Category: Entertainment

Nigeria Hosts Maiden Diplomatic Cultural Festival to Deepen Global Ties

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully hosted the maiden edition of the Annual Diplomatic Cultural Festival in Abuja, brought together members of the diplomatic community, international organisations, government officials, corporate partners, development agencies and the public in a celebration of cultural diversity and international cooperation. The festival, held on Saturday at the Velodrome of the National Stadium, Abuja, was organised to strengthen diplomatic relations and promote people-to-people engagement through cultural exchange. Participants showcased their countries’ rich cultural heritage through exhibitions, traditional cuisines, arts and crafts displays, musical performances,…

Italy, Africa Deepen Sports, Cultural Ties at Rome Summit

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The “Italy–Africa: Cultures in Play” summit ended in Rome on Monday with renewed commitments to strengthen cooperation between Italy and African nations through sports, cultural exchange, youth empowerment and sustainable development. Held at the Istituto della Enciclopedia Italiana Treccani to commemorate Africa Day 2026, the summit convened diplomats, government officials, athletes, academics, sports administrators and business leaders from both regions under the theme: “Sport as a Platform for Encounter, Dialogue, Identity and Sustainable Growth.” A major highlight of the event was the participation of Mariabenedicta Chigbolu, daughter of the First…

Gov Adeleke installs Afilaka as Alatorin, Urges Peace in Atakunmosa

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Appointment to the newly installed Alatorin of Atorin-Ijesa, Oba Omololu Ibitoye Afilaka, charged residents of Atakunmosa East Local Government to sustain peace and preserve the town’s rich cultural heritage. Represented at the coronation ceremony by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Dosu Babatunde, the governor stressed that meaningful development can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and harmony. Adeleke warned against actions capable of disrupting communal peace, urging indigenes and residents…

Obasanjo, Makinde, Others Storm Ile-Ife as Ooni Installs Amosun’s Wife as Yeye Moremi Oodua

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The ancient city of Ile-Ife came alive on Saturday as dignitaries from across the country gathered for the installation of Chief Mrs. Olufunsho Amosun as the Yeye Moremi Oodua by the Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. The colourful ceremony, held at Afenworo Square opposite the Ooni’s Palace, also marked the 60th birthday celebration of the philanthropist and founder of the Uplift Development Foundation, according to a statement issued by the Director of Media and Public Affairs at the palace, Otunba Moses Olafare. Among the dignitaries present was former President Olusegun Obasanjo,…

Islamic Family Drama ‘Al-Usri Yusra’ Premieres in Abuja, Spotlighting Faith, Resilience and Unity

Lukman Laleye Babalola

A new Islamic-themed family drama, Al-Usri Yusra, has premiered in Abuja, delivered a strong message on faith, patience, and unity within the home. The film, produced by Dr. Ilias Aliyu, debuted at Silverbird Cinema Abuja, attracted families, community members, and film enthusiasts. The premiere marked a significant moment for faith-based storytelling within Nigeria’s entertainment landscape. Aliyu, a respected figure in Abuja’s creative industry, is not new to filmmaking. He is a well-known thespian, a former Governor of the Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners(ANTP), and has contributed significantly to theatre…

Defence Minister highlights national unity at Army Headquarters WASA

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Christopher Musa, has emphasized national unity as a critical force multiplier in addressing Nigeria’s contemporary security challenges, commending the Nigerian Army for demonstrating cohesion, professionalism and patriotism in service to the nation. The minister made the remarks on Saturday during the Army Headquarters Departments and Commands West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025, held at the Army Headquarters Garrison Parade Ground, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja. Represented by his Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Major General Henry Wesley (Rtd), the minister described the Nigerian Army as a…

Nigeria Day to spotlight cross-border creativity at FInAB 2026 in Cotonou

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a move set to deepen cultural diplomacy and regional collaboration, the Empire Group has officially announced “Nigeria Day” at the 4th edition of the Festival International des Arts du Bénin (FInAB) 2026, scheduled for February 21, 2026, at Family Beach, Cotonou. The announcement was made at a high-profile press briefing on February 12, 2026, at the iconic Freedom Park, Lagos, with Victory Francis, Project Manager at Empire Events, representing the festival’s President, Ulrich Adjovi. Themed “Benin-Nigeria: Creativity, Cultural Power, and Regional Unity,” Nigeria Day will bring together Nigerian cultural…

2026 GRAMMY: NiDCOM Chairman hails Nigerians’ historic wins

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chairman/CEO of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated three Nigerians—Shaboozey (Collins Obinna Chibueze), Tyler, the Creator (Tyler Gregory Okonma), and Cynthia Erivo (Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanazu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo) for their historic victories at the 2026 Grammy Awards. In a statement released by NiDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa described their achievements on one of the world’s most prestigious cultural stages as a powerful testament to the creativity, excellence, and global influence of Nigerians and people of Nigerian heritage across…

NAFC marks WASA 2025 as COAS assures improved operational capacity in 2026

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has assured Nigerians that the Nigerian Army will record enhanced operational effectiveness in tackling crime and other security threats nationwide in 2026. The assurance was given on Saturday, 7 February 2026, during the West African Social Activities (WASA) 2025 of the Nigerian Army Finance Corps (NAFC), held at the Headquarters Command Finance Office Football Field, Arakan Cantonment, Apapa, Lagos. Represented at the event by the Commander Corps of Signals, Major General MT Abdullahi, the COAS disclosed that the Nigerian Army…

COAS orders world-class standards in Nigerian Army hospitality services

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, has called for the adoption of world-class management standards across Nigerian Army hospitality enterprises, stressed that excellence in service delivery remains vital to sustainability and institutional credibility. He made this call on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the opening ceremony of the Army Headquarters Department of Special Services and Programmes (DSSP) Annual Army Officers’ Mess and Suites Stakeholders Conference 2025, held in Abuja. The conference, themed “Conforming to World-Class Management Standards for Sustainable Nigerian Army Hospitality Businesses,” brought together key…