Tributes Pour in as Nollywood Veteran ‘Aunty Ajara’ is Laid to Rest

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February 7, 2026

According to The Punch, the Yoruba film industry is in mourning as veteran actress Ajara Lasisi, affectionately known as “Aunty Ajara,” was laid to rest this weekend. The funeral, attended by a heavy presence of Nollywood royalty, was a somber reminder of the actress’s long-standing contribution to the screen. She passed away recently following a prolonged battle with a liver-related illness.

The burial ceremony turned into a celebration of her life, with colleagues sharing anecdotes of her mentorship and motherly role on set. Viral videos from the event show many of her peers in tears, highlighting the deep vacuum her passing has created. The funeral has also reignited discussions about health insurance and welfare for aging veterans in the Nigerian entertainment sector.

Nigerian Entertainment Today (TheNETng) reported: “Nollywood actress Aunty Ajara dies after a prolonged battle with illness… she was a pillar of the Yoruba film industry.” NewsNow also carried the tribute: “Tributes pour in as actress Ajara is laid to rest… Colleagues and family pay final respects to a legend.”

Echotitbits Take:

Aunty Ajara’s death is a sobering moment for Nollywood. While the industry celebrates its “new school” global hits, the passing of veterans like Ajara often highlights the lack of a robust pension or health system for those who built the foundation. Watch for a renewed push from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) for better health insurance schemes in the wake of this loss.

Source: Daily Post — https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/05/late-nollywood-actress-aunty-ajara-laid-to-rest/ February 7, 2026

Photo Credit: Daily Post

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Iyabo Ojo Stirs Nollywood with Bold ‘Year for Doers’ Declaration

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Bob Echols’s

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February 7, 2026

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In a report by Leadership Nigeria, Nollywood powerhouse Iyabo Ojo has declared 2026 the “Year for Doers,” a statement that has caused significant ripples across the Nigerian film industry. Amidst what insiders describe as “disquiet” and growing pains within Nollywood, Ojo’s call to action is being interpreted as a challenge to her colleagues to prioritize productivity and professionalism over social media drama.

Ojo, who is as famous for her business acumen as she is for her acting, emphasized that the industry needs to evolve beyond “eye service” and focus on creating sustainable structures. Her comments come at a time when many actors are diversifying into tech and real estate, and her “Year for Doers” mantra is quickly becoming a viral hashtag among the younger crop of influencers and actors.

NewsNow tracked the immediate impact of her words: “Actress Iyabo Ojo Declares 2026 ‘Year For Doers’ Amid Disquiet In Nollywood… sparking widespread conversation.” Vanguard Nigeria added context to her influence: “Ojo remains a central figure of drama and progress, urging her peers to move from talk to action.”

Echotitbits Take:

Iyabo Ojo is the unofficial “Queen Mother” of Nollywood’s digital era. When she speaks, the industry listens—or at least argues. This “Year for Doers” campaign is likely a precursor to a major business announcement or a new production slate. She is positioning herself as the industry’s productivity coach, which is a clever way to stay relevant as the traditional film model shifts toward streaming.

Source: The Nation — https://thenationonlineng.net/2026-is-for-doers-not-talkers-iyabo-ojo-speaks-amid-nollywood-drama/ February 7, 2026

Photo Credit: The Nation

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Bay Area Icons E-40 and Too $hort Ignite Super Bowl Week in the US

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February 7, 2026

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According to AP Entertainment, legendary Bay Area rappers E-40 and Too $hort delivered a high-octane performance at the NFL Honors show, cementing the Bay Area’s musical influence during the ongoing Super Bowl week. The show underscored the “ingrained independence” of the NorCal hip-hop scene, which has historically thrived by building its own infrastructure outside the traditional Hollywood or New York systems.

The performance served as a soulful yet street-ready celebration of the “hyphy” movement’s evolution into the modern era. As the Super Bowl festivities heat up, the inclusion of these veterans highlights a trend in US pop culture toward honoring regional pioneers who paved the way for the current generation of genre-bending artists.

