Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nigerian celebrities

  • Faithia Williams Mourns Loss of Mother Amidst Birthday Celebration

    Faithia Williams Mourns Loss of Mother Amidst Birthday Celebration

    According to an emotional Instagram post by @faithiawilliams, the renowned Nollywood actress has announced the passing of her mother. The heartbreaking news was reportedly kept from the actress for several days to allow her to finish her 55th birthday celebrations, which took place on February 5th.

    Williams described her late mother as her “cheerleader, prayer warrior, and best friend,” expressing profound shock that the woman who supported her career so fiercely is no longer here. The actress revealed that her mother actually passed away on the eve of her party, but family members chose to delay the announcement to preserve her moment of joy.

    The family has requested privacy as they navigate this difficult period. Faithia noted that burial arrangements would be shared with the public at a later date, while thanking fans for the overwhelming support she has received since the news broke.

    * TVC News (Entertainment Desk): “Popular Nollywood actress Faithia Williams has announced the tragic passing of her mother… disclosing the news was concealed from her till her celebration was over.”

    * Legit.ng (Celebrity News): “Fans and colleagues have trooped to the comment section to console Faithia Williams after she shared the painful news of her mother’s death.”

    Echotitbits Take: This is a sobering moment for the Nollywood community, highlighting the personal sacrifices and “the show must go on” mentality often found in the industry. The decision by her family to keep the news secret is sparking a debate on social media about grief and the right to know, but the primary focus remains a massive outpouring of love for one of Nigeria’s most beloved screen icons.

    Source: Daily Post — https://dailypost.ng/2026/02/09/actress-faithia-balogun-loses-mother-on-eve-of-birthday-party/ February 9, 2026

    Photo Credit: Daily Post

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

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

    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

  • Tiwa Savage Warns Influencer After Posts About Her Son, Promises Legal Pushback

    Tiwa Savage Warns Influencer After Posts About Her Son, Promises Legal Pushback

    The Punch reports that Tiwa Savage issued a public warning to an X influencer, saying any further posts involving her son, Jamil, would move “beyond Twitter.”

    The influencer later posted an apology as the incident fueled wider debate about cyberbullying and public commentary about celebrity children.

    Vanguard also covered the apology, while Legit.ng reported that Tiwa’s stance drew support from other celebrity parents who have faced similar online harassment.

    Echotitbits Take: The industry is shifting from “ignore trolls” to “set legal boundaries.” If this is pursued formally, it could become a reference point for how Nigerian stars protect their kids online.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/tiwa-savage-warns-x-influencer-over-posts-involving-her-son/ 2026-01-06
    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Adekunle Gold & Simi Welcome Twins After Months of Quiet Hints

    Adekunle Gold & Simi Welcome Twins After Months of Quiet Hints

    Daily Post Nigeria reports that singers Adekunle Gold and Simi have welcomed twins, expanding their family nearly six years after the birth of their first child, Adejare.

    The update surfaced after Adekunle Gold shared a celebratory message on Snapchat, sparking a wave of congratulations across the music community.

    Vanguard and MyJoyOnline also carried the development, echoing the couple’s message that what they asked for came “double.”

    Echotitbits Take: Nigeria’s “wholesome power couple” just became a family of four in one move—expect a surge in family-focused content (and maybe another baby-themed record) as fans celebrate.

    Source: WazobiaFm –  https://www.wazobiafm.com/news/hottori/music-power-couple-adekunle-gold-and-simi-welcome-twin-babies/ 2026-01-08
    Photo Credit: WazobiaFm

  • Ayra Starr’s mum says she ended three friendships over betrayal and broken trust

    Ayra Starr’s mum says she ended three friendships over betrayal and broken trust

    In a TikTok reflection cited by TheCable Lifestyle, Nene Aderigbigbe—Ayra Starr’s mum—said she cut off three close friends after incidents she described as betrayal and a breakdown of trust.

    She narrated one fallout as stemming from a friend allegedly sharing a private conversation with her husband.

    Independent checks:

    • Linda Ikeji Blog: “Ayra Starr’s mum… reveals why she cut ties with 3 close friends” — https://lindaikejisblog.com/
    • Instablog9ja (X): “Ayra Starr’s mum… why I cut ties with three close friends” — https://x.com/instablog9ja

    It resonates because it’s not about glam—it’s about boundaries and reputation management in the social-media era. The risk now is online sleuthing and misidentification, so watch whether she keeps it general or clarifies anything further.

    Source: TheCable Lifestyle — 2026-01-07 — https://lifestyle.thecable.ng/ayra-starrs-mum-why-i-cut-ties-with-three-close-friends/

    Source: TheCable Lifestyle 2026-01-07

    Photo Credit: TheCable Lifestyle

  • Peggy Ovire Deletes Frederick Leonard’s Name from Bio Amid Divorce Rumors

    Peggy Ovire Deletes Frederick Leonard’s Name from Bio Amid Divorce Rumors

    In an update published by Daily Post Nigeria, the Nollywood ‘power couple’ Peggy Ovire and Frederick Leonard are facing intense scrutiny after Peggy removed her husband’s name from her Instagram biography. The move, often considered the ‘digital death knell’ for modern marriages, has sent shockwaves through the Nollywood fan community.

    The couple, who wed in a lavish ceremony in late 2022, have been a favorite among fans for their seemingly perfect ‘movie-like’ romance. However, eagle-eyed followers noted that not only has the name been deleted, but recent solo vacations and a lack of anniversary posts have further fueled speculation that the union is in crisis.

