The Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, has stated that her goal is to establish Nigeria as a cultural and creative hub.
Musawa made this known on Saturday at the grand opening of the Igbojaye, Oyo State, KAP Film Village and Resort.
She claimed that in order to accomplish this, the federal government has begun working with state governments.
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She praised Kunle Afolayan, a producer of movies in Nigeria, for creating the film village and promising to work with the director to improve the location’s viability.
“We’re looking at making Nigeria the cultural and creative hub of Africa, and I think you’re going to do a lot to help me create that narrative,” he said.
Therefore, I must say thanks to you for doing a lot of the work for me and for us as well, according to Musawa.
As he made a pit stop at the biggest music festival on Saturday, US senator Bernie Sanders drew a sizable crowd to his top cameo performance.
Screaming fans rushed over to see the politician’s unannounced speech, which came after Charli XCX’s blockbuster set at a nearby stage.
At the major California desert double weekend, which officially marks the start of the music festival season, Sanders said, “This country faces some very difficult challenges and the future of what happens to America depends on your generation.”
You have the option of refusing to participate or to ignore what transpires, but you do so at your own risk. You must stand up and fight for social justice, racial justice, and economic justice.
Also read: Lady Gaga Brings Mayhem to the Desert at Coachella Day One.
A rally Sanders and Democratic representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez held earlier that day that included musicians like Joan Baez, Maggie Rogers, and Neil Young, was held before their own “Fighting Oligarchy” tour, which organizers claimed attracted 36, 000 people.
Sanders urged attendees to stand up for US President Donald Trump’s administration and billionaires at Coachella while under a full moon.
Before the crowd’s boos quickly drowned out Trump’s name, Sanders said, “Now we have a president of the United States.”
Sanders continued, “I agree.” He believes that climate change is a hoax. You and I will have to speak up against the fossil fuel industry and demand that they stop destroying this planet because he is dangerously incorrect.
“Exactly the move,” the phrase says.
Sanders thanked Clairo for using her platform to support social justice causes and introduced her to the stage.
He said, “I’m here because Clairo has used her prominence to fight for women’s rights and to end the bloody, brutal war in Gaza, where thousands of women and children are being murdered.” So I want to thank Clairo for her excellent work as well as her band.
Coachella, I appreciate it.
Tonight, I had a great time introducing the great @clairo.
These are challenging times.
The younger generation needs to take the lead in the fight against climate change, defend women’s rights, and create a society that benefits everyone, not just the elite. pic. Twitter.com/twitter.com/fr/sgvKAuNYY
I love Bernie Sanders, the message was so popular! as the self-described socialist senator who caucuses with Democrats wrapped up his speech screamed one festivalgoer.
Samara Guillory, age 21, was one of the musicians who hurriedly to Sanders’ stage.
Senator Sanders’ level of competence, according to Guillory, “was very important,” Guillory told AFP. We are the new generation and America’s future.
“Coming here, talking to us, spreading awareness,” to be honest, “I think this was exactly the move.”
Like many other Nollywood productions, the Nigerian filmmaker Omoni Oboli’s film “Love in Every Word” received over 20 million views on YouTube in the first three months of this year.
After President Bola Tinubu stopped providing gasoline subsidies that kept prices low all the way down and stopped support for the local currency, Nigerians are now facing one of the most difficult economic crises in decades.
While many clients are offended by the price-hiking spree that is currently taking place on streaming platforms, cable TV, and internet service providers.
In a nation where more than half of the 230 million people in poverty, the World Bank estimates that Netflix’s monthly subscription fees increased by two to 7, 000 naira ($4.50) from 4, 400 naira ($4.50) for its premium package.
According to Lagos-based think tank SBM Intelligence, many people are cutting back on their entertainment costs, including cable and streaming services.
Nigeria’s massive film industry, Nollywood, has an average weekly release of 50 movies, which is second only to Bollywood in the world.
Adeleke Adesola, a 31-year-old health worker from Ibadan’s southwest, has switched to watching movies on YouTube because of how much it costs and how it is interactive.
When I read a comment that discusses a scene or movie, I feel good. Additionally, she explained to AFP, “I don’t have to pay monthly subscription to access YouTube movies.”
MultiChoice, a pay TV provider in Africa, reported losing nearly a quarter of a million subscribers between April and September 2024.