Providing further coverage, The MRT noted: “E-40 and Too $hort’s NFL Honors show underscores Bay Area’s music presence… bringing a soulful, street, and pop lane to the stage.” Everything Is Noise also reflected on the cultural weight of such performances, stating: “Hip-hop here grew from artists selling tapes out of car trunks to dominating the NFL’s biggest week.”

Echotitbits Take:

This isn’t just a nostalgia trip; it’s a strategic branding move by the NFL to lean into “authentic” street culture. For E-40 and Too $hort, this prime-time exposure during Super Bowl week ensures their business ventures (including wine and spirits) reach a massive mainstream audience. Expect more “OG” hip-hop appearances as the league tries to maintain its cultural relevance with the 35+ demographic.

Source: MRT — https://www.mrt.com/entertainment/article/e-40-and-too-hort-s-nfl-honors-show-underscores-21339783.php February 7, 2026

Photo Credit: MRT

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‘Dara’ Makes History as Sole African Selection for DC Independent Film Festival

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February 7, 2026

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A TikTok video by @naija_film_hub highlights the growing international buzz for Dara: A Port Harcourt Love Story, which has achieved a major milestone in global cinema. According to Punch Newspapers, the feature film is the only African production selected to showcase at the prestigious 2026 DC Independent Film Festival. This selection places Port Harcourt’s unique cultural landscape on a major global stage.

The film, which explores the complexities of romance against the backdrop of one of Nigeria’s most vibrant yet volatile cities, has been praised for its authentic storytelling and high production value. Its inclusion in the DC festival is seen as a win not just for the director, but for the entire “Pitakwa” (Port Harcourt) creative ecosystem, which often plays second fiddle to the Lagos-centric Nollywood industry.

Validating the report, NewsNow confirmed the selection: “The Nigerian feature, ‘Dara: A Port Harcourt Love Story,’ is the only African film selected for the 2026 DC Independent Film Festival.” The Nation also celebrated the feat, quoting the producers: “This is a victory for grassroots storytelling and shows that African narratives are globally competitive.”

Echotitbits Take:

While Lagos dominates the headlines, Port Harcourt is quietly becoming a hub for “prestige” Nollywood. Dara’s success at an independent festival suggests a shift toward more localized, gritty narratives that resonate with Western critics. Expect this film to lead the charge for a new wave of regional Nigerian cinema that bypasses traditional distributors for the global festival circuit.

Source: Punch Newspapers — https://punchng.com/dara-to-represent-africa-at-dc-independent-film-festival/ February 7, 2026

Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

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Alleged Police Assault on Skit Maker Ijoba Lande Triggers Investigation

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February 7, 2026

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In a post shared by @leadership_ng on X, the Nigerian police have officially launched a probe into the reported physical assault and robbery of popular content creator Ijoba Lande. The comedian cried out in a viral video, alleging that officers not only physically attacked him but also forcibly took his iPhone and stole $1,200 belonging to his brother during a stop-and-search encounter.

The incident has sparked outrage across TikTok and Instagram, where Ijoba Lande’s fans have been sharing the footage of his distressed state following the encounter. The swift response from the authorities indicates a heightened sensitivity to celebrity-related complaints involving law enforcement. Reports suggest the officers involved have already been taken into custody as the investigation proceeds to verify the skit maker’s claims.

Confirming the development, Punch Newspapers stated on February 7, 2026: “Police probe attack on actor Ijoba Lande… The officers are reportedly in custody as an investigation begins.” Additionally, Vanguard Nigeria reported on the viral nature of the claim: “Skit maker Ijoba Lande cries out over alleged police brutality, claiming theft of $1,200 and personal gadgets.”

