted to expand my business,” Manuel said.

Through the training, Manuel learned practical skills in solar panel installation, energy auditing, and technical troubleshooting. More importantly, she began to see how her background in project management and civil works could fit into the renewable energy sector.

One moment, however, remained unforgettable.

The first time she participated in a successful solar installation that powered an entire building and activated a freezer became a defining experience. For Manuel, it was proof that the technical knowledge she had gained was not theoretical; it was transformative.

Mechanics at the Automedics workshop repairing a car in Illepeju, Lagos, July 10, 2026. Photo: Dorcas Bello, bird story agency

For Nkechi, her growing influence in the renewable energy space was a quieter battle many women in STEM continue to face: self-doubt and institutional bias.

Even after earning her engineering degree, she often questioned whether people would truly trust her expertise in such a male-dominated field.

“My fears were, are you sure that I’m going to do it right? Are you sure people are going to listen to me because I’m a woman?”

Those fears were reinforced repeatedly in professional spaces. Clients frequently walked into her office searching for a male engineer, assuming she could not possibly hold the technical expertise herself.

Tokunbo Adegoju engaging with new students on their first day at the Automedics workshop in Illepeju, Lagos, July 10, 2026. Photo: Dorcas Bello, bird story agency

“So many times, a man will walk into my office and want to make inquiries about our products and services, and asking me, ‘Where is the technician here? Where’s the engineer here?’”

“And I said, ‘Sir, talk to me, I am the engineer.’ Even the way he approaches me and talks to me shows that he’s still not confident.”

Instead of retreating, Nkechi leaned deeper into her work, allowing technical excellence to speak louder than assumptions.

“With time, as I kept confronting my fears, as I kept going head-on with it, I, at least, have overcome those fears to a reasonable extent,” she says.

While stories like Nkechi’s reflect progress, Nigeria’s renewable energy sector still faces major structural challenges. High installation costs continue to limit adoption rates, while policy inconsistencies and poor-quality installations by untrained technicians have created skepticism around solar technology.

One of the mechanics at the Automedics workshop repairing a car in Illepeju, Lagos, July 10, 2026. Photo: Dorcas Bello, bird story agency

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), nearly 600 million people across Africa still live without access to electricity, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for the largest share of the global electricity access gap. It notes that expanding access to electricity in Africa will require rapid investment in mini-grids, solar systems, and decentralised renewable energy solutions, especially in rural communities where grid expansion remains limited.

For electrical and renewable energy engineer Eng. Ale Oluwafeyisayo Joy, Nigeria still lags behind countries such as Kenya and South Africa in renewable energy adoption.

“In Nigeria, I would say that we’re not yet in full adoption,” Joy assesses. “And that’s due to a couple of factors, as compared to countries like Kenya and South Africa that have been able to get it right in certain structural development, fat running policies, and also clear pathways and finances.”

Still, she believes the future of renewable energy in Nigeria is inevitable.

“Solar is not an option; it’s actually a necessity. I believe it being that way means that in the nearest future, in the coming months and years from now, it will be something that we get very competitive in the market expansion.”

Tokunbo Adegoju repairing a car at the Automedics workshop in Illepeju, Lagos, July 10, 2026. Photo: Dorcas Bello, bird story agency

For Nkechi, that future is about more than market growth or technology adoption. It is about changing who gets to participate in building that future.

It is about ensuring that the next generation of girls entering engineering classrooms never feels out of place. It is about creating an industry where women no longer need to prove they belong before they are heard.

And somewhere inside her office each morning, as she stands by the window watching the world come alive, Nkechi continues building exactly that kind of future; one powered not only by energy but by inclusion, persistence, and possibility.

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Story Credit: Simpa Samson for Bird Story Agency

The post Meet Nkechi Okenwa, the Engineer Helping More Nigerian Women Break Into Renewable Energy appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

@jasonbolden

If there’s one thing Cynthia Erivo has mastered, it’s the art of keeping us guessing. Whether she’s embracing full-throttle red carpet glamour or experimenting with more directional silhouettes, the British actress rarely plays it safe. And judging by her latest appearances, she’s showing no signs of slowing down.

For the Prima Facie premiere at the BFI London Film Festival, Cynthia delivered a welcome dose of sunshine in a custom canary-yellow Prada gown. The bias-cut satin skimmed her figure beautifully, falling into a sweeping train, while oversized black grosgrain bows at the shoulders added a graphic contrast to the otherwise minimalist silhouette.

@jasonbolden 

And she’s just as convincing in something that’s more casual but still directional. Case in point: the tan leather Proenza Schouler Fall 2026 co-ord she wore in New York. With its structured double-breasted jacket, relaxed trousers and chunky platform shoes, the look could easily have felt overwhelming. Instead, Cynthia made a compelling case for exaggerated proportions, proving that a neutral palette doesn’t have to mean playing it safe.

Her final appearance at New York Comic Con, where she joined the cast of Children of Blood and Bone in another Proenza Schouler Fall 2026 creation also designed by new Proenza Schouler Creative Director Rachel Scott (also of Diotima). This time, she opted for a navy printed dress featuring sculptural draping, an asymmetric silhouette and dramatic fringed detailing. The silver grommets along the hem introduced an unexpected industrial edge, while glittering blue heels and statement jewellery completed the look.

 

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A post shared by Igor Fain London Photographer (@igorfain)

Credits

• All looks styled by Jason Bolden
• Prima Facie Premiere wearing @prada @marli
• Press & New York Comic Con wearing @proenzaschouler @christianlouboutin
• Video/Photography @igorfain

The post Cynthia Erivo’s Fashion Range Is Beyond Impeccable appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Nigerian stand-up comedian Slim Saint headlines Terra Kulture this weekend with “Funny & Misunderstood: A Comedy Special”, a one-night headline show presented by The Slim Effect Entertainment.

The event takes place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Terra Kulture, Tiamiyu Savage Street, Victoria Island, Lagos. Red carpet and check-in begin at 5:00 PM, and the show starts at 6:00 PM.

“Funny & Misunderstood” is a full-length comedy special from one of the most distinctive voices in Nigerian stand-up, staged at one of Lagos’s most iconic cultural venues. The night is expected to draw 500 to 700 guests, including comedy fans, creatives and industry figures from across the city.

Tickets are on sale now at TikkBay

Ticket categories:

• Regular: N15,000
• VIP: N50,000
• Seat on a Table: N100,000
• Gold Table: N500,000
• Executive Table: N1,500,000

With partnership and sponsor coordination by Vibes Meet.

About Slim Saint

Slim Saint is a Nigerian stand-up comedian and the creative force behind The Slim Effect Entertainment, producing live comedy experiences in Lagos. “Funny & Misunderstood” is his latest full-length special.

