Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nollywood

  • Nollywood stars push back on “unfair cinema practices” as exhibitor debate heats up

    Nollywood stars push back on “unfair cinema practices” as exhibitor debate heats up

    2025-12-31 15:53:00

    Reporting by Punch indicates a group of Nollywood actors—including Ini Edo and Toyin Abraham—have publicly called out cinemas over practices they say disadvantage films and mislead audiences.

    The claims quickly turned into a wider creator-versus-exhibitor conversation online, with fans demanding clearer explanations from cinema chains and distributors.

    • Punch Newspapers (Punchng.com): “call out cinemas over unfair practices.”
    • BusinessDay (Businessday.ng): “allegations of unfair treatment by some cinemas.”

    Echotitbits take: As Nollywood scales, operational fairness matters as much as hype. If showtimes and reporting feel inconsistent, the ecosystem risks rewarding only the biggest names—so watch for exhibitor responses and any distributor-led reforms in 2026.

    Source: The Punch — 2025-12-27 — https://punchng.com/ini-edo-toyin-abraham-others-call-out-cinemas-over-unfair-practices/

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

  • Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” storms past ₦1.1bn and rewrites Nollywood’s box-office history

    Funke Akindele’s “Behind The Scenes” storms past ₦1.1bn and rewrites Nollywood’s box-office history

    2025-12-31 16:00:00

    According to BellaNaija, Funke Akindele’s latest film Behind The Scenes has crossed ₦1.1 billion at the Nigerian box office within weeks of release, reinforcing her run of record-breaking cinema numbers.

    FilmOne Entertainment highlighted the milestone as a speed record for West Africa, pointing to a strong Boxing Day surge that helped push the film over the line.

    The milestone is also reigniting industry debate about distribution transparency, screen allocation, and how blockbuster runs are being managed across cinemas.

    • FilmOne Entertainment (X): “Fastest film in West Africa to cross ₦1B+.”
    • Punch Newspapers (Punchng.com): “Fastest film in West Africa to gross over ₦1 billion.”

    Echotitbits take: Nollywood’s ceiling keeps moving—but the next battleground is trust: transparent reporting, fair scheduling, and whether exhibitors and distributors can avoid a “rigged system” narrative as the money grows.

    Source: BellaNaija — 2025-12-30 — https://www.bellanaija.com/2025/12/funke-akindele-behind-scenes-1bn-record/

    BellaNaija
    2025-12-30
    Photo Credit: BellaNaija

  • Allwell Ademola Tributes Continue as Family Clarifies Key Details

    Allwell Ademola Tributes Continue as Family Clarifies Key Details

    2025-12-30 18:00:00
    In an update carried by Punch, the family of late actress/producer Allwell Ademola mourned her and clarified details that have been circulating publicly as tributes continue to spread.
    Guardian Life also reported the death and noted the wave of colleague and fan reactions, keeping the story trending as more memorial posts appear.
    While the passing occurred earlier in the week, the topic remains active as the industry shares memories and audiences seek reliable information.

    Guardian Life’s report described her as having “died at the age of 49,” while Punch noted the family’s clarification on her age in its coverage.

    Echotitbits take:
    When grief is public, misinformation can spike. The responsible move is to rely on family statements and reputable outlets, avoid speculating about causes, and watch for official burial/funeral information from trusted channels.
    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 — https://punchng.com/family-mourns-late-nollywood-actress-allwell-ademola/
    The Punch
    2025-12-28
    Photo Credit: The Punch

  • Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ Crosses ₦380m in 11 Days, Distributor Says

    Toyin Abraham’s ‘Oversabi Aunty’ Crosses ₦380m in 11 Days, Distributor Says

    2025-12-30 14:00:00
    According to Punch, FilmOne Entertainment announced that Toyin Abraham’s “Oversabi Aunty” has grossed over ₦380 million in 11 days, with an updated figure published as of December 29.
    The update positions the film as one of the season’s strongest cinema performers, keeping momentum alive through verified public box-office numbers.
    Online amplification has helped sustain the storyline beyond opening weekend, as fans track progress against other holiday releases.

