Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nollywood

  • Creative Sector Identified as Primary Driver for 2026 GDP Growth

    Creative Sector Identified as Primary Driver for 2026 GDP Growth

    Figures cited by Leadership from the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, indicate that the creative sector is being prioritized as a primary engine for Nigeria’s economic growth in 2026. Following a strategic meeting with the leadership of the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), the government pledged to create a more enabling environment for filmmakers, musicians, and digital creators. The sector is expected to play a critical role in the government’s plan to bring 10 million Nigerians into productive economic activity.

    The Minister emphasized that the “orange economy” has the potential to generate massive foreign exchange and create jobs for the youth at a faster rate than traditional manufacturing. Plans are underway to provide better copyright protection and access to low-interest loans for creative projects. This shift reflects a broader policy move to diversify the economy away from oil and leverage Nigeria’s cultural influence globally.

    The story was also reported by The Punch and ThisDay. The Punch noted that “TAMPAN has requested for a dedicated creative industry bank,” while ThisDay highlighted that “creative exports could account for 5% of Nigeria’s GDP by 2027.”

    Echotitbits take:

    The government is finally putting its money where its mouth is regarding Nollywood and the music industry. By involving the Ministry of Interior, they are also likely looking at “visa facilitation” for international crews coming to film in Nigeria. Watch for the rollout of the “Creative Industry Fund” in the Q2 budget.

    Source: The Punch – https://punchng.com/creative-sector-key-to-growth-tunji-ojo/ , January 31, 2026

    Photo credit: The Punch

  • Security Agencies Nab Popular Actor Over Alleged Coup Involvement

    Security Agencies Nab Popular Actor Over Alleged Coup Involvement

    In an update published by Premium Times, security forces have confirmed the discreet arrest of Nollywood actor and former Actors Guild chairman, Stanley Amandi, in connection with an alleged plot to overthrow the administration of President Bola Tinubu. Amandi was reportedly taken into custody in Enugu by the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) during a quiet operation that initially left his family in the dark. The investigation is said to involve both high-ranking military officers and civilian collaborators linked to the foiled coup attempt.

    The actor’s family initially suspected the Department of State Services (DSS) was behind the move due to the opaque nature of the arrest. However, formal correspondence later clarified that the DIA is leading the probe into what has been described as a “national security threat.” Amandi’s legal team and family have already raised concerns regarding his health, specifically citing his battle with hypertension, while requesting immediate access to him in detention.

    The arrest has also been detailed by The Punch and Daily Post. The Punch stated that “the operation marks a significant expansion of the government’s crackdown on alleged dissenters,” while Daily Post reported that “security is being beefed up in Enugu following the actor’s detention.”

    Echotitbits take:

    The involvement of a civilian entertainment figure in a coup investigation is rare and suggests the government is casting a wide net to identify “civilian influencers” potentially tied to military unrest. Watch for a public statement from the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) as this could trigger a rift between the creative industry and the security apparatus.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/nollywood-actor-stanley-amandi-arrested-for-alleged-role-in-coup-plot-against-tinubu/, January 31, 2026

    Photo credit: BusinessDay

  • Asake Teases New Cinematic Music Video Featuring Nollywood Veterans

    Asake Teases New Cinematic Music Video Featuring Nollywood Veterans

    Asake has shared a teaser hinting at a high-budget, cinematic music video for his next release—complete with cameo appearances from Nollywood veterans.

    The concept appears to nod to classic Nigerian action-film aesthetics, expanding Asake’s signature visual language that blends street culture with stylized storytelling.

    The Guardian Nigeria and Netng have both noted the cultural weight of blending Afrobeats visuals with Nollywood legacy talent.

    Echotitbits take: This is audience-retention strategy at its best. By tapping Nollywood’s deep cultural memory, Asake is building visual legacy—not just hits—so the music lives longer in an era of fast, disposable content.

    Source: AfroBeating – https://afrobeating.com/asake-releases-new-music-video/ (2026-01-30)
    Photo Credit: AfroBeating

  • Nollywood Actor Arrested Over Alleged Involvement in Plot Against Government

    Nollywood Actor Arrested Over Alleged Involvement in Plot Against Government

    Premium Times reports that Nollywood filmmaker and actor Stanley Amandi was arrested over alleged involvement in a propaganda scheme linked to the foiled coup plot.

    Investigators reportedly allege he was recruited to help manage public messaging after a planned assassination of top government officials, as part of a wider sweep of civilian collaborators.

    Daily Post and Leadership also reported reactions, including calls for due process and concerns about the use of cultural influencers in political subversion.

    Echotitbits take: This is a rare instance where a creative-industry figure is publicly tied to a treason-related investigation. It underscores how governments increasingly treat narrative control as a national-security vector. Expect heightened scrutiny of politically themed productions, funding flows, and influencer networks.

    Source: BusinessDay – https://businessday.ng/news/article/nollywood-actor-stanley-amandi-arrested-for-alleged-role-in-coup-plot-against-tinubu/ 2026-01-30

    Photo Credit: BusinessDay

  • Funke Akindele Honored by Federal Government for N2 Billion Box Office Feat

    Funke Akindele Honored by Federal Government for N2 Billion Box Office Feat

    Reporting by Channels TV indicates that the Federal Government has lauded Nollywood filmmaker Funke Akindele for a record-breaking box office performance reportedly surpassing N2 billion. The Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy described the feat as a benchmark for the creative economy and a signal of Nollywood’s capacity to contribute meaningfully to GDP.