About Vibes Meet

Vibes Meet is an events and sponsorship technology company connecting brands and media partners with live experiences across Africa and its diaspora.

Media and enquiries:

The Slim Effect Entertainment

reachslimsaintnow@gmail.com | +234 811 764 0253

BellaNaija is a Media Partner for Funny & Misunderstood Event

The post Mark Your Calendars: Slim Saint’s ‘Funny & Misunderstood’ Comedy Special Holds This Sunday appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Three months, four pool parties, two Saturday night parties and one unforgettable task Smirnoff Ice has left its mark on the BBNaija house. The season was a full celebration of what Bolder with Ice stands for: self expression without limits. Inside the house, that meant housemates showing different sides of themselves depending on their mood, and the energy of the moment, and Smirnoff Ice was right there for every one of them.

The pool parties set the tone early. With music playing and a cold Smirnoff Ice in hand, the housemates danced, had fun in the pool and laughed their way through every moment. Some stayed in the pool, others at the edge, while some didn’t stop dancing the whole time. That’s kind of the beauty of Bolder with Ice, there really isn’t a “right” way to experience it. You just show up, find your pace, and take it all in. Whether you’re there to lose yourself in the music or just relax with a cold drink, the whole point is simply being there and enjoying the moment.

The Saturday night parties carried that same energy into the evening. The housemates stepped out in outfits they picked for themselves, danced to the music and enjoyed the night with their friends in the house. Every look and every dance move was theirs, which is exactly the kind of individuality the brand was built to celebrate.

Then there was the Smirnoff Ice task: Bolder With Ice Challenge, where the house got to play, create and compete. Broken telephone, the Ice Throne styling challenge, the memory game, Shadow Partner and the painting round gave the housemates room to show their humour, their style, their focus and their creativity. Team Original and Team Double Black went head to head, but the real win was the laughter and the personality that came out of every round.

That is what made the Smirnoff Ice season special. Across the pool parties, the Saturday night parties and the task, there was always room for every mood. The loud one, the quiet one, the stylish one, the playful one, the competitive one, all of them had a place and all of them had a good time. Smirnoff Ice did not ask the housemates to be anything other than themselves, and that is exactly the idea behind Bolder with Ice.

As the season comes to an end, the memories will stay: the music, the pool, the dance floor, the games and the friendships built along the way. Thanks to every single housemate who brought their own kind of bold to the house, and a massive thank you to everyone who tuned in, laughed, and celebrated with us all season long.

Until the next season, stay bold, stay chilled, and stay you.

Sponsored Content

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Dayo Akinbode narrates what planting an okra tree taught her about kindness. Credit: Dayo Akinbode

Sometimes, the most beautiful things in our lives begin with a seed we never intended to plant. As I stood in my garden admiring the green okro pods ready for harvest, I smiled. As I looked at the beautiful green pods, my thoughts travelled back several months to a seemingly insignificant encounter with my neighbour, which is the story behind my okra harvest.

Earlier in the year, my neighbour offered me okro seeds to plant, but I declined them. I was not interested in planting okro, and I simply did not see the need. My neighbour, however, went ahead and planted the seeds in my garden. Imagine! So the seeds I declined were now nestled in the soil of my own garden, beginning a journey I had not planned for them.

Those tiny seeds would eventually become flourishing plants that would supply my kitchen with fresh okro for months. I certainly did not imagine that I would one day stand admiring my harvest and reflecting on the deeper meaning of what had happened.

Life has a way of surprising us like that.

As the weeks passed, the plants grew, and I began to appreciate the beauty of watching nature at work. What begins as a tiny, almost insignificant seed gradually transforms into a living plant, reaching towards the light and preparing to produce something useful. And boy, there is something fascinating about harvesting food from your own garden.

Whenever the flowers on the okra plants came – the yellow, hibiscus-like flowers – I knew harvest time was around the corner. Those bright splashes of yellow against the green leaves became a familiar and welcome sight. Each time I saw them, I felt a little excitement, knowing that fresh okro pods would soon appear, and then be ready for harvest.

The bright yellow, hibiscus-like flowers of the okro plant, signalling that harvest time is approaching. Credit: Dayo Akinbode

The process of planting okra is not so different to our lives, too. We plant seeds when we start a business, pursue a dream, learn a new skill, nurture a friendship or encourage someone who is struggling. Sometimes, we see results quickly. At other times, progress appears slow, and we begin to wonder whether anything is happening at all. The absence of an immediate harvest does not necessarily mean that nothing is happening. Sometimes, growth is taking place quietly, beyond what we can see. And occasionally, there are little signs along the way that remind us to keep going, just as those yellow flowers reminded me that my okro harvest was approaching.

As I reflected on this, I found myself thinking again about my neighbour and her simple act of kindness. She offered me something useful, and when I declined, she still found a way to share her gift with me. I wonder whether she imagined how much I would appreciate those plants months later. Whatever her motivation, her act taught me to be kind to people even when they can’t see or appreciate the value. We have all been there, one way or the other.

This also made me wonder how many opportunities we dismiss because we cannot immediately see their value. A friend shares an idea we are not ready to embrace. Someone offers help we think we do not need. A person introduces us to an opportunity that seems unimportant at the time. We wave such opportunities away and move on, unaware of what might have grown from them. Of course, not every offer should be accepted, and we must exercise our judgement. We can learn to remain open to possibilities. Perhaps we can then enjoy the benefits of a decision we did not make ourselves, just as I am with the okra.

Today, I am grateful for my okro harvest, and for my neighbour and her kindness. I am equally grateful for the reminder the okro growth has given me. Kindness can grow, patience can yield rewards, and an unexpected beginning can become a beautiful harvest.

So, as I admire the fruits of my neighbour’s simple gesture, I find myself asking two questions: What seeds are we planting in the lives of others? And what beautiful harvest are we enjoying today because someone once planted a seed for us?

The post Dayo Akinbode: What Planting an Okra Tree Taught Me About Life and Kindness appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Samuel Animashaun Perry (Broda Shaggi) explains the stray bullet incident behind his months-long hiatus in a new video.

If you are a fan of Broda Shaggi‘s skits, his music, or even just his lively presence on your timelines, you must have noticed that the popular entertainer and actor has been noticeably absent from social media over the past few months. Samuel Animashaun Perry has now officially returned, bringing along a deeply moving mini-documentary that breaks his silence and reveals the terrifying life-threatening ordeal behind his sudden hiatus.

