New Post Africa

Category: Arts & Entertainment

  • JUST IN: Peter Obi celebrates Akunyili Crosby as Obama unveils portrait of former first couple

    JUST IN: Peter Obi celebrates Akunyili Crosby as Obama unveils portrait of former first couple

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr Peter Obi, has congratulated internationally acclaimed Nigerian artist, Njideka Akunyili Crosby, following the unveiling of a portrait she created of former United States President Barack Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.

    The recognition comes after Obama publicly praised the Nigerian-born artist for producing what he described as an extraordinary piece that captures important chapters of his family’s story.

    In a statement announcing the unveiling, Obama said the portrait would be displayed at the Obama Presidential Centre as part of the institution’s Hope and Change lobby exhibition.

    “Her artistic brilliance shines through, and the way she infused such life and joy into the piece is truly extraordinary. We love it, and we think everyone who visits the Centre will too,” Obama said.

    Reacting to the development, Obi described the achievement as another demonstration of the immense talent and global potential of Nigerians.

    In a statement titled “Celebrating Global Excellence in Our Youth,” the former Anambra State Governor said he was proud to see a Nigerian artist receive such international recognition.

    “I am immensely proud to see the official message from former U.S. President Barack Obama celebrating the incredible brilliance of our own Njideka Akunyili Crosby,” Obi said.

    “Her exceptional talent has brought our shared history to the global stage through the unveiling of the first joint portrait of President Obama and former First Lady Michelle Obama.”

    Obi noted that the artist’s accomplishment serves as a powerful source of inspiration for young Nigerians, demonstrating the rewards of hard work, discipline, and dedication to excellence.

    He described Akunyili Crosby, daughter of the late former Minister of Information, Prof. Dora Akunyili, and Dr Chike Akunyili, as a worthy ambassador of Nigeria’s creative excellence on the global stage.

    According to him, her success reflects the resilience, ingenuity, and determination that continue to distinguish Nigerians across different fields of endeavour.

    Drawing from the words of Greek philosopher Aristotle, Obi said excellence is the product of deliberate effort, commitment, and intelligent execution rather than chance.

    “Njideka’s global success proves that true greatness comes from consistent dedication to one’s craft,” he stated.

    The former governor urged Nigerian youths to emulate individuals whose achievements are built on merit, perseverance, and professional excellence. He advised young people to reject shortcuts and instead embrace hard work, discipline, and continuous self-improvement as pathways to success.

    “Success is not found in shortcuts, but in the relentless pursuit of excellence, honouring one’s roots, and using your gifts to make a global impact,” Obi said.

    He added that Nigeria’s future would be shaped by talented and hardworking young citizens committed to making meaningful contributions to society.

    “With focused and hardworking youths, a New Nigeria is possible,” Obi concluded.

    Akunyili Crosby is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading contemporary artists, with her works featured in major international museums, galleries, and exhibitions. Her latest commission for the Obama Presidential Centre further cements her growing influence within the global art community.

  • Irabor commends ANA for mentoring young writers, promoting literary excellence

    Irabor commends ANA for mentoring young writers, promoting literary excellence

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (retd.), has commended the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) for its efforts in mentoring young writers and creating platforms that encourage literary development and intellectual engagement among Nigerian youths.

    Irabor made the remarks on Saturday during the June edition of the monthly Reading and Writers Dialogue organised by the Abuja chapter of ANA at the Mamman Vatsa Writers’ Village in Abuja.

    The event, a flagship programme of the association, brought together authors, literary enthusiasts, students and scholars for discussions on literature, leadership and national development.

    Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Irabor described the initiative as a valuable platform that exposes young Nigerians to literature, critical thinking and nation-building ideals.

    “This platform that ANA uses to bring students from various schools is the way to go, and we must support it,” he said.

    “Their performances today actually show that they are aware of what is happening in our country. They know our history and they are preparing themselves for the future. I am delighted. Kudos to ANA for the work they are doing in this regard.”

    The retired military chief, who launched his book, Scars: Nigeria’s Journey and the Boko Haram Conundrum, last year, stressed the importance of writers in shaping national discourse and preserving history.

    According to him, the book was written to stimulate conversations on Nigeria’s security challenges and contribute to efforts aimed at strengthening national security.

    “It is necessary to tell your story because if you fail to tell your story, someone else will tell it and it may not be in your favour,” he said.

    “Having revolved around defence and security for close to four decades, I thought I had something to contribute that would advance the cause of defence and security in Nigeria. That is the reason I wrote the book, and I will keep writing.”

