Happy 41st Birthday to the incredible Mercy Johnson!

Mercy Johnson Okojie is a celebrated Nigerian actress admired for her remarkable talent, versatility, and commanding presence on screen. Rising to prominence in the early 2000s, she has featured in numerous Nollywood films and continues to stand out as one of the industry’s most respected and beloved stars.

Beyond her success in acting, Mercy is also a producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. She is widely admired not only for her achievements in entertainment but also for her dedication to her family and her commitment to giving back to the community.

Wishing her many more years of success, happiness, and continued impact.

JUST IN

See how people are insulting Destiny Boy because they claim he had a babalawo.

How many of you called him for shows when he was hustling? Let’s appreciate Pasuma and a few others who genuinely lifted him up.

To his mum who was cursing him—now that he has fallen, which child will bury you? And to his dad too: when Destiny ran away from home to hustle, it was a producer who picked him up and helped him.

You even wrote a letter to that producer, demanding Destiny should be sending you money—money he hadn’t even made.

— Portable

#DestinyBoy #Portable #NigerianMusic #Trending

Nigerian Research Institute to Spend N1.1B on Grinding & Welding Equipment to Empower Youths and Women in 2026

The National Cereals Research Institute has revealed plans to spend ₦1.1 billion on grinding machines, welding equipment, mobile carts, and vulcanising machines in 2026. The initiative aims to empower youths and women in the Niger Delta States to start small businesses.

In addition, the institute allocated ₦4.1 billion to supply grains to rural farmers in selected South-South communities, and another ₦4.9 billion to purchase grains for farmers nationwide. A further ₦350 million is earmarked for capacity building for grain producers in South-West Nigeria.

The announcement comes amid concerns raised by civic watchdog MonITng, which previously criticized empowerment projects in Aguata Federal Constituency, Anambra State, as mismanaged and outdated, arguing that providing wheelbarrows, hoes, and cutlasses does not adequately equip youths for today’s economy.

MonITng stressed that true empowerment should combine skills training (like welding, ICT, tailoring, or agro-processing) with meaningful tools, rather than handing out obsolete implements.

At a time when nations invest in technology-driven agriculture and digital empowerment, spending millions on cutlasses and wheelbarrows is a waste of public funds,” the group said.



The 2026 plan by the Cereals Research Institute reflects a shift towards more practical and business-oriented empowerment programs, aimed at giving Nigerians the tools to create sustainable livelihoods.

Toyin Abraham Talks Big About ‘Oversabi Aunty’ as Movie Grosses ₦382m in 11 Days, While Funke Akindele’s ‘Behind The Scenes’ Smashes ₦1bn Box Office Record

Nollywood actress and producer Toyin Abraham has sparked conversations online after confidently celebrating the success of her new movie, Oversabi Aunty, at a time when Funke Akindele’s latest film, Behind The Scenes, is dominating headlines for crossing the ₦1 billion box office mark in just weeks. Taking to Instagram, Toyin revealed that Oversabi Aunty has grossed ₦382,897,436 in only 11 days, describing the achievement as a major personal milestone compared to her previous films, which took about three weeks to reach similar figures. She expressed heartfelt gratitude to God and her fans, urging Nigerians to continue supporting the movie in cinemas nationwide.
Meanwhile, Funke Akindele’s Behind The Scenes, distributed by FilmOne Entertainment, has officially become the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2025 and the fastest in West Africa to hit ₦1 billion. The movie reportedly broke multiple opening-weekend records, including the highest single-day gross ever on Boxing Day with ₦129.5 million. Reacting to the milestone, Akindele thanked her fans, colleagues, distributors, cast, and crew, noting that the film’s success is a collective achievement. The movie now joins her elite list of billion-naira films, alongside A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa, further cementing her status as Nollywood’s box office queen.

Nigerian Actress and Producer Allwell Ademola Dies at 43, Nollywood Colleagues Mourn Sudden Loss

Nollywood actress, producer, and filmmaker Allwell Ademola has died at the age of 43, sparking widespread grief across Nigeria’s entertainment industry. Reports say the versatile Yoruba film star suffered a heart attack at her residence and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Colleagues including Faithia Williams, Mide Martins, and Damola Olatunji expressed shock and sorrow on social media, while others struggled to accept the news. Born in Lagos in 1983, Ademola was the granddaughter of Nigeria’s first Chief Justice, Justice Adetokunbo Ademola. She began her career as a child actor on NTA’s Animal Games, rose to prominence in Yoruba Nollywood, and was also an accomplished singer and band leader.

Amala is overrated—
Lilian Afegbai says as she raises concern over the color

Nollywood actress and producer Lilian Afegbai has stirred reactions online after she revealed why she believes popular Nigerian delicacy Amala is overrated. Speaking on the Xtra Spicy Podcast, Lilian admitted she has never tasted Amala and doesn’t intend to, mainly because of its colour and appearance.

