Tag: Nollywood

  • Timini Egbuson and Dakore Mourn the Passing of Their Father

    Timini Egbuson and Dakore Mourn the Passing of Their Father

    A post shared by @timini on Instagram has confirmed the heartbreaking passing of the father of Nollywood stars Timini and Dakore Egbuson. The award-winning actor shared a somber message expressing his devastation, noting that there was ‘so much left unsaid’ before his father’s sudden departure in the early hours of the New Year.

    The Egbuson family, prominent figures in the Nigerian film industry, have received an outpouring of condolences from fellow actors, directors, and fans. Dakore Egbuson-Akande, Timini’s elder sister, has also stepped back from the spotlight to grieve with her family, marking a quiet and reflective start to 2026 for the celebrity siblings.

    Industry colleagues have flooded the comments sections of their social media pages with tributes, describing the late patriarch as a pillar of support for his children’s illustrious careers. Burial arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in the coming days as they request privacy during their period of mourning.

    According to Legit NG, the loss has deeply affected the industry, reporting: ‘Actor Timini is heartbroken as he loses his dad just hours into the New Year, leaving many fans in shock.’ Additionally, P.M. News corroborated the report, stating: ‘Nollywood stars Timini and Dakore Egbuson are currently in mourning following the death of their father, a loss that has resonated throughout the entertainment circle.’

    Echotitbits take: The Egbuson siblings are central to the Nollywood ecosystem, and this personal loss will likely lead to a temporary hiatus in their filming schedules. It is a reminder of the human side of celebrity life, often hidden behind the glamour of the screen.

    Source: The Punch — https://www.google.com/amp/s/punchng.com/nollywood-stars-timini-dakore-egbuson-lose-father/%3famp January 5, 2026
    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Anthony Joshua Breaks Silence After Fatal Nigerian Road Accident

    Anthony Joshua Breaks Silence After Fatal Nigerian Road Accident

    According to a report by Vanguard Nigeria, British-Nigerian boxing heavyweight Anthony Joshua has officially addressed the tragic car crash in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his closest associates. The boxer, who was recently visiting his ancestral home, expressed profound grief over the loss of his friends while confirming he is currently recuperating from minor injuries sustained during the incident.

    The accident has sparked a wave of emotional tributes across social media, with fans and colleagues offering prayers for the former champion. While Joshua has returned to the United Kingdom for further medical evaluation, the news has cast a somber mood over the Nigerian sports community, where he is celebrated as a local hero.

    Local authorities in Nigeria have since launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which reportedly involved a high-speed collision on a major highway. Joshua’s team has requested privacy during this difficult time as they navigate the aftermath of the tragedy and support the families of the deceased.

    In a statement shared via The Nation Nigeria, the boxing star noted: ‘I am devastated by the loss of my brothers; their presence was a light in my life that will be missed forever.’ Further verification from P.M. News confirmed the legal fallout, quoting a police spokesperson: ‘The driver involved in the Anthony Joshua accident has been charged with reckless driving and granted bail as investigations continue.’

    Echotitbits take: This tragedy is a significant blow to Anthony Joshua’s personal life and potentially his training schedule for 2026. Beyond the personal grief, the incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding road safety for high-profile visitors in Nigeria. Watch for how this affects his mental state and public appearances as he prepares for his next career moves in the ring.

    Source: Express — https://www.express.co.uk/sport/boxing/2151607/Anthony-Joshua-car-crash-statement/amp January 5, 2026
    Photo Credit: Express

  • Funke Akindele Shatters Box Office History as ‘Behind The Scenes’ Crosses ₦1.1 Billion

    Funke Akindele Shatters Box Office History as ‘Behind The Scenes’ Crosses ₦1.1 Billion

    According to a historical milestone report by BellaNaija, Nollywood powerhouse Funke Akindele has officially cemented her status as the industry’s most bankable director after her latest film, Behind The Scenes, surpassed the ₦1.1 billion mark in just 17 days. This achievement makes it the fastest film in West African history to reach the billion-naira milestone, breaking records previously set by her own blockbuster hits.

    The film’s distributor, FilmOne Entertainment, confirmed that the project recorded the highest single-day gross in Nigerian cinema history on Boxing Day, earning a staggering ₦129.5 million. Akindele is now the first filmmaker to deliver three consecutive ₦1.1 billion films, following the massive success of A Tribe Called Judah and Everybody Loves Jenifa.

    Validating reports from Vanguard and The Nation underscore the magnitude of this feat. Vanguard noted that the ‘Queen of the Box Office’ has ‘redefined expectations for theatrical releases,’ while The Nation quoted FilmOne’s official statement: ‘This win is for all of us as she becomes the only director to cross ₦1B+ three different times.’

    Echotitbits take: Funke Akindele has cracked the code for Nigerian cinema by blending relatable family drama with high-tier production value. Her dominance suggests that local audiences are increasingly choosing high-quality Nollywood stories over Hollywood imports during the festive season. Expect a major expansion of her ‘Jenifa’ universe or a high-stakes streaming deal as global platforms look to partner with the industry’s undisputed revenue leader.
    Source: Vanguard – vanguardngr.com/2026/01/nollywoods-biggest-box-office-movies-of-2025-why-funke-akindele-remains-the-queen/ January 4, 2026
    Photo Credit: Vanguard

  • Final rites set for actress Allwell Ademola as colleagues plan service and burial

    Final rites set for actress Allwell Ademola as colleagues plan service and burial

    According to Punch, family and colleagues have announced funeral arrangements for Nollywood actress Allwell Ademola, with burial slated for January 9 in Lagos.