The multi-AMVCA winner revealed that his unexpected break was caused by a horrific incident where he was struck by a stray bullet while returning from a shoot. Recounting the frightening moment, Broda Shaggi shared,”We were done shooting and were on our way when we got stuck in a holdup. Suddenly, I heard a loud bang and everywhere went silent. I could see people talking, but I couldn’t hear anything. Then I touched my hip and saw blood. That was when it dawned on me that I had been hit by a stray bullet.”

Broda Shaggi in an eccentric futuristic costume for one of his signature video skits.

The incident led to an emergency hospital admission, extensive medical procedures, and an intensive period of physical rehabilitation. For a performer whose entire craft relies on boundless physical energy, comedy, and stage presence, being bedridden and unable to move presented immense physical and emotional hurdles. In the video, he candidly reflects on the overwhelming fear of losing his mobility and the uncertainty of how he would continue doing what he loves.

Tracing his road from severe setback to resurgence, the documentary shows his gradual process of learning to walk again, moving from complete immobility to crutches and eventually regaining his strength. Now stepping back in front of the camera on his own terms, Broda Shaggi is turning what could have been a tragic end into a triumphant second chapter, ready to reconnect with his fans and dive back into his creative work.

Watch below

The post Broda Shaggi Reveals He Was Hit by a Stray Bullet in New Documentary appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Olamide releases his new single Burukutu alongside his upcoming album Time & Space. Photo Credit: Olamide/Instagram

When the YBNL Nation boss decides to drop new music, the entire continent pauses to listen. Olamide is back in his absolute element, and the music community is buzzing following a major surprise release that has everyone talking. Building on the momentum of his previous self-titled album Olamidé released last year, the rap icon has dropped a brand-new single while officially setting the timeline for his next massive project.

Olamide’s latest single is titled “Burukutu”. Named after the traditional, locally brewed fermented grain beverage found across various parts of Nigeria, the track leans heavily into street-level jubilation and celebratory culture, opening with the infectious chant, “Baddoo we wanna partyyyy!” Lyrically, Olamide weaves sharp street-smart Yoruba flows with rhythmic cadences, reflecting on hustle, leisure, and local vibes over high-energy production.

Olamide holding a saxophone on the courtyard set of his Burukutu music video. Photo Credit: Styling The Stars With Swazzi/Instagram

The accompanying music video directed by TG Omori matches the song’s intense cultural weight visually. It cuts dynamically between a monochromatic, glowing red corridor—where Olamide appears sharply tailored in a double-breasted suit, dark sunglasses, and dreadlocks—and an earthen-toned, arched outdoor courtyard filled with rhythmic background dancers in structured white outfits, pillbox hats, and pearl details, alongside striking scenes of Olamide stepping up to play the saxophone.

Alongside the release of “Burukutu,” Olamide surprised fans by announcing the official title of his forthcoming studio project: Time & Space. Marking another milestone in his legendary discography, Time & Space is officially scheduled to drop on November 16, 2026, proving yet again why the icon remains at the very heartbeat of African music.

Watch the video below

The post Olamide Wants Us to Party on “Burukutu” | Watch Video appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Osas Ighodaro standing in her custom thermal-mapped blue mosaic gown by House of Marvee.

If these photos of Osas Ighodaro have you staring at your screen a little longer than usual, we completely understand. Because how do you look at a dress this beautiful and simply scroll past? The colours, the design, the way it sits on her body! There’s so much to admire, and we’re right there with you.

The Nigerian-American actor, host and producer has given us many reasons to love her fashion choices over the years, but this particular look has us especially curious about how it was made. Dressed in a gorgeous blue mosaic gown by House of Marvee, Osas looks like she stepped straight out of an art exhibition. And once you hear the inspiration behind the dress, you might appreciate it even more.

Actor and host Osas Ighodaro wearing a blue mosaic gown crafted from hand-painted mother-of-pearl by House of Marvee.

Here’s where it gets interesting. House of Marvee drew inspiration from thermal mapping, using different shades of blue to follow the natural curves of the body. The floor-length gown features hand-painted mother-of-pearl details, creating a mosaic effect that moves between deep ocean blues and brighter turquoise tones. Look closely, and you’ll notice how the colours and textures work together across the fabric.

Osas Ighodaro posing in an asymmetrical one-shoulder blue mosaic dress featuring hand-painted mother-of-pearl tiles by House of Marvee.

We also love how the one-shoulder design gives the dress room to shine. One arm is covered in a long sleeve, while the other shoulder is left bare, creating a lovely contrast. Osas keeps her accessories simple with gold hoop earrings, allowing the beautiful details of the gown to remain the focus.

Osas Ighodaro posing in a House of Marvee hand-painted mother-of-pearl blue gown with gold hoop earrings and a finge

And can we talk about her beauty look for a second? The retro finger waves, warm-toned makeup and gold hoop earrings complement those gorgeous shades of blue beautifully. From the hand-painted details to the way the gown follows her silhouette, House of Marvee has given us a dress we’d happily spend a few more minutes admiring.

Osas Ighodaro lying down in a custom House of Marvee floor-length blue mosaic dress inside an art gallery space

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Photo Credit: House of Marvee/Instagram

The post Osas Ighodaro Looks Like a Work of Art in This Blue Mosaic Gown by House of Marvee appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Toyin Abraham’s directorial comedy drama Oversabi Aunty is now streaming on Netflix and Kava.

Your next movie night could take you from a hilarious Nollywood comedy to a fantasy world full of adventure, or straight into a crime story that keeps you guessing. With several Nollywood films and series now available to stream, there’s plenty to add to your watchlist before October wraps up. Whether you’re in the mood for a box-office hit you missed at the cinema or a moving coming-of-age story, these are the titles worth making time for.

Oversabi Aunty (Streaming on Kava TV and Netflix)

Toyin Abraham’s record-breaking directorial debut follows Toun, a self-righteous church usher whose overzealous obsession with fixing everyone else’s morals turns her home and family life into a chaotic battlefield. Her relentless meddling reaches its breaking point during a disastrous family introduction, forcing her to confront the emotional fallout and damage she has caused her loved ones. Directed, written, and produced by Toyin Abraham alongside FilmOne Studios, the witty dramedy features an ensemble cast including Toyin Abraham, Mike Ezuruonye, Jemima Osunde, Tana Adelana, Efe Irele, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, and Queen Nwokoye.

Colours of Fire (Streaming on Netflix)

Niyi Akinmolayan’s epic fantasy film takes viewers into an ancient world where the fabric-weaving Blue Tribe and the mysterious Red Tribe maintain a bitter, generational conflict. When a warrior named Akinbode is sent to eliminate a beast terrorising his people, his unexpected encounter with Moremi—the daughter of the Red Tribe’s queen—ignites a forbidden romance that challenges inherited stories and threatens to unravel their entire society.