    Earlier, Chairman of ANA Abuja, Chukwudi Eze, said literature remains a powerful tool for preserving history, interrogating leadership, healing societal wounds and inspiring hope.

    He explained that the association invited Irabor as guest writer to draw from his unique experiences as both a military leader and an author.

    “The writer and the soldier may appear to walk different paths, yet both are custodians of our national destiny,” Eze said.

    “While one defends the nation through arms, the other preserves it through ideas and the written word.”

    He noted that Irabor’s latest book, Scars, demonstrates the human side of military leadership and highlights the role of reflection, empathy and memory in public service.

    According to Eze, conversations of this nature are particularly important at a time when Nigeria faces challenges ranging from insecurity and social fragmentation to declining moral values and widening generational gaps.

    “We must continue to tell our stories, document our journeys and humanise our leadership,” he said.

    “We must create spaces where intellect meets experience, where young people can listen, question and learn from those who have carried the weight of national responsibility.”

    Eze reaffirmed ANA Abuja’s commitment to promoting reading culture, critical engagement, literary excellence and youth development through literature.

    Addressing students and aspiring writers at the event, he urged them to embrace reading and reflective thinking as tools for personal growth and leadership.

    “Great leadership is not only built on strength, but also on thoughtfulness, emotional intelligence and the courage to reflect,” he said.

    The dialogue featured panel discussions, spoken-word performances, poetry recitations, musical presentations and literary exhibitions by students.

    A major highlight of the event was the presentation of awards to outstanding student writers and poets, including recipients of the Prof. Hakeem Fawehinmi Prose and Poetry Prize.

  • Utomi reflects on Patito’s gang legacy, links Nigeria’s insecurity crisis to failure of public discourse

    Utomi reflects on Patito’s gang legacy, links Nigeria’s insecurity crisis to failure of public discourse

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Renowned political economist, scholar and public intellectual, Professor Pat Utomi, has reflected on the legacy of his influential television programme, Patito’s Gang, arguing that many of the security and governance challenges confronting Nigeria today were foreseen decades ago but ignored by political leaders and the public alike.

    In a series of posts on his X account on Saturday, Utomi recalled the origins of the programme, which first aired 26 years ago and sought to create a platform for robust public debate as Nigeria transitioned from military rule to democratic governance.

    According to him, Patito’s Gang was inspired by the need to reinvent the public sphere in the classical sense described by German philosopher Jurgen Habermas, where democracy and modernity intersect through rational public conversation and a vibrant marketplace of ideas.

    “In its first run, Patito’s Gang had a 90-minute magazine format that tried for transgenerational impact,” Utomi said.

    He explained that the programme featured multiple segments, including a senior panel he moderated, a junior gang hosted by Ubong Essien, a youth parliament guided by Austin Nweze, and Bullseye, a segment that engaged top policymakers on national issues.

    Utomi announced that the programme would soon return, this time airing on YouTube and selected private television platforms.

    The first episode, he said, would serve as “an ode to Patito’s Gang” while revisiting the issues that originally inspired its creation.

    Reflecting on Nigeria’s worsening security situation, Utomi argued that warning signs had long been evident but were overlooked.

    He noted that during the years when Patito’s Gang aired, Boko Haram appeared to many Nigerians as a distant and insignificant threat confined to Borno State.

    However, he maintained that common sense and careful analysis suggested the danger would eventually spread if left unchecked.

    “Now that what was feared has come home to roost, maybe we can press a reset button,” he said.

    “If we can turn our back on how politicians driven by self-love have divided us, poisoned long-term friendships and replaced reason with emotion in the public sphere, redemption may come.”

    The former presidential candidate blamed what he described as emotion-driven political choices and the failure of the educated middle class to challenge poor leadership for allowing insecurity, banditry and state capture to deepen across the country.

    According to him, many of the crises currently confronting Nigeria were predicted years ago in a series of articles he authored with titles such as The Road to Somalia, Mogadishu Bus Stop and The Coming Anarchy.

    Utomi lamented that despite repeated warnings, successive governments failed to take decisive action to address the structural causes of insecurity and social decline.

    He pointed to recent reports highlighting rising insecurity, disease outbreaks, economic hardship and food insecurity as evidence of a nation under strain.

    Among the headlines he cited were reports of growing insecurity threatening the education of millions of pupils, cholera outbreaks in Borno State, nationwide protest threats and worsening food affordability for ordinary households.

    The economist also reflected on the personal and financial sacrifices involved in sustaining Patito’s Gang, describing it as one of the most rewarding projects of his public life.