    Officials said the recognition reflects growing interest in positioning the creative sector as a serious economic pillar. Plans were also referenced around institutional support through a Creative Economy Fund, aimed at enabling larger-scale productions and industry financing.

    Vanguard corroborated the commendation and quoted the minister praising Nigerian stories as commercially powerful, while The Punch amplified the milestone as a historic Nollywood commercial height in a single theatrical run.

    Echotitbits take: Funke Akindele has evolved from superstar to commercial institution. This N2bn signal is exactly what investors look for—expect more private equity-style financing structures, distribution partnerships, and higher-stakes marketing plays across Nollywood.

    Source: The Punch — https://punchng.com/fg-hails-funke-akindele-on-box-office-record/ 2026-01-29

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Ini Edo calls herself “overambitious” as ‘A Very Dirty December’ promo conversations heat up

    Ini Edo calls herself “overambitious” as ‘A Very Dirty December’ promo conversations heat up

    According to NaijaNews, Ini Edo admitted she was “overambitious” about the rollout and expectations around A Very Dirty December, a project that’s been pulling attention in Nollywood circles. Her tone reads like a mix of honesty and recalibration—acknowledging the pressure of audience expectations while still keeping the project positioned as a big moment.

    Echotitbits take: When a star publicly resets expectations, it usually means the audience feedback is loud. The next thing to watch is whether the marketing shifts (new teasers, cast push, influencer campaigns) to control the narrative before release momentum dips.

    Source: Ripples – https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/ini-edo-admits-overambition-as-she-praises-funke-akindele-toyin-abrahams-dominance/ January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: Ripples

  • Bisola’s 40th birthday looks keep circulating — and the fashion pages won’t let it rest

    Bisola’s 40th birthday looks keep circulating — and the fashion pages won’t let it rest

    In a post shared by @lamodemag, Bisola Aiyeola’s 40th birthday celebration is still trending because the style moments are getting replay value—outfit changes, glam, and that “main character” birthday energy. Even days after the party, the visuals keep getting recut and reposted, pulling reactions from fashion lovers and pop-culture watchers who treat milestone birthdays like unofficial red-carpet events.

    Echotitbits take: In Nollywood-adjacent celebrity culture, birthdays are branding. The real “win” isn’t just the party—it’s the content trail that sustains attention, boosts endorsements, and keeps the celebrity in rotation.

    Source: Facebook – https://web.facebook.com/SmileTVAfrica/posts/bisola-aiyeola-outfit-to-her-40th-birthday-party-yesterday-%EF%B8%8F/1327863726044908/?_rdc=1&_rdr# January 28, 2026
    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • Nollywood Legend Genevieve Nnaji Returns to Director’s Chair for New Global Project

    Nollywood Legend Genevieve Nnaji Returns to Director’s Chair for New Global Project

    Genevieve Nnaji has reportedly commenced production on a new feature film, marking a return to directing after a lengthy hiatus, with the project described as a co-production involving a major European studio.

    The film, said to be shot across Nigeria and the UK, is described as a psychological thriller exploring identity and diaspora themes, with a cast expected to blend established Nollywood stars and rising UK talent.

    Industry chatter suggests the project is already being positioned for international festival consideration and a high-impact global premiere later in the year.

    Echotitbits take: Genevieve remains one of Nollywood’s strongest ‘international’ brands. Her return isn’t just another release—it’s a cultural event. If the film’s positioning holds, expect aggressive bidding from major streamers for exclusive rights.
    Source: Premium Times – https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/616364-genevieve-nnaji-makes-come-back-after-five-year-hiatus.html?tztc=1 2026-01-27

    Photo Credit: Premium Times

  • Funke Akindele Shatters Box Office Records with Latest Nollywood Epic

    Funke Akindele Shatters Box Office Records with Latest Nollywood Epic

    Funke Akindele is being credited with another record-breaking opening weekend for her latest Nigerian film, with packed cinemas across the country reinforcing her status as Nollywood’s most bankable contemporary filmmaker.

    Analysts continue to cite her marketing precision as a core advantage, combining a strong social following with mass-appeal storytelling and cross-demographic casting.

    Market watchers expect the performance to trigger renewed competition for international streaming rights, as global platforms seek reliable Nigerian box office IP with proven demand.

    Echotitbits take: Akindele is a business blueprint. She understands audience psychology and distribution economics better than most. Her consistency is a strong signal to investors that Nigerian cinema can be high-yield when the product-market fit is disciplined.
    Source: NigeriaInfo – https://www.nigeriainfo.fm/news/homepagelagos/funke-akindele-breaks-african-box-office-records/ 2026-01-26
    Photo Credit: Punch

  • Fans Raise Alarm Over Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo’s Long Absence

    Fans Raise Alarm Over Nollywood Star Alex Ekubo’s Long Absence

    Concern is growing among Nollywood fans as actor Alex Ekubo has remained largely absent from public digital spaces for over a year. The usually active celebrity’s silence has triggered a range of online theories, from a quiet marriage to a career pivot.

    Daily Post reported that there has been no official statement from Ekubo’s management about his whereabouts. Tribune Online also noted that colleagues have remained tight-lipped, adding fuel to ongoing speculation.

    Echotitbits take: In an era of oversharing, a celebrity going dark for a year is a loud statement. While some speculate health issues or a personal crisis, it is equally plausible he is executing a deliberate rebrand or embracing privacy. Until he posts, the “Missing Alex” trend will likely continue to cycle across TikTok and entertainment blogs.
    Source: The Whistler – https://thewhistler.ng/fans-ask-questions-as-alex-ekubo-vanishes/ 2026-01-25
    Photo Credit: The Whistler