Directed and written by Niyi Akinmolayan, with production credits from Anthill Studios, FilmOne Studios, and Imuetinyan Productions, the visually rich film stars Uzor Arukwe, Osas Ighodaro, Mercy Aigbe, Gabriel Afolayan, Femi Branch, and Ibrahim Chatta.

Ordinary People (Streaming on Netflix)

Moses Inwang’s crime thriller series dives deep into the gritty, interconnected lives of characters navigating power, ambition, and survival across the streets of Lagos and beyond. The story exposes how everyday decisions spiral into high-stakes consequences when ordinary individuals find themselves caught in webbed conflicts and dangerous secrets.

Created, directed, and written by Moses Inwang, the eight-episode production features a powerhouse cast starring Ramsey Nouah, Adunni Ade, Chidi Mokeme, Sharon Ooja, Michelle Dede, Shawn Faqua, Lasisi Elenu, Uche Montana, and Jackie Appiah.

Where Is Mr Right? (Streaming on Prime Video)

Tunde Olaoye’s romantic drama follows Bunmi, an event planner facing immense societal and familial pressure to get married before crossing an arbitrary age milestone. Her determined quest to locate an ideal partner spirals into a series of comedic missteps, unexpected heartbreaks, and lessons on patience and self-discovery.

Directed by Tunde Olaoye and written by Funke Akindele, who also serves as executive producer, the film brings together a stellar cast including Omowunmi Dada, Blossom Chukwujekwu, Bisola Aiyeola, and Funke Akindele.

The Almajiri (Streaming on Prime Video)

Ibrahim Jammal’s coming-of-age drama centers on Rabiu, an exceptionally gifted young boy in the ancient city of Kano who defies poverty and traditional dogma in pursuit of formal education. Raised under the Almajiri system, Rabiu secretly receives lessons from a supportive teacher, dreaming of becoming a tech engineer while navigating the strict resistance of his religious instructor.

Directed by Ibrahim Jammal and Obinna Ohazulike, written by Kynene Oma, and produced by Steve Gukas, Dotun Olakunri, and Kester Nsirim, the film stars breakout child actor Ahmed Isa alongside Yakubu Mohammed, Jamila Ibrahim, Sani Mu’azu, Musa Mohammed, and Ijapari Ben–Hirki.

The post 5 Nollywood Movies to Watch on Streaming Platforms Before October Ends appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Three traditional Owambe style moments from Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi featuring velvet, damask, and aso-oke.

When Nollywood actor and filmmaker Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi is not busy preparing for her highly anticipated festive cinematic release, Bestie, or writing, producing, and starring in box-office hits like Fate of Alakada, Ijakumo: The Born Again Stripper, and The Ghost and the Tout, she is usually showing us how to nail weekend celebrations. As one of the most prominent faces in Nigerian cinema, her personal style outside the cinema hall has become a major source of fashion inspiration, especially when it comes to pulling off unforgettable Owambe looks.

Styling traditional wear for a Saturday party comes down to knowing how to mix colours, textures, and rich fabrics without losing that classic touch.

Wearing black and silver to a Nigerian party is all about balance. While dark tones are traditionally avoided for daytime celebrations, pairing a deep black velvet blouse with a metallic silver scalloped-lace skirt completely changes the mood. Draping a silver-grey paisley ipele over the shoulder alongside a matching pleated geleadds instant brightness, while traditional coral beads anchor the entire outfit.

Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi showing how to wear black and silver to a Nigerian party. Photo Credit: Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi/Instagram

For anyone leaning towards rich jewel tones, crimson velvet offers an instant sense of luxury. Tailoring a solid burgundy velvet gown into a clean, floor-length silhouette provides a sleek base, but adding a patterned teal and magenta damask ipele across one shoulder breaks up the solid fabric. Crowning the look with a structured fan gele in the same damask print brings the entire outfit together.

Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi styling crimson velvet and patterned damask for traditional Owambe inspiration. Photo Credit: Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi/Instagram

Bright colours always command attention in party halls, and mustard yellow offers a warmer, sophisticated take on sunshine yellow. Tailoring the fabric into a traditional buba and iro set with horizontal black lace bands and tassel-fringe details along the wrapper adds movement and texture. Matching the ensemble with a rounded mustard gele and subtle gold jewellery keeps the palette grounded while letting the traditional silhouette shine.

Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi wearing a mustard yellow buba and iro with black lace fringe details for party inspiration. Photo Credit: Toyin Abraham Ajeyemi/Instagram

The post 3 Toyin Abraham-Inspired Owambe Looks for Your Next Saturday Party appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Nigerian Macro Photographer, Dara Ojo.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dara Ojo was stuck at home in China, like everyone else in the world. He had recently picked up photography, and that allowed him to explore and pay close attention to his immediate surroundings.

One day, he started paying closer attention to the tiny creatures around him and was amazed by what he was seeing. There were colours, patterns, behaviours and details that he had never noticed before. It felt like discovering an entirely different world that had been right in front of me all along.

Dara self-taught himself macro photography, and the seemingly small curiosity during the pandemic has grown into a journey of documenting biodiversity across Nigeria, Canada, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador and beyond. His work has travelled globally and has been featured in major international publications. Dara has photographed over 40 types of spiders, 50 species of moths, 30 species of butterflies, more than 20 dragonflies, and at least 70 damselflies.

There are many photographers in Nigeria, but seeing that macro photography is not often explored by Nigerians, we sat down for a brief conversation with Dara, where he shared what inspired his form of photography, what documenting biodiversity in different environments has taught him about nature and his forthcoming first photography book, Tiny Titans: The Silent Keepers of Our Ecosystem.

Leafhopper infected by Metarhizium Fungus. Photo by Dara Ojo.

Hey Dara, how are you feeling?

I feel good. I feel blessed. Thank you for having me.

What do you think inspired or attracted you to macro photography?

Growing up in Nigeria, I never really thought of insects as something beautiful or worth photographing. Like many people, I saw them as creatures you either avoided or tried to get rid of. But once I started looking at them through my camera, my perspective completely changed.

What fascinated me most wasn’t just how they looked, but how they lived. I started asking questions. Why does this spider behave this way? How does that tiny insect survive? What role does it play in nature?

The more I discovered, the more curious I became. Six years later, that curiosity has taken me from photographing tiny creatures around my neighbourhood in China to exploring rainforests and other ecosystems across different continents. And the interesting thing is that I still experience that same excitement whenever I discover something new. I don’t think that feeling will ever go away.

Bumblebee by macro photographer, Dara Ojo.

The excitement. How can you describe it? When taking a shot, what do you feel that you hope people also feel when they encounter the photo?