    Vanguard also carried the same update, repeating the phrase “Oversabi box office takeover,” while Film/industry Instagram pages posted “grossing over N380 million in just 11 days…”

    Echotitbits take:
    Weekly verified numbers are becoming a content engine for Nollywood. Watch for overseas screening rollouts, extended runs, and whether competing releases trigger another “numbers weekend” as studios chase holiday dominance.
    Source: Punch — December 29, 2025 — https://punchng.com/toyin-abrahams-oversabi-aunty-film-grosses-over-%e2%82%a6380m-in-11-days/?amp=
    Punch
    2025-12-29
    Photo Credit: Nollywood Reporter

  • Pastor Chris Okafor issues public apology as Doris Ogala controversy intensifies

    Pastor Chris Okafor issues public apology as Doris Ogala controversy intensifies

    2025-12-29 09:00:00
    Reporting by The Nation indicates Pastor Chris Okafor publicly apologised amid a fast-moving dispute involving actress Doris Ogala, after days of social media backlash and legal threats escalated online.

    The story has blended celebrity culture, religion and policing into one combustible storyline, especially after Ogala’s detention and the public interventions that followed her release.

    The Guardian reported that Okafor apologised broadly while still disputing parts of the claims, saying he was sorry to those offended and willing to make restitution.

    The saga continues to ripple because it touches reputational damage, alleged relationship claims and the limits of online accusation-versus-proof culture.

    The Guardian quoted Okafor: “I am sorry to everyone I have offended… To Doris Ogala, I also say sorry,” while The Nation reported the apology came amid allegations and counter-claims that have kept the issue trending.

    Echotitbits take: Public sentiment is moving faster than verified facts. Watch for court filings, formal police statements, and whether parties shift from social narratives to documented evidence.

    Source: Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/100049883156816/posts/i-acknowledge-my-past-mistakes-and-i-sincerely-apologise-to-doris-ogala-i-am-kne/1520113579661399/ – December 29, 2025
    Facebook 2025-12-29

    Photo Credit: Facebook

  • Nkechi Blessing hints she’s stepping back from film production over “losses”

    Nkechi Blessing hints she’s stepping back from film production over “losses”

    Photo Credit: The Nation
    2025-12-28 07:25:00

    A report by The Nation says actress Nkechi Blessing has suggested she may stop film production, citing financial losses and frustration with the business side of making movies.

    The comments have fueled online debate about whether Nollywood economics are pushing more talent toward influencing, brand deals, and direct-to-audience formats.

    Also noted by Kemi Filani (Website): “Nkechi Blessing hints on abandoning movie production due to losses.” (https://www.kemifilani.ng/)

    Separately, The Nation (Website) reported: “…might stop film production due to losses…” (https://thenationonlineng.net/)

    Echotitbits take: If producers can’t recoup transparently, the industry risks a talent drain into faster-paying lanes. Watch for whether she shares specifics (distribution, marketing costs, piracy, or platform terms); that detail is what turns a viral quote into an industry conversation.

    Source: The Nation — December 27, 2025 — https://thenationonlineng.net/nkechi-blessing-hints-at-abandoning-movie-production/

    The Nation December 27, 2025

  • Nollywood mourns as actress Allwell Ademola dies at 43

    Nollywood mourns as actress Allwell Ademola dies at 43

    Photo Credit: Punch Newspapers
    2025-12-28 07:00:00

    In an update published by Punch Newspapers, Nollywood actress and producer Allwell Ademola has reportedly died at age 43, with early reports linking her death to a heart attack.

    The report says concerns about her condition circulated before confirmation, and colleagues and fans have since flooded social media with tributes and condolences.

