Nigeria’s premier entrepreneurial reality television show, Betano-The Next Titan Nigeria has officially kicked off its season 11 in earnest.
The innovative show will premiere on October 3rd on DSTV Africa Magic Family, and on the 4th of October on TVC Entertainment, HIPTV, and Silverbird Network. The show will air for ten weeks on these major television stations across Nigeria and will feature a ₦50 million Grand Prize for the winner and runners-up.
With the support of Betano and other strategic sponsors and partners, this season promises to be the most competitive, entertaining and impactful Betano – The Next Titan is Nigeria’s foremost entrepreneurial reality show, and it brings together aspiring entrepreneurs across Nigeria by giving them a platform to compete for a grand prize and other prizes to start their dream business or to support the existing ones. Apart from being a competition platform, the objective is to provoke the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians; and it is the longest running and most consistent entrepreneurial reality show in Africa.
The show searches for young talents who have great ideas and with right attitude to demonstrate their entrepreneurial acumen, and showcasing them as models on TV thereby influencing the mindsets of millions of other young Nigerians to see entrepreneurship as a viable career option. Betano-The Next Titan weaves the intricate tapestry of the entrepreneurial journey vividly, portraying both its challenges and triumphs, bringing
the raw, unfiltered experiences, learning, and entertainment directly to the viewers.
The 10-week captivating show is a platform for unearthing innovation, creativity, and unleashing the potential of young Nigerians. It features ambitious entrepreneurs competing through rigorous business challenges, strategic decision-making tasks, and real-world execution scenarios, and with top business leaders as Judges of the show.
During the opening ceremony, 20 exceptional finalists are unveiled from the Top 75 contestants that made it to Bootcamp and these 20 finalists would move into the Titan House for an exciting ten-week competition featuring business tasks, innovation challenges, mentorship sessions and weekly eliminations that will ultimately produce the Season 11 Champion. The innovative show will bring pain and gains of entrepreneurial journey into the leaving rooms of Nigerians and Africans at large.
Rising transportation costs, inadequate infrastructure and limited economic opportunities for women and young people dominated discussions at a WIMB Africa Business Roundtable, with stakeholders calling for policies that translate government decisions into measurable improvements in citizens’ daily lives.
Stakeholders from the business, media, creative, engineering, legal, and political sectors said sustainable national development requires more than government action, stressing the need for effective institutions, policy implementation, and an informed citizenry capable of holding public officials accountable.
L-R: Dr Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi, Founder of WIMB Africa, and Barr. Deji Fasunwon, CEO, HONTAR Project, during WIMB Africa’s Business Roundtable on “Politics as a Nation-Building Catalyst,” held at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, recently
They spoke at the monthly Business Roundtable organised by the African Women Foundation for Nation Building (WIMB Africa) at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
The roundtable, themed “Politics as a Nation-Building Catalyst,” which provided a platform for sector-focused dialogue on pressing economic and national issues, exchange of perspectives and exploration of practical solutions, brought together WIMB Africa Founder, Dr Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi; keynote speaker, Mayor Akinpelu; moderator, Mr Gbadebo Akinyemi; former Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe; CEO, HONTAR; Barr. Deji Fasunwon; veteran journalist and media career development specialist, Lekan Otufodunrin; former Chairman, Odi-Olowo LCDA, Hon. Rasak Ajala; WIMB Africa Project Coordinator, Omotayo Jane; Ms. Anjolaoluwa Olanrewaju, among other stakeholders.
Speaking at the event, former Rector of Yaba College of Technology, Engr. Obafemi Omokungbe, said infrastructure investments would have limited impact without policies and institutions capable of sustaining them.
“Policy is not a mere set of government interventions. It is the underlying system that allows families, institutions, markets, communities and citizens to function effectively,” Omokungbe said.
He identified roads, electricity, water and broadband as critical infrastructure, but stressed that their effectiveness depended on the policy framework governing their development, maintenance and use.
“A weak policy environment can undermine even a well-funded physical infrastructure,” he added, calling for stronger institutions, clear standards and effective implementation.
The keynote speaker, Mayor Akinpelu, said policy reforms could promote economic stability and create a more predictable environment for businesses to plan and invest.