Production reductions
Netflix, a streaming juggernaut, has cut back on commissioning new productions in Nigeria despite an increase in subscriptions last year.
Similar thinking has also been applied by Prime Video.
Consumers and filmmakers are turning to YouTube and other less expensive options as movie tickets are now viewed by millions in the west African economic powerhouse.
Kazeem Adeoti, a co-founder of the iBAKATV YouTube channel, reported a significant increase in the number of full-length movies available on the site.
He claimed that several of the best actors owned YouTube channels so they could directly sell their movies to viewers.
“less expensive” YouTube movies
YouTube’s revenue is affected by factors like watch time, viewer engagement, copyright ownership, and viewer’s location.
According to Taiwo Kola-Ogunlade, a spokesman for Google West Africa, “we consistently see high watch time,” which indicates a strong interest in Nollywood content.
“This increased watch time benefits the creators as well as increasing the YouTube ad revenue.”
Due to the lack of guidelines on the types of cameras used, the costumes used, or the language mixes, Seun Oloketuyi, the founder of the Best of Nollywood (BON) awards, claimed that because of this, YouTube had become more popular with filmmakers.
According to Oloketuyi, “Movies shot for YouTube are significantly less expensive than those shown in theaters or on digital streaming platforms.”
“It seems like a win-win situation for filmmakers because they can make good money while producing significantly less money while still keeping the rights to the movies.”
The contract terms for Nigerian filmmakers have now changed, despite the claims that Netflix and Prime have no intention of leaving the country.
Dance Moms star, JoJo Siwa, has signed up for ITV’s Celebrity Big Brother alongside Coronation Street’s Jack P Shepherd and 90s heartthrob, Chesney Hawkes
JoJo Siwa has signed up for Celebrity Big Brother(Image: WireImage)
JoJo Siwa has come a long way since making her TV debut in Dance Moms. The plucky dancer, 21, from Nebraska – who is making her debut on Celebrity Big Brother tonight – shot to fame aged 12 on the Lifetime show in which she and other child performers, including Chandelier star, Maddie Ziegler, faced the weekly wrath of dance coach, Abbie Lee Miller.
Now 21, JoJo, who came out as LGBTQ in 2021, has a whole business empire to boast of, including a super successful hair bow brand – as well as an impressive TV and music career, So, as we get ready to watch her in action tonight when Celebrity Big Brother kicks off at 9pm on ITV, here’s the lowdown on her staggering net worth and love life…
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JoJo Siwa has come a long way since making her TV debut in Dance Moms(Image: Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic)
Mind-blowing net worth
After being included on Time’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2020, JoJo’s net worth sky rocketed.
From her explosive debut on reality TV to a stratospheric career in music, acting, and brand partnerships, the Nebraska-born star’s empire continues to grow with a reported current net worth of a staggering $20 million (£16 million).
JoJo burst onto the scene in reality show Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition and became a household name during her stint on Dance Moms in 2015. At just 12 years old, she was already showcasing a strong personality and steely determination to win, despite being berated to the point of tears by the over-zealous Abbie, who JoJo admitted she still talked to in 2024.
The star’s breakout hit Boomerang was then released in 2016. The catchy bop, which features empowering lyrics penned to beat bullying, has racked up over 950 million views on YouTube, further cementing JoJo’s pop star status.
The savvy star followed up with several singles, albums, and world tours, including her incredibly successful D.R.E.A.M. The Tour, which grossed over $26.9 million (£20 million) in ticket sales according to Pollstar. She also launched branded merchandise, including her iconic bows, dolls, clothing, and accessories—generating tens of millions in revenue.
Love life
JoJo’s dating history has got tongues wagging worldwide. She’s had a number of high-profile relationships with celebrities including, Mark Bontempo, Kylie Prew, Avery Cyrus, and Dakayla Wilson.
The performer, who publicly came out as LGBTQ in January 2021, garnered huge interest from her romance with American social media personality and former basketball player, Kylie.
JoJo dated US influencer Kylie Prew twice before they called it quits
The perky pair met on a cruise in 2020. They officially started dating on January 8, 2021 and went public a month later.
JoJo described Kylie as her best friend before their romance blossomed. Their on-again off-again relationship was praised by fans for its authenticity as well as for celebrating LGBTQ rights. Although they broke up in October 2021, they briefly reconciled in 2022 before parting ways again.
Current relationship
JoJo is now in a relationship with Australian influencer Kath Ebbs. The pair first went public when they shared a number of loved-up social media posts on January 21, 2025.
JoJo captioned the candid photos: “Photos from my girlfriend’s camera roll,” while Kath delighted fans the next day with the caption, “Bit of queer joy for ya feed today!” on her Instagram account.
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Gushing about her relationship with E! News earlier this year, the star said: “I almost didn’t know this version of myself existed,” JoJo exclusively told E! News. “I didn’t know that it was possible to have so much love for somebody but still have so much love for your career and so much love for your family and your friends. But yet you still have this safe person.
“It’s beautiful,” JoJo continued. “They have made me a more beautiful person. It’s because they’re the most beautiful.”
Kath also paid tribute to her partner, praising JoJo in a heartfelt Instagram caption, which read: “To one of the kindest, most courageous, resilience & hilarious people I have ever met! What a blessing to share a little piece of life with you. Thank you for reminding me to laugh always x.”
Celebrity Big Brother starts tonight at 9pm on ITV
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Former bodyguard to David and Victoria Beckham, as well as other famous people, Craig Ainsworth, tragically found dead following a police search in Spain.
When David and Romeo Beckham watched Inter Miami play Toronto,
Unaware David Beckham was pictured smiling hours before learning the family’s trusted former bodyguard had been found dead following a massive police search in Spain.
The death of ex-Royal Marine Craig Ainsworth, who protected the Beckhams from 2013 to 2015 when they lived in London’s Holland Park, was announced on Sunday. His mother Sally revealed the tragic news in a social media post after launching an urgent appeal for information about the missing war veteran.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jennifer Lawrence, Johnny Depp, and Amber Heard were also a few examples of Craig’s protection. David and Romeo were seen laughing together as his Inter Miami team defeated Toronto in Florida shortly after the devastating news of his passing. The former England captain was cheering up young people who were unaware of the tragic discovery across the Atlantic.
The ex-Royal Marine’s body was found this weekend (Image: Facebook)
Hours after the match in America, the star was told following the serviceman’s mother’s announcement. She went public with her SOS appeal after revealing Craig, who was suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, had “posted a last message on Facebook to say goodbye” and said police were focusing their search for him in Alicante and the Barcelona area.
In an update, Sally confirmed the gut-wrenching news of his death, saying: “Craig has been found. With the greatest sadness the world has lost Craig. He served in Afghanistan and he had PTSD.” She went on to publish a photo of him in military uniform, saying simply: “RIP Craig.”
He had previously written a heartbreaking post on Facebook titled “Goodbye Beautiful People” where he compared how much pain he had experienced over the past four years since the Covid lockdown. He remarked, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. All that is true about most people is that.
Before the game, David had some fun with the young fans.
Hours later, he learned the terrible news.
For the most part, most of you will understand that lockdown has caused me the most agonizing pain for the past four years, including losing some genuinely amazing people I was proud to refer to as friends and colleagues. Ryan and Jamie, my brothers, were particularly important to me.
He continued, “I lost friends for 20 years who chose to talk about me rather than talk to me, and members of my family then attacked and humiliated me publicly.” Most of the people I needed chose to attack rather than support me, which I have never recovered from. I was completely broken.
Continue reading the article.
To Juniour, Ishy, Sonia, Clara, Chris Y, Tatts, Nick, Claire, Craig, and Lauren, my adored sister. My Royal Marine brothers are not to mention. I apologize so much! I’m free right now, so please don’t be angry or depressed. I was able to keep going all this time thanks to you guys, and words can only express how grateful I am to you all.
“I had ten men’s lives.” I had sincere thoughts and good intentions throughout. I’m undoubtedly not a perfect person, but I certainly lived my life. Despite my agony, I made an effort to spread positivity around the world and assist others. Imagine a silly Enfield boy achieving such adventure. Every story is true and my gift to you all proves that you can accomplish anything, but you must desire it more than air! Plus, life is crazy! Get involved.
Michael Schumacher’s daughter Gina-Maria shared an update on social media that she had given birth to her first child on March 29 as the family offer a rare glimpse into their lives
Michael Schumacher has become a grandfather(Image: Formula 1 / Netflix)
Formula One legend Michael Schumacher has become a grandfather after his daughter announced she has given birth to her first child. Gina-Maria Schumacher, 28, took to social media to announce that she and husband Iain Bethke, whom she wed last year, welcomed their daughter Millie into the world on March 29.
Gina is said to be a millionaire thanks to her contribution in the competitive world of equestrian sports, particularly in Western-style horse riding. A talented reining rider, she has already picked up numerous championship titles, including a gold medal at the FEI World Reining Championships for Juniors.
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Her growing reputation in the equestrian world, backed by a string of lucrative sponsorships and competition earnings, has seen her career flourish financially. Gina is the first German to call herself ‘Million Dollar Rider’ which means she’s earned more than one million in winnings.
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Gina-Maria Schumacher married Iain Bethke in a ceremony at the Schumacher’s family villa in Majorca(Image: @gina_schumacher/Instagram)
Despite operating in a vastly different sport from her father, the influence of the seven-time F1 world champion is unmistakable. Friends and insiders often describe Gina as having inherited Michael’s famous discipline, competitive spirit, and quiet determination.
Those qualities have not only helped her dominate in the saddle but also led to a blossoming public profile in elite sporting circles. Gina is largely based in Switzerland with her husband Iain Bethke, who is originally from Berwangen in Germany.
Speaking to She’s Magazine in 2019, Corinna and her daughter said that while her son Mick is following in his father’s footsteps with a racing career, mother and daughter were united in their love of Western riding. They reportedly said that working with horses gave them both the strength to carry on and to deal with the tragedy.
The duo have a ranch in the Swiss town of Givrins – which was gifted to Corinna by Michael in 2005 for their 10th wedding anniversary – with the mother and daughter organising riding events there. Corinna told the magazine: “I don’t forget who I have to thank for this [sic]. That would be my husband Michael.”
In February 2018, Gina won a gold medal at the National Reining Horse Association’s novice Cavalli and she topped World Championships for junior riders in 2018. It is also understood that Gina and her mother have a ranch in Gordonville, Texas.
In January 2024, Gina penned a rare birthday tribute to her father online, writing: “Happy Birthday Papa!” alongside snaps of her she penned, sharing a snap of herself and Mick with their father when they were younger. “Throwback to one of many of our adventures.”
Michael was very protective of his family’s privacy when his children were younger, something they are now returning the favour for. Gina made headlines in 2023 after tying the knot with Iain in a private ceremony at the Schumacher family home, Villa Yasmin, in Puerto De Andratx, Mallorca.
The intimate affair was kept tightly under wraps – typical of the Schumacher family’s preference for privacy in the years since Michael’s 2013 skiing accident.
There was intense speculation at the time that Michael himself may have attended the wedding. The rumour mill went into overdrive, with some reports suggesting he was present in a wheelchair and able to witness his daughter’s big day. However, these claims were disputed by sources close to the family, who have remained steadfast in maintaining a respectful silence around his condition.
Gina has formed her own career as the jockey is said to be a millionaire(Image: Getty Images)
Michael’s wife, Corinna, who has been his primary carer, was said to be deeply involved in planning the wedding, with reports of heartfelt speeches and a strong family presence. It marked a rare glimpse into the personal lives of the Schumachers, who have kept largely out of the public eye for over a decade.
While updates on Michael remain scarce, the F1 champion has now become a grandfather. He is also the father to German racing driver Mick, aged 26. Gina continues to build her equestrian empire – reportedly attracting interest from luxury fashion houses and equestrian brands. Sharing the news of her birth on social media, she wrote: “Welcome to the world, Millie. Born on March 29, our hearts are fuller than ever. We are beyond blessed to have you in our lives.”
Michael, now 56, suffered life changing injuries in a skiing accident in 2013. The racing driver had retired just a year prior, with daughter Gina present during the accident at an upmarket resort of Meribel in France.
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After hitting an exposed rock, he collided with another rock just metres away with his helmet cracked in two by the collision. With wife Corinna building a comprehensive medical suite at their family home on Lake Geneva, which is believed to be staffed by numerous doctors and aides, the Schumachers withdrew into privacy.
A court hearing heard how he was unable to walk or stand following the accident. Recent reports suggest Schumacher is “completely dependent” on caregivers and “can no longer express himself verbally”.
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