Wonder. That’s probably the best word to describe it.

Sometimes I’m photographing a creature, and I genuinely cannot believe what I’m looking at. It might be the incredible colours of a jumping spider, the delicate patterns on a moth’s wings, or an insect doing something I’ve never witnessed before. There have been moments when I’ve found myself laughing out of excitement because nature has surprised me again.

That’s the feeling I want people to experience when they see my photographs.

I know some people might initially feel uncomfortable looking at a spider or another creature they’re afraid of, and that’s perfectly understandable. But if they can look at that photograph for a few more seconds and begin to notice something fascinating rather than frightening, then I feel I’ve accomplished something.

I’m not necessarily trying to make everyone love insects or spiders. I just want people to become curious enough to see them differently. Because sometimes, curiosity is all it takes to change how we treat the natural world.

Silk Worm Moth by Nigerian macro photographer, Dara Ojo

As someone who has photographed in different parts of the world, how has documenting biodiversity in different environments shaped your perspective on nature? 

One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that extraordinary biodiversity isn’t limited to the places we traditionally associate with wildlife photography. I’ve photographed in China, Costa Rica, Mexico, Ecuador, Canada and Nigeria, and every environment has taught me something different.

In the rainforests of Costa Rica and Ecuador, I’ve encountered creatures with some of the most remarkable adaptations I’ve ever seen. In Canada, I’ve spent countless hours photographing tiny wildlife in places people walk past every day. Even a small garden can be home to an incredible diversity of species.

But returning to photograph in Nigeria was particularly meaningful to me.

Treehopper by Nigerian macro photographer, Dara Ojo.

What do you think people might be surprised to learn about Nigeria’s insect life and biodiversity?

I think many Nigerians would be surprised by just how much biodiversity exists in our own country. Nigeria has an extraordinary range of habitats, from tropical rainforests in the south to savannas in the north, supporting an incredible variety of life.

When people think about African wildlife, the conversation often centres on lions, elephants and other large animals. But there’s an entire world of smaller creatures that rarely receive the same attention.

During my time photographing in Nigeria, I encountered some fascinating species, including the praying mantis that eventually became the cover of my book.

And that’s something I find particularly special. After travelling across different continents and photographing so many remarkable creatures, the photograph chosen to represent my first book came from Nigeria. It reminds me that we don’t always have to travel halfway around the world to discover something extraordinary. Sometimes, we simply need to pay closer attention to what’s around us.

Mantis, by Nigerian macro photographer Dara Ojo.

Let’s talk about the book

Yes! Tiny Titans: The Silent Keepers of Our Ecosystem. My first photography book.

Tell us about it and what you hope people take away from the book?

This book means a great deal to me because it represents six years of curiosity, exploration and learning. It brings together around 120 of my photographs from different parts of the world, alongside stories about the creatures I’ve encountered and the important roles they play in nature.

I wanted to create something that people could enjoy visually, but that would also encourage them to think differently about creatures they might normally overlook.

These tiny animals are doing some of the most important work on our planet. They pollinate plants, recycle nutrients, help control populations of other organisms and provide food for countless species. Without them, the ecosystems we depend on would look very different. Yet many are misunderstood, feared or simply ignored. What makes the book particularly meaningful to me is that it also tells a personal story. It follows my journey through different countries, including Nigeria, where I grew up, and Canada, where I now live.

I’m also incredibly honoured that Dr John Acorn, a respected Canadian entomologist and science communicator, wrote the foreword.

I hope someone picks up the book because they find the photographs interesting, but finishes it with a greater appreciation for the natural world, so that the next time they encounter a spider in their house or an unfamiliar insect in their garden, instead of immediately reaching for something to kill it, they’ll stop for a moment and take a closer look.

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Dara Ojo’s Tiny Titans: The Silent Keepers of Our Ecosystem will be published on November 10, 2026, and will be available internationally. It will have public book launches in Edmonton on November 25 and Toronto on December 2, with additional events being explored for New York in March 2027 and Vancouver in April 2027. You can pre-order the book here.

The post “I Never Really Thought of Insects as Beautiful Creatures” – Dara Ojo on Becoming a Macro Photographer appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

To Adaego With Love leads Nigerian nominations for the 2026 Africa Movie Academy Awards. Photo Credit: Nwamaka Chikezie/Instagram

The nominations for the 22nd Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) are out, and there’s already plenty to unpack ahead of the ceremony in Lagos this November. From Uganda and Kenya to Nigeria and South Africa, films from across the continent are competing for some of African cinema’s biggest honours.

Leading this year’s nominations are Uganda’s Slum Bomber and Kenya’s One Woman, One Bra, with 14 nominations each. Nigeria is also well represented, with Nwamaka Chikezie‘s To Adaego With Love earning 11 nominations, while Daniel Etim-Effiong‘s The Herd follows closely with 10.

They’re in good company. South Africa’s The Trek and Ben Made It, alongside Côte d’Ivoire’s Colours of Exile, have also received 10 nominations each, while Colours of Fire has nine.

The nominees were announced during a livestream on AMAA’s official YouTube channel. Now, attention turns to the awards ceremony on 15 November 2026 at the Lagos Marriott Hotel, where filmmakers, actors and other industry professionals will gather to celebrate the year’s achievements in African cinema.

See the full list of nominees below:

Best Film

• The Trek — South Africa
• To Adaego With Love — Nigeria
• The Fisherman — Ghana
• Colours of Exile — Côte d’Ivoire
• Slum Bomber — Uganda
• One Woman, One Bra — Kenya
• The Herd — Nigeria
• Ben Made It — South Africa
• Mabanda — Cameroon

Best Director

• Meekaaeel Adam — The Trek (South Africa)
• Nwamaka Chikezie — To Adaego With Love (Nigeria)
• Azlorabe Alaoui — Colours of Exile (Côte d’Ivoire)
• Maureen Nankya — Slum Bomber (Uganda)
• Vincho Nchogu — One Woman, One Bra (Kenya)
• Daniel Etim-Effiong — The Herd (Nigeria)
• Pheello Makosholo — Ben Made It (South Africa)
• Kang Quintus — Mabanda (Cameroon)
• Zoey Martinson — The Fisherman (Ghana)

Best Actor in a Leading Role

• Maurice Carpede — The Trek
• Wale Ojo — Light Out
• Daniel Etim-Effiong — The Herd
• Ricky Adelayitar — The Fisherman
• Uzor Arukwe — Colours of Fire
• Marcus Mabusela — Ben Made It
• Abdoulaziz Sall — Colours of Exile
• Kang Quintus — Mabanda