    “Even with Patito’s Gang being a major drain on my finances, it remains one of the more gratifying of my exploits,” he said.

    Utomi recounted encounters with Nigerians in cities across the world, including Melbourne, London, Philadelphia, Dallas, Los Angeles, Paris and Kuala Lumpur, who told him the programme had shaped their thinking and worldview.

    He revealed that despite initial scepticism about the programme’s ambitious format, it survived for several years before evolving from a 90-minute show to one-hour and later 30-minute formats.

    According to him, the programme maintained its commitment to quality discourse and intellectual independence despite pressure from commercial and political interests.

    Among the prominent figures who featured on the programme were journalists Onukaba Adinoyi-Ojo, Pini Jason, John Momoh, Remi Oyo and Reuben Abati, alongside professionals such as Dr Obiageli Ezekwesili and other leading voices in public affairs.

    Utomi acknowledged that some Nigerians dismissed the programme’s message as mere intellectualism or “grammar”, but argued that the consequences of ignoring serious public debate are now evident.

    “What makes the heart bleed is that I am on record that these times were on the way, in the hope that all would rally to prevent their advent,” he said.

    With the planned return of Patito’s Gang, Utomi said he hopes the platform can once again contribute to rebuilding a culture of reasoned debate, civic engagement and national renewal.

  • VIDEO RELEASE: Mr P‑Square drops visuals for “I Can’t Look Away”

    VIDEO RELEASE: Mr P‑Square drops visuals for “I Can’t Look Away”

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Nigerian music star Mr P‑Square has released the official video for his latest single, “I Can’t Look Away.” The visuals, which dropped earlier this week, have already sparked buzz across social media and music platforms.

    Reacting to the excitement surrounding the release, the singer declared, in a post on his verified X handle on Saturday: “They thought I was joking when I said I was coming with fire! This is only the warm‑up. More madness loading… #OGForeverAlbumLoading.”

    Fans are now eagerly anticipating the full rollout of his upcoming OG Forever Album, which promises higher‑energy tracks and visuals.

  • Creative sector reforms need continuity beyond 2027, says Rollas

    Creative sector reforms need continuity beyond 2027, says Rollas

    ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The National President of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and Convener of the Concerned Creatives, Artistes and Entertainers Initiative for Tinubu, Emeka Rollas, has called for the sustainability of reforms introduced in Nigeria’s creative industry under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Rollas made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja during a news conference and the official unveiling of the initiative, which seeks to mobilise support for the continued development of the country’s creative economy.

    He said the creative sector is receiving unprecedented government attention under the Tinubu administration and has been recognised as a strategic component of Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.

    According to Rollas, President Tinubu laid the foundation for the growth of Nigeria’s entertainment industry during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State, creating an environment that encouraged private-sector investment in entertainment, culture, tourism, media and other creative enterprises.

    “Lagos became the preferred destination for film production, music recording, cultural festivals, fashion events and creative entrepreneurship,” he said.

    Rollas noted that the President has since expanded that vision to the national level through policies and programmes aimed at strengthening the creative economy.

    Among the administration’s key interventions, he cited the creation of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy, which he said has given the sector greater visibility and policy focus.

    He also highlighted the establishment of the $100 million Creative Economy Development Fund, designed to improve access to financing for filmmakers, fashion entrepreneurs, designers, digital innovators, artists and other stakeholders in the industry.

    According to him, the government has also commenced implementation of the $617.7 million Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) Programme, which is targeted at empowering young Nigerians and expanding opportunities within the digital and creative sectors.

    “These initiatives, reforms and achievements need sustainability and continuity to ensure that Nigerians get the full benefits,” Rollas said.

    He further revealed that the administration has approved the establishment of Renewed Hope Creative Villages across the country to provide infrastructure for training, production, innovation, collaboration and cultural preservation.

    Rollas said the government has also invested in capacity-building programmes for young Nigerians in film production, fashion enterprise development and other creative disciplines, while advancing the review of Nigeria’s National Policy on Culture.

    He commended the appointment of respected industry professionals such as Ali Nuhu, Shaibu Husseini, Obi Asika and Dr. Olayiwola Awakan into strategic leadership positions within government institutions, describing the appointments as recognition of competence and industry experience.

    “On behalf of concerned stakeholders within the Nigerian creative industry, we acknowledge the efforts of President Tinubu and his administration in repositioning the creative sector as a major driver of national development,” he said.

    Rollas added that the Concerned Creatives, Artistes and Entertainers Initiative for Tinubu has established structures across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory to deepen stakeholder engagement and grassroots mobilisation.

    He said the movement is anchored on civic participation, democratic responsibility and national development.