When asked which Nigerian food she considers overrated, she immediately mentioned Amala and openly stated she doesn’t eat it. According to her, the meal’s dark look already discourages her from trying it.
“I haven’t tried Amala and it’s black… why is it black?” she said, explaining that she chooses food based on look and sight, and Amala does not appeal to her visually.

When the host compared Amala’s colour to dark chocolate, asking if she eats that, Lilian explained that although “I don’t eat chocolate, I’m not a fan of extremely dark ones either”, stressing that her preference is largely influenced by how a meal looks.

Her remarks have since sparked mixed reactions, with some agreeing that appearance influences appetite, while others defended Amala as one of Nigeria’s most loved traditional meals despite its colour.

Ini Edo’s Movie Controversy Deepens as FG Steps In After CAN Condemns ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’ Title

Nigeria’s film regulators have stepped into the controversy surrounding Nollywood star Ini Edo’s new movie, A Very Dirty Christmas, following public outrage and condemnation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) confirmed it approved the film after standard review procedures but acknowledged that public interpretation of the title sparked religious concerns. As discussions with the film’s producers continue, Ini Edo has defended the movie as a metaphorical work meant to provoke reflection, while authorities stress the need for religious sensitivity and peaceful coexistence.

U.S. Wheat Shipment Worth $15 Million Arrives in Lagos as Bilateral Agricultural Trade Surges

A vessel carrying 50,000 metric tonnes of U.S.-grown wheat valued at approximately $15 million docked at Apapa Port on Monday, underscoring Nigeria’s position as the third-largest export market for American wheat.

U.S. Consul General Rick Swart and U.S. Agricultural Counselor Chris Bielecki were on site to witness the unloading of the cargo

The shipment highlights the growing agricultural partnership between the two nations.

Trade in U.S. agricultural products supports American farmers, enables Nigerian companies to expand value-added food processing and create jobs, and delivers high-quality ingredients to Nigerian consumers.

This year, bilateral agricultural trade between the United States and Nigeria is projected to more than double, surpassing $700 million in 2025 a milestone that benefits producers, businesses, and households in both countries.

The steady flow of U.S. wheat to Nigeria reflects the strength of commercial ties and the critical role of agriculture in the broader U.S. Nigeria economic relationship.

Kaduna State Pushes for 200 Million dollars Poultry Investment in China

The Kaduna State Government is intensifying efforts to attract major investment into its planned 200 million dollars poultry project, as Governor Uba Sani continues a strategic working visit to Beijing, China.

During the visit the Governor toured key agricultural and livestock facilities, including CP Foods Layers and Eggs Ltd., a leading producer with an output of nearly three million eggs daily.

The visit is aimed at studying large-scale production models that can help Kaduna boost food security, expand agro-industrial capacity, and create sustainable jobs.

The Governor also visited Beijing Doudian Yisheng Halal Meat Industry Co., Ltd., where he explored opportunities for strengthening Kaduna’s livestock value chain and attracting credible international partners.

He acknowledged the support of the federal government delegation led by Joseph Tegba, and expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the Government of the People’s Republic of China for their ongoing collaboration and commitment to deepening agricultural development in Nigeria.

Rice Prices Fall to N55,000–N70,000 as Local Supply and Imports Surge Across Nigerian Markets

Rice prices have dropped significantly across major Lagos markets, with a 50kg bag now selling between N55,000 and N70,000 due to improved harvests, increased imports, and a temporary oversupply. While consumers welcome the relief, many traders are counting heavy losses after purchasing rice at much higher prices earlier in the year.
Local and imported brands recorded sharp declines, with prices falling from as high as N95,000 in January to as low as N57,000 in October. Traders warn that the sudden slump has destabilized business planning, and experts caution that the decrease may be temporary, as fluctuating supply could push prices up again before December.
Consumers are relieved by the temporary affordability, though some note weakened purchasing power remains a challenge. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Customs Service has warned that rice smuggling continues to worsen Nigeria’s forex situation and threatens local producers.

Music producer, Samklef, blows h+t at singer Teni over her 2Face rescue video

Senate Directs NAFDAC to Enforce Sachet Alcohol Ban Starting December 2025, Rejects Further Extensions.

The Nigerian Senate has mandated the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other regulatory agencies to begin strict enforcement of the ban on high-strength alcoholic beverages packaged in sachets from December 2025, with lawmakers explicitly ruling out any additional extensions beyond the existing moratorium.

The directive came after the upper chamber adopted a motion sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpeyong, who highlighted the urgent need to end the phase-out of sachet-packaged alcohol without further delays.

During plenary, Ekpeyong recounted how NAFDAC, aligning with global standards and following broad consultations with stakeholders, first announced a gradual ban on the importation, production, and sale of these products.

In 2018, key players—including the Federal Ministry of Health, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC), NAFDAC, the Association of Food, Beverage & Tobacco Employers (AFBTE), and the Distillers and Blenders Association of Nigeria (DIBAN)—signed a five-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to voluntarily eliminate the packaging format.

The agreement was driven by growing concerns over the sachets’ low cost, easy portability, and appeal to vulnerable populations such as children, teenagers, commercial drivers, and low-income groups.

Despite the original timeline, the Federal Government in 2024 granted manufacturers a one-year grace period to clear inventories and shift to alternative packaging, pushing the final deadline to December 2025.

Ekpeyong, however, warned that some producers are now pressing for yet another postponement—a tactic he argued erodes regulatory credibility, endangers public health, and skews market competition.

He pointed to mounting evidence linking sachet alcohol to youth addiction, traffic accidents, school attrition, domestic abuse, and broader societal problems.

“I can buy a private jet if I want to, but I have other important priorities,” Don Jazzy says as he urges youths to invest wisely.

Veteran music producer and Mavin Records boss, Don Jazzy, has advised young Nigerians to prioritize self-development and the acquisition of practical skills in today’s fast-changing world driven by technology and artificial intelligence.

Speaking in a recent video shared online, the music mogul revealed that despite being financially capable of acquiring luxury assets such as exotic cars or private jets, he chooses instead to focus on more meaningful investments particularly in himself.

“I’ve been blessed enough for a long time to be able to afford any type of car that I want to buy, or even a private jet,” Don Jazzy said. “But I have more important things to take care of. Nothing beats investment, including investing in yourself and acquiring knowledge that you can charge people for.”

[10/31, 8:07 PM] null: Presidency Defends 15% Fuel Import Tariff.

The Presidency has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15% import duty on petrol and diesel, saying the move is intended to boost local refining and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.

The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, in a statement posted on X on Friday. He described the policy as “a bridge, not a burden,” aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s energy sector for long-term stability.

Dare said the tariff is meant to discourage fuel importation, encourage investment in domestic refining, and help Nigeria take control of its energy supply after years of depending on foreign refineries.

He noted that despite being a major crude oil producer, Nigeria has spent years importing refined products, which drained foreign exchange and cost the nation jobs.

According to him, the new policy gives a competitive edge to local refineries such as Dangote Refinery, the Port Harcourt Refinery, and modular refineries currently being developed.

“By making imported fuel less competitive, the government is tilting the market in favour of local refineries, laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining and resilient energy sector,” he stated.

Dare added that as local refining output increases, fuel availability will improve and pump prices are expected to stabilize, while job creation and industrial activity expand.

However, petroleum marketers have warned that the policy could push petrol prices above ₦1,000 per litre in the short term. Government officials argue that temporary price pressure is necessary to secure long-term gains.

The 15% tariff will take effect after a 30-day transition period, ending November 21, 2025.

Fuel prices will eventually moderate – Tinubu Spokesperson on 15% petrol import duty.

Spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, has claimed the president’s approval of a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel is a bridge and not a burden on Nigerians.

Dare made the assertions in a statement on his X account on Friday, while reacting to Tinubu’s approval of a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel.

Recall that there has been diverse reactions from Nigerians, stakeholders and economists alike over the new tariffs and their possible impact on the price of fuel and diesel.

In a clarification, Dare said the policy is designed to reverse the fuel and diesel import dependency trend by encouraging local refining, boosting domestic capacity, and ensuring that Nigeria’s oil wealth translates directly into national prosperity.

He noted that the tariff will mark imported fuel as less competitive and encourage local refineries such as Dangote Refinery.

He said as local refining ramps up and supply strengthens, prices of petrol are expected to moderate while jobs, investment, and industrial activity expands.

“It’s no longer news that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel—a bold and strategic move aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s energy landscape.

“For years, the nation has depended heavily on imported fuel despite being a leading crude oil producer, draining foreign exchange and exporting jobs that should have been created at home

Anambra governorship election: “You’ll suffer” — AAC’s Ifemeludike alleges in new video as she warns Anambra residents against re-electing Governor Soludo.

African Action Congress (AAC) governorship candidate, Chioma Ifemeludike, has cautioned Anambra residents and alleged that they will “suffer” if they reelect Governor Chukwuma Soludo instead of voting for her in the November 8 election.

The Nollywood actress and producer criticized Soludo over the poor condition of roads in Awka, particularly Uche Ekwunife Crescent, which she described as “totally dilapidated.” She accused the governor of neglecting basic infrastructure while constructing a new Government House with “wide, paved roads for himself and his generations.”

Ifemeludike said Soludo’s administration has failed to deliver good governance or quality social amenities, claiming he is only interested in showmanship. “If you miss out, you will suffer for it because Soludo is not ready to provide real leadership,” she said.

In a Facebook post directed at the governor, she asked, “@ccsoludo, why are you afraid to repair the capital city’s bad roads? Awka shouldn’t look so rural and undeveloped. With FAAC, local allocations, and IGR, we should have Dubai/Taiwan-style infrastructure.”

She urged voters not to be deceived but to come out en masse to make a better choice on election day. “On November 8, you have a choice — and that choice is Chioma for governor 2025,” she declared.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) confirmed that 16 political parties will participate in the Anambra governorship election.

Reactions As Destiny Etiko Demands To Know Why God Gave Her Child To Another Woman.

Popular Nollywood actress and producer, Destiny Etiko, has expressed her curiosity about why God gave her child to another woman.

The beautiful and talented actress shared this on her official Instagram page after posting a picture of a cute baby girl who looked just like her.

According to Destiny, many people had tagged her because of the baby’s striking resemblance to her, and it made her wonder why God gave the child she would have given birth to, to another woman.

"I GO ON MY KNEES AND PRAY BEFORE I KISS ON SET"– ACTOR DANIEL ETIM-EFFIONG.

Nollywood actor and filmmaker Daniel Etim-Effiong has opened up about his approach to filming romantic scenes, revealing that he prays before every intimate moment on set. He said his faith keeps him grounded despite the demands and temptations of his profession.

The actor, who made his directorial debut with The Herd, explained that before shooting any romantic scene, he seeks divine guidance, describing the act as part of his worship.

“I get all my inspiration from God,” Etim-Effiong said during an interview on Channels TV’s Rubbin’ Minds. “I go on my knees and pray before I go to set and kiss.”

Etim-Effiong, who has faced public criticism for his romantic roles especially after a viral scene in Summer Rain where he kissed actress Bolaji Ogunmola clarified that his focus remains on storytelling, not controversy.

“The fact that I play a lot of romantic roles means I get to have kissing scenes sometimes. But the question should go to the producers, why are they expressing affection only one way? There are other ways to show intimacy,” he said.

The 37-year-old actor, who left a successful career in engineering to pursue acting, said his decision was driven by purpose and faith.

“My family is my garden, then my work. Acting feels like a calling to me, a way to worship through storytelling,” he added.

Speaking further, the actor explained that producers often include romantic scenes in movies because of audience preference.

“The average Nollywood script says, ‘kiss passionately,’ because that’s what sells. But I believe there are braver ways to explore affection on screen,” he said.

Despite the attention his roles attract, Etim-Effiong maintained that faith, focus, and family remain his guiding principles.

“When you’re a focused person, you don’t let naysayers get to you,” he said. “You just do your job and move with purpose.”

"As a Popular Figure, I Can’t Wear the Same Clothes Twice" — Bella Shmurda brags.

Nigerian singer Bella Shmurda has opened up about the pressures of fame, revealing that as a public figure, he often can’t repeat outfits he has already worn in public.

Speaking during an interview on Naija FM 102.7, the “Cash App” hitmaker said, “As an artist, as a popular figure, you know say this cloth wey I don wear like this, I no fit wear am again.”

The singer’s remark highlighted the lifestyle expectations that come with celebrity status, where image and public perception play a major role.

During the same interview, Bella also addressed criticism about Nigerian artists charging high performance fees. He explained that the costs of producing and promoting music are extremely high.

“Making an album alone — just paying producers and everyone I worked with — is about $100,000. Then I still have to shoot music videos, promote songs on radio, TV, and online platforms. That’s a lot,” he said.

He added that many people misunderstand the financial realities of being a musician. “If I go for a show and I don’t charge something that’s beneficial to me in the long run or at least covers my cost of production, it’s not worth it. We’re not overcharging,” Bella explained.

He urged fans to view things from artists’ perspectives, emphasizing that music is both an art and a costly business.

Police Probe Killing of Arise TV Presenter, Somtochukwu Maduagwu,  in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has opened an investigation into the killing of Arise TV journalist, Somtochukwu Maduagwu, who was murdered during an armed robbery at her Katampe residence in Abuja on Monday, September 29, 2025.

Describing the incident as a “cruel and senseless act that has no place in a sane society,” Commissioner of Police, CP Ajao Adewale, pledged that the command would ensure justice is served.

In a statement signed by Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the CP ordered a comprehensive probe and directed the deployment of intelligence and operational teams to track and apprehend the culprits.

The command urged residents to support the investigation by providing credible information and raising timely alarms in suspicious situations to help prevent crime.

CP Adewale also extended
condolences to Maduagwu’s family, friends, and colleagues, calling her a gifted anchor, reporter, and producer whose death is a tragic loss to the media industry.

“The FCT Police Command commiserates deeply with the bereaved family and the media community and pledges that every effort will be made to bring the perpetrators to justice,” the statement read.