Best Actress in a Leading Role

• Chisom Agoawuike — To Adaego With Love
• Sarah Karel — One Woman, One Bra
• Deborah Kabongo — Rusambo
• Faithia Balogun — Efunroye (The Unicorn)
• Jackline Nafula — Slum Bomber
• Osas Ighodaro — Colours of Fire
• Naku Sy Savane — Colours of Exile
• Toyin Abraham — Oversabi Aunty
  

Best Actor in a Supporting Role

• Amos Leuka — One Woman, One Bra
• Dele Odule — Iwe Ala
• Samuel Kabugo — Slum Bomber
• Femi Branch — Colours of Fire
• Bucci Franklin — The Creek
• Bob-Manuel Udokwu — To Adaego With Love
• Maurice Carpede — The Trek
  

Best Actress in a Supporting Role

• Norng’aruani Kipuker — One Woman, One Bra
• Precious Nana — Mabanda
• Linda Ejiofor — The Herd
• Mercy Aigbe — Colours of Fire
• Zahra Elhawawi — Colours of Exile
• Omowunmi Dada — Evi
• Phumzile Kubheka — Ben Made It
• Patience Ozokwo — Onobiren
  

Best Debut Feature Film by a Director

• Daniel Etim-Effiong — The Herd
• Maureen Jolly Nankya — Slum Bomber
• Vincho Nchogu — One Woman, One Bra
• Meekaaeel Adam — The Trek
• Zoey Martinson — The Fisherman
• Angela Zivo Gapa — Rusambo
• Pheello Makosholo — Ben Made It
• Nwamaka Chikezie — To Adaego With Love
• Mohamed Ahmed — A Tribe Called Love
• Chinazaekpere Chukwu — Her Daughters’ Mother
  

Best Young/Promising Actor

• Muntaha Mohammed — A Tribe Called Love
• Abdou Aziz Dabak Salis — Colours of Exile
• James Solomon Damilare — Suky
• Osas Okonyon — Evi
• Dailma Mendes (Young Nana) — Hanami
• Leah Lindeque — The Trek
• Onyinye Odokoro — Oblation
• Ocen Daniel — Slum Bomber
• Azania Thella — Ben Made It
• Gbubemi Ejeye — Idia

Osas Okonyon earns a Best Young/Promising Actor nomination for her role in Evi at the 2026 Africa Movie Academy Awards. Photo Credit: Osas Okonyon/Instagram

Ousmane Sembene Award for Best Film in an African Language

• Slum Bomber — Uganda
• Iwe Ala — Nigeria
• Mabanda — Cameroon
• One Woman, One Bra — Kenya
• Ben Made It — South Africa
• Efunroye (The Unicorn) — Nigeria

Efere Ozako AMAA Award for Best Short Film

• The Last Miracle — Egypt/Germany/Sudan
• Demm — Senegal/Switzerland
• Taxi Moto — Rwanda/Switzerland
• Hurriyah — NigeriaAshes of Accra — Ghana
• The Spectacular Death of Prisca — Nigeria/USA
• The Man, The Cliff and The Dog — South Africa
• A Night With The Queen — Nigeria/UK
• God Sleeps On Sunday — Zimbabwe
• Emanya — Namibia
  

Jubril Malafia Award for Best Animation

• The Plot — Nigeria/UK
• Ananse and The Divine Journey — Ghana/USA
• Sundrud — Mali/France/Belgium/Iceland
• Ana Fein W Geit Menein — Egypt
• The Lion of Gwoza — Nigeria
• The Shadow of a Griot (L’Ombre d’un Griot) — Côte d‘Ivoire
  

Best Documentary

• Truck Mama — Kenya
• The Greatest Soul on Earth — South Africa
• Djeyha, Memory of Django — Burkina Faso
• Fosta — South Africa
• Asaba Massacre — Nigeria
• Chichen Ghetto — Uganda
• The Rhythm of Ancestors — Nigeria
• Ekitibiwa ky’olugbobo — Uganda

Achievement in Screenplay

• To Adaego With Love — Nigeria
• Slum Bomber — Uganda
• Colours of Exile — Côte d’Ivoire
• One Woman, One Bra — Kenya
• Onobiren — Nigeria
• The Herd — Nigeria
• Ben Made It — South Africa

Achievement in Cinematography

• The Trek — South Africa
• Colours of Exile — Côte d’Ivoire
• One Woman, One Bra — Kenya
• Slum Bomber — Uganda
• Hanami — Switzerland/Portugal/Cape Verde
• Cordelia — Nigeria
• Ben Made It — South Africa

Achievement in Editing

• Colours of Exile — Côte d’Ivoire
• Slum Bomber — Uganda
• Ben Made It — South Africa
• The Trek — South Africa
• Suky — Nigeria
• Evi — Nigeria
• One Woman, One Bra — Kenya
  

Achievement in Sound

• The Trek — South Africa
• Suky — Nigeria
• To Adaego With Love — Nigeria
• Colours of Fire — Nigeria
• Slum Bomber — Uganda
• Colours of Exile — Côte d’Ivoire
• Black Burn Fast — Nigeria
• One Woman, One Bra — Kenya
  

Achievement in Visual Effects

• The Creek — Nigeria
• Colours of Fire — Nigeria
• The Fisherman — Ghana
• Suky — Nigeria
• The Herd — Nigeria

Achievement in Costume Design

• The Fisherman — Ghana
• One Woman, One Bra — Kenya
• Iwe Ala — Nigeria
• Idia — Nigeria
• To Adaego With Love — Nigeria
• The Trek — South Africa

Achievement in Production Design

• To Adaego With Love — Nigeria
• Slum Bomber — Uganda
• The Herd — Nigeria
• Light Out — Nigeria
• Colours of Fire — Nigeria
• One Woman, One Bra — Kenya
• Cordelia — Nigeria
• The Creek — Nigeria

Achievement in Make-up

• Efunroye (The Unicorn) — Nigeria
• Colours of Fire — Nigeria
• Slum Bomber — Uganda
• Mabanda — Cameroon
• The Herd — Nigeria
• Suky — Nigeria

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PPE Preparation in an Ebola Clinic. Generated Image.

Yesterday, October 20, 2026, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) announced the confirmation of the first Ebola virus disease case in Abuja. While the federal government and the NCDC have continued strengthening surveillance and response efforts to prevent its spread, it is important for Nigerian citizens to also stay alert, safe and take preventive measures.

According to the NCDC, “Ebola virus disease (EVD), also known as Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF), is a severe disease of humans and other primates caused by an RNA virus of the family Filoviridae and genus Ebola virus. The disease has a high fatality rate, killing between 25%-90% of those infected. Research conducted in 2005 suggested fruit bats to be the likely reservoir due to their ability to spread the virus without being affected by it.

