He made the announcement in a post on X on Monday, April 20, where he informed relatives, colleagues, and supporters that the former date would no longer be used for any form of celebration or acknowledgement.

According to him, he will also not be receiving congratulatory messages or presents on November 18, as he has chosen November 30 as his new personal celebration day.

“Dear family, friends, and fans, this is to inform you that November 18 is no longer my birthday celebration date. Kindly note that I will not be acknowledging messages or gifts on that day. My new celebration date is November 30. This is a personal choice, and I appreciate your understanding. Thank you all,” he wrote.

Peter Okoye and his twin brother, Paul, were born on November 18, 1981, and have traditionally shared the same birth anniversary.

The adjustment is seen as a move to create a clear distinction from his twin, amid ongoing tensions following the separation of their former music duo, P-Square, despite occasional reconciliations over time.

Mr P continues his music career independently and is married to Lola Omotayo.

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In a statement issued in Lagos, the Board described the figure as a sharp uptick in classification exercises, reflecting heightened production output and stricter compliance efforts across the industry. English-language films accounted for the majority of the approvals, alongside entries in indigenous languages and foreign productions.

The Boardin a statement by its Director, Corporate Affairs, Ogbonna Onwumere, on Thursday in Lagos said that the figure represented a sharp rise in film classification activities compared to the previous month.

He said that a breakdown by language showed that English-language productions accounted for the largest share, with 86 films.

According to him, other classifications include eight Igbo films, three Yoruba films, three Hausa films and two Hindi films.

He added that the distribution highlighted the dominance of English-language productions in the Nigerian film market, while also reflecting contributions from indigenous languages and foreign content.

”Analysis by the rating categories also revealed that three films were classified as G (General Viewing), four as PG (Parental Guidance), four as 12A, 64 as 15, and 27 as 18,’’ he said.

The NFVCB corporate affairs director further said that the outcome indicated a significant number of films falling within the 15 and 18 categories, underscoring its commitment to age-appropriate content.

He emphasised the need to safeguard young audiences from potentially harmful material.

He appreciated stakeholders across the film value chain, while reiterating the NFVCB resolve to ensure compliance with film classification, particularly for content distributed online.

”We shall commence the issuance of take down order on films not classified by the board. The implication of the demand notice is that all films not classified on the channel will also be taken down,” he said.

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The Afrobeat pioneer, who died in 1997 at the age of 58, will become the first African to receive the honour, which has been awarded since 1963.

Kuti’s family, along with friends and collaborators, will attend the ceremony to receive the award on his behalf. His son, musician Seun Kuti, said the recognition reflects the lasting impact of his father’s work.

“Fela has been in the hearts of the people for such a long time,” Seun Kuti told the BBC. “Now the Grammys have acknowledged it, and it’s a double victory.”

Rikki Stein, Kuti’s longtime manager, described the award as overdue.

“Africa hasn’t in the past rated very highly in their interests. I think that’s changing quite a bit of late,” Stein told the BBC, adding that the recognition was “better late than never”.

The award comes after the Grammys introduced the Best African Performance category in 2024.

Fela Aníkúlápó Kútì, born Olufela Olusegun Oludotun Ransome-Kuti, released more than 50 albums, fusing jazz and funk with traditional Yoruba music and politically charged lyrics. He became one of the most influential cultural figures in modern African history, known for using music as a tool for political protest and resistance.

The 68th Grammy Awards take place on Sunday 31 January 2026. Comedian Trevor Noah will host the show for the sixth consecutive time. Kendrick Lamar leads the nominations with nine in total – including record, song and album of the year – marking the third time he’s had simultaneous nominations in those big categories.

Stay tuned to Euronews Culture for the full breakdown of this year’s Grammys Award winners.

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The film, popularly known as BTS, has grossed over ₦2.4 billion and continues to show in cinemas across Nigeria.

Riding on the milestone, the NFVCB, in a statement on Tuesday, confirmed plans to honour Akindele with a Box Office Queen Award covering 2023, 2024 and 2025.

The board’s Executive Director, Dr Shaibu Husseini, described the achievement as “another landmark moment for Nigerian cinema”.

He said the feat further cemented Akindele’s status as one of Nollywood’s most influential and commercially successful figures.

According to him, Akindele has now delivered record-breaking cinema performances for four consecutive years, a rare accomplishment in the industry.

“This level of consistency reflects creative excellence and a deep understanding of audience engagement and Nigeria’s evolving film business,” Husseini said.

He disclosed that arrangements were ongoing to present the awards at a mutually convenient time.

“We planned to honour her earlier, but she requested a later date. The Minister of Arts and top female executives will join us,” he said.

Husseini added that the Minister, Hannatu Musa Musawa, was “excited about the development”.

He reaffirmed NFVCB’s commitment to recognising achievements that strengthened visibility, growth and commercial sustainability in the audiovisual industry.

In a related development, the board also congratulated actress and filmmaker Toyin Abraham on her directorial debut, ‘Oversabi Auntie’.

The film has crossed ₦1 billion in box office earnings and ranks among the four highest-grossing Nollywood titles of all time.