    Also noted by Premium Times (Website): “Nollywood actress and producer, Allwell Ademola, has reportedly died at age 43.” (https://www.premiumtimesng.com/entertainment/nollywood/)

    Separately, The Nation (Website) reported: “Ademola died on Saturday, December 27, 2025, due to a heart attack…” (https://thenationonlineng.net/)

    Echotitbits take: Beyond the personal tragedy, this is another reminder of how quickly health scares can turn fatal—and how Nollywood’s informal “breaking news” pipeline (WhatsApp groups + colleagues’ posts) can outpace formal statements. Watch for an official family update and confirmed funeral details to limit misinformation.

    Source: Punch Newspapers — December 28, 2025 — https://punchng.com/icymi-nollywood-actress-allwell-ademola-dies-at-43/

    Punch Newspapers December 28, 2025

  • Nollywood mourns as actress Allwell Ademola dies at 43

    Nollywood mourns as actress Allwell Ademola dies at 43

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-28 09:00:00

    According to Punch, Nollywood actress Allwell Ademola has died at the age of 43, sparking tributes across Nigeria’s film community.

    Colleagues and fans have shared condolences and highlighted her body of work as the industry reflects on another major loss.

    Echotitbits take: Nollywood’s labour realities—health insurance gaps, irregular income cycles and weak welfare systems—still leave many creatives exposed. Watch for guild-led welfare reforms and more structured support funds.

    Source: The Punch — December 28, 2025 (https://punchng.com/icyimi-nollywood-actress-allwell-ademola-dies-at-43/)

    The Punch 2025-12-28

  • NFVCB Defends Ini Edo Film Title After Backlash, Floats Compromise

    NFVCB Defends Ini Edo Film Title After Backlash, Floats Compromise

    Photo Credit: The Punch

    2025-12-24 08:00:00

    According to Punch, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) says Ini Edo’s movie title “A Very Dirty Christmas” was cleared after review and was not intended as an attack on Christianity, following public backlash from Christian groups.

    The board’s explanation is that the phrase should be interpreted within the story’s theme rather than as a statement about Christmas itself, while also suggesting a possible compromise to reduce tension.

    • Premium Times (website): “The title Dirty Christmas is not an insult to the Body of Christ.”
    • Christian Association of Nigeria — Facebook (verified org page): “CAN … is deeply troubled by the title …”

    Echotitbits take: This is a familiar flashpoint in Nollywood: artistic choices meeting faith sensitivities at peak holiday season. Watch whether a title adjustment happens, whether cinemas face organized pressure, and whether the controversy ends up boosting attention and ticket demand.

    Source: The Punch — Dec 24, 2025 — https://punchng.com/nfvcb-defends-a-very-dirty-christmas-title-seeks-change-after-backlash/

    The Punch
    2025-12-24

  • Portable Sparks Fresh Outrage After Dragging Iyabo Ojo in ‘Single Mothers’ Rant

    Portable Sparks Fresh Outrage After Dragging Iyabo Ojo in ‘Single Mothers’ Rant

    Photo Credit: Daily Post Nigeria

    2025-12-24 10:00:00

    In a report republished on allAfrica (from Leadership), Portable went after actress Iyabo Ojo during a heated online exchange, pushing a controversial line about women, marriage, and status.

    The backlash is growing because the argument taps into a wider social media pressure point: respectability politics, parenting narratives, and how public figures weaponize cultural expectations.

    • Ripples Nigeria (website): “Any woman not in her husband’s house isn’t a queen…”
    • X recap post: “Any woman not in her husband’s house isn’t a queen.”

    Echotitbits take: Portable controversies routinely drive engagement, but this theme can trigger longer-lasting reputational damage and brand distancing. Watch for Iyabo Ojo’s response, influencer pile-ons, and whether Portable doubles down or pivots to a damage-control tone.

    Source: Daily Post Nigeria — Dec 24, 2025 — https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/23/bad-example-portable-slams-iyabo-ojo/

    Daily Post Nigeria

    2025-12-24