The largest outbreak to date took place in West Africa between March 2014 and June 2016, affecting Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Nigeria primarily. A total of 11,296 cases were recorded, including suspected and probable cases.”

The first-ever case of Ebola in Nigeria was confirmed in Lagos on 23 July 2014, and with its high fatality rate, citizens need to understand how to protect themselves before the government’s intervention.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, here are how you can protect yourself from Ebola virus disease:

Advice to Nigerians

Nigerians are advised to:

• Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands regularly with soap under running water or use hand sanitisers when soap and water are not readily available.
• Avoid physical contact with anyone who has symptoms of an infection with an unknown diagnosis.
• Reduce the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission from contact with infected fruit bats or monkeys/apes and the consumption of raw meat. Animals should be handled with gloves and other appropriate protective clothing. Animal products should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
• Avoid direct contact with the blood, saliva, vomit, urine and other bodily fluids of suspected or confirmed EVD cases.
• If you or someone you know (with a travel history to any country with Ebola cases) experiences symptoms of EVD enumerated above, call 6232 or your State Ministry of Health hotline IMMEDIATELY for guidance.

Advice to Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers:

• Are advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for EVD in their encounter with their patients
• Ensure strict isolation of the patient(s).
• Adhere strictly to infection prevention and control (IPC) measures, including the use of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) like face masks, hand gloves, appropriate gowns, safe sharps disposal and others.
• Report suspected cases immediately to the NCDC or State Ministry of Health for appropriate response and management.

Advice to Travellers

Travellers are advised to:

• Shelter-in-place to avoid further spread through shared transport systems (public or private) until health authorities reach out.
• Await dedicated responders for assessment and possible transport to a designated treatment centre if required.

Ebola symptoms can vary, but the most commonly experienced symptoms at the beginning of the disease include a sudden onset of fever, intense weakness, muscle pain, headache, and a sore throat. As the disease progresses, other symptoms may develop, such as vomiting, diarrhea and jaundice (yellowness of the eyes).

In severe cases, individuals may experience uncontrolled bleeding from body orifices and dysfunction or failure of several organs, including the kidneys, liver, and central nervous system. This can lead to shock and, ultimately, death. In fatal cases, death often occurs between 8 and 9 days after the onset of symptoms.

Please contact NCDC for more enquiries or to report a suspected case on the toll-free number: 6232.

Stay safe, Nigerians.

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Sophia Chisom, Mike Afolarin, and Genoveva Umeh interpreting the rave glam dress code for Tele x Zikora.

A Nollywood premiere is always a good excuse to dress up, but when the dress code says “rave glam,” you know the red carpet is going to be anything but ordinary. That was the scene at the premiere of Tele x Zikora, where the cast and guests stepped out in bold colours, unexpected combinations and outfits that gave us plenty to look at.

Written, produced and directed by Adenike Adebayo–Esho, Tele x Zikora is a campus romance set at the fictional Lagos Metropolitan University. The film follows two young people from very different worlds whose paths cross, setting the stage for a love story. Ahead of its cinema release on 23 October 2026, the cast and crew gathered to celebrate, with the evening’s rave glam theme giving everyone room to experiment with their style.

Tele x Zikora writer, producer, and director Adenike Adebayo-Esho at the film premiere. Photo Credit: Adenike Adebayo-Esho/Instagram 

Sophia Chisom gave us a colour combination we wouldn’t have immediately put together, and somehow, it worked. She wore a royal blue longline coat over a matching top with a sharp white collar and cuffs, pairing both with a burnt-orange wrap mini skirt. An orange beret, star drop earrings and white knee-high boots completed her look.

Mike Afolarin took a different route with a cow-print shearling jacket, a black top and dark grey flared jeans featuring silver side-buckle details. He finished with a dark cap, keeping things casual while still having a little fun with the dress code.

Mike Afolarin at the Tele x Zikora premiere in a cow-print jacket and flare jeans. Photo Credit: Mike Afolarin/Instagram 

Then there was Genoveva Umeh in magenta and rose-pink sequins. Her dress featured structured shoulders and an asymmetrical skirt with long, shredded ribbons that moved as she walked. She paired it with deep pink tights and metallic heels, making a strong case for wearing pink from head to toe.

And those were only a few of the looks from the night. See how the cast and guests dressed for the Tele x Zikora premiere:

Genoveva Umeh at the Tele x Zikora premiere in a rose-pink sequined dress and tights. Photo Credit: Genoveva Umeh/Instagram 

Chimezie Imo at the Tele x Zikora premiere wearing a black tank top, fur coat, and futuristic sunglasses. Photo Credit: Chimezie Imo/Instagram 

Angel Unigwe attending the Tele x Zikora premiere in a gold metallic top and denim cargo trousers. Photo Credit: Angel Unigwe/Instagram 

Emeka Nwagbaraocha attending the Tele x Zikora movie premiere in a sleeveless pink shirt and wide-leg trousers. Photo Credit: Emeka Nwagbaraocha/Instagram 

Gbubemi Ejeye stepping out for the Tele x Zikora premiere in a metallic silver chain dress. Photo Credit: Gbubemi Ejeye/Instagram 

Eronini Osinachim in a silver metallic jacket and matching trousers for Tele x Zikora. Photo Credit: Eronini Osinachim/Instagram 

Tomi Ojo in a red leather jacket and pink hair at the Tele x Zikora premiere. Photo Credit: Tomi Ojo/Instagram 

Kayode Jnr Ojuolape at the Tele x Zikora premiere in a leather varsity jacket and beret. Photo Credit: Kayode Jnr Ojuolape/Instagram 

Sophia Chisom stepping out for the Tele x Zikora movie premiere in a rave glam outfit. Photo Credit: Sophia Chisom/Instagram 

Toluwani George in a silver metallic mesh dress at the Tele x Zikora premiere. Photo Credit: Toluwani George/Instagram 

The post From Sequins to Cow Print, See the Rave Glam Looks at the Tele x Zikora Premiere appeared first on BellaNaija - Showcasing Africa to the world. Read today!.

Solange Omon walking the runway in illuminated wings and a sweeping metallic train at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Photo Credit: Solange Omon/Instagram

Did you see an African woman on the runway of the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show? She walked with such a composed, smooth step that you couldn’t help but notice her as she stepped out into the bright spotlights of Los Angeles.

Her name is Solange Omon, a 21-year-old rising star who has officially earned her wings as the newest Victoria’s Secret Angel. She secured her place on the global stage after beating over 100,000 applicants in the brand’s open casting search, Angels Among Us. The competition, documented in a special YouTube series, crowned her as the winner, awarding her a one-year modelling contract with IMG Models alongside her runway debut.