He, however, noted that economic reforms could affect different segments of society differently, urging policymakers to introduce targeted interventions for vulnerable groups, particularly rural women.
Akinpelu also encouraged WIMB Africa to promote cooperative societies among women, arguing that collective economic structures could improve access to resources and reduce the pressure of individual survival.
“When women form cooperative societies in different areas, they will be able to pull together resources that will help them as a group instead of trying to survive as individuals,” he said.
Veteran journalist and media career development specialist, Lekan Otufodunrin, examined the effects of major government policies on households and businesses, citing the removal of fuel subsidy as an example of a decision with wide-ranging economic consequences.
He noted that the policy had significantly affected transportation costs, with the impact extending to other areas of economic activity.
The roundtable also placed strong emphasis on citizen oversight and public accountability. Participants urged Nigerians to take greater interest in government budgets, public expenditure and projects earmarked for their communities.
They said citizens should be able to demand information about public funds allocated to specific projects, while the media and civil society organisations should provide platforms for scrutiny, public education and engagement.
The participants further examined mechanisms for holding elected officials accountable, including constitutional provisions governing legislative representatives and the role of civic participation and political engagement in demanding improved public performance.
Founder of WIMB Africa, Dr. Bukola Bello Jaiyesimi, said the roundtable reflected the organisation’s broader commitment to community empowerment and nation building across Africa.
“What we try to do is to lead, learn and leverage impact,” Jaiyesimi said.
She explained that the decision to focus the latest edition on politics was deliberate because political decisions have direct implications for governance, development and citizens’ everyday experiences.
Adding a generational perspective to the discussion, social-impact artist and climate-justice advocate, Ms. Anjolaoluwa Olanrewaju, urged young Nigerians to become better informed and more actively engaged in national affairs.
Olanrewaju said the discussion challenged her to look beyond the perception that politics was solely the responsibility of the government or older generations.
“It has also prompted me to do more research and be more involved in the political affairs of the nation. So, not just leaving politics for governments, I also have a part to play,” she said.
Established in 2014, WIMB Africa operates across five African countries. Its monthly Business Roundtable brings together stakeholders from different sectors to examine pressing national issues, exchange perspectives and explore practical solutions to development challenges.
Joseph Onyero, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bebuzee Inc., has declared that the global AI-powered super app is in Africa to dominate the continent’s digital space.
Onyero made the declaration while unveiling the platform last Saturday in Lagos.
According to him, Bebuzee is the first super app in America, Europe and Africa, created to solve a lot of problems. It is a next-generation AI-powered app that brings together social media, entertainment, streaming, creator economy, commerce, mobility and digital services in one connected ecosystem.
“We are entering the Nollywood ecosystem not simply as another streaming platform, but with a broader vision to build digital infrastructure connecting producers, content owners, creators and audiences through streaming and digital distribution, advertising and creator revenue sharing, and global audience engagement,” he said.
He noted that with Nigeria’s creative economy valued at approximately $6.4 billion, over a million industry members represented, and Nollywood producing more than 2,500 films annually, making it one of the world’s largest film industries by volume, there is a need for greater distribution channels to help Nigerian films reach broader audiences.
The highlight of the launch was the unveiling of some leading Nollywood stars as brand ambassadors of Bebuzee. Among them were veteran actress Patience Ozokwo, aka Mama G, Ebele Okaro, Zubby Michael and Destiny Etiko. Others were Paul Obazele, Segun Arinze, Sani Danja, Jide Kosoko and the National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu.
The unveiling of the movie stars was in line with strategic partnership agreements with leading Nollywood figures, guilds and industry organisations.
Onyero said the partnerships represent a major technology opportunity designed to connect Nollywood’s vast creative ecosystem with Bebuzee’s expanding technology platform and its multiple digital revenue engines.
According to him, the app is one digital ecosystem built for the entire world.
“Under the strategic partnerships, Bebuzee intends to develop opportunities for eligible Nollywood professionals to access verified digital profiles, global content distribution, creator monetisation, advertising revenue sharing, AI-powered tools, e-commerce and professional services,” Onyero said.
Bebuzee also plans to build towards its 100,000 Nollywood Creators Programme, creating a structured digital ecosystem for producers, actors, directors, writers, cinematographers, editors and other entertainment professionals. The launch was attended by major stakeholders and film stars.
