Entertainment
Film Director Kayode Kasum Wins Trailblazer Award At 2025 AMVCA
Acclaimed Nigerian filmmaker, Kayode Kasum, has been honoured with the prestigious Trailblazer Award at the 11th edition of the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), held in Lagos.
The award recognises rising stars in the film industry who have made exceptional contributions to African cinema.
Kasum, known for his innovation and creative storytelling, recently produced and directed REEL LOVE, a 2025 Nigerian romantic drama led by popular actor Timini Egbuson.
SEE ALSO: AMVCA 2025: ‘Lisabi’ Wins Best Art Direction Award
His growing list of credits includes some of the most celebrated and commercially successful films in Nollywood history, such as Sugar Rush, Quam’s Money, and This Lady Called Life.
A pioneer in Nigerian filmmaking, Kasum made history with Dognapped, Nigeria’s first live-action animated feature, released in 2017.
However, it was his 2018 film Oga Bolaji that earned him widespread recognition. Since then, he has built an impressive résumé, directing high-grossing films and hit television series like M-Net’s Unbroken and Riona, which together span over 10,860 minutes of screen time.
Born on February 2, 1992, in Lagos State, Kasum began his journey in filmmaking as a motion graphics designer at Wale Adenuga Productions.
He studied at Lagos State Model College, Kankon, Badagry, before pursuing higher education at Yaba College of Technology. His early career included a stint as a producer in advertising before transitioning fully into Nollywood.
Now ranked as the fourth highest-grossing film director in Nigeria, Kasum has consistently broken new ground in the industry. His foray into psychological horror with Ile Owo (House of Money) showcased his versatility as a director.
In 2023 alone, he was praised for his work on Something Like Gold, Afamefuna, and Far From.
Previously nominated for The Future Awards Africa Prize for Filmmaking in 2019, Kasum was also named one of Nollywood’s top film directors in 2020.
Entertainment
After Years of Controversy, Tonto Dikeh Declares Love for Ex-Husband Churchill
Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh, has publicly declared love and appreciation for her former husband, Olakunle Churchill, years after their highly publicised split.
The emotional moment occurred during their son King Andre’s 10th birthday celebration held in Abuja, where Dikeh offered heartfelt prayers and words of affirmation for Churchill in the presence of guests.
In a video from the event that has since gone viral on social media, the actress described Churchill as “an amazing father” and expressed gratitude for his role in their son’s life.
SEE MORE: Tonto Dikeh, Bodyguard Summoned To Court Over Alleged Assault, Others
“You are an amazing father, thank you so much,” she said. “Your businesses will flourish; whoever curses you shall be cursed. I love you with the love of God.”
Dikeh further prayed for Churchill’s family and children, asking for divine protection, success and progress in all their endeavours.
“I pray for your family. I pray for your business. I pray for all the children. They will progress. Failure will not meet them. Everything that they touch will be blessed,” she declared.
The development marks a significant shift in the relationship between the former couple, whose marriage ended in 2017 amid allegations and public disputes that dominated entertainment headlines for years.
Recently, Dikeh revealed that they had reconciled and “buried the hatchet,” signalling an end to their long-running feud and a renewed focus on peaceful co-parenting.
Churchill later married actress Rosy Meurer in 2021, and the couple have two children together. Despite past controversies, both families appear to have embraced maturity and mutual respect.
The birthday celebration and Dikeh’s public declaration have since sparked mixed reactions online, with many applauding the former couple for putting aside differences for the sake of their son.
Entertainment
Monday Okpebholo Names Mercy Johnson-Okojie Special Adviser
Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has appointed Nollywood actress, Mercy Johnson-Okojie, as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor.
According to the statement, the governor approved the appointment as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen communication between the government and the people of Edo State.
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“This is to inform the general public that Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the appointment of Mercy Johnson-Okojie as Special Adviser on Public Engagement and Advocacy,” the statement read.
Johnson-Okojie, a renowned actress, producer, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, is widely regarded as one of Nollywood’s most celebrated figures, with nearly two decades in the industry and appearances in over 200 films.
Beyond her acting career, she is the founder of the Mercy Johnson Okojie Foundation, which focuses on women empowerment, child welfare, educational support, and healthcare outreach.
The Edo State Government expressed confidence that her influence, public appeal, and grassroots connection would help boost awareness of government programmes and encourage citizen participation in state policies.
Her husband, Odianosen Okojie, represents Esan North East/Esan South East Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.
The appointment has sparked conversations across social media, with supporters describing it as a strategic move to bridge the gap between governance and the entertainment industry.
Entertainment
How Two Nollywood Crew Members Died On Set, Experts Investigate
Preliminary autopsy results have ruled out food poisoning as the cause of death for two Nollywood production crew members found dead at a movie set in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, on February 7, 2026.
The victims, 36-year-old cinematographer Walter Odediran and his childhood friend Godstime Imeh, Lighting Director and Chief Officer of GeeTee Light, were discovered lifeless inside a Nissan car owned by Imeh, parked within the premises of Evercare Hospital, where a film was being shot.
SEE MORE: 2 Nollywood production crew members found dead on location
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According to sources, the autopsy revealed that one of the victims had an empty stomach, while the other had only a small amount of food — “almost as if he hadn’t eaten anything,” a source said.
Walter Odediran’s elder brother, Kola Odediran, confirmed that the family had received the preliminary autopsy report. He said: “The autopsy itself is complete, and no food was found in my late brother.
“The results indicate he did not eat anything. But they are going to carry out toxicology and histology tests, which will provide the definitive answers we are looking for.”
To determine the exact cause of death, experts will conduct additional tests on blood and tissue samples to find out whether the victims ingested or inhaled any harmful substances before their deaths.
These results are expected in two to three weeks.
Relatives of the deceased, as well as colleagues in the Nollywood industry, are awaiting the findings with bated breath, hoping the upcoming tests will shed light on the mysterious circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.