Solange Omon with fellow Angels Among Us top 3 finalists Andreína Martínez and Tatyana Tinsley. Photo Credit: Solange Omon/Instagram

Born in Cameroon as the eldest of six children, Solange moved to the United States and has spent the last few years living in Lewiston, Maine. Before entering the national spotlight, her everyday life looked quite different. She spent her time balancing university coursework with her job as a programme coordinator for a local non-profit organisation focused on supporting young people. Her work centred on helping Black and immigrant teenagers apply for jobs, find professional mentors, and access higher education resources across her community.

When she attended the open casting call in Chicago, she carried that grounded background straight onto the runway. For her big moment, she wore a contrast ivory and black lace lingerie set featuring a plunge bra paired with high-cut briefs, styled with oversized gold hoop drop earrings. The focus of her outfit was a pair of illuminated golden wings featuring embedded warm lights, paired with a sweeping bronze metallic train attached at the base of the wings.

Solange Omon walking the runway in illuminated wings and a sweeping metallic train at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Photo Credit: Solange Omon/Instagram

As she walked down the glossy black runway, she held the edges of her metallic train, letting the lightweight fabric float behind her as she moved. Midway through her walk, she turned toward the cameras with a warm smile, twirled gracefully on the catwalk, and gestured to the audience before stepping back up the stage.

Her milestone victory marks a significant moment for African representation in global fashion, showing how a young woman from Central Africa went from community work to one of the most recognised runways in the world.

Solange Omon backstage at the 2026 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show in Los Angeles after earning her Angel wings. Photo Credit: Solange Omon/Instagram

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Following the Federal Government’s confirmation of an Ebola case in the FCT, health authorities have activated nationwide surveillance and urged the public to remain calm while strictly following official safety guidelines.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed a case of the Ebola virus disease in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja.

According to an official press statement issued on October 20, 2026, and signed by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the patient is a woman who recently arrived in Nigeria on an international flight from Uganda. She was admitted to a private hospital in the FCT, where she received care for several days before laboratory confirmation established the diagnosis. She has since been moved to an isolation facility, where she is currently receiving medical care.

In response to the development, the Federal Ministry of Health, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and the FCT Health Services Secretariat have mobilised a swift public health response to contain the spread. Contact tracing is already underway, with 44 close contacts—spanning healthcare workers, caregivers, patients, and travel companions—identified and placed under monitoring. Public health teams have also stepped up surveillance and are providing direct support to the hospital to reinforce infection prevention and control standards.

Authorities have put all public and private healthcare facilities nationwide on high alert, urging medical personnel to maintain a high index of suspicion, isolate suspected cases promptly, and report them to health authorities immediately.

Reassuring the public, the government noted that Nigeria successfully contained an Ebola outbreak back in 2014, building a robust public health framework and experienced response system. However, officials emphasised that safeguarding public health requires a collective effort.

What Nigerians Should Know and Do

Public health authorities have outlined essential guidelines to keep everyone safe while urging citizens to remain calm and avoid panic:

• How It Spreads: Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person who is exhibiting symptoms or has died from the disease, as well as through contact with contaminated materials. Individuals cannot transmit the virus before symptoms manifest.
• Stay Calm and Vigilant: Remain composed and rely strictly on verified updates from official health bodies to curb misinformation and stigma.
• Practice Good Hygiene: Maintain regular hand hygiene and strictly avoid contact with the body fluids of anyone suspected of carrying the virus.
• Watch for Symptoms: Look out for warning signs such as sudden fever, severe weakness, headaches, vomiting, and diarrhoea, particularly if there is a history of potential exposure.
• Report Immediately: If you suspect exposure, even if you feel completely well, isolate yourself from close contact and contact public health authorities for guidance prior to visiting any clinic or hospital.
• Cooperate with Contact Tracing: Anyone reached by public health officials, including fellow airline passengers, must provide accurate information and follow professional guidance.

For inquiries, updates, or to report a suspected case, the NCDC toll-free call centre is open 24/7 at 6232

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Featured image generated by AI

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Folorunso Alakija with Vice-Chancellor Professor David Cole at the University of Buckingham.

From fashion and banking to oil and gas, Nigerian businesswoman and philanthropist Folorunso Alakija has built a career across several industries. Now, the University of Buckingham in the United Kingdom has recognised her achievements with an honorary doctorate, celebrating her contributions to business, philanthropy and society.

The honour was conferred on Friday, 16 October 2026, at the university’s Radcliffe Centre during Buckingham Africa Day, as the institution marked its 50th anniversary. Dressed in a red doctoral gown, Alakija received the degree from Vice-Chancellor Professor David Cole, with family, friends and members of the university community in attendance.

For Alakija, the occasion was also an opportunity to speak to the next generation about ambition, responsibility and the importance of creating opportunities for others.

Folorunso Alakija in her doctoral gown at the University of Buckingham conferment ceremony.

Accepting the honorary degree, she thanked God and the university for the recognition, sharing her belief in Africa’s potential and the responsibility that comes with achievement.

“Africa is a continent of immense potential, creativity and resilience and that achievement carries responsibility to serve others,” she said.

She also encouraged students and young people to pursue their goals with passion, perseverance and diligence, while remaining humble and recognising the value of their contributions.

Her message reflects a career that has taken her through several fields. Before becoming widely known for her work in oil and gas through Famfa Oil, Alakija worked in banking and established herself in Nigeria’s fashion industry. She has also been involved in real estate, printing and philanthropic initiatives supporting education, women and vulnerable communities.

Folorunso Alakija with Dean of Faculty Professor Debarpita Bardhan-Correia at the Radcliffe Centre.

During the ceremony, Professor Debarpita Bardhan–Correia, Dean of the Faculty of Business, Humanities and Social Sciences, spoke about Alakija’s commitment to opening doors for others. Professor Shalom Lloyd MBE also highlighted the importance of investing in young Africans, asking, “What better investment can we make than developing Africa’s future leaders?”

After the conferment, Alakija spent time with students and guests at a reception hosted in her honour, offering advice and encouragement. Her son, Dele Alakija, and sister, Arinola Ogbara, were among the family members who joined her for the celebration, alongside friends and other guests who travelled from Nigeria.

The honorary doctorate adds another chapter to Alakija’s journey, one that began long before her success in the oil industry. And as she celebrated the recognition in Buckingham, her message to young people was clear: pursue your ambitions, remain committed to your work and use what you achieve to create opportunities for others.

Folorunso Alakija receiving her honorary doctorate degree from University of Buckingham Vice-Chancellor Professor David Cole.

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