    Validating reports from Gistlover and Pulse Nigeria confirm the digital shift. Pulse noted that ‘fans are worried as the Leonard name disappears,’ while Gistlover claimed that ‘insiders suggest a major disagreement led to the sudden change.’

    Echotitbits take: In the Nigerian celebrity ecosystem, the ‘Bio Wipe’ is rarely an accident. Peggy Ovire is a savvy social media user, and she knows exactly what message this sends to the public. Unless a ‘damage control’ video appears in the next 48 hours, this could be the end of one of Nollywood’s most beloved romantic pairings.
    Source: Daily Post Nigeria – https://dailypost.ng/2026/01/02/peggy-ovire-deletes-frederick-leonards-name-from-her-bio-amid-divorce-rumours/#:~:text=Popular%20Nollywood%20actress%2C%20Peggy%20Ovire,page%2C%20has%20now%20been%20deleted. January 4, 2026
    Photo Credit: Daily Post Nigeria

  • Zinoleesky explains viral fight clip and pushes back on “fan” narrative

    Zinoleesky explains viral fight clip and pushes back on “fan” narrative

    According to Legit.ng, Zinoleesky addressed a trending video that appeared to show him trading punches with a young man described online as a fan.

    He claimed the encounter followed an escalation, alleging the person had been stoning his car while his family was inside.

    The clip has triggered debate about celebrity safety, boundaries, and the risks that come with public access culture.

    • KanyiDaily (web report): ““Person wey dey stone car wey my family dey inside na fan?””
    • Legit.ng (original report): ““Person wey dey stone car wey my family dey inside na fan?””

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s celebrity-fan culture keeps colliding with real security concerns. If more context footage emerges, it will shape whether public sentiment shifts from “celebrity arrogance” to “personal safety first.”

    Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690798-zinoleesky-addresses-video-exchanging-punches-alleged-fan-person-wey-stone-car/

    Legit.ng
    Jan 3, 2026
    Photo Credit: Legit.ng

  • Destiny Etiko Reflects on 2025 Wins While Teasing ‘Bigger Deals’ for 2026

    Destiny Etiko Reflects on 2025 Wins While Teasing ‘Bigger Deals’ for 2026

    In an update published by Vanguard, Nollywood superstar Destiny Etiko has expressed her gratitude for a successful 2025, which saw her dominate both the box office and digital streaming platforms. The actress hinted at major international collaborations and production deals already signed for the 2026 calendar year.

    Etiko’s rise coincides with the broader growth of the Nigerian entertainment industry, which has become a significant contributor to the nation’s non-oil GDP. Her message to fans emphasized resilience and the importance of professional evolution in an increasingly competitive global market.

    The Guardian noted that entertainment spaces like Lakowe Lakes are ‘quietly challenging how people connect,’ reflecting the lifestyle boom Etiko represents. Additionally, BusinessDay highlighted that ‘growing sports and entertainment events are shaping youth and the economy,’ marking personalities like Etiko as key economic influencers.

    Echotitbits take: Etiko has successfully transitioned from ‘YouTube Queen’ to a legitimate corporate brand. Her 2026 strategy likely involves behind-the-camera roles, following the path of Funke Akindele and Mo Abudu in building media empires rather than just acting.

    Source: Facebook — https://web.facebook.com/100070183201863/posts/actress-destiny-etiko-sealed-the-year-2025-with-heartfelt-gratitude-message-as-s/1179369201079176/?_rdc=1&_rdr#
    Facebook January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • Trish O turns 18 and expands into fine jewellery with Lady Trish Diamonds

    Trish O turns 18 and expands into fine jewellery with Lady Trish Diamonds

    2026-01-01 10:00:00

    BellaNaija reports Trish O Couture celebrated its 18th anniversary and introduced Lady Trish Diamonds as the brand expands from couture into fine jewellery.

    The launch is positioned as a natural extension of the label’s luxury identity, tying fashion craft to heirloom-grade pieces.

    • Lady Trish Diamonds (Instagram): “Our Official handle for Lady Trish Diamonds”
    • Trish O Couture (Instagram): “18 YEARS OF TRISH O COUTURE”

    Echotitbits take: Nigeria’s luxury market is quietly maturing—brands that can deliver craftsmanship plus consistency survive. Watch distribution: will Lady Trish Diamonds remain ultra-bespoke, or pursue curated retail partnerships locally and in the diaspora?

    Source: BellaNaija — December 31, 2025 — https://www.bellanaija.com/2025/12/trish-o-celebrates-18-years/

    BellaNaija
    December 31, 2025
    Photo Credit: BellaNaija

  • Premium Times lists Nigerian celebrities who died in 2025 as tributes resurface online

    Premium Times lists Nigerian celebrities who died in 2025 as tributes resurface online

    2025-12-31 15:25:00

    Figures cited by Premium Times show a year-end list of Nigerian public figures—actors, influencers, and media veterans—who died in 2025, alongside brief context on careers and public reaction.

    The list includes tributes and references to how news of each passing was confirmed, often via posts from colleagues or family.

    • Guardian Life (Guardian.ng): “May his soul rest in peace… It’s a WRAP.”
    • Guardian Life (Guardian.ng): “Rest in peace, sis… Death why?”

    Echotitbits take: Year-end loss lists hit hard, but they also spotlight gaps in welfare, insurance culture, and health support in Nigeria’s entertainment economy. Watch for renewed calls for stronger guild-led assistance funds in 2026.

    Source: Premium Times — 2025-12-31 — https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/naija-fashion/846784-allwell-ademola-sanku-monalisa-stephen-27-other-nigerian-celebrities-who-died-in-2025.html

    Premium Times
    2025-12-31
    Photo Credit: Premium Times