Nollywood actress Rachael Okonkwo has done enough for herself to deserve her new appointment as Senior Special Adviser to the Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, on Film and Creative Industry Development.
The actress, who began her acting journey in 2005 after her role in “Nkoli Nwa Nsukka” — a movie series which has run up to six parts; has maintained a steady rise to stardom.
Known for her authenticity and strong connection with her audience, the actress has consistently attracted multinational brands looking to engage with a broad and loyal fan base. Her ability to combine entertainment, influence, and social impact has made her a preferred ambassador across multiple sectors.
Back in her state, she continues to champion empowerment through her foundation, mentoring young girls and promoting confidence, leadership, and education across communities.
She has built a powerful personal brand that blends entertainment, influence, and meaningful impact, solidifying her place as a leading face in Nigeria’s evolving brand and media landscape. Her resilient spirit propelled her creative journey when she launched her debut memoir, “Odogwu Girl: From Dreams to Reality,” which was recently endorsed by Governor Mbah, days before the announcement of her appointment.
This is not her first appointment to serve her state. She was first appointed as the Ambassador on Youth Development by the former governor of Enugu State, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Mbah has toed the same path, reappointing the actress as his SSA on Film and Creative Industry Development.
The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria, AGN, Alhaji Abubakar Yakubu, described the appointment as “a worthy recognition of your experience, dedication and enduring contributions to Nollywood and the creative sector.”In a congratulatory message, Yakubu said the industry is confident that she will distinguish herself through visionary leadership, purposeful engagement and impactful service.
The Macallan, the world-renowned single malt whisky, partnered with Kokopelli Art Gallery to mark its fifth anniversary with a three-day celebration of contemporary art, storytelling and creative expression, bringing together artists, collectors and cultural tastemakers in Lagos.
The celebration, held from September 10 to 12, centred on Epignosis I: Our Story First, an exhibition that brought together the work of Gbolahan Ayoola and five artists from the inaugural Once Upon a Time (O.U.T) Residency. The exhibition formed part of Kokopelli Art Gallery’s fifth-anniversary programme and highlighted the gallery’s continued commitment to creating platforms for African artists and their stories.
The O.U.T Residency, the first programme of the Kokopelli Art Foundation, brought together five artists from Ethiopia, Ghana, Benin Republic and Nigeria for two weeks of studio practice, facilitated sessions, field research and mentorship. Each artist produced a resolved work for the closing exhibition, with the cohort becoming the Foundation’s inaugural group of OUTliers.
Speaking on the vision behind the residency, Dare Herald, Director, Kokopelli Art Gallery and Kokopelli Art Foundation, said: “African artists have never been short of talent or stories. What has been scarce is the infrastructure – the access, the mentorship, the opportunity – that allows those stories to become practices, careers and legacies. This residency is our contribution to building that.”
The resulting exhibition, Epignosis I: Our Story First, was structured as a “Call and Response” exhibition, pairing Gbolahan’s solo body of work with works created by the five residency artists. Drawing from African oral and musical traditions, the concept places two generations of artists in the same space and on equal terms, allowing each body of work to respond to and reshape the other.
The three-day programme opened with a private dinner on September 10, followed by a private viewing on September 11 and the public opening on September 12. The exhibition will run at Kokopelli Art Gallery, Ikoyi Lagos, until November 8, 2026.
For The Macallan, the partnership reflected a shared appreciation for the patience, precision and purpose behind exceptional creative work, while providing an opportunity to engage more deeply with Nigeria’s evolving arts and cultural landscape.
Hammed Adebiyi, Senior Brand Manager, West and Central Africa (WACA), Edrington Portfolio, said: “Mastery is built over time, through patience, dedication and a commitment to the process. At The Macallan, these values are central to how we approach our craft, and we see that same spirit in the artists and creative communities we support. Our partnership with Kokopelli Art Gallery is a celebration of that shared pursuit, creating a space where craftsmanship, creativity and meaningful stories can come together.”
The collaboration further reflected The Macallan’s commitment to engaging with creative communities and creating meaningful cultural experiences, with the brand becoming part of a programme that brought together artists, collectors and cultural tastemakers while celebrating the role of storytelling in contemporary African culture.
Founded in Lagos in 2021, Kokopelli Art Gallery is dedicated to artists for whom storytelling serves as a discipline and form of knowledge. Its fifth-anniversary programme builds on this philosophy, with Epignosis exploring the power of stories to shape how people understand themselves, their communities and their histories.
The three-day celebration therefore served not only as a milestone for Kokopelli Art Gallery, but also as a platform for emerging African artists to present new work, engage with established practitioners and connect with a wider community of collectors, creatives and cultural audiences
KAP Film and Television Academy has again demonstrated its commitment to developing Africa’s next generation of filmmakers, as 20 young Beninese creatives graduated from the KAP–SOPA Pan-African Filmmaking Bootcamp following an intensive 12-week journey across Benin and Nigeria.
The graduation ceremony and premiere of the participants’ three short films took place at the iconic KAP Film Village & Resort, bringing together representatives of the Government of the Republic of Benin, senior cultural and diplomatic representatives, leading African filmmakers, producers, curators, educators and other stakeholders in the creative industry.The programme was delivered by KAP Film & Television Academy in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Benin through its audiovisual agency, SOPA, and represents a practical example of how cross-border collaboration can create meaningful pathways for Africa’s emerging creative talent.
The 20 participants began their filmmaking journey in Cotonou before continuing their practical training and production experience in Nigeria. Across the programme, they were exposed to the fundamentals and practical realities of filmmaking, culminating in the production of three original short films.For KAP Academy, however, the significance of the programme extends beyond the graduation ceremony.It demonstrates an educational philosophy built around learning by doing, access to industry practitioners and exposure to professional filmmaking environments.
One of the Academy’s distinguishing strengths is its ability to bring students into direct contact with some of the continent’s most accomplished creative professionals. The KAP–SOPA programme provided the young filmmakers with access to experienced filmmakers, producers, curators and other practitioners whose careers represent decades of accumulated knowledge.Among those who joined the celebration were internationally recognised film curator Keith Shiri; Cameroonian filmmaker and educator Jean-Pierre Bekolo; filmmaker and media executive Femi Odugbemi; veteran filmmakers Tunde Kelani and Tade Ogidan; international producer Virginie Besson-Silla; AFRIFF founder Chioma Ude; and celebrated actress Sola Sobowale, alongside other leading voices from African cinema.
The gathering transformed the graduation from a conventional academic ceremony into an encounter between the next generation and the people who have helped shape Africa cinema.
The President of the Directors Guild of Nigeria,DGN, Mr. Uche Agbo, has commended filmmaker and entrepreneur Kunle Afolayan for his visionary investment in the Nigerian creative industry, following his recent visit to the KAP Film Village and Resort.
Speaking after the visit, the DGN President described the facility as “an amazing and inspirational place,” noting the scale of what is being built and its potential impact on Nigeria’s creative economy and the wider African film industry.
Agbo was also privileged to witness the graduation ceremony of the first cohort of students from the Republic of Benin trained at the facility. He described the cross-border educational partnership as an important step towards deeper collaboration within Africa’s creative sector.
“Such partnership will definitely lead to a greater Africa,” the DGN President stated”.
He further commended Kunle Afolayan for his commitment to building sustainable creative infrastructure and called for the necessary support for initiatives of this magnitude.
The DGN President also witnessed the launch of ITUAN – A Gathering of Screen and Awards, another initiative under the KAP conglomerate, describing it as a significant addition to the growing ecosystem of creative and screen-related initiatives emerging from the KAP vision.
According to Agbo, the scale of Kunle Afolayan’s investment demonstrates what is possible when creativity, enterprise, education and infrastructure are brought together.
Ino Moses Jonah may not be a household name yet, but he is unquestionably a force to reckon with in the Nigerian film industry.
The Kogi-born filmmaker’s journey began in theatre and storytelling before evolving into professional film and television production. A graduate of Mass Communication from Kogi State University, and trained in Film and Television Production at the NTA Television College, Jos, Jonah has steadily built a reputation as one of Nollywood’s dependable creative minds.
His portfolio includes work on productions such as “NANA,” “Gbege’ and “Mechanic Diary.” He has also written, directed, and produced cinema releases including “Almost” and “Akate.”
For Jonah, storytelling is more than entertainment, it’s a tool for influence.
“I have always been fascinated by storytelling,” he said.
“I realized that through film, I could speak to people I might never physically meet. A filmmaker can take an audience into another person’s reality, expose an issue, preserve culture, educate people, and still entertain them. That power keeps me passionate.”
Through his company, Ojoru Media, Jonah is focused not just on making films, but on building opportunities for other creatives.
His bigger vision is to position Edo State as a film destination in Africa.
“Edo is rich in culture, history, locations, talent, and stories,” he said.
“What we need is a stronger ecosystem: investment, production infrastructure, training, distribution, cinema expansion, and partnerships between government and the private sector. The creative industry can create thousands of jobs if we build the right structures.”
Jonah also echoes veteran filmmaker Tunde Kelani’s call for the industry to embrace technology. He has trained creatives on the practical use of AI in filmmaking.
“AI can assist with ideation, research, script development, dialogue, and production planning,” he noted.
“My position is simple: AI should equip the storyteller to tell bolder and smarter stories, not replace the human creativity that makes storytelling meaningful.”
He believes film must also speak to society. In Almost, he addressed irregular migration and the struggles of young Nigerians. In “Akate”, he explored migration, betrayal, cultism, family, identity, and redemption, while centering Edo culture.
“Akate was one of the biggest projects of my journey,” he said.
“It was not just about making another movie. It was about telling an Edo story at a scale that could travel beyond Edo. I want audiences to see that stories from any community in Nigeria can compete and spark conversations nationally and internationally.”
For Ino Moses Jonah, the mission remains clear:
“Tell stories that matter, build people who matter, and leave the creative industry better than I met it. Filmmaking is life, and in making a film, you must give the script the lens to life.”
The Warri International Film Festival, WARRIFF, is gathering momentum as organisers have unveiled the nominations list and Jury for the 2026 edition.
Tosin Oludare’s ‘Dead Tide’ leads the pack with 13 nominations, including Best Feature Film, Best Director and Best Screenplay. It is closely followed by Eric Stephenson’s ‘Follow Me Forever’ and “The Source”, which secured 12 nominations each. Ghanaian film, ‘Captain Ibrahim Traore’ secured 11 nominations, while Jeremiah Onoge’s ‘Isodehi’ bagged 8 nominations.
The organisers also unveiled the Jury headed by veteran filmmaker, Amayo Uzo Philips. Other members of the Jury are Prof. Tony Adah, Joe Dudun, Theophilus Akatugba and Adenike Ayodele.
The festival, themed “Making The Film And Making The Money,” will hold in Warri, Delta State, from December 8 to December 12, 2026.
The 2026 edition officially opened its film collection window from February 1 to August 3, 2026 with filmmakers from Nigeria, Africa and across the world submitting bold, original and powerful works.
According to the founder of WARRIFF, Alex Eyengho, WARRIFF is more than a festival; it is a meeting point for voices, visions and stories that matter.
“From compelling feature films to daring shorts, documentaries, experimental works, engaging master classes, panels and networking. We celebrate cinema that reflects culture, challenges norms, and sparks meaningful conversations,” he said.
Maverick musician Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, set social media abuzz yesterday as he celebrated his daughter’s engagement to her female partner, referring to the couple as his “beautiful Princess and her husband.”
Charly Boy, also known as Area Fada, shared a video from the engagement on Instagram, using the occasion to ask his followers and the public to send their good wishes and celebrate the couple.
“My beautiful Princess and her Husband. Folks, wish them well for me,” he wrote.
The entertainer revealed that his daughter, who has six children, was previously married.
“Dis my Princess bin marry before ooooo. She even has six children, and one of her pikin made me a great grandfather. After her failed marriage to him she began to follow women.
“Me, I do not understand but I do not fit to pursue or disown my pikin, Na my blood. Monkey fit no fine but him papa like am,”
The public celebration adds another moment to Charly Boy’s long-running openness about his family and his unconventional views on social issues.
“We are entering the Nollywood ecosystem not simply as another streaming platform, but with a broader vision to build digital infrastructure connecting producers, content owners, creators and audiences through streaming and digital distribution, advertising and creator revenue sharing, and global audience engagement,” he said.