Echotitbits Take:

Viral “cries for help” from celebrities are becoming the most effective tool for police accountability in Nigeria. While the police have moved quickly, the credibility of the $1,200 theft claim will be the focal point of the probe. If proven true, this could lead to another public relations crisis for the force; if found exaggerated, it may hurt Lande’s standing with his millions of digital followers.

Source: Leadership Newspapers — https://leadership.ng/policemen-attacked-me-collected-my-iphone-stole-my-brothers-1200-skit-maker-ijoba-lande-cries-out/ February 7, 2026

Photo Credit: The Guardian

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Andre Dikeh-Churchill: Tonto’s Son Officially Reclaims Father’s Name

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February 7, 2026

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According to Punch Newspapers, a significant family milestone was reached this weekend as Andre, the son of Nollywood star Tonto Dikeh, officially adopted his father’s surname, Churchill. This development follows a heartwarming and long-awaited reunion between the young boy and his father, Olakunle Churchill, effectively ending a public and often contentious separation that spanned nearly ten years.

The transition marks a turning point for the family, which has been under the intense scrutiny of the Nigerian public for years. Tonto Dikeh, known for her vocal stance on her co-parenting struggles, appears to be embracing this new chapter of reconciliation. Fans and followers have flooded social media with reactions, mostly praising the move as a healthy step for the child’s emotional well-being and identity.

In a report by NewsNow Nigeria, the reconciliation was described as a pivotal moment for the duo: “Tonto Dikeh’s son finally adopts father’s surname… after a heartwarming family reunion ending a nearly decade-long separation.” This sentiment was echoed by The Nigerian Voice, which noted the shift in the family dynamic, stating that the adoption of the Churchill name is a “landmark event defining 2026 family-focused trends in the industry.”

Echotitbits Take:

This is a massive shift in one of Nollywood’s longest-running personal sagas. After years of legal battles and social media shade, the rebranding of “Andre Churchill” suggests a ceasefire that prioritizes the child’s stability. Watch for Tonto to pivot her brand more toward “peaceful co-parenting” advocacy in the coming months, as this move significantly softens her previously hardline public image.

Source: Punch Newspapers — https://punchng.com/tonto-dikehs-son-finally-adopts-fathers-surname/ February 7, 2026

Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers

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Nollywood Faces Leadership Crisis as AGN Presidential Election Hijacked

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February 7, 2026

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In an update published by Daily Post, the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) is embroiled in a fresh controversy following allegations that its upcoming presidential election has been “hijacked” by external interests. High-profile members and industry stakeholders have raised alarms over the lack of transparency in the screening process and the alleged exclusion of popular candidates.

The crisis threatens to divide the world’s second-largest film industry at a time when it is seeking more global investment. Some members are calling for a complete overhaul of the electoral committee to prevent a total breakdown of order within the guild.

The dispute was also picked up by Entertainment Weekly Nigeria, which reported that “tensions are high as several A-list actors have threatened to form a breakaway guild.” Tribune further quoted an industry insider who said, “If we cannot conduct a transparent internal election, we lose our moral standing to criticize the national government.”

Echotitbits take: Nollywood is more than just movies; it’s a massive part of Nigeria’s “soft power” and diaspora engagement. A leadership crisis in the AGN could stall progress on copyright laws and international co-production deals. Watch for a possible mediation by the Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy.

Source: Daily Post – https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/09/nollywood-stanley-ontop-alleges-agn-presidential-election-hijacked/, February 7, 2026

Photo credit: Daily Post

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Federal Government Approves 300% Increase in Uniform Allowance for Nurses

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February 7, 2026

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In a major update published by The Punch, the Federal Government has officially approved a 300% hike in the annual uniform allowance for Nigerian nurses, raising the payment to N80,000 effective from January 2026. This move is part of a broader strategy to improve welfare in the health sector and stem the “Japa” syndrome—the mass exodus of medical professionals to the UK, US, and Canada.

The decision comes on the heels of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) suspending an 84-day nationwide strike. While the allowance increase is a win for the unions, the government is also looking at more holistic reforms, including updated cancer control roadmaps and better equipment distribution for primary health centers.

This development was also covered by Daily Post, which noted that “the allowance increase is a symbolic gesture of the government’s commitment to healthcare workers.” Tribune highlighted the human angle, quoting a nurse who said, “While N80,000 isn’t enough to solve all our problems, it shows the government is finally listening to the cries of the frontline workers.”

Echotitbits take: This is a classic “cooling” tactic to maintain industrial peace in the health sector. However, a uniform allowance won’t stop the brain drain alone. The real test will be whether the government can improve the actual working conditions and security of these nurses in rural areas.

Source: NigerianEye – nigerianeye.com/2026/02/fg-approves-300-increase-in-nurses.html, February 7, 2026

Photo credit: NigerianEye

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President Tinubu Unveils 2026 Sports Reform and Funding Reset

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February 7, 2026

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Reporting by The Nation indicates that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has launched a comprehensive overhaul of Nigeria’s sports sector, introducing the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy (RHINSE). The President has mandated a complete “funding reset” starting in 2026, aimed at moving the industry away from total government dependence and toward a commercially viable model that promotes job creation and tourism.

The President expressed his dissatisfaction with bureaucratic bottlenecks that have historically hindered athlete development. Under the new framework, the National Sports Commission (NSC) will oversee a unified funding pool designed to provide early support for elite athletes and revitalize grassroots participation across all 36 states.

Validating the move, Channels TV reported that the reform is a response to Nigeria’s record-breaking performance in 2025, noting that “the administration wants to capitalize on recent international successes to drive foreign direct investment into sports infrastructure.” The Guardian also quoted a sports analyst saying, “This is the first time we are seeing a deliberate shift from sports as ‘social service’ to sports as ‘big business’ in Nigeria.”

Echotitbits take: Nigeria has long been a sporting giant with “clay feet” due to poor funding. By treating sports as an economic sector rather than just a hobby for the youth, the government is looking to tap into a multi-billion dollar global industry. Success will depend on whether private investors trust the new NSC structure enough to put their money into Nigerian stadia and academies.

Source: The Nation – https://thenationonlineng.net/tinubu-unveils-major-sports-sector-reform-orders-funding-reset-from-2026-2/, February 7, 2026

Photo credit: The Nation

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Senate Under Fire as Stakeholders Reject Changes to Electoral Act

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February 7, 2026

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In an update published by Premium Times, civil society organizations and political analysts have voiced a strong rejection of the Senate’s recent vote on the Electoral Act amendment bill. The upper chamber’s decision to decline provisions for the mandatory real-time electronic transmission of results has sparked fears that the 2027 general elections could be compromised, as critics argue that digital transparency is essential for credible outcomes.

The legislative move has been described as a setback for Nigeria’s democratic evolution, with experts warning that it risks erasing the progress made during the 2023 polls. Opponents of the Senate’s stance argue that without a legal mandate for electronic results, the window for manual manipulation during collation remains dangerously wide.

This growing outcry was corroborated by Daily Post, where analyst Mahdi Shehu stated, “The Senators have abandoned the very reasons Nigerians elected them,” emphasizing that the move is an “assault” on the electorate. Similarly, The Nation reported that legal experts are already preparing for a constitutional challenge, with one lawyer noting that “the law must reflect the technological realities of the 21st century to ensure every vote counts.”

Echotitbits take: This is a high-stakes political tug-of-war. By stripping away mandatory electronic transmission, the National Assembly is essentially opting for a “status quo” that favors established political structures over grassroots transparency. Expect this to become a primary rallying cry for opposition parties and the “Obidient” movement as the 2027 election cycle begins to heat up.

Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/854928-csos-reject-senate-vote-on-electoral-bill-warn-of-threat-to-credible-elections.html?tztc=1, February 7, 2026

Photo credit: Premium Times

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