“This is a historic and impressive entry. We celebrate both filmmakers as symbols of Nollywood’s growth, resilience and global promise,” Husseini said.

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According to statement released by the company today, that  Ugbe is stepping down after a long tenure during which he led the business through major industry and market shifts, strengthening its operational foundations and long-term resilience.

According to Multichoice, Omotosho brings over 20 years of leadership experience across media, telecommunications, and digital businesses in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

She has also reportedly held several senior roles within the MultiChoice Group, including executive head of customer value management in Nigeria and group executive head of customer value management for rest of Africa”, providing functional leadership across more than 50 markets”.

“Most recently, she served as Regional Director for Southern Africa, with full P&L responsibility for a seven-country portfolio,” the statement further reads.

Omotosho, has a strong track record in leading complex organisations, driving disciplined growth and building high-performing teams, will oversee the company’s strategy, operations and stakeholder engagement, building on the foundation laid by her predecessor.

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The event, scheduled to run from January 7 to 11 with different activities, is hosted by the Lagos State Government to enhance the growth of the music ecosystem in Nigeria and across Africa.

The programme includes an AFRIMA Music Business Summit on Thursday, an AFRIMA Music Village concert at Ikeja City Mall, and the award ceremony on Sunday, to be held on Lagos Island.

Speaking at a press conference to herald the AFRIMA Awards, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs Toke Benson-Awoyinka, declared that the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration will continue to support the creative industry by strengthening the ecosystem.

She said Lagos remains Africa’s cultural and creative capital, hence its stance to encourage cross-cultural collaboration and position music and culture as drivers of development.

Benson-Awoyinka said the All Africa Music Awards has, over the years, grown into one of the most influential platforms for recognising African musical excellence, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and promoting Africa’s creative economy on the global stage.

She said: “Lagos State remains Africa’s cultural and creative capital. Through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, we are committed to creating an enabling environment that supports creativity, encourages investment, and positions Lagos as a hub for arts, entertainment, and cultural tourism.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I wish to acknowledge and appreciate our strategic partners, particularly the British High Commission, for their sustained collaboration and commitment to cultural exchange and creative diplomacy.

“This type of partnership reinforces our shared vision of using arts and culture as tools for international engagement, innovation, and economic growth.

“This edition of AFRIMA will bring together artists, producers, industry leaders, policymakers, and creative entrepreneurs from across Africa and beyond. It will also underscore the growing relevance of the creative sector as a contributor to employment, tourism, youth empowerment, and global visibility for Africa.

“I want to use this medium to congratulate all the nominees and participants for this award. Your creativity, discipline, and impact continue to showcase Africa’s strength, diversity, and global competitiveness in the creative space. AFRIMA remains a platform that not only celebrates excellence but also amplifies African voices and stories to the world.”

Also speaking, the President and Chief Executive Producer of AFRIMA, Mr Mike Dada, said Lagos emerged as the host city after extensive deliberations by the African Union and key stakeholders, in recognition of the state’s capacity, infrastructure and cultural influence.

He said the event, in partnership with the African Union, supports key developmental frameworks, including Agenda 2063, projecting cultural heritage.

Dada explained that beyond music awards, AFRIMA was designed as a platform for peace-building, continental integration and youth empowerment.

Also, the co-producer of AFRIMA, Mr Olisa Adibua, commended the Lagos State Government for its consistent and practical support for the creative economy.

“From the beginning, Lagos State understood what we are trying to do. They don’t just talk about supporting the creative economy; they actually do it,” he said.

He also urged residents and visitors to participate fully in the week-long celebrations, noting that AFRIMA would significantly boost tourism and the local economy.

Adibua disclosed that about 6,000 free tickets would be made available through the Lagos State Government to enable young people to attend the AFRIMA Music Village concert.

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Mr Tunde Ayagbalo, the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the command, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Seme.

“In Dec. 2025, the command generated a historic ₦3,628,485,590, the highest monthly revenue on record.

“This record is attributed to the effective rollout of the One-Stop Shop (OSS) initiative by the Comptroller-General of Customs, which improved the command’s coordination and trade facilitation for stakeholders.

“From Jan. to Dec. 2025, the command generated the total of ₦15,598,945,794.00 only, marking a remarkable 117 per cent increase over the ₦7,166,576,397.49 recorded in 2024,” he said.

Ayagbalo said that on Nov. 11, the command hosted the launch of the Green Border Initiative by the National President of the Customs Officers’ Wives Association (COWA), Mrs Kikelomo Adeniyi.

“This featured an empowerment programme where industrial sewing machines, grinding machines, gas burners with cylinders and start-up grants were distributed to members of COWA Seme Chapter.

“On the same day, the Comptroller-General of Customs, launched a free medical outreach under the Customs Cares Initiative.

“The outreach delivered essential healthcare to over 1,000 beneficiaries, alongside a tree-planting exercise for environmental sustainability,” he said.

He said that the Seme Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Wale Adenuga, had successfully reduced checkpoints along the Lagos-Abidjan corridor to the two (2) locations approved by the Federal Government.

Ayagbalo said that the reduced checkpoints was in alignment with the Comptroller-General’s directive.

According to him, this significantly eased legitimate trade, minimised delays and contributed to the command’s outstanding revenue performance.

He noted that the command also maintained robust anti-smuggling operations, seizing 685 parcels of Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana), 495 packs of Tramadol in Dec. 2025.

“Others are 2,000 packs of Super Power Sildenafil tablets (300mg), an excessively high-dosage sexual enhancement drug, through intelligence-led operations, enhanced patrols, risk profiling and inter-agency collaboration,” he said.

The Seme customs spokesman quoted Comptroller Adenuga as having warned smugglers that the borders are no longer safe for illicit activities.

“With advanced intelligence, technology and unwavering vigilance, the officers and men of the command will intercept and prosecute offenders.

“So, smugglers should desist immediately or face the full weight of the law,” he said.

He added that Adenuga assured legitimate traders and compliant stakeholders of a safe, conducive and efficiently facilitated Seme corridor.

Ayagbalo quoted Adenuga further as saying that the corridor now had seamless processes and reduced delays to support genuine cross-border commerce and economic growth.

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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the figure, compiled by FilmOne Entertainment, represents admission of 2.79 million cinema goers with 248 new releases screened across 122 cinemas in West Africa.

According to the scorecard, 16 movies crossed the N200 million mark, while 14 Nollywood films earned above N100 million as the average movie ticket price for the year stood at N5,596.

FilmOne Entertainment emerged the highest grossing distributor of the year, while ‘Behind The Scenes’ ranked as the highest-grossing Nollywood title.

Other category leaders include ‘Zootopia 2’ as the highest grossing animation, ‘Sinners’ as the highest grossing Hollywood title and ‘Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle’ as top-grossing anime.

The data further showed that Nollywood accounted for 49.4 per cent of the total market share, closely followed by Hollywood with 48.8 per cent, while films from China and Liberia contributed 1.2 per cent.

In terms of volume, there were 81 Nollywood films, 92 Hollywood releases and 52 Indian titles screened during the year, thereby highlighting the diversity of content available to audiences.

With the figures underscoring a growing cinema culture and increasing appetite for both local and international stories, the West African box office is expected to maintain upward trajectory in the coming years.

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According to the Middlesex County Prosecutor’s Office, Smith was taken to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, where she was pronounced dead. An investigation was launched immediately.

Her boyfriend, Jordan D. Jackson-Small, 35, was arrested on December 23 and charged with first-degree murder. He also faces additional charges, including endangering the welfare of a child and unlawful possession of a weapon. Authorities have not released further details, and it is unclear if he has entered a plea.

Smith rose to prominence as a child performer on Broadway, appearing in The Lion Kingbetween 2011 and 2012. Her death has deeply affected the theatre community.

She is survived by her three-year-old son, her parents, two younger siblings, and extended family. A GoFundMe organised by her family describes Smith as a “vivacious, loving and fiercely talented” performer and is raising funds for funeral costs, family support, and care for her son.

Source MSN News

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Born Dharam Singh Deol in Punjab in 1935, he moved to Mumbai after winning a talent contest and debuted in 1960.

His topless appearance in the 1966 film Phool Aur Patthar made him a national heart-throb and cemented his status as an action hero.

Across a six-decade career and more than 250 films, he worked with top actresses and formed an iconic on-screen partnership—and later real-life marriage—with Hema Malini, despite controversy surrounding his refusal to divorce his first wife.

Though famous for his rugged roles, Dharmendra also delivered nuanced performances in acclaimed films like Bandini, Anupama, and Satyakam. He produced films for his sons, served briefly as a member of parliament, and continued acting into his eighties, earning praise for his role in the 2023 hit Rocky Aur Rani Ki Prem Kahani.
In later years he lived quietly on his farm, sharing glimpses of rural life with fans.

Despite his enduring popularity, he remained humble, often saying he was never satisfied with how he appeared on screen.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid a heartfelt tribute to the legendary actor Dharmendra, saying his passing marks the end of an era in Indian cinema. Dharmendra, affectionately known as the “He-Man” of Bollywood, left an indelible mark on the industry with his iconic performances in films like “Sholay,” “Seeta Aur Geeta,” and “Ankhen”.

PM Modi praised Dharmendra’s simplicity, humility, and warmth, both on and off screen, saying he brought charm and depth to every role he played. The Prime Minister extended his condolences to Dharmendra’s family, friends, and millions of fans, concluding with “Om Shanti”.

Dharmendra’s legacy spans over six decades, with more than 300 films to his credit, including hits like “Phool Aur Patthar,” “Aya Sawan Jhoom Ke,” and “Mera Gaon Mera Desh”. He was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2012 for his contributions to Indian cinema .

Tributes have poured in from across the film industry and political circles, with many mourning the loss of a true legend. Dharmendra’s family, including his wife Hema Malini and daughter Esha Deol, bid him a final farewell at the Pawan Hans Crematorium in Mumbai .

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