    Stakeholders from both the public and private sectors attended the event.

  • JUST IN: Cross River unveils theme for 2026 Carnival Calabar

    JUST IN: Cross River unveils theme for 2026 Carnival Calabar

    CALABAR, Nigeria (NPA) — Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Otu, has unveiled the theme for the 2026 edition of Carnival Calabar and Festivals, with this year’s celebration themed “Rethinking Our Collective Destiny.”

    The governor announced the theme during an unveiling ceremony attended by members of the diplomatic community, tourism investors, cultural stakeholders and other guests.

    According to Otu, the theme is a call for reflection, unity, innovation and shared responsibility as citizens work towards building a more prosperous future.

    “We officially unveiled the theme for the 2026 Carnival Calabar and Festivals: ‘Rethinking Our Collective Destiny,’” the governor said in a statement on Monday.

    He described the theme as an invitation for individuals and communities to re-examine their roles in shaping society and contributing to sustainable development.

    “The theme is a call to reflection, unity, innovation and shared responsibility as we continue to shape a future that works for all,” he said.

    Otu expressed appreciation to the distinguished guests, members of the diplomatic corps, tourism investors and cultural stakeholders who participated in the unveiling ceremony.

    “Together, let us rethink our collective destiny and build a future of greater possibilities,” he added.

    Carnival Calabar, widely regarded as Africa’s biggest street party, is held annually in Cross River State and attracts thousands of local and international visitors every December.

    Established in 2004 by former Governor Donald Duke, the carnival was conceived as a tourism-driven initiative aimed at transforming Calabar into a leading cultural and tourism destination.

    Over the years, the event has evolved into a month-long celebration featuring colourful street parades, elaborate costumes, creative floats and performances by local and international artistes.

    Beyond the carnival parade, the festival includes music concerts, fashion shows, art exhibitions, cultural displays and sporting activities, making it one of Africa’s most prominent cultural events.

    The annual celebration also serves as a major economic driver for Cross River State, creating business opportunities and boosting activities in the hospitality, entertainment and tourism sectors.

    Through its themes and performances, Carnival Calabar continues to promote cultural pride, national unity and African identity while showcasing Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage to a global audience.

  • Sanwo-Olu reaffirms Lagos’ commitment to creative industry at AMVCA

    Sanwo-Olu reaffirms Lagos’ commitment to creative industry at AMVCA

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the growth and development of Nigeria’s creative and entertainment industry.

    Sanwo-Olu made the remarks on Saturday during the 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) held at Eko Hotels & Suites.

    The governor attended the event alongside the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Toke Benson-Awoyinka, as well as other government officials, filmmakers, actors, producers and creatives from across Africa.

    Speaking at the ceremony, Sanwo-Olu described Lagos as the undisputed hub of Nigeria’s entertainment industry, noting that the state had continued to provide an enabling environment for creative talents to thrive and compete globally.

    He said the creative economy remained a key driver of economic diversification, job creation, youth empowerment and cultural promotion.

    According to the governor, his administration would continue to strengthen policies and invest in initiatives aimed at supporting filmmakers, content creators and other stakeholders within the entertainment ecosystem.

    Sanwo-Olu added that the increasing global recognition of Nollywood and African content reflected the resilience, innovation and creativity of Nigerian talents.

    The governor also raised concerns over piracy, describing it as a major threat to the sustainability of the creative industry.

    He called for stronger collaboration among government institutions, industry stakeholders and private sector partners to protect intellectual property rights and safeguard the future of Nollywood.

    Sanwo-Olu congratulated nominees and winners at the awards ceremony for their contributions to African cinema and storytelling, urging them to continue telling authentic African stories capable of inspiring global audiences.

    He further acknowledged the support of private sector organisations and development partners in the steady growth of the entertainment industry, stressing that partnerships remained critical to creating more opportunities for young creatives.

    The governor said his presence at the event underscored the Lagos State Government’s commitment to positioning Lagos as Africa’s leading destination for entertainment, tourism, arts, culture and creative enterprise.

  • ‘My Father’s Shadow’, ‘Colours of Fire’, and ‘Lisabi’ win at Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards

    ‘My Father’s Shadow’, ‘Colours of Fire’, and ‘Lisabi’ win at Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — The 12th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) on Saturday celebrated excellence in African film and television, with “My Father’s Shadow”, “Colours of Fire” and “Lisabi: A Legend Is Born” emerging among the biggest winners of the night.

    The star-studded ceremony, held at Eko Hotels & Suites, drew actors, filmmakers, producers and entertainers from across the continent.

    “My Father’s Shadow” clinched the coveted Best Movie award, while Akinola Davies Jr. won Best Director for the production, cementing the film’s place as one of the standout entries of the night.

    Uzor Arukwe won the Best Lead Actor category for his role in “Colours of Fire”, while Linda Ejiofor secured the Best Lead Actress award for her performance in “The Serpent’s Gift”.

    In the supporting categories, Bucci Franklin claimed the Best Supporting Actor award for “To Kill A Monkey”, while Linda Ejiofor added another plaque to her collection after winning Best Supporting Actress for her role as Adamma in “The Herd”.

    Historical epic “Lisabi: A Legend Is Born”, produced by Lateef Adedimeji, won the Best Indigenous Language Film (West Africa) category.

    Uche Montana received the Trailblazer Award in recognition of her growing influence and impact in the entertainment industry.

    Veteran actors Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo were honoured with the Industry Merit Award for their contributions to African cinema.

    Other notable winners included “To Kill A Monkey” for Best Editing, “Beyond Olympic Glory” for Best Documentary, and “Inimba” for Best Series (Scripted).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the 12th AMVCA featured 32 award categories recognising achievements in film, television and digital content creation across Africa.

  • Sola Sobowale, Kanayo win Nollywood Industry Merit Award at AMVCA 2026

    Sola Sobowale, Kanayo win Nollywood Industry Merit Award at AMVCA 2026

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Two veteran Nollywood icons, Sola Sobowale and Kanayo O. Kanayo, have been honoured with the Nollywood Industry Merit Award at the 2026 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held yesterday at Eko Hotel and Suites in Lagos.

    According to the organisers, the recognition celebrates their decades of groundbreaking contributions to Nigerian cinema and their enduring influence as screen legends whose performances continue to inspire actors, producers, and audiences across Africa.

    Sobowale, visibly emotional, expressed gratitude to God, her children, colleagues, and fans for sustaining her career. “I want to specially thank God Almighty for keeping me till this day to have this. I thank my children. Thank you to all my colleagues. I thank my fans because without you… Thank you all for making me still relevant. I love you all,” she said.

    Kanayo, on the other hand, dedicated his award to film practitioners across Africa, recognising their roles in fostering unity and cultural pride on the continent.

    Sobowale’s career highlights include King of Boys (2018), King of Boys: The Return of the King (2021), The Wedding Party (2016), The Wedding Party 2 (2017), Diamond Ring (1998), and the upcoming SLUTTER-HOUSE (written and produced by Uloko Ibe). These works cemented her reputation as one of Nollywood’s most versatile and powerful actresses.

    Kanayo, affectionately known as “Nnanyi Sacrifice”, has featured in some of Nollywood’s most defining productions, including Living in Bondage (1992), Blood Money (1997), Billionaires Club (2003), October 1 (2014), and Lionheart (2018). His career reflects Nollywood’s evolution from early occult thrillers to globally acclaimed dramas.

    The AMVCA 2026 ceremony reaffirmed their legacies, celebrating Sobowale and Kanayo not only as actors but as cultural ambassadors whose artistry continues to shape Nollywood’s global identity as one of the movie-making and entertainment capitals of the world.

  • Nollywood actor Zubby Michael joins Obidient Movement

    Nollywood actor Zubby Michael joins Obidient Movement

    LAGOS, Nigeria (NPA) — Popular Nollywood actor Zubby Michael has been formally welcomed into the Obidient Movement, the political support group aligned with the aspirations of former presidential candidate Peter Obi.

    The announcement was contained in a statement issued by Dr Yunusa Tanko, Interim National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide.

    According to Tanko, the actor, whose real name is Azubuike Michael Egwu, joined the movement on April 6, 2026.

    “Yesterday we received in honour Hon. Azubuike Michael Egwu (Zubby Michael) into the Obidient Movement,” part of the statement read.

    Tanko disclosed that the actor attended the event alongside the Director-General of the Obi Kwankwaso Community Movement, Hon. Engr. Francis Nnoli, and Mr Ugochukwu P. Ojinigbo.

    “We keep moving. No distractions, no retreat, and no surrender to centrifugal forces. A New Nigeria is Possible,” the statement added.

    The development comes amid growing political realignments ahead of the 2027 general elections, with entertainers and public figures increasingly taking public positions on national politics.

    Another Nollywood actor, Yul Edochie, son of veteran actor Pete Edochie, is widely known as a supporter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Political observers expect more actors, musicians, and entertainers with large followings to openly align with political parties and presidential hopefuls as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify.