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.
After her car slammed into the Otedola Bridge in Lagos State on Monday morning, a woman suffered serious injuries.  ,
A red salon car’s driver, identified as IKJ 126BH, allegedly lost control, causing the car to hit another car before veering off the bridge and colliding with it.
At 9:20 a.m., security personnel and emergency personnel were working to track down the driver and the circumstances that caused the collision.