    The programme includes a service of songs and related activities, as the industry continues to pay tributes and reflect on the actress’s contributions to film.

    Vanguard’s entertainment coverage also circulated the burial details, while TVC News reported the planned ceremonies, reinforcing the date and Lagos locations shared in the family’s programme.

    Beyond the schedule, the moment is prompting fresh conversations about welfare support structures in Nollywood and how the industry can better care for its own.

    Echotitbits take: Beyond the schedule, the moment is prompting fresh conversations about welfare support structures in Nollywood and how the industry can better care for its own.

    Source: The Punch — January 3, 2026 (https://punchng.com/nollywood-actress-allwell-ademola-for-burial-january-9/)

    The Punch January 3, 2026

    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Nollywood creators clash as Christmas film dispute triggers a new copyright storm

    Nollywood creators clash as Christmas film dispute triggers a new copyright storm

    Figures cited by Ripples Nigeria show Nollywood is in a fresh copyright dispute after filmmaker Lily Perez accused another production of copying significant elements from her Christmas film.

    The story has reignited industry debate about originality, enforcement, and how YouTube-era distribution changes the speed and scale of disputes.

    Both sides are making public claims, and audiences are now asking for clear evidence rather than vague allegations.

    • Leadership (denial statement): ““The allegations… are false and… baseless.””
    • Lily Perez (Instagram statement): ““I have documentary evidence…””

    Echotitbits take: Digital distribution amplifies disputes before courts can. Watch for formal filings, takedown actions, and side-by-side proof that can be independently assessed—otherwise it stays in the rumour-and-reaction lane.

    Source: Ripples Nigeria — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/nollywood-hit-by-copyright-storm-as-filmmakers-clash-over-christmas-movie/

    Ripples Nigeria
    Jan 3, 2026
    Photo Credit: Ripples Nigeria

  • Doris Ogala rejects pastor’s ‘January break’ and insists on fuller answers

    Doris Ogala rejects pastor’s ‘January break’ and insists on fuller answers

    In a report published by Ripples Nigeria, actress Doris Ogala rejected Pastor Chris Okafor’s apology and temporary step-aside, arguing it doesn’t address her claims.

    She maintained that stepping down for January is not the same as accountability and called for clearer explanations.

    The issue remains highly sensitive and is playing out in public, where claims can spread faster than verified facts.

    • Instagram reel quoting her stance: ““Stepping down… is not enough.””
    • Facebook post amplifying same demand: ““Stepping down is not enough. You must explain to me…””

    Echotitbits take: Because this involves allegations and personal loss, accuracy matters more than virality. Watch for formal legal steps, verifiable documentation, and direct on-record responses—beyond social media posts.

    Source: Ripples Nigeria — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/actress-doris-ogala-rejects-pastor-okafors-january-break-demands-confession-over-brothers-death/

    Ripples Nigeria
    Jan 3, 2026
    Photo Credit: Ripples Nigeria

  • Priscilla Ojo names her father and addresses why many didn’t recognize him publicly

    Priscilla Ojo names her father and addresses why many didn’t recognize him publicly

    In a clip recap shared by Legit.ng, Priscilla Ojo identified her father as Ade Ojo and explained why many people online claimed he was absent from her wedding.

    She said he was present but not widely recognized, suggesting the confusion came from public unfamiliarity rather than family distance.

    The conversation has fueled fresh speculation around celebrity privacy and family narratives on social media.

    • Legit.ng (interview quote): ““My dad is Ade Ojo… Everyone saw him at my wedding.””
    • Instagram post circulating excerpt: ““Everyone saw him at my wedding.””

    Echotitbits take: Celebrity family stories get rewritten fast online, especially around weddings. The key watch item is full-context footage or a longer interview to reduce clip-driven misinterpretation.

    Source: Legit.ng — Jan 3, 2026 — https://www.legit.ng/entertainment/celebrities/1690794-everyone-saw-him-wedding-priscilla-ojo-opens-relationship-real-father/

    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

  • Allwell Ademola’s last Instagram video goes viral as fans mourn Yoruba film star

    Allwell Ademola’s last Instagram video goes viral as fans mourn Yoruba film star

    2025-12-31 15:18:00

    According to Punch, Yoruba film actress and filmmaker Allwell Ademola posted a video with a prayer-like message shortly before reports of her death, and the clip later went viral as fans flooded her comments with shock.

    The report notes the lyrics—shared as an end-of-year declaration—quickly became the emotional center of online mourning.

    • Punch Newspapers (Punchng.com): “this year will not see my end.”
    • Premium Times (Premiumtimesng.com): “died on 27 December 2025 at the age of 43.”

    Echotitbits take: Social media becomes both shrine and loudspeaker in moments like this. Watch next for the family’s preferred narrative (privacy vs public tributes) and whether colleagues push renewed health-awareness messaging across the industry.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-27 — https://punchng.com/video-this-year-will-not-see-my-end-actress-allwell-ademola-sings-in-last-post-before-death/

    The Punch
    2025-12-27
    Photo Credit:  The